Rabbit Care and Health
A comprehensive Netherland Dwarf care guide is included with every rabbit purchase. Below are just a few key topics covered to help you get started.
Housing and Feeding
ND rabbits should be kept indoors or in sheltered outdoor areas with proper temperature control, ideally around 25°C. Protect them from heat and cold, providing shade, fresh water, and air-conditioning during hot weather to prevent heatstroke. Provide ample space for movement, as ND rabbits are active and need regular exercise and interaction. Essential items include a water bottle, heavy feeding bowl, hay rack, bedding or mat, and litter box.
ND should be fed with unlimited oaten, meadow, timothy or/and orchard hay (no lucerne/alfalfa hay), small amount of rabbit pellets (30g per kg of rabbit weight a day), clean and chemical free vegetables/herbs, and drinking water.
Lifespan, Vaccination and Desexing
Generally, the lifespan of Netherland dwarf rabbits is 7-10 years.
Rabbits can be vaccinated against Calicivirus (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus) with Filavac vaccine to reduce mortality rates caused by the RHDV1 and RHDV2 virus strains.
However, biting insects like mosquitoes and fleas can carry myxomatosis, a fatal disease which cannot be vaccinated against in Australia, so fly-screened hutches/cages are strongly recommended.
Desexing rabbits reduces unwanted behaviors caused by hormones, such as urine spraying and aggression, and also helps with litter training. It promotes a calmer temperament and lowers the risk of uterine, mammary, and testicular cancers. Desexed rabbits are also less likely to fight. The procedure is typically done at 4–6 months of age and costs around $250–$350 in Sydney.
Toilet Training
Rabbits can be successfully trained to use a litter box. A larger box is generally better, providing more space and comfort. Using a wire-top litter box helps keep the area clean and hygienic, making it easier to maintain.
Since rabbits often eat and poop simultaneously, hanging a hay rack above the litter box encourages natural habits and keeps hay clean. Position the litter box in the corner your rabbit naturally prefers, as they tend to choose specific spots to relieve themselves. To reinforce training, place some of their droppings and urine in the box, they will quickly learn where to go.
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