Franklin Vets
Franklin Vets - excellence in veterinary care for dairy, farming, lifestyle, equine and household pets. BESTPRACTICE ACCREDITED NZ.
The majority of a rabbit's diet should be hay (preferably Timothy Hay, which you can buy from Franklin Vets), supplemented with pellets that are fibre rich (50-60g/2kg/day) and fresh greens (1 cup).
A guinea pig’s diet should be hay and 1 cup/day of vegetables. The main difference is their pellets need to be Vitamin C fortified (50-60g/ guineapig/day).
It is important that rabbits and guinea pigs are a good weight. If they are overweight it can be difficult for them to eat their caecotrophs (nutrient packed, dietary items essential for their health) directly from their anus.
Shelter for both can be a hutch but should have areas protected from the rain, shady areas and have a run or be able to be free roaming to allow plenty of exercise. The hutch needs to have plenty of clean dry bedding material.
They need mental stimulation as well as exercise because if they are bored, they become destructive. Simple things like cardboard tubes with hay in them and cardboard box castles are enough. They also like tossing things, baby toy keys and bird toys work well, and they are very happy with tunnels.
Guinea Pigs can also be happy with a pile of shredded paper.
Rabbits can be easily litter box trained as they like to toilet in one area. Use recycled newspaper litter and hay. Guinea Pigs can be litter box trained as well but it takes a bit longer.
Grooming is important to remove excess fur when moulting so too much is not ingested which can lead to blockages in the gut.
Rabbits should get a yearly vaccine against Rabbit Calicivirus also known as rabbit haemorrhagic disease.
Lifespan
If they are well cared for, Rabbits can live 7-10 years, and Guinea Pigs 4-8 years.
Franklin Vets - excellence in veterinary care for dairy, farming, lifestyle, equine and household pets. BESTPRACTICE ACCREDITED NZ.
