Marsdens Rabbit and Guinea Pig Care Guide

Intro to care guide

Rabbit

• A cosy sleeping area, taking up around a third of the hutch, should be made using fresh hay, wood straw or shredded paper. Note: cotton wool is not suitable for bedding.
• Roughage, such as hay and dried grass should be freely available. This needs to be kept clean and changed frequently. Fresh greens should be offered. Rabbits need room to exercise: the recommended size for a hutch is 120 x 60 x 60cm per rabbit.
• Rabbits, being social animals, like company. It is recommended that if kept in groups, males should be neutered at 3-4 months, unless you wish to breed from them.
• The floor, roof and sides of the hutch should be made from wood, be weatherproof and have a small wire netting to the front with enough room for the rabbit to see out. The hutch should be raised from the ground and be draught free.
• An outdoor run should be provided for your rabbit in the summer months - a rabbit needs up to 4½ hours of exercise per day. If your rabbit is kept in an outbuilding, please ensure that plenty of fresh air is available.
• To pick up your rabbit: scoop him/her up with one arm, placing your hand under the hind-quarters; hold against your body and restrain with your other arm. Note: Rabbits should NEVER be picked up by the ears.

Guinea Pig

• Roughage, such as hay and dried grass should be freely available. This needs to be kept clean and changed frequently.
• Ensure a plentiful supply of clean water is available at all times.
• Long fibre (roughage) is an important requirement of the Guinea Pig: it promotes gut action and therefore aids digestion.
• Chewing on fibrous materials also helps towards the wearing down of teeth.
• Avoid over-feeding as this creates fatness.
• Your Guinea Pig should be fed 30-50g of Marsdens Guinea Mixture per day.