03/07/2025
Between the weather extremes, predators, bugs and parasites, boredom, and loneliness,
these things seem like common sense, don't they? Even more common sense - don't keep your rabbits outside.
Supervised and safe free roaming time in your home helps them to bond with you and the other animals that are now part of their family 🐰
Flystrike is more common in summer🐰 🪰
As the weather gets warmer, it's important to be extra vigilant when it comes to insects in your rabbits' enclosure. Flystrike is a condition that’s caused by flies laying eggs in your rabbits’ fur. These eggs then hatch and grow into maggots that burrow into your rabbits' skin and eat the flesh.
Not only is it painful and extremely unpleasant for rabbits and their owners, but it can also be life-threatening if not spotted and treated quickly. All rabbits can be at risk of developing flystrike, but it's particularly risky if they have a dirty bottom, open wounds, or live in a dirty environment.
Fortunately, it's easy to prevent flystrike by:
- Keeping your rabbits' home clean, clean up p*e and poo at lease once a day.
- Checking your rabbits daily.
- Feeding them a good diet to prevent their poo from sticking to their bottoms.
- Giving them space to exercise, overweight rabbits are more likely to struggle to clean themselves which can attract flies.
- Grooming long-haired rabbits regularly to stop dirt getting matted in their fur.
- Monitoring any wounds closely and keeping them clean and dry while they heal.
- Taking them for regular vet checks to stay ahead of any hidden health problems.
Learn more about flystrike ➡️ https://pdsa.me/LLM3
[Visual description: Three rabbits are nibbling on the same blade of grass outside. One rabbit is tan coloured and the other two are white with tan markings around their ears and face.]