Housing
- Provide a secure, spacious cage or enclosure with areas to hide and exercise
- Line the cage with appropriate bedding like recycled paper pellets
- Allow for supervised outdoor access, as rabbits and guinea pigs are happier and healthier with indoor/outdoor time
Diet
- Feed a diet consisting of 80% high-quality hay (oaten, timothy, barley) and 20% leafy green vegetables
- Provide a constant supply of fresh hay and water
- Offer small amounts of fruits and pellets as treats
- Guinea pigs require additional vitamin C in their diet
Health Care
- Rabbits should be vaccinated against Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus starting at 4 weeks old
- Spay female rabbits and guinea pigs when young to prevent reproductive cancers
- Castrate male rabbits and guinea pigs to eliminate testicular tumors and prevent unwanted behaviors
- Regularly check teeth and nails, and provide chew toys to prevent overgrowth
- Groom regularly to prevent hairballs
Handling
- Rabbits and guinea pigs can become very tame if handled frequently from a young age
- Support their entire body when lifting and avoid grabbing the skin or fur
- Be gentle and calm when interacting with them
Environment
- Provide a quiet, low-stress environment with minimal loud noises or disturbances
- Rabbit-proof your home by covering electrical cords and removing toxic plants
- Supervise interactions with other pets like cats and dogs