Rabbits Chapter 9

History: Classified as Rodentia Lagomorpha Difference between rodents and rabbits is that rabbits have four upper incisor teeth arranged one pair between the other. Rabbits date back 30 -37 million years ago. All domesticate rabbit breeds come from the European wild rabbit. Hares are larger than rabbits, have long ears, do not build nests, young are born with fur, and eyes open.

Uses of rabbits: Meat – food (low in fat, sodium, cholesterol, high in protein, and very palatable) Research – 400,000 used for skin test, AIDS, Eye tests Fur/Wool: Normal, Rex, Angora, Satin Pets/Showing

Breeds: 45 breeds and 5 weight categories: Dwarf or Miniature Small Medium Large Giant

Anatomy: See diagrams of External and Internal parts.

Housing and Equipment: Hutches 24” X 24” Shaving tray Wire floors Ventilation is important for rabbits 16 hours of light for Does if you want to breed Ceramic water Feeders Nest Box

Feeding: Feed commercial feed Do not feed many fruits or veggies – cause gastrointestinal problems.

Handling: Pick up by scurf of neck Never pick up rabbit by it’s ears (will break crown) Support it’s hind legs with hand

Diseases and Ailments: Best way to stop diseases and ailments is to practice good sanitation.

Reproduction: Rabbits become sexually active at 5-8 months Gestation period – 31-32 days Does are in heat all the time Always put female in males cage, otherwise they will fight Kindling is the birth process Kits – young rabbits are born without fur and eyes closed (10-15 days) Wean litter in 4-8 weeks Male – Buck Female – Doe

The End