Rabbit Care Guide for Pet Sitters in New Zealand

Rabbits are one of New Zealand\'s most popular small pets, and they require more specialised care than many people realise. If you\'re a pet sitter in NZ taking on rabbit clients for the first time, or a rabbit owner preparing to leave your bunnies with a sitter, this guide covers everything you need to know to keep rabbits healthy, safe, and happy.

Why Rabbit Sitting Is Different from Dog or Cat Sitting

Rabbits are prey animals, which means their behaviour and care needs differ significantly from cats and dogs. They are naturally cautious, can be stressed by sudden changes in routine, and tend to hide signs of illness until they are quite unwell. A good rabbit sitter understands these instincts and adjusts their approach accordingly.

Unlike dogs that greet you with enthusiasm, a rabbit may retreat when a new person enters their space. This is completely normal. Building trust takes time, and the best rabbit sitters are patient and gentle in their movements.

Setting Up: What to Ask the Owner

Before the owner departs, make sure you have detailed information about the rabbit\'s specific routine. Every rabbit is different, and owners often have particular ways of doing things that their bunny has come to expect.

• Feeding schedule: What time do they eat? What brand of pellets? Which vegetables do they enjoy?
• Hay preferences: Timothy hay, meadow hay, or oaten hay? How much per day?
• Water delivery: Bottle or bowl? Some rabbits will only drink from one or the other.
• Exercise routine: How much free-roaming time do they get? Which rooms are safe?
• Litter habits: What litter is used? How often is it changed?
• Vet details: Name and phone number of their rabbit-savvy vet.
• Medications: Any ongoing treatments or supplements?
• Personality notes: Are they cuddly or independent? Do they nip when scared?

Daily Feeding: Getting It Right

A rabbit\'s diet is the single most important factor in their health. The bulk of their diet — roughly 80 percent — should be good quality hay. This keeps their digestive system moving and their constantly-growing teeth worn down.

The Daily Menu

• Unlimited hay: Timothy hay is the gold standard for adult rabbits in NZ. It should always be available. A rabbit should eat a bundle roughly the size of their own body each day.
• Fresh vegetables: A generous handful of leafy greens daily. Safe options include romaine lettuce, coriander, parsley, bok choy, and silver beet. Introduce new vegetables slowly.
• Pellets: A small measured amount — typically one to two tablespoons per kilogram of body weight. Pellets are supplementary, not the main course.
• Fresh water: Changed daily. In warmer NZ months, check water levels twice a day.

Housing and Environment

In New Zealand, rabbits are kept in a variety of setups — from outdoor hutches to free-roaming indoor arrangements. As a sitter, your job is to maintain the environment the rabbit is accustomed to.

Outdoor Rabbits

NZ weather can be unpredictable. Outdoor hutches need to be waterproof, predator-proof, and sheltered from wind. Check that latches are secure — New Zealand has cats, stoats, and ferrets that can pose a serious threat to rabbits. In winter, ensure the hutch has extra bedding for warmth. In summer, move it to shade or provide frozen water bottles for cooling.

Indoor Rabbits

Indoor rabbits typically have an enclosure or pen with supervised free-roaming time. Before letting a rabbit out, check the space for exposed electrical cords, toxic houseplants, and small gaps where they could get stuck. Rabbits are champion chewers and will find any cable you have missed.

Litter Maintenance

Most house rabbits are litter trained. Use the same litter the owner provides — paper-based litters are most common in NZ. Cedar and pine shavings should be avoided as they can cause respiratory issues. Spot-clean daily and do a full change every few days, or as the owner directs.

Health Checks: What to Watch For

Rabbits can deteriorate rapidly when unwell. As a sitter, knowing the early warning signs can be the difference between a quick vet visit and a serious emergency.

Daily Health Observations

• Droppings: Healthy rabbit droppings are round, firm, and uniform in size. Soft, mushy, or absent droppings are a red flag.
• Eating and drinking: A rabbit that stops eating for more than 12 hours needs urgent veterinary attention. This condition, called GI stasis, can be fatal.
• Energy levels: Rabbits have active and rest periods. A rabbit that is unusually lethargic, hunched, or grinding its teeth may be in pain.
• Eyes and nose: Should be clear with no discharge.
• Bottom check: Especially in warmer months, check under the tail for soiling. Dirty bottoms attract flies, which can lead to flystrike — a life-threatening condition.

Handling and Interaction

Not all rabbits enjoy being picked up. In fact, most rabbits prefer to keep their feet on the ground. Lifting a rabbit incorrectly can cause serious spinal injuries — they have powerful back legs and a relatively fragile spine.

Safe Handling Tips

• Always support the hindquarters when lifting. Never pick a rabbit up by the ears or scruff.
• Hold them close to your body, keeping them secure but not squeezed.
• If a rabbit kicks violently, lower them to the ground rather than trying to hold on. A rabbit that falls from height can break its back.
• Many rabbits prefer interaction at ground level — sit on the floor and let them come to you.

Spend time near the rabbit\'s enclosure, talking softly. Offer small treats by hand to build positive associations. Within a day or two, most rabbits will warm up to a calm, consistent sitter.

Exercise and Enrichment

Rabbits need daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. A minimum of three to four hours of free-roaming time outside their enclosure is recommended.

Enrichment Ideas

• Cardboard boxes and tunnels: Rabbits love to explore, chew, and hide. A simple cardboard box with entry holes is hours of entertainment.
• Digging trays: Fill a shallow container with shredded paper or child-safe play sand for natural digging behaviour.
• Foraging games: Hide small amounts of herbs or pellets in hay piles so they have to search for them.
• Platforms and ramps: Rabbits enjoy having elevated spots to survey their territory.

Seasonal Considerations in New Zealand

Summer (December to February)

Heat is dangerous for rabbits. They cannot sweat or pant effectively. Signs of heatstroke include rapid breathing, drooling, and lethargy. Keep rabbits in shaded areas, provide frozen water bottles to lie against, and ensure fresh cool water is always available. On days above 28 degrees Celsius, bring outdoor rabbits inside if possible.

Winter (June to August)

New Zealand winters vary by region. In colder areas like Otago or Canterbury, outdoor rabbits need extra bedding — straw is excellent for insulation. Ensure water bottles do not freeze overnight. Indoor rabbits generally cope well in winter, but keep their enclosure away from draughts.

Spring and Autumn

These transitional seasons bring fluctuating temperatures. Rabbits moult heavily in spring, so extra grooming helps prevent fur ingestion. Autumn is a good time to check hutch waterproofing before the wetter months arrive.

Finding a Rabbit-Experienced Pet Sitter in NZ

Not every pet sitter has experience with rabbits. When looking for a sitter through ZiggySitters, check their profile for small animal experience. A sitter who has cared for rabbits before will know the subtle signs of distress and the importance of routine.

Good questions to ask a potential rabbit sitter include:

• Have you cared for rabbits before? How many?
• Do you know the signs of GI stasis?
• Are you comfortable administering medications if needed?
• Can you do daily health checks and send photo updates?

Final Thoughts

Rabbit sitting is a rewarding experience once you understand these gentle creatures. They are curious, affectionate in their own way, and full of personality. Whether you are a sitter expanding your skills or an owner preparing for a trip, the key is preparation, patience, and paying attention to the details.

With the right knowledge and a calm approach, you can provide excellent care that keeps both rabbits and their owners happy. And in New Zealand\'s growing community of rabbit lovers, that makes you an invaluable sitter.