- About Rabbits - Basic Information - Housing - Diet - Reproduction - Health Care - Getting Ready - Shopping List - Links About Rabbits Basic Information Origin The domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculis) is a direct descendant of the wild European rabbit. They belong to the order Lagomorpha and are closely related to rodents. Rabbits have been bred for food and fur for over 2000 years, but have only been bred as pets since the nineteenth century. Varieties Rabbits are available in a wide variety of breeds, colors, body sizes and coat variations. Common pet breeds include the Angora (English, French, German), Dwarf, and Lop-eared. Lop-eared rabbits come in a mini-lop variety that refers to the length of the ear, not body size. Many other pet breeds and breeds used for laboratory research, meat and wool also exits. Life Span 8-10 years if fed an appropriate diet and provided exercise and a clean environment. Terminology Male=buck; females=doe; young=kits or bunnies; giving birth=kindling Behavior 1 / 8
The rabbit is a prey species; therefore much of its behavior in feeding, playing and reacting to danger is related to this background. Their typical response to perceived danger is freeze or flight, becoming very still and flattened or making a sudden dash for cover when frightened. Rabbits are burrowers by nature and can be destructive to carpeting or the yard if given the chance. They also enjoy chewing and must be provided with appropriate outlets for this behavior. Rabbits are also very territorial and do not react well to new rabbits entering their environment, often leading to aggression and fighting. Adolescence Although generally gentle and non-aggressive, rabbits go through a period of adolescence (usually between 8 months and 2 years ogf age) and can suddenly become aggressive and difficult to handle. Urine Spraying Intact (not spayed or neutered) male and female rabbits may spray urine on vertical objects in their environment. Copraphagy Eating Feces: Healthy rabbits produce two types of feces or stool. The first type is the hard, dry pellets found in the rabbit s cage or litter box and is composed mostly of nondigestable plant fiber. The second type, called cecotropes or night feces, is a softer, mucous-coated stool produced in the cecum and eaten by the rabbit directly from the rectum. This process is essential for normal, healthy digestion to occur. Handling The rabbit skeleton is relatively light and delicate, and is surrounded by large heavy muscles. Injuries are common when rabbits are not properly restrained during handling. If the hind feet are not supported sufficiently and the rabbit kicks out with its hind feet, a broken or dislocated spine can result. The football hold is a safe way to carry a rabbit and is performed by cradling the rabbit in one arm with the head nestled into the crook of the holder s elbow, and the hind feet supported in the palm of the hand. The free hand can be placed over the rabbits back for additional security. Never lift or restrain a rabbit by the ears. Housing Cage 2 / 8
The cage should be at least 3 times the rabbit s length and high enough for the rabbit to comfortably sit up on its hind legs. The cage must be well ventilated, made of material resistant to chewing, and easy to clean. Glass aquariums are unsuitable due to poor ventilation. Rabbits should be confined to a safe area when not supervised, however rabbits should not be confined to a small cage for the majority of the day. Cage Flooring Flooring should either be solid, or if wire mesh is used, then solid resting platforms must be provided. Rabbits housed exclusively on wire mesh often develop foot infections that are difficult to treat. If wire mesh is used, the holes must be small enough to ensure the rabbit s feet cannot fit through to avoid fractures of the feet and legs. Litter Most rabbits are easily litter box trained, especially if started at a young age. A pelleted organic litter (pine or recycled newspaper) should be used instead of clay kitty litter (ingestion can result in fatal gastrointestinal impaction). Hide Box Rabbits should be provided with some sort of dark shelter in the cage, that simulates the security of a burrow. This can be easily provided using a cardboard box with a hole cut in the side. Cage Location The cage should be placed in a relatively quiet area out of direct sunlight. Outdoor housing is not recommended in the summer in North Carolina as rabbits are very prone to heat stress at temperatures above 82F. Play Pens A large, safe exercise area can be provided using puppy exercise fencing. This can be placed around the cage or outside. Rabbits need several hours of exercise a day to promote normal bone density and muscle tone, and prevent boredom. Toys 3 / 8
Rabbits like to chew and should be provided with a variety of safe toys, including untreated grass and wicker baskets, untreated wood scraps, untreated dried tree braches, and cardboard boxes. Rabbit Proofing Remove access to electrical cords, houseplants, and chemicals. Cover carpeting with sheets of Plexiglas to prevent damage from digging. Cover furniture with heavy cloth to prevent damage. Block all potential escape routes, and place several litter boxes in the area. Diet One of the most common causes of illness and poor health in pet rabbits is feeding an improper diet. Rabbits require high amounts of dietary fiber supplied in the form of hay and fresh greens to stay healthy. Foods high in sugars and starch should be avoided. Following the guidelines outline below is one of the best ways to improve and/or maintain the health of your pet rabbit. Pellets Commercially produced pellets, though efficient for feeding rabbits produced for meat or fur when rapid growth and short life span is expected, are not appropriate as the complete diet for the pet rabbit. For rabbits eating appropriate amounts of hay and fresh greens (see below), pellets generally should be restricted to 1/8 cup per 5 lbs. adult (non-breeding) rabbit per day. Rabbits fed free-choice pellets are at increased risk of overeating, obesity and diarrhea. Young, growing rabbits should eat an alfalfa based pellet, while adults should be fed a timothy based diet (Kaytee, Timothy Complete or Oxbow Bunny Basics). Hay Clean, fresh Timothy or grass hay should be available at all times. Alfalfa hay is not recommended for most adult pet rabbits, as it is too high in calcium content and calories, but can be offered along with grass hay to young rabbits. The bulk and roughage provided by feeding hay is very important to the health of the rabbits digestive system, and helps to keep the continuously growing teeth worn down to prevent dental disease. Hay can be provided in various locations around the cage and play area to offer a variety of grazing areas. Vegetables 4 / 8
A minimum of 1 cup fresh, tightly packed mixed leafy greens per 4 lbs of rabbit per day. The mix should include at least three different types of greens or vegetables each day. Examples of leafy greens include kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, dandelion leaves, mustard greens, Swiss chard, endive, beet greens, carrot tops, alfalfa sprouts. Other high-fiber foods that can be fed daily in smaller amounts include bell peppers, pea pods (not the peas), pears, peaches, apples, pineapples, mango, and Brussels sprouts. Grapes and bananas should not be fed because they are too sugary and can distract the pet from eating more appropriate, healthful foods. Water Clean, fresh water should be available at all times in either a water bottle or bowl. These containers should be washed daily in hot, soapy water. Reproduction Gestation Average 30-33 days Litter Size Depends on breed of rabbit. Small breeds 4-5 kits; large breeds 8-12 kits. Nesting A few hours to days prior to kindling, does will pluck hair from their abdomen, sides and dewlap to line the nest. Provide a relatively small box, large enough for the doe to lie down in comfortably, with a doorway cut approximately 6 inches high so the doe can hop in and out but the kits cannot escape. The doorway can be cut lower once the kits are furred and have their eyes open to allow exploration of the environment. Nursing Does typically nurse only once a day for 3-5 minutes. Production of milk may be delayed 24-48 hours after kindling. Kits should be examined briefly on a daily basis to be sure they are getting fed and are healthy. Healthy kits are warm, tightly clustered, with skin free from wrinkles. If you suspect the kits are not healthy, call your veterinarian prior to attempting to bottled-feed. The kits typically wean at 4-6 weeks of age. 5 / 8
Breeding There is no need to breed! Please consider the hundreds of homeless rabbits in shelters and rescue organizations before you contribute to the problem of unwanted pet rabbits by breeding. Contact your local shelter or House Rabbit Society chapter on where to adopt a rabbit in your area. Health Care Physical Exam The first exam should take place soon after the time of purchase. Annual of semi- annual exams thereafter are recommended, depending on the age and heath of the rabbit. Intestinal Parasites An examination of the feces is performed at the time of the first exam to check for intestinal parasites. This test is then performed on an as needed basis at subsequent exams. Dental Exam A thorough exam of the oral cavity and teeth are an essential part of any physical exam. All of the rabbit s teeth are continuously growing, and regular trimming and/or filing may be necessary if abnormal wear occurs. Oral exam is difficult due to the small size of the mouth, large tongue, and cheek folds. Sedation may be required to perform a complete exam and correct any problems. Signs of tooth problems include excessive salivation (usually noticed as wet fur on the chin and neck), reluctance to eat, and dropping food from the mouth. Any of these signs should be immediately reported to your veterinarian. Vaccines There are currently no vaccines approved for use in rabbits available in the United States. Neutering Both male and female rabbits should be spayed/neutered at around 6 months of age. Does are very prone to uterine cancer (incidence of 50-80% in unsprayed females over 2 years of age), and neutering of bucks helps prevent urine spraying, excessive territoriality, and aggression. 6 / 8
Lab Work Routine, screening lab work is recommended on an annual basis starting at 5 years of age. This is done to monitor organ function and screening, and to detect early signs of illness. Fleas Rabbits can be dusted with flea powder containing 5% Carbaryl once a week to prevent flea infestation. Advantage, a product labeled for use in dogs an cats but not specifically for rabbits, has been used safely in rabbits. However, owners must be aware that this is an extra-label usage and adverse reactions could occur. Getting Ready Shopping List Housing - Cubes & Coroplast cages are strongly recommended (www.guineapigcages.com) - Exercise outside of the cage is essential make sure to rabbit-proof carefully! Basics - Bedding/Litter (Aspen shavings, Yesterday s News--no pine or cedar!) - Hide Box (Pet carrier with door removed, large box, Igloo, or covered cat bed) - Ceramic food dishes (2) - Large water bottle - Corner litter pan (large) - Large regular litter pan (uncovered) this will be a potty and hay box - Timothy hay - Pellets (Kaytee Timothy Complete or Oxbow Bunny Basics) - Fresh greens, veggies, and occasional fruits - Soft bristle brush - Nail trimmers - Toys (hanging wooden bird toys, cardboard boxes, old phone books and magazines, paper - bags, untreated wooden spoons, untreated wicker baskets, some hard plastic cat toys, Nylabones, etc.) Feeding Instructions - 1/4-1/3 cup pellets (timothy-based) 7 / 8
- Free choice grass hay not alfalfa - 1-2 cups fresh salad (base of leafy greens--kale, romaine, parsley, mustard or collard greens, etc; plus small amounts of other low starch veggies--cucumber, bell peppers-all colors, pea pods, broccoli, etc; very small amounts of fruit--apple, berries, kiwi, mango, pear, etc.) - Fresh water (refill the bottle with fresh water every day or two; thoroughly scrub the bottle, sipper tube and rubber ring once a week in hot, soapy water) Links 8 / 8