The rabbit
Not a rodent, and not a child's toy
The rabbit is a lagomorph (not a rodent) with social behaviour and a fragile digestive tract. It is a pet in its own right, which lives a long time and needs real care, far from the image of the ‘hutch animal’.
| Life expectancy | 8 to 12 years |
|---|---|
| Social life | Gregarious, ideally in a neutered pair |
| Level required | Motivated beginner |
| Legal framework | No permit required — find out more |
Its essential needs
- Unlimited hay at all times: this is 80% of the diet and the natural way the teeth wear down.
- A large living space and several hours outside the enclosure every day.
- A companion: a rabbit kept alone becomes bored and wastes away.
- No solitary keeping in a cramped hutch — this goes against the requirements of the TSchV.
Key health points
- A rabbit must eat constantly: his digestive tract only works if it keeps moving all the time. If he stops eating for 12 hours, the gut stops, gas builds up and pain sets in — this is a life-threatening emergency. Be alert if he refuses hay and pellets, stops producing droppings, sits hunched up or grinds his teeth: see a vet the same day.
- Two serious viruses circulate: myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). They are spread by biting insects or by contact, cannot be treated and kill most affected rabbits. Vaccination is strongly recommended, especially if your rabbit goes outside or lives near a garden.
- His teeth grow throughout his life and only wear down if he chews plenty of hay. When they wear badly, they meet unevenly (this is called malocclusion) and form sharp points that injure the cheek and the tongue. Watch out for: drooling, dropping food, eating more slowly or losing weight — have his teeth checked.
In Switzerland: no permit required No permit required, but keeping is subject to the TSchV requirements on living conditions: minimum space, social contact, and appropriate feeding and care. Legal framework in detail →
A word from the Au Furet practice A rabbit lying stretched out on his side is a relaxed and confident rabbit, not a sick one.
Need a vet for this species? Few practices are trained in exotic pets. Find an exotic pet vet · Au Furet practice.
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