Rabbit adoption information 

Vaccinations

Your new Rabbit has been vaccinated with a vaccination that protects against Calicivirus. It takes approximately 2 weeks after your pet’s vaccination for the vaccine immunity to be effective, during this time your Rabbit should be isolated from all other Rabbits unless you know the other rabbit is fully vaccinated.  GAWS highly recommend isolating your rabbit until the 2 week period is over. 

Check your pets VACCINATION CARD that has been provided in your adoption pack for their last vaccination and the due date of the next vaccination. Any vaccination due after the date of adoption will not be covered by GAWS but an appointment can be made at our vet clinic for the Cylap vaccination, you are welcome to bring your other pets to the vet clinic also!

Flea treatment

Whilst staying at GAWS your pet has been treated for Fleas, but, we highly recommend starting your new pet on a monthly flea and worm treatment as soon as you get them home. We highly recommend Revolution or Advantix, both are easy spot on monthly treatments for fleas and worms, ask one of our staff for more information. If you are interested GAWS offers Parasite Protection Program, you sign up and your parasite products are delivered to your door every month! Ask our friendly staff how to join.  

Feeding

Rabbits are herbivores, so they eat grasses, vegetables and hay. Rabbits have a specialised diet that should be made up of at least 80% fresh hay daily (not Lucerne), 20% leafy green vegetables. In general, commercial/dry food products are not good for your rabbit’s health; Read the bag very carefully or ask a Veterinarian before feeding these to your rabbit. 

Bonding buddies

Rabbits are extremely social animals and should ideally never be kept without another bunny friend. The need for company from their own species is very deeply ingrained as they naturally live in colonies, but they can be difficult to bond together when a new bun comes into the family. 

When introducing a new rabbit into the home, it is important to do so during small, supervised ‘dates’ in neutral territory which is a place where neither rabbit has been living. Introducing them on slippery surfaces, such as in the bathtub, ensures that they cannot get adequate grip in order to start a fight! Swapping blankets can help get each bun used to the other, and feeding treats when together on ‘dates’ helps to make positive association. 

Some buns can take days, some can take months to get along, and some fall in love straight away! For more bonding tips, call GAWS on 5248 2091.