Rabbit care

While rabbits love company, they can be left alone during the day and are therefore suitable for people who work or are away from home. A predator-proof enclosure to ensure their safety is essential. An appropriate enclosure is a hutch that is divided into two connecting compartments, one a wire mesh to allow access to natural light and fresh air, while the other is enclosed to provide protection against weather and a secure sleeping place. The floor of your rabbit’s hutch should be covered with newspaper, with a layer of bedding material like straw, grass, hay or shredded paper for warmth, comfort and to prevent pressure sores on your bunny’s feet.

Consider extreme weather conditions and ventilation when choosing a location for your hutch. Rabbits are extremely sensitive to the hot summer temperatures we experience in Australia and may die of heat stroke if their hutch is not in a cool, shady position.

Rabbits should have at least two hours outside of the hutch for exercising each day. Handling them will also be of benefit in keeping them tame.

Grass or hay is an essential dietary component to ensure your rabbit’s health. Apart from providing a high fibre diet, chewing hay wears down their continuously-growing teeth and keeps them occupied, preventing boredom. Ideally,feed your bunny 85% hay and 15% veggies such as Asian greens or endive (lettuce and cabbage can cause diarrhoea). Treats such as fruits, root veggies(carrots), capsicum and pellets should only be offered in small amounts (1 – 2tablespoons per day per rabbit). Fresh water should always be available using both a drip feed bottle and an open container.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Tessa Verde 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Very impressed with the Vet & staff Was so important to feel the warmth & empathy towards my ailing cat. Fabulous location for Betty ????
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Jessica Doncaster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
James and the team were amazing when we had to take Lulu in for stitches! Patient, the after care was great. Can recommend them to look after your fur baby.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Kyle Wightman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
As Kew residents, our Lagotto Romagnolo Yoshi has been a patient of Dr James Taylor for some years during his time practicing nearby in Deepdene. Now that James is practising in Brighton, travelling the distance through Melbourne traffic to Brighton to see James  on an ongoing basis for Yoshi’s health, is a no brainer for us. James’ attention to Yoshi on 29 May 2024 was as professional and caring as always. He removed two, luckily benign, lumps which had been growing for a while, and also identified a heart murmur. Before operating to remove the lumps, James undertook an echocardiogram on Yoshi to track down the cause of the heart murmur, identifying that he had Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease.  This condition requires ongoing medication to control and improve the condition. Medication was immediately administered and due to Yoshi’s fitness otherwise, we asked James to go ahead and remove the lumps immediately. This was done, Yoshi has fully recovered, and we are delighted once again with James’ care and professionalism. Kyle & Terry
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Tim Gibson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Fantastic and caring service from the Brighton Vet team to look after our cat. Amazing follow up service as well to ensure Garfunkel was progressing through his recovery
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Kate Hutchinson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We are beyond grateful to Dr. James Taylor and the amazing team at Brighton Veterinary Hospital for saving our dog Nala. She needed emergency surgery due to a stomach blockage, and Dr. James stayed back to perform the operation, showing incredible dedication and compassion. The team even texted us to let us know she was doing well overnight and had eaten, which was so reassuring. Throughout Nala’s recovery, Dr. James and the staff checked in on her and patiently answered all of our (sometimes silly) questions, making us feel supported every step of the way. Thanks to their outstanding care, Nala is on the mend, wagging her tail once more, and we couldn’t be happier. If you’re looking for a vet who truly cares, Dr. James at Brighton Veterinary Hospital is the one. Thank you so much for everything!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 KT 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Doctor James was very experienced and provided us with a good advice which helped us make a decision of not doing a permanent surgery and instead did a temporary stitching to our puppy who had Entropion. This not only helped us save money , but also gave our puppy a chance to out grown the issue rather than having a permanent surgery.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Chloe 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Dr James you took care of Haki at Balwyn for years and we have been trying to find you since we heard you left. My daughter did some detective work and found you I hope you don't mind. We are happy to travel even though it is far.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Nick Holden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
James and the team did a fantastic job looking after our Cavador, Frankie, when she had to have a canine cruciate ligament surgery (TPLO). The surgery results were excellent and then their advice and care over the 12 weeks of rehab were first class - James was always contactable for quick checkins outside of consults and was very careful with medications owing to Frankie’s allergies. She is now back running flat out, full of energy and happy, Frankie loved going in for her check ups and pulled me through the door every time. A huge thanks from our whole family to the team!!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Claudia Hounslow 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
James is amazing ????
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Raymond Capkin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Took my " Seve" shmoodle today for her final vaccination. The love James has for his clients shines through. Great personal service and am happy to have this clinic as my vet.