General signs of dwarf decorative rabbits
Decorative (dwarf) rabbits are animals weighing in the range of 1.5-2.5 kg, differing in the shape of the head and body, the length of the ears and the thickness of the coat.
Regardless of the breed, miniature animals vary in hair length.
| Type of rabbits | Hair length in cm |
| Shorthair | 1,50 – 2,0 |
| Normal hair | 2,50 – 4,0 |
| Downy (long-haired) | Over 5.0 |
Dwarf rabbits vary in fur length and ear shape
The coat of dwarf rabbits is soft and silky. The body of representatives of this class of rodents is characteristic of all rabbits - rounded, shortened in length. The head looks quite massive, its ratio with the length of the body is 1:2, the neck is practically absent. The ears of miniature rodents can be very short - up to 5-6 cm, or hang below the level of the lower jaw and reach a length of 20 cm.
Breeders are developing varieties of mini-rabbits of various colors
The purpose of dwarf rabbits is different from domestic rodents for meat or fur-and-down production. Their goal is to please their owners with their appearance, affectionate nature and playfulness. The majority of dwarf rabbit breeds are bred for keeping in a home or apartment.
general information
Decorative rabbits of various breeds were bred specifically for keeping at home. The birthplace of the first dwarf breed is considered to be Great Britain; it was there, in 1870, that the first “apartment” variety was bred.
Animal husbandry experts strongly recommend purchasing these cute furry animals from nursery breeders. You can also buy a decorative rabbit at a pet store, but in this case there is an increased risk that you will get an animal that is not entirely healthy. It's all about the conditions of detention, which in stores often leave much to be desired.
In general, there are about two hundred breeds of rabbits. They are classified according to the main characteristics:
| Sign | Characteristic |
| Wool length | Shorthair, normalhair, longhair |
| Body mass | Small, medium, large |
| Productivity (purpose) | Down, meat-skin, meat, decorative |
For pet lovers, decorative species are of greatest interest, which we will discuss in detail in the article.
In the photo - a dwarf rabbit of the ram breed - one of the most popular among pet lovers
Today, a large number of decorative breeds have been bred, for example, ram, lion's head and many others, from which you can choose a cute pet with an unusual appearance or calm character. If you are determined to get such a pet, do not rush to go to the nursery. Before you bring your little animal home, take care in advance of the place where it will live - buy a cage and all the necessary equipment for it.
Why is the dwarf rabbit offended?
For any reason! I will list just a few reasons for resentment (but in fact there are many more):
* you took the rabbit for vaccination
* you put a harness on your pet and forced him to walk around in it (oh, horror!)
* you scolded a dwarf rabbit for some offense
* you trimmed the baby’s claws, washed him or, God forbid, installed a thermometer (you know where this thermometer is inserted)
* you brought another rabbit! (show this article to those who think that a dwarf rabbit needs a mate)
* you went on vacation and left the rabbit with someone else
So, what do you think of this introductory list?
It turns out that a dwarf rabbit can get offended for absolutely any reason! This does not mean that every pet will be offended by everything. Due to the characteristics and individuality of his character, he will choose what affects him. But in any case, you will experience unpleasant sensations.
Dimensions
The size of the cages directly depends on the size of the rabbit and how much time he has the opportunity to spend outside of it. A cage for a dwarf rabbit, which has the opportunity to walk at least four hours a day, can have minimum dimensions of 40x70 cm. If the animal cannot run free every day, you need a larger housing, from 45x85 cm and above.
Cages for decorative rabbits, given their more solid build, should be more spacious. For an animal that is allowed to run around, a dwelling measuring 45x80 cm is suitable, while a house limited in movement is 50x100 cm.
Note that, like an apartment, a cage is never big. The more spacious housing a rabbit breeder can buy for his pet, the better. The height of the cage is selected in such a way that the rabbit can stand in it on its hind legs in a column, this is 35-50 cm, it is not necessary to go higher so that the rabbits do not jump in it.
Features of keeping rabbits in an apartment
The apartment must be carefully prepared for the arrival of a new resident: remove all unnecessary items from the floor, because rabbits are charming rodents and will want to taste everything they can get their hands on.
Particular attention must be paid to low-lying wires: they will have to be removed completely or hidden in cable channels. The rabbit will most likely also pay attention to wallpaper, shoes and other household items.
Rabbit cage
A place to keep a rabbit should be selected in accordance with your own preferences and capabilities. This could be a cage, house or enclosure. A cage-free option is also possible, because rabbits are very active and mobile animals.
- The cage for keeping rabbits must be selected especially carefully. It is unacceptable to use a plastic cage to keep rabbits.
- Its size should be such that the rabbit can freely stand on its hind legs and not rest against the ceiling.
- A rabbit is a burrowing animal, so it is advisable to darken the part of the cage in which the animal will rest.
- This will ensure a restful sleep and also serve as a place to hide if the rabbit needs privacy.
- A separate part of the cage should be set up as a place for eating. A feeding trough, hay barn and drinking bowl are conveniently located here. The shape of the cell is not particularly important.
- Rabbits do not like drafts, this must be taken into account when choosing a place for it.
Feeder
Particular attention must be paid to the choice of feeder. You should not buy plastic utensils, they will become unusable very quickly. It is better to give preference to a heavy ceramic feeder. This option will avoid tipping over and the food will not end up under the rabbit’s feet. The feeder and drinker can also be hung from the bars of the cage or enclosure.
Cleaning the cage
The cage requires daily attention.
It’s not difficult and won’t take much time, you just need to:
- Replace old food and hay.
- Wash the drinking bowl and fill it with clean water.
- Replace bedding or litter.
At least once a week it is necessary to carry out general cleaning in the cage: more thoroughly wash and disinfect the dishes and the room. For disinfection, you should not use solutions that contain strong chemicals; they can easily get into the rabbit’s stomach or burn its mouth.
Feeding a decorative rabbit
All food necessary for the excellent well-being of a decorative rabbit can be divided into several categories:
- concentrated - cereals, legumes, bran, mixed feed;
- coarse - twig food and hay;
- animal feed – milk, various dairy products, fish oil;
- juicy - carrots, cabbage, green salad, cucumbers;
- mineral - bone meal, salt, chalk.
It is not recommended to feed rabbits with exotic vegetables and fruits (tangerines, bananas, etc.), green potatoes, beets, and dill. Young peas and beans can cause bloating. Yeast bread, cheese, seeds and various sweets should also not be given to rabbits.
Feeding standards for each rabbit are individual. Every day, observing how much the rabbit eats, whether there is food left in the feeder or there is nothing in it for the next feeding, it is necessary to increase or decrease the portion for the pet.
Rabbit fur care
A decorative rabbit must be combed twice a week. For this, a special brush or furminator is usually used. During the molting period, the down of rabbits must be monitored especially carefully. The combing procedure should bring pleasure not only to the pet, but also to its owner.
To avoid tangles and tangles in long-haired animals, you can use various hair care products and sprays. After such procedures, the fur of a decorative rabbit becomes beautiful, smooth and shiny.
Nail care
Unfortunately, living in an apartment is unnatural for a rabbit, so from time to time it becomes necessary to cut your pet’s nails.
Of course, in this situation it is preferable to trust a specialist and take your rabbit to the veterinarian. But you can learn to perform these procedures at home.
Breed selection
Having decided to get a baby rabbit, you first need to decide on the breed. There are a lot of them and each has its own characteristics. Consider the popular breeds of decorative rabbits:
- Angora;
- Hermelinas;
- Dwarf foxes;
- Dwarf ram;
- Dwarf rex.
Angora rabbits have long and fluffy fur. There are several varieties of the breed - Belgian, French, Australian and German Angora rabbits. Belgians have the longest fur, reaching a length of 8 cm. Fluffies have a playful and affectionate character.
The smallest representative of the rabbit kingdom is the Hermelin rabbit. The body weight of an adult animal rarely exceeds 1.2 kg. Its fur is thick, smooth, shiny, and the color is pure white. The pet's eyes can be blue or red. An excellent choice for families with children or single people.
Fox rabbits are attractive with their beautiful long orange fur. These are cute miniature animals with an easy-going character. If you are going to have such a rabbit in your apartment, you should be prepared to constantly comb its fur, otherwise there will be tangles on it that will have to be cut off.
Attention! In rare cases, fox rabbits show aggression.
The dwarf ram is a lop-eared representative of the rabbit kingdom. These animals are somewhat larger than the breeds listed above, their body weight reaches 1.8-2 kg, sometimes a little more. The dwarf ram has beautiful short but thick wool of different colors. Its ears reach a length of 28 cm. Its character is calm and peaceful. This breed is suitable for families with children.
Dwarf rex
The dwarf rex is an animal with short hair. These animals are cute and funny, they love affection. An ideal choice for those who do not have a lot of time to care for their coat.
Caring for a cat after castration in the first hours
After castration, a cat needs special care. Most veterinary clinics provide post-operative hospital services. In a special box with optimal climatic conditions, the operated pet is observed until it completely recovers from anesthesia. Once convinced that the cat’s condition is satisfactory, it is handed over to its owners.
Care in the first hours after castration comes down to monitoring your pets
If such a service is not available in the clinic or castration is performed at home, it is important to follow the following care recommendations:
To transport a cat after castration, it is recommended to use a loose carrier with a folding top and an absorbent diaper on the bottom. It is forbidden to transport an operated pet in your arms or in a car seat, as when waking up from anesthesia, it can harm itself or its owner. During transportation and further postoperative stay, the cat is placed on its side; It is recommended to lay an anesthetized, operated cat on the floor, since when it comes to its senses, it may fall off the table/sofa/bed. A common symptom of anesthesia sleep is uncontrollable urination. Using an absorbent diaper placed on the floor under the pet will make it much easier to eliminate such a nuisance; During anesthetized sleep, body temperature drops by 1-1.5°, so to prevent hypothermia, the operated pet is placed next to a heating radiator. It is strictly forbidden to place animals near electrical appliances with an open heating element. Instead of a battery, you can use a heating pad or a plastic bottle with hot, but not boiling water, which is placed next to the cat under a bedding or blanket
It is important that the heat does not come into contact with the cat's perineum, as this will cause bleeding. During the warm season, no additional warming procedure is required; for a more comfortable awakening from anesthesia sleep, it is recommended to close the curtains on the windows, since bright sunlight causes irritation of the optic nerve; Anesthesia sleep lasts from 15 to 120 minutes. depending on the method of administration and dose of the drug
During this time, it is necessary to monitor the cat so that it does not bury its nose in anything and suffocate. In addition, cats in this condition do not blink, which can cause the cornea to dry out. It is recommended to drip sterile saline solution, contact lens liquid, or eye drops without antibiotics into the eyes several times;
A protective collar will prevent your pet from licking the wound, further irritating it.
- Often waking up after anesthesia causes aggression in the pet. Therefore, it is recommended to provide the cat with complete rest for 24 hours, limiting access to him by other animals or children. It is forbidden to forcefully wake up your pet. Depending on the individual characteristics, after waking up, the cat may experience an unsteady gait, vomiting, involuntary urination, and a lethargic and drowsy state. This condition can last up to 8 hours, which is normal and should not cause concern;
- the wound on the scrotum after castration is not sutured, so it is recommended to minimize the amount of filler in the tray or replace it with absorbent paper. This will prevent the ingress of small filler particles and subsequent complications;
- A few hours after surgery, there may be slight bleeding from the incision, which is normal and safe for the cat. You can lightly dry the wound with a gauze cloth. In case of significant bleeding of more than 1 ml, you should urgently contact the doctor who performed the operation;
- Medicines prescribed by a veterinarian will help relieve pain. You can tell that a cat needs pain medication by dilated pupils, meowing, pursed paws, and aggression when attempting contact;
- You can prevent the possibility of damage to the healing incision by the cat’s rough tongue during hygiene by wearing a protective collar around the neck for several days. Such a product will limit the cat’s access to the wound without affecting food intake in any way.
Note! Veterinarians recommend castration in the fall or winter months, as during this period the likelihood of infection of the incision during rehabilitation is lower. In the summer, as a preventive measure for infection, the doctor prescribes a 5-day course of antibiotic treatment.
Breeding
The issue of breeding rabbits is relevant only for exotic breeds
The issue of breeding decorative rabbits is relevant, as a rule, only for owners of rare, elite breeds and those who sell them.
How to determine gender and when puberty begins
Sex differences in rabbits become more obvious with age
Determining the sex of a pet is the first thing an inexperienced breeder will have to deal with. Here are some simple tips.
- The smaller the rabbit, the more difficult it is to determine its gender. Sexual characteristics become more obvious by 2 months of age;
- Boys are usually smaller in size than girls of the same age;
- The head of a male decorative rabbit is short and square in shape, while that of a female is elongated and narrow;
- Differences in genital organs.
To examine the genitals, the animal turns over onto its back. Carefully, moving away from you, spread your hind legs to the sides. The tail is pulled behind the back. Use the pad of your finger to apply light pressure to the area near the base of the tail. The female will have a visible genital slit. The male has a round opening, more distant from the anus than the female. Also, an older male will have noticeable testicles - pink, elongated swellings. If you press on the abdomen in the area of the genitals, a pink or white organ will become noticeable - the final proof that this is a boy.
Puberty in rabbits occurs at 7-8 months of age, but sexual play begins much earlier - at 4 months. During this time, experienced breeders advise giving the animal a toy of a suitable size “for training.”
The following changes in behavior indicate that they are ready to reproduce:
- "marks" of the territory;
- increased aggressiveness;
- excessive activity;
- digging;
- desire to “build” a nest, raking litter;
- scattering of feed and feces.
Mating
Rabbits get pregnant very easily
For mating, the female is placed next to the male. If you do the opposite, the gentleman, instead of engaging with the lady, will begin to study the new cage and the environment around him, ignoring his direct responsibilities.
After the first mating, the female is not immediately taken away “from the guests”, but is given another hour or two for repeated matings. A day later, the lady again goes to the gentleman.
If the female rabbit is not ready to mate, she will run away from the male and not give in, angrily thumping her hind legs.
Pregnancy
There are 3 ways to determine whether a rabbit is pregnant or not.
Method number 1 - Attempt to re-pair.
Pregnancy of a female is determined by her indifferent attitude towards the male. When trying to mate, she will resist, will chase the gentleman and growl at him if she is already pregnant.
But this sign does not always work. There are female rabbits who are happy to mate while being 100% pregnant.
Method number 2 - Palpation of the abdomen
Feeling the belly of a potential mother - the rabbits feel like small balls.
This is done extremely carefully. And if there is no experience, so as not to harm future offspring, it is better to entrust palpation to a specialist.
Method number 3 - Observation of behavior
A pregnant rabbit has an increased appetite. This symptom becomes especially obvious in the last weeks of pregnancy.
But this sign also fails. There are female rabbits who do not show an increase in appetite and even begin to throw food out of the feeder.
Pregnancy lasts about a month. During this period, it is important to provide the expectant mother with high-quality and balanced nutrition with a high calcium content. Rest is also necessary for a pregnant rabbit. Her cage should be located in a quiet place, away from the male's cage.
A week before the expected birth, the rabbit should not be allowed to go for a walk. The cage should be equipped with a house, if there was none before, and the cage itself should be disinfected.
The mother's behavior will signal the approaching birth. She will begin to make a nest - putting hay in her mouth, plucking the fluff on her chest.
If everything goes well, the mother rabbit will give the world 2 to 5 decorative rabbits.
The degree of fatness of newborn rabbits determines their health. The baby's tummy should be tight, without folds.
How to care for newborn rabbits
This is how helpless newborn rabbits look
The ideal option is natural, conceived by nature, when the mother herself feeds her offspring. But there are unforeseen circumstances in the form of the death of a rabbit during childbirth or the maternal instinct not manifesting itself. In this case, artificial milk for kittens or puppies can replace mother's milk. It is considered the closest in composition to rabbit.
Cow's milk, even skim milk, is completely unsuitable for feeding newborn rabbits. It is too poor in composition and nutritional value for this.
Milk is given to babies using a pipette pulled onto a syringe without a needle.
If the mother’s milk supply is fine, then the offspring are not taken away from her until 1.5 months of age.
Is it possible to grab it by the withers?
If you look at the photo below, you will see that it is also not recommended to take an animal by a fold of skin on the neck or back. This is not as dangerous as in the case of the ears, but there are other, safer ways.
The fact that this method is more comfortable for the animal is evidenced by the fact that, as a rule, in this situation it does not break out or scratch. Most often, the crawl simply hangs down, while its neck and head are pulled back somewhat.If you use this method of lifting, then you must support the crawl’s body in the sacrum area with your second hand.
By the way, it is by the withers that the rabbits are carried by their parents. Some rabbit breeders advise holding animals with both hands at the same time: one in the neck area, the other in the back area. This way it will be in a horizontal position, and the body weight will be evenly distributed.
Maintenance at the dacha
With the onset of spring, many owners begin to travel outside the city to their dachas. Before taking your pet with you on a trip, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Remember that rabbits are not only cute in appearance, but also extremely gentle animals. Therefore, it is not recommended to transport them from place to place unless absolutely necessary. They do not tolerate stuffiness and heat well, and air conditioning can cause colds. Stress will also have a detrimental effect on your pet’s well-being. Therefore, if your stay at the dacha is short (up to five days), it is better to leave the rabbit at home.
When keeping a pet at your dacha, take care to protect it from other animals.
Being in nature is fraught with many dangers, so you should adhere to the following recommendations:
- limit contact of the fluffy with other animals, for example, dogs, cats, birds;
- make sure that your pet does not dig up and eat the roots of plants, for example, tulips, daffodils or peonies, that contain substances that are toxic to him;
- install a portable enclosure, placing it in the shade and covering it with netting.
Difference from sterilization
Castration of rabbits is an operation as a result of which they are deprived of the opportunity to have offspring. Spaying rabbits is sometimes called neutering, but there is a significant difference between the two. Since sterilization does not involve resection of any organs, the ability to reproduce disappears, but the natural desire to mate remains.
Sterilization of rabbits involves bandaging. In this case, the reproductive organs are ligated - in females the fallopian tubes, and in males the seminal ducts. The behavior of animals during certain periods remains aggressive and unpleasant.
Unlike sterilization, castration of rabbits immediately solves all problems that have arisen. The result of castration of rabbits is the absence of pregnancy. Their behavior also changes - they stop falling into a state of hunting, that is, the natural desire to mate disappears. Even during the mating season, their behavior continues to remain calm.
The essence of castration of rabbits is to cut off the ovaries in females and the testicles in males. You can have your rabbit castrated by professionals or by yourself.
conclusions
- Decorative rabbits are more demanding in maintenance and care than ordinary ones. They are also very picky eaters and need proper nutrition.
- Decorative rabbits can be kept and bred for sale or for keeping in an apartment.
- It is important to constantly maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the cages made, as well as take preventive measures against common diseases.
- Aggression during puberty can be stopped with castration and specialized toys.
Accommodation features: rabbit house
If you decide to get rabbits and create a mini-farm in the village, then at the first stage you need to take care of their place of residence. A ready-made room for a rabbitry is created or used. The animals will be housed more compactly in 2-tier cages. Keeping rabbits indoors is more convenient and rational. Drafts and dampness, prolonged exposure to the sun should be avoided, but ventilation should be provided.
Outdoor home cage option
For a pet, the cage is placed away from heating appliances. If you raise a rabbit in a hot room, the rabbit will experience constant thirst and its health will worsen. It is not recommended to keep him in a cage all the time. In order for the indoor pet to feel good, it is allowed to run around the apartment.
Longer stay for pets - their cage
Keeping an animal’s “house” clean is an important condition for its health. Dirt and urine cause diseases of the respiratory system and eyes, so the tray is cleaned three times a week
Once a week, wash thoroughly using disinfectants.
Portable cage option
Feeders, drinking bowls, and hay mangers should be placed in the cage. They need to be well secured so that the animals cannot spill water or contaminate the food. They need to be washed as often as possible.
Animals love to eat indoor flowers. It is necessary to remove poisonous plants from the apartment, install the rest on cabinets or hang them in flower pots.
Is it possible to keep rodents together with chickens? Their cohabitation is possible only if there are no other options. Although they are completely different species, they have common diseases. In addition, the “eared” ones feel uncomfortable in the company of noisy and hectic hens. Therefore, keeping chickens and rabbits together is not recommended.
Games and entertainment
It is necessary not only to periodically let rabbits out of the cage to walk around the apartment, but also to offer them games. An animal left unattended can not only chew furniture and wallpaper, but also cause harm to itself, for example, by biting wires. Therefore, take care of entertainment in advance in the form of:
- special toys that are sold in pet stores and are intended for dogs and cats (rubber bone, ball with a bell, etc.);
- a running ring installed in a cage;
- a walking ball for traveling around the apartment;
- cardboard box with cut-out entrances and exits;
- paper cylinders left over from using toilet paper.
Domestic rabbits are willing to be handled and love to be stroked and scratched.
Another option is to build a special enclosure for walking, where the animal will be provided not only with space, but also with safety.
Rules for treating rabbits at home
To cure a pet, owners use both chemicals and traditional medicine.
Medications
To treat purulent otitis media, antibiotics are used. Good results are observed when using Chloramphenicol and Bicillin. Ciprofloxacin is also used to treat otitis of the inner ear. The course of treatment usually lasts about one and a half months.
To rid the animal of ear mites, local treatment in the form of ointments is prescribed. First of all, the skin is cleaned of crusts and scabs, lubricating the damaged areas with Psoroptol spray. In case of severe spread of the disease, the veterinarian may prescribe subcutaneous injections of the drug “Baymek” and “Decta” drops.
It is also effective to use aerosols in the treatment of psoroptosis. A solution containing chlorophos, neocidol, sulfidophose and cyodrine is sprayed from a distance of 15-20 cm for several seconds. In this case, it is necessary that the medicine gets on the inside of the ear, and the eyes, nose and mouth of the animal are closed.
Folk remedies
Such treatment methods are effective in the initial stages of diseases. If your pets are affected by ticks, you can use camphor oil to irrigate the affected ear areas. The substance is drawn into a syringe without a needle and the skin is carefully treated. You can also use turpentine.
Expert opinion
Zarechny Maxim Valerievich
Agronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best country expert.
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Important! To treat leather, turpentine is diluted with vegetable oil (castor, olive, sunflower) in a ratio of 1:2. It is folk remedies that allow you to gently remove crusts and scabs from the surface of the skin.
A common recipe: glycerin is diluted with iodine in a ratio of 4:1 and the crusts are lubricated once a day (2-3 days). Thanks to iodine, sores are also disinfected. You can also use a mixture of glycerin, kerosene and vegetable oil, taken in equal parts
It is folk remedies that allow you to gently remove crusts and scabs from the surface of the skin. A common recipe: glycerin is diluted with iodine in a ratio of 4:1 and the crusts are lubricated once a day (2-3 days). Thanks to iodine, sores are also disinfected. You can also use a mixture of glycerin, kerosene and vegetable oil, taken in equal parts.
How to properly trim the claws of decorative rabbits at homeRead
Character and education of rabbits
The decorative rabbit has a very sweet and calm character. This animal is shy, but over time it gets used to its home and owner. When he is completely comfortable, there will be no limit to curiosity. In order to tame and not frighten your pet, in the first days after acquiring it you need to leave it alone for a while. It is then lightly stroked while eating. If the rabbit stops curling up when touched, you can lightly pick it up.
Is it worth having a small decorative rabbit in a house where there is a dog or cat? It is undesirable to do this, because dogs and cats are predators and may consider the rabbit as prey. Even if they don’t eat your new friend, they will happily chase you around the apartment, scaring you to death. The furry animal will become stressed and may even die. It is also not recommended to have a baby rabbit for a child who is too young; it can torture him. It is better to buy this animal for a schoolchild.
The intelligence of decorative rabbits is quite high. They can be trained to go to the litter box. To do this, place the container in the corner where the animal most often relieves itself. You can put bedding marked with rabbit urine inside. When you think your baby wants to go to the toilet, put him in the tray. After a few sittings, he will learn to go to the toilet on his own. You can place the tray on the wall opposite the feeder; rabbits often move and empty themselves at the same time.
A domestic eared pet is capable of mastering simple tricks. He is taught to jump through a hoop or other obstacle, and to respond to a nickname. Take the hoop in your hands, place it in front of the animal, and on the other side hold a treat in your hand. When the little rabbit jumps through the hoop, give him a treat and pat him on the back. The same applies to nicknames. They say the rabbit's name at the same time and at the same time hand out the tasty treat. You can train a rabbit only with positive encouragement and in no case should you beat it so that it does not become too timid.
How to care for decorative rabbits - choosing a cage
Selecting a location
You should not place a cage with a rabbit next to the air conditioner or near the radiator. The optimal temperature for rabbits to live is +20° Celsius. Animals experience stress from loud noise, bright sunlight and being around other pets.
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Arrangement
Rabbit feeders
There are several rules for choosing a rabbit feeder:
The container needs to be as easy to use as possible: so that it can be quickly removed and reattached and cleaned. Pay attention to the capacity of the feeder. Keep in mind that the feed mixture will be poured in for a long time, so the container must be large enough. Make sure there are no burrs, sharp cutting edges, or dangerous corners on the feeders.
Drinking bowls
The choice of devices for watering rabbits should be based on several basic criteria:
the drinking bowl must stand steadily on the surface so as not to overturn and contaminate the surface of the rabbitry; there should always be plenty of water in the drinker, therefore, it is advisable that the device is replenished automatically; it is important to maintain the purity of the water in the device, therefore, it is best to use a closed type of drinker; The material from which drinkers are made must be non-toxic.
Keeping the cage clean
Cleanliness is the key to health, and since rabbits are quite clean animals, it is recommended to disinfect them twice a year.
Rabbits love dandelions and clover
Cell location
The location where the cell will be located is selected taking into account the following two criteria:
- absence of a battery or heater nearby (the temperature near the house should be no more than + 20 degrees);
- complete protection from drafts (many fluffies are sensitive to the slightest breath of wind).
The cage is a place where the rabbit should rest peacefully. Therefore, it is best for it to lean against the wall on one side, so the baby will feel protected.
The cage should not be installed near a TV, computer or stereo system. Loud noises will scare the baby.
Bright light, noise, and the constant attention of children and other pets can also have a negative impact on the animal’s psyche.
A nursery, hallway, kitchen are not the most suitable places to place a rabbit. But the baby will be comfortable in the bedroom or living room, and in the summer on the glassed-in loggia, if it is not very hot there.
Rabbit nutrition
The main diet of rodents consists of the following products:
- hay;
- compound feed;
- twig food;
- green juicy food;
- mineral stones;
- pure water.
Combined mixtures already contain all the nutritional components necessary for individuals. So, small rabbits are given a tablespoon of feed three times a day. Adult pets are fed twice a day, but they already need one and a half to two tablespoons of food at a time.
Grass pellets for rabbits
It is not recommended to feed rabbits that rarely leave their cages with large amounts of feed - this provokes obesity in individuals
It is important to ensure that there is always a lot of hay in the rabbits’ cage, because its consumption has the best effect on the digestion of rodents
Branch food is not only a source of valuable microelements, but also allows rabbits to grind their teeth. It is allowed to give pets branches of the following trees:
- pears;
- apple trees;
- birch;
- linden;
- aspen;
- maple;
- poplars;
- oak
In the summer, it is recommended to feed your pets with green branches with leaves, and in winter with coniferous branches. Any branches must first be thoroughly washed to remove dirt (if necessary, soak in boiling water) and then dried.
Branch food is good for pets
As a source of minerals, rabbits are fed chalk and given salt and vitamin stones. You can purchase such additives at any pet store, but if the number of rabbits is large, it will be more profitable to order the products in bulk from a farm warehouse.
Pets should always have fresh water in their drinking bowls; it should be changed before each feeding.
In the warm season, animals are allowed to be fed with herbs:
- mouse peas;
- clover;
- alfalfa;
- yarrow;
- chamomile;
- nettle.
It is not recommended to feed rodents parsley or dill - these herbs contain many essential oils that do not have the best effect on the digestion of rabbits.
Rabbits are often fed dried grass
Another traditional food for decorative rabbits are vegetables: carrots, beets, cucumbers, melons, zucchini, potatoes (the latter is best given boiled).
It is better to cut vegetables into pieces
It is worth noting that a sudden change in food often causes digestive upset in rodents, so any new products must be introduced gradually so that the rabbit’s body gets used to it.
It is worth highlighting some food that is dangerous for rabbits, and in particular grass. Therefore, when cutting hay, you need to be careful to prevent the following herbs from getting into the general pile:
- wormwood;
- milkweed;
- celandine;
- Datura.
Recipe for treats for rabbits: step-by-step instructions
Step one: we need to prepare all the ingredients for the treat. You will need 50 grams of combined food, 2 tablespoons of oatmeal, water and grated zucchini (you can take any fruit or vegetable).
You need to grate the vegetable using a medium grater.
Step two: now you should grind the food and rolled oats in a coffee grinder.
Grind until smooth
Step three: then all this must be poured into a common bowl and filled with warm water.
You must also add zucchini to the resulting mixture.
Step four: from this mass you need to knead a kind of dough, and then divide it and form figures.
The result will be cookies that are readily consumed by decorative rabbits and any other rodents.
This delicacy should be distributed in portions among all individuals, and it is better to remove the pieces that are not eaten during the day from the cage, because they can turn sour.
Walks
Kitten rabbits kept indoors often suffer from vitamin D deficiency because they are not kept outside. Walking in the fresh air is good for health, but only in dry, windless weather and in a secluded place.
It’s good if the pet owner has a summer cottage with a green yard, where you can install a spacious enclosure for a pet with ears. The main thing is that it is partially in the shade of trees.
There is no special place in the city for walking a decorative rabbit, except in park areas. However, in such places there is a high probability of encountering the excrement of stray cats and dogs. The courtyards of high-rise buildings are too noisy - a timid rabbit is unlikely to appreciate a walk in such conditions. If there is a quiet place with a green lawn near your house, you can walk your pet on a harness. But in this case, the risk of infection with skin parasites - fleas, ticks and helminths cannot be excluded.
Basic care requirements
A rabbit is a mobile animal that needs activity. For walks, he is wearing a harness (collar with leash). In order not to scare the animal, the harness must be put on carefully and slowly. The harness is not tightened, but fastened, otherwise the rabbit may strangle itself out of fear.
Before purchasing a pet, carefully study the question of how to properly care for rabbits. There are many important care techniques, without which the animal will feel uncomfortable.
Nail trimming
When kept in grazing conditions, the claws grind down on their own, but in apartment conditions this is impossible. The cutting technique is simple; the claws can be cut with clippers. The procedure is carried out regularly: the claws are cut once a month. Trimmed claws are neatly filed
Trim them carefully as they contain capillaries
Vaccination
Furry pets are susceptible to various diseases, so vaccination is very important. Vaccines are administered at one and a half months of life, when the baby rabbit weighs 0.5 kg. It is necessary to vaccinate rabbits during this period.
Fur care
The animal's fur needs daily care (even during molting) so that tangles do not form in the fur. Hair mats quickly, so use a comb or slicker for cats or dogs. Wool often gets into the animal's stomach, clogging the intestines. This is the most dangerous disease that can be prevented by caring for your fur.
Bathing a rabbit
Is it possible to bathe rabbits? A furry pet does not need this procedure when it is at home. Yes, and washing it is not so easy. If the rabbit is very dirty, then bathing is necessary. The process of taming to this procedure is impossible. If the contamination is partial, then wipe the dirty area with a damp cloth.
Grinding down teeth
An animal's teeth grow throughout its life, and caring for a rabbit at home involves regularly grinding them down. Teeth are ground down using:
- Special feed;
- Hard vegetables;
- Branches of fruit trees;
- Special sticks with vitamins and cereals, toys.
Castration
Castrating a rabbit at home involves removing the male reproductive organs. Sterilization is a necessary procedure that helps:
- Increase their growth by 20% without additional costs for feed;
- Keep males in one cage;
- Indoor rabbits stop breeding;
- Increase their lifespan.
Castration of rabbits promotes their calmer behavior: they are not aggressive and do not bite. They are neutered between the ages of 4 months and 2 years.
Disease Prevention
It is impossible to provide good care for a decorative rabbit if you do not protect it from deadly diseases. These include:
- pasteurellosis;
- coccidiosis;
- myxomatosis;
- viral hemorrhagic disease.
Before handing over a baby rabbit to new owners, breeders must vaccinate it. The first vaccination is carried out at the age of 40-45 days, then according to the schedule.
Caring for a rabbit also includes deworming. Even if your pet does not have an outdoor run, there is still a risk of infection with worms and protozoa. For this reason, veterinarians recommend feeding the animal with anthelmintic drugs 1-2 times a year for prevention.
Sex question
They love this business.
Puberty of an individual causes a lot of problems for the owner. Rabbits become aggressive, they can start hovering around arms or legs and bite, they stop going to the designated “toilet”, males “mark” the territory, and females build a nest.
During this period they cannot be mated, they are too small (they are 4 months old), so you need to:
- Be patient;
- Buy thick socks and gloves;
- Train to the tray again;
- Buy an eared toy (friend) for sexual intercourse;
- Castrate the male and sterilize the female.
Over time, periods of “wanting” will be less aggressive. Remember, caring for and maintaining a pet is a pleasant experience. The better the care for an ornamental individual, the longer it lives.
Conclusion
A decorative rabbit will bring its owner a lot of positive emotions if the pet is properly kept with love. A gentle fluffy nose pressing against your cheek and soft ears trembling under your hand are amazing!
