At HayDay, we know how to produce the best hay you can find for your small pets to support their health and wellness - especially rabbits.
Here at HayDay, we're passionate about small pets and nutrition which drives us to help small pet owners provide the best care possible. Many people assume that rabbits, with their unique personalities and totally-cute looks, are starter pets - but the truth is they're not beginner-friendly due to their complex needs.
Owning a rabbit is a big commitment for any owner, requiring dedicated care to meet their specific requirements. Including,
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Space requirements
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Companionship
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Vaccinations
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Diet
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Neutering
Our quick helpful guide simplifies the most important things to know about rabbit ownership, introducing popular UK rabbit breeds, their traits and what it takes to welcome one into your home.
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Why Rabbits Require Dedicated Care
Rabbits are intelligent, social, and playful, but their care is far from simple. They need spacious enclosures, a healthy and balanced diet, regular veterinary attention and significant time for interaction.
Each breed has distinct traits, from compact sizes to fluffy coats or long ears, but all share common needs. Rabbits are often bought under the mistaken belief that they are low-maintenance and inexpensive pets, but this is far from the truth. Providing proper care for rabbits requires time, space, and financial commitment.
Your full time job as a rabbit owner
Unlike wild rabbits, which have natural instincts like burrowing to regulate temperature, domesticated rabbit breeds rely on their owners for proper housing and protection, especially if kept outdoors.
While all domesticated rabbit breeds can adapt to outdoor living, specific breeds possess traits that make them better suited for various weather conditions.
Providing a safe and clean environment, adequate space, and protection from elements and predators is essential to ensure these rabbits remain healthy and happy outdoors.
Understanding every single one of these needs before bringing a rabbit home is so important.
The British Rabbit Council
The BRC, founded in 1934, sets standards for over 50 UK rabbit breeds, covering size, temperament, rabbit fur, and color. Adhering to these standards keeps rabbits healthy and preserves their unique traits and guides owners to provide proper care, like a healthy diet and housing, for happier pets.
Here at HayDay, it's important that all rabbit owners ensure they are following the BRC standards which supports rabbit welfare and a thriving community.
Let's explore the most popular rabbit breeds, why experience is necessary and some of their most important needs as a family pet.
Popular Rabbit Breeds in the UK
Lionhead
This small rabbit (1.1-1.7 kg) has a fluffy, lion-like mane. They're typically playful but shy, needing gentle handling. Regular grooming helps prevent fur from matting, and vet visits help with dental issues. A spacious environment and playtime are a must. This is a great breed experienced owners due to its specific care.
Holland Lop
Weighing up to 1.8 kg, this rabbit has floppy ears and a friendly vibe. They are lovable but needs ear cleaning to avoid infections, plus grooming and secure housing with space to move. Their compact build can make them prone to obesity, and dental issues can be common due to brachycephaly (short skull).
Angora Rabbit
Angora rabbits (2.5-4.5 kg) have soft, fluffy fur that needs daily brushing to prevent matting and health issues like wool block. Calm and friendly, they require experienced owners, a spacious housing and run and regular vet visits for dental and digestive care. Their high-maintenance coat makes them a big commitment.
Mini Rex
At 1.4-2 kg, the Mini Rex has soft, velvety fur that’s easy to clean with a damp cloth. It’s sociable and calm but requires lots of hay, vet check-ups and exercise space. It suits owners ready to give it time and care.
Netherland Dwarf
One of the tiniest at 0.5-1.1 kg, this rabbit has big eyes and a shy, energetic nature. Their delicate body and nervous personality aren’t great for kids or beginners. Netherland Dwarfs needs dental checks and they have a higher risk of dental disease due to skull shape (short face), a spacious house and careful handling.
Flemish Giant
Huge at 6.4-10 kg, this gentle rabbit needs tons of space, soft bedding and piles of hay. Regular health checks for digestion are important for the Flemish Giant rabbit. Their size and care needs make these giant breeds a big responsibility, best for experienced owners with lots of room.
With all giant breeds, joint health can be an issue and lots of care is needed to keep them in an adequate body condition so not to stress joints and limbs. Furthermore, young growing giant varieties require care and expertise to ensure optimal growth rate (that doesn't result in developmental issues).
Mini Lop
Mini lops are medium-sized rabbit (1.4-2.9 kg) which have floppy ears and a friendly nature. This miniature lop needs grooming, ear and dental checks and a spacious enclosure. Its love for interaction means it’s a commitment for owners who can offer a quiet and playful space.
Dutch Rabbit
Around 2 kg, this rabbit has a cool tuxedo-like pattern and lots of energy. It’s friendly and great for families but needs space to move, a hay-rich diet and health monitoring. It’s perfect for owners who can keep them active and engaged.
English Lop
Weighing about 5 kg, English Lops have long, floppy ears and a calm personality. They require regular ear cleaning and a big space to move. Their ears help with temperature, but it requires protection from extreme weather, making outdoor homes challenging. Weight gain and joint issues can also be a challenge with this breed.
French Lop
At 5 kg or more, this large, sociable rabbit has floppy ears. It needs brushing, a spacious home, and a cool environment to avoid heat stress. Its big size and care demands make it best for experienced owners. As above with larger varieties, obesity and joint health can be an issue and lots of care is needed to keep them in an adequate body condition.
Californian
This rabbit (3.6-4.5 kg) has unique markings and a calm nature. They need a hay-based diet, gentle handling to protect its spine, and proper housing either indoors or outdoors. Diet and exercise are key, as in larger rabbits obesity can be a challenge.
Harlequin
Around 2.5 kg, this rabbit has colorful, patchy fur and a playful, smart personality. It needs grooming, a large space to move and dental care.
Checkered Giant
Up to 5.4 kg, this rabbit has bold patterns and loves to move. Checkered Giants needs huge spaces to run and careful handling to avoid injury - they suit owners who focus on exercise rather than cuddles.
Polish Rabbit
Tiny at 1.1-1.6 kg, this gentle rabbit is great for small homes but not for young kids. Its short fur is easy to care for, but it needs lots of hay, playtime and checks for sore feet due to its delicate structure.
Choosing a Rabbit Responsibly
Choosing a rabbit means being ready for their significant care needs. At HayDay, we encourage you to think carefully to ensure you’re prepared for the responsibility, helping you make the best choice for a happy, healthy pet.
Selecting a rabbit is a major decision. Consider your lifestyle and resources:
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Providing adequate space is an absolute must for keeping rabbits safe and happy in their indoor or outdoor set up. The Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund recommend a minimum space of 3m x 2m by 1m high for 2 average sized rabbits.
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Rabbits are often bought as pets for children, but they may not be the best choice:
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They require a lot of daily care and live for 10 years or more, meaning children often lose interest long before the rabbit’s lifetime is up.
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Rabbits don’t always like being picked up - as prey animals, they can feel threatened when lifted off the ground. They require gentle and patient handling, which younger children may struggle with.
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Research thoroughly and consult with veterinarians or rabbit experts if needed. Adoption from rescues (adopt not shop!) is highly recommended to support the UK rabbit crisis to ensure healthy rabbits and ethical practices.
Essential Rabbit Care Tips
Caring for a rabbit is rewarding but demanding. Key requirements include,
A Healthy & Balanced Diet
Rabbits are herbivore selective grazers that thrive on a grass-based diet. Hay should represent the majority of their sole fibre source, and should represent at least 80% of their daily feed. When feeding hay in terms of quantities, as a guide, a portion which is equal to their own body size should be fed per day, however free choice is preferable. Fresh clean water should be available at all times
Hay - 85-90% of the Diet
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High-quality hay (e.g., timothy hay, meadow hay, ryegrass hay or oat hay) should be available at all times.
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Hay is essential for dental health as rabbits' teeth grow continuously and chewing hay helps wear them down naturally.
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Hay supports a healthy gut by providing the necessary fibre for digestion.
Fresh Greens - 10-15% of the Diet
A variety of rabbit-safe leafy greens should be fed daily but always introduce these new greens gradually to avoid digestive upset. Good options include:
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Basil
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Celery
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Coriander
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Dill
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Mint
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Parsley
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Rocket
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Watercress
Pellets - Small Portion Only (5% or Less)
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High-fibre pellets (18%+ fibre) can be fed in small amounts (around 1 egg cup per rabbit per day).
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Avoid muesli-style mixes - these encourage selective feeding and can lead to nutritional deficiencies and dental disease
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Overfeeding pellets can lead to obesity and dental problems.
Space Requirements
Did you know that rabbits need a minimum living area of 3m x 2m with a height of at least 1m? The Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF) recommends this space for a pair of average-sized rabbits to allow for natural behaviors like running, hopping, and stretching out fully.
Neutering
Neutering is one of the most important things you can do for your rabbit’s health and wellbeing. It prevents unwanted pregnancies, reduces aggressive and territorial behavior, and allows rabbits to be safely bonded with a companion.
Health Benefits of Neutering
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Prevents Uterine Cancer - Female rabbits have an extremely high risk (up to 80%) of developing uterine cancer if left unneutered. Spaying eliminates this risk.
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Reduces Aggression - Unneutered rabbits can be territorial, leading to fighting, biting, or lunging. Neutering helps to calm these behaviors.
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Stops Spraying and Marking - Unneutered males often spray urine to mark territory, which can make them difficult to handle and keep indoors.
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Allows for Safe Bonding - Neutered rabbits are much more likely to get along with a companion. Without neutering, serious fights and injuries can occur.
Vaccinations
Rabbits should be vaccinated annually and are essential for protecting them against deadly diseases. The three most potentially deadly diseases in the UK being:
• Myxomatosis: Spread by insects, direct contact with infected rabbits and indirect contact through contaminated objects and clothing.
• Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease-1 (RVHD-1) and Disease-2 (RVHD-2): Highly contagious, spread via direct contact, contaminated objects, food, and even windborne transmission.
Vaccination appointments also include a health check -rabbits are prey animals and so they hide when they are ill or in pain. Annual check ups with a vet experienced with rabbits helps identify problems early and are also a great place to get advice.
Conclusion: Is a Rabbit Right for You?
Rabbits are often bought under the mistaken belief that they are low-maintenance and inexpensive pets, but this is far from the truth. Providing proper care for rabbits requires time, space, and financial commitment.
The True Cost of Rabbit Care
Owning rabbits comes with ongoing costs, including:
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Safe Housing – A large, secure enclosure with enough space for exercise (a minimum of 3m x 2m x 1m high).
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Enrichment – Toys, tunnels, and digging areas to keep rabbits mentally stimulated.
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High-Quality Diet – Unlimited hay, fresh vegetables, and high-fibre pellets.
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Veterinary Care – Routine vaccinations, neutering, and treatment for any illnesses or emergencies.
The cost of caring for rabbits properly is comparable to caring for a cat or dog, especially when considering vet bills, food, and accommodation. If you are prepared for this commitment, it will be more than worth it - rabbits are intelligent, entertaining, and incredibly rewarding pets.
Relevant Links
How To Look After Rabbits - HayDay HQ
Space Requirements for Rabbits - Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund
