RABBITSCHAPTER 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

SmallMediumLargeGiant

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