Rabbits AU Blog

Rabbits AU Blog
RHDV - Rabbit Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Virus
by Rabbits Australia on Oct 28, 2024
Rabbit Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Virus (RHDV) is a type of calicivirus that is endemic in Australia. Initially this virus was foreign to Australia, however in 1991 was released into the Australian rabbit population as an attempt to control the wild ‘pest’ rabbits from eating crops. Unfortunately virus’s do not discriminate, and also affects our domesticated rabbit populations. There are two main strains of the virus, RHDV-1 and RHDV-2, and thankfully in Australia we now have vaccinations available to protect our pet rabbits.
The virus is transmitted via direct contact with infected rabbits, contact with infected faeces or other bodily secretions, and also from vectors such as flies or insects that spread the virus. The virus is extremely stable, and able to remain active in the environment for months.
Once a rabbit becomes infected, the virus causes inflammation of the liver leading to liver failure and bleeding disorders, often resulting in death. Lesions can also be found in other internal organs such as the lungs and heart.
Rabbits who become infected unfortunately have a very high mortality rate, most passing away within 36hrs of infection. Some rabbits do not display any clinical signs prior to death, and are often found deceased with bloody discharge from their nose or genitourinary tract. Other rabbits may show signs such as being lethargic, depressed, not interested in eating, discharge from their eyes and nose, mental dullness, tremors or seizures, with incoordination or trouble breathing.
Kits less than 8 weeks old tend to fight the virus very well and are not as severely affected as their adult counterparts. Most will develop a life long immunity to the strain of the virus they were infected with.

Rabbits AU Blog
by Rabbits Australia on Oct 28, 2024
Rabbits are surprisingly quite an easy pet to toilet train, which is a huge benefit for our indoor buns. Just like guinea pigs and other small mammals, rabbits poop A LOT, so it is well worth spending some time to train your rabbit to use a litter tray.
Choosing a litter tray and substrate
The classic plastic cat litter trays are a great option for most rabbits. If your rabbit is elderly or suffering from arthritis, lower trays such as baking trays, document folders or paint trays can be used, allowing for easier access. Unfortunately automatic trays are not suitable for rabbits and those with flaps on entry may deter your rabbit from using it.
As rabbits may chew or eat small amounts of litter substrate, it is important to choose something that is not going to be toxic to your rabbit. Some great options include paper, hemp, and other biodegradable litter marketed for small mammals. Do NOT use crystal, clay or certain wood litter substrate as this can be toxic to bunnies if ingested.
Where to place your litter trays
Generally, rabbits tend to toilet where they spend the most amount of time, and this is usually where they eat. Placing litter trays near where your rabbits eat, or adding some hay into the tray can help encourage your bunny to toilet here. Observing where your rabbit naturally chooses to toilet in your house is another great way to determine the best place to position your litter tray – usually this is in a quiet corner away from any hustle and bustle of the household. Whilst starting your toilet training journey, it can help to position several trays around the house to encourage your bunny to use them – this number can be reduced once your rabbit is fully house trained. In multi-rabbit households, there should be a minimum of one tray per rabbit available.
Cleaning the litter tray
It is important to clean your tray when it is soiled, as a build up of urine and faeces will promote infections, scalding and ammonia particles in the air compromising respiratory health.
Rabbits use their sense of smell to determine where they choose to toilet, usually being in the same area each time. When first starting to train your rabbit to use a litter tray, it can help sweep some faecal pellets into the tray to promote it’s use. It can also help to remove the litter, but not thoroughly wash and disinfect the tray itself each time, to leave a small odour present for your rabbit to sense and promote repetitive toileting in this area.
Once your rabbit is fully house trained, it is important to change the litter and clean and disinfect your tray regularly. Warm water, F10 disinfectant, vinegar and dishwashing soap are all great options to clean your tray.
In conclusion, it is possible to reliably housetrain your rabbit to toilet in a designated litter tray within your home. Rabbits have a natural instinct to toilet in the same areas, as in the wild they use it as a territorial marker to other rabbits, as well as keeping their warren clean. It will take some time and dedication, however will no doubt enhance your relationship with our furry friends.