Ok - I had a go at making some sections specific today (based on Hesperus' list)...but I don't know lots of answers so help please!!
In-store practices
- Are the animals for sale old enough to have left their mothers?
Not sure how this would be ascertained without asking, but as a guide they should be at least 10 weeks old
- Are the animals quarantined and given time to settle before being sold?
Not sure how this would be ascertained without asking, or what time it should be. Presumably a month, and them be panacurred as it’s a stressful time but I doubt any pet shop would do this.
- Are any health checks undertaken on the animals before being sold?
Not sure how this would be ascertained without asking, or what checks should be done .
-Is fresh, clean water available at all times?
Without asking can only comment on the specific time you’re looking. So maybe just “is fresh, clean water available” If bottles, can you see any green algae? Rabbits need fresh, clean water to be available at all times to prevent dehydration and ensure their digestive system keeps running smoothly.
-Is an appropriate diet provided? In particular, is fresh, clean hay available at all times?
Maybe split to “Is fresh, clean hay available?” and “If dry food is available is it pelleted?” and “If fresh food is available, is it suitable?”
Rabbits need hay to be available at all times. Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system and need to keep their gut moving at all times through constant grazing. If they do not have access to hay, and stop eating, they can die within 24-48 hours. They also have continuously growing teeth and hay helps grind their teeth down to prevent future dental issues.
Research has shown that rabbits are selective feeders, and if given a varied muesli style food, will pick out their favourite bits and leave others, resulting in an imbalanced diet. A homogenous pelleted food such as Science Selective or Burgess Excel provides a much better diet.
Contrary to popular belief, rabbits should not be fed lettuce or carrots. Lettuce (particularly iceberg) has no nutritional value, and carrot is very full of sugar which can rot their teeth and upset their stomachs. Young rabbits should not have fresh food introduced too early (before 13 weeks) as it can upset their stomachs, but if they are given, small amounts of fresh herbs, or spring green cabbage are a good start.
-Are animals housed with suitable companions?
Male and female rabbits should be kept separately as risk or pregnancy, but bunnies should not be kept alone as they will get lonely.
Other species are not suitable companions. Specifically, guinea pigs and rabbits should not be housed together as rabbits can carry this bacteria which is the most common cause of upper respiratory infections in guinea pigs. Rabbits powerful hind legs can also serious injure guinea pigs.
-How often are the animals and their environment checked during the day?
Not sure how this would be ascertained without asking, but rabbits should be checked at least twice daily to ensure they are eating/look for any other signs of abnormal behaviour or illness.
-What procedures are in place if a health problem is identified?
Not sure how this would be ascertained without asking, but take straight to vet is a good first response. Future owners should be made aware of any health issues.
-Is the in-store housing of an adequate standard? (e.g. does it provide hidey holes/ is it large enough/ is the temperature regulated?) If not, how can it be improved?
A rabbit should be able to take at least 3 hops. Hidey holes should be provided so the rabbit can feel safe and doesn’t need to be on show at all times. Snuggle safe heat pads should be available if it is cold in the winter, and cool pads/shade provided in summer.
- Does the pet shop use suitable bedding? If not, how can it be improved? (e.g. Removing sawdust/ adding hay etc.)
The phenols from wood shavings or sawdust can cause respiratory diseases and liver damage in rabbits, so this should not be used. Newspaper/fleece/lino and always lot and lots of hay is a good option. Products such as megazorb, aubiose or other litters (not sure which) can also be used.
-How often are the enclosures cleaned?
Not sure how this would be ascertained without asking, but enclosure should look reasonably clean litter trays should be cleaned daily with a full clean done weekly.
-How are the enclosures cleaned? Is infection control taken into account?
Not sure how this would be ascertained without asking, but I guess ideally with something like Ark-Klens to remove EC spores between different group of rabbits, and with a pet safe disinfectant eg Johnsons Safe and Clean on a weekly basis.
-Are suitable toys provided for the animals?
Eg tunnels, hidey holes, wicker mats/baskets, cardboard tubes, balls. Bunnies need stimulation otherwise they will develop bad habits eg bar chewing, aggression through boredom
-Maybe also do the rabbit’s poos look healthy?
Healthy poos are round and hard. There should be no caecotrophs. (maybe pictures) Presence of caecotrophs implies an overly rich diet eg too many pellets/fresh food and not enough hay.
