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by Eric A. Klaphake DVM and Martin G. Orr DVM
Scientific classification—Order: Lagomorpha, Oryctolagus, cuniculus
Pet Types: Angora, Lop-eared, Dwarf, Blanc de Hotot, Dutch, Chinchilla, Rhinlanders, Silver Martin, New Zealand White, Flemish Giant – (all of these are further divided into color variety and country of origin). Mini-lop refers to ear length, not size of rabbit.
Vaccine Recommendations: None
Husbandry Concerns: Rabbits can be indoors or outdoors, though problems with the latter that need to be addressed include- access to flies (maggots on the skin), too hot (heatstroke- keep below 80F by providing shade, ventilation, and plenty of water or take inside), too cold (usually not a problem if in an insulated shelter), and predators (even seeing them can stress a rabbit). Indoors, watch for electrical cords, valuable wood furniture, poisonous plants to chew on, sweet tasting chemicals, maggots (again), and males spraying urine. A partially solid floor in either case is necessary to separate them from their feces, although watch out for sore hocks (foot wounds) developing if all the bottom is wire. Some do well alone, others like a pal. They can be litter box trained (use newspaper other products the rabbit can digest) and can even be harness-trained for walks.
Nail trims/Tooth trims/Baths: Done periodically, often by the vet if uncooperative at home. Watch for the “quick” (blood filled area of the nail) as in dogs and cats, though black nails can be difficult to see it on. Tooth trims should never be done except by a trained veterinarian with the proper equipment! Serious damage can be done. Most rabbits do not need teeth trims, especially the front incisors, except when damaged by trauma or genetically malformed. Once malformed, they will always need periodic trims. The back molars (check teeth) may grow improperly due to genetics or improper fiber in the diet. These are trimmed under anesthesia. Bathes can be given once every two weeks using a ferret/kitten/puppy shampoo. Ears can be cleaned gently and superficially with cotton balls. Excessive scratching may indicate mites/lice, to be addressed by the veterinarian.
Diet: This is the area of greatest importance!!! THE DIET SHOULD CONSIST ONLY OF:
1) Free Choice of Timothy or Mixed-Grass Hay (alfalfa is high in calcium and leads to problems).
2) MINIMUM OF 1 CUP PER 5 POUND RABBIT, of at least 3 of the following:
a. Kale, Alfalfa sprouts, Basil, Broccoli leaves, Brussel sprouts, Carrot tops, Cilantro, Endive, Parsely, Outer Cabbage leaves, Raspberry leaves, Wheat grass, Radicchio, Dandelion leaves, Mustard/Collard/Beet greens, Romaine lettuce, Peppermint leaves, and Escarole.
3) NO MORE THAN 1/8-1/4 CUP OF ALFALFA PELLETS PER 5 POUND RABBIT PER DAY (Rabbits less than 8 months should get pellets freely).
Obesity is a big problem with house rabbits, so do not overfeed, and monitor weight at the vet’s office. NO TREATS! Breeding and lactating does have other nutritional need that need to be addressed by a veterinarian. Rabbits do eat the feces they produce at night, often directly from the anus. This is normal and provides fiber and B-vitamins. Yogurt is of questionable use, because Lactobaccilus acidophilus is not even a normal bacteria in rabbits. Water can be offered in a water bottle, but it is important to offer a water bowl until it is certain the water bottle is being used. Intake is from 1-4 cups daily, which is very important for digestion.
Health care: Biannual exams; CBC, chemistries, UA, fecal float, and x-ray are recommended yearly. Dental problems do occur in rabbits (see tooth trims). Neutering and spaying help prevent reproductive tumors, unexpected pregnancies, and can aid behavior modification. Common problems are diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, head tilt, seizures, maggots, mites, and dental problems. Be very careful not to use antibiotics on your own or to get from a veterinarian inexperienced with rabbits, the wrong types do more harm than good and can kill! Remember with any disease processes, the sooner it is seen, the more successful we are at treating them!
Other Information: Recently in Nature, scientists now believe rabbits are more closely related to humans than to rodents! Rabbits will occasionally growl, will stomp their feet in warning often with their ears back, and will scream when extremely stressed. They can break their own back while kicking their hind legs in fear. Body weight:2-6kg (30-80 grams at birth). Life span: 5-8 years, sexual maturity as early as 5 months of age (spay or neuter after 4 months). Gestation: 30-33 days, litter size: 4-12. Hand raising bunnies is difficult and time consuming (particularly to wean!). Males have testicles that are closer to the head than the penis is, and rabbits need to be at least 14 weeks old to have sex. They do poduce a red-orange urine due to dietary pigments at times. |