Simple Care for Your Small Furries

Why This Matters

Rabbits and guinea pigs more than “starter pets”, they are intelligent, social, and sensitive animals who rely entirely on us for their wellbeing. Historically many have suffered quietly due to outdated care or lack of understanding. By learning what they truly need, you can give them a life that’s not only healthy but full of comfort, stimulation, and joy.

This guide will help you meet their needs confidently and compassionately, and ensure you're fulfilling your legal duties under the UK Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Housing: Bigger Is Better

Rabbits

• Minimum space (per pair): 3m x 2m x 1m

• Sleeping area (hutch): 1.8m x 0.6m x 0.6m

• Hutch must connect to a larger run at all times

• Indoors or outdoors, they need protection from predators, cold, and heat

Guinea Pigs

• Minimum cage: 150cm x 60cm (for two)

• Sleeping area: at least 120cm x 60cm x 45cm

• Preferably housed indoors; bring them inside if it drops below 15°C

Bedding & Environment

• Use dust-free hay or shredded paper

• Avoid softwood shavings for guinea pigs (they can cause respiratory issues)

• Indoors: keep away from wires and toxic plants

• Outdoors: ensure strong wire mesh, raised shelters, and shade

Diet: Mostly Hay, Every Day

Main Diet (85–90%)

• Unlimited fresh hay or grass — this should make up most of their diet

• Rabbits need at least their own body size in hay daily

• Guinea pigs need a similar amount

• Never feed lawnmower clippings

Pellets

• Rabbits: An egg cup per kg of body weight per day

• Guinea pigs: 1 tablespoon daily — must contain Vitamin C

• Avoid muesli mixes

Greens & Treats

• Offer a variety of fresh, washed dark leafy greens daily

• Introduce new greens gradually

• Occasional treats only — avoid sugary or starchy foods (e.g., too much fruit or carrots)

Water

• Fresh, clean water available at all times in bowls or bottles

• Clean daily and check for freezing in winter

• Bowls often allow more natural drinking posture

Daily Health Checks

• Monitor for changes in appetite, droppings, activity, weight, or behaviour

• Look for sneezing, lumps, dirty bottoms, or laboured breathing

• Check your rabbit’s rear end at least twice daily — especially in warm weather

◦ Ensure there is no build-up of poo or urine

◦ A wet or dirty rear can cause flystrike, which is life-threatening

◦ Confirm your rabbit is pooping regularly — very small or absent droppings can indicate illness

Flystrike Tip: In summer, use vet-approved flystrike preventatives and keep bedding ultra-clean

Common Health Issues

• Rabbits: Dental problems, GI stasis, flystrike, respiratory infections, viral disease

• Guinea pigs: Dental disease, Vitamin C deficiency, respiratory illness, skin problems

Cleanliness & Health

• Remove soiled bedding and waste daily

• Deep clean once a week with a pet-safe disinfectant

• Wash bowls, bottles, and food containers every day

Vet Care

• Rabbits need vaccines (Myxomatosis, RVHD-1 and RVHD-2)

• Annual vet checks recommended for both species

• Neutering helps with bonding, behaviour, and prevents health issues

• Groom regularly (especially long-haired breeds), and trim nails

Companionship: Never Alone

• Rabbits should live in neutered pairs or groups

• Guinea pigs thrive in same-sex pairs or small groups

• Don’t keep them alone as can become lonely and depressed

• Introduce new companions slowly and in neutral space

• Never house rabbits and guinea pigs together - they have different needs and may harm each other.

Enrichment: Happy Pets Need Fun!

Boredom leads to stress and illness. Keep them engaged with variety, space, and stimulation.

Ideas for Enrichment

• Tunnels, hideouts, cardboard boxes, platforms

• Hay racks and safe chew toys (wood, willow, cardboard)

• Foraging fun: hide food in hay or scatter pellets

• Digging boxes for rabbits

• Change toys and layouts regularly to keep life interesting

Time Out of Cage

• Let them out to explore a safe, enclosed area daily, aim for at least 4 hours

Your Legal & Ethical Responsibility

In the UK, the Animal Welfare Act (2006) requires you to meet five key welfare needs:

1. A suitable environment

2. A proper diet

3. The ability to express natural behaviours

4. The companionship of their own kind

5. Protection from pain, suffering, injury, and disease

Neglect isn’t just harmful, it can result in legal action. Proper care is not optional; it’s the law, and it’s the right thing to do.

Give Them the Life They Deserve

Rabbits and guinea pigs are intelligent, emotional animals who feel fear, boredom, joy, and comfort just like any other companion. Good care doesn’t have to be complicated, it just takes the right knowledge and a little commitment.

By meeting their physical and emotional needs, you’re giving them more than a life, you’re giving them a good life.