Foster Carer Guide
How to care for your foster rabbit
On a daily basis:
Check the rabbit's health
- Check that the rabbit is eating, drinking & pooping
- Check eyes, ears and teeth
- Check nails, trim as required
- Monitor behaviour
- Monitor body condition
Complete daily chores
- Provide food and water
- Remove waste and add litter to the litter tray
- Groom the rabbit to remove fur
- Clean and refill food and water bowls
- Clean and tidy living areas
Give love, affection, training
- Interact with the rabbit
- Pick up the foster rabbit
- Train the rabbit to come to you for a treat
- Let the rabbit free roam indoors (!) for at least 30 minutes*
- Optional: Let the rabbit free roam outdoors**
* Except for the first 7-10 days when the foster rabbit should stay in the playpen so it recognises it as its home base.
** Only occasionally and under supervision, if outdoor conditions and weather permit and there is no reported calicivirus or myxamatosis outbreak in your area.
Overall:
Get your rabbit ready
- Take the rabbit to the vet if needed (or request a Bunny Runner)
- Provide paperwork from the vet to The Rabbit Sanctuary
- Advertise the rabbit on our RFA Facebook page (or ask us to do it for you)
Educate yourself
- Attend our online training sessions when offered
- Read our training material provided in our Foster Carer Portal
Communicate with us
- Join our Foster Carer Facebook Group
- Respond to emails or test messages
- Contact us if you have questions or need support
- Alert us if you are concerned about your rabbit's health or behaviour
Useful videos:
How to safely pick up a rabbit
How to groom a rabbit
How to basket handle a rabbit
How to cut your bunny's nails
How to clip nails of a jumpy bunny
How to clip a dark bunny's nails
Feeding
DO FEED
- UNLIMITED Oaten hay and grass hay (e.g. Timothy)
- Lucerne hay in tiny amounts (as treat)
- Fresh grass
- 1-2 table spoons pellets twice a day
DO NOT FEED
- Vegetables and fruits (no exceptions)
- Seeds
- Salt licks
- Items labelled rabbit and guinea mixes
Why can't I feed veggies and fruit? I have fed rabbits these before and had no issues.
Things to monitor for in your daily health checks
Behaviour
Normal:
Rabbit eats and drinks regularly
Rabbit poops regularly
Rabbit is bright and alert, moves around
Abnormal:
Rabbit doesn't eat, and refuses even treats when tempted
Rabbit doesn't poop
Rabbit hides in unusual spot, appears lethargic
Rabbit grinds teeth
Possible cause:
Gut stasis
Mouth
Normal:
Fur around the mouth is dry. No discharge.
Abnormal:
Fur around the mouth is wet. Bald patches around the mouth or chin.
Possible cause:
Overgrown back molars
Misaligned incisors
Eyes
Normal:
Bright and clear. No discharge.
Abnormal:
Cloudy appearance
Bulging
Discharge present or rabbit is squinting.
Possible cause:
E. Cunniculi
Cataracts
Scratched eyeball
Nose
Normal:
No discharge.
Breathing doesn't sound congested.
Abnormal:
Wet or milky discharge.
Sounds congested when breathing
Rabbit is sneezing a lot
Possible cause:
Pasteurella
Respiratory infection
Body
Normal:
Good body weight (should not be able to feel ribs or spine easily)
Fur well kept
Skin healthy, pink and crust free
Bottom area is clean
Abnormal:
Rabbit feels skinny
Clumpy or matted fur that's dull in colour
Bottom area appears dirty and genitals swollen
Possible cause:
Rabbit unable to groom itself or poor hygiene from previous location
Malnutrition, incorrect diet
Parasites
Urinary tract disease
Poop
Normal:
Even sphere shape
Consistent size and good amount
Dry and crumbles when squashed
Brown or gold in colour
Abnormal:
Uneven shape (long or pointy)
Very moist and leaves residue, might be mushy
Small amount
Very dark in colour
Presence of mucous or pellets are chained together
Click here for more information.
Possible cause:
Parasites
Incorrect diet
Gut stasis
Stress
Underlying illness
If you recognise any abnormal symptoms please contact the Bunny Tracker for your region immediately. If you don't hear back within 1 hour call Anna or text Kim Cooney. Include your name, your rabbit's name, main symptoms, location (+ and photos where appropriate).
