What is the difference between a dwarf rabbit and a decorative one?
So that, as an adult, the rabbit does not surprise you with its size, you should ask the seller for a certificate
People often wonder: what is the difference between dwarf rabbits and decorative ones. First of all, these are the sizes. When ornamental animals grow up, they can become very large.
But in childhood, all rabbits are small, and it is difficult to independently distinguish a dwarf individual. To avoid mistakes, you need to ask the seller or breeder to present a certificate or show the parents of the future pet.
Walks
Care first, and only then walks!
Walking in the fresh air is beneficial not only for the rabbit, but also for its owner. Required containment conditions:
- Vaccination has been completed in full.
- Reached four months of age.
- You can put a harness on the animal.
Before the “season” of walking begins, it is necessary to accustom him to a leash. Remember, you cannot wear a collar, only a harness. The owner will have to be patient; the process of leash training is not easy and long. First, put the harness on your pet for a few minutes, and then gradually increase the time. Start your walks in a quiet place, where the rabbit will not be afraid. Otherwise, the first stress on the street will put an end to walks.
Breeds and general description
You will be surprised, but this is exactly what a dwarf ram looks like
When the decision to have a dwarf rabbit has been made, you need to decide on the choice of breed. Such animals are colored and white, and their weight ranges from 700 g to 3 kg.
The following breeds can be found in nurseries and pet stores:
- Dwarf ram;
- Dwarf rex;
- Foxy dwarf rabbit;
- Angora dwarf rabbit;
- Japanese dwarf rabbit;
- Dwarf hare;
- Dwarf rabbit Hermelin;
- Dutch dwarf rabbit.
Angora rabbits are particularly fluffy
Both the appearance and character of the animals depend on the purity of the breed. Some long-eared ones resemble a ball and are very peaceful, while others have rather short fur and a more aggressive character. So, first of all, the animal must evoke sympathy.
Angora lion
The rabbit has the longest hair. It is present on the ears, which is quite unusual for rabbits. There is less hair on the muzzle than on the rest of the body. If you notice that the fur has begun to fall over the rabbit’s eyes and is preventing him from looking, then the hair needs to be cut. A common lion color is reddish-brown.
This decorative species has a calm disposition. They do not show causeless aggression. Not fussy, but does not welcome excessive activity.
Pros and cons of content
Dwarf rabbits are affectionate and clean, but very susceptible to disease
There are advantages and disadvantages to owning these small, cute animals. Let's start with the pros:
- Cleanliness. Dwarf long-eared cats quickly become accustomed to the litter box, and there is very little litter from them in the apartment.
- These are affectionate, kind pets that immediately become attached to their owners. When they are happy, they click their teeth funny and make pleasant sounds.
- Rabbits are unpretentious in care and nutrition, and their maintenance is quite inexpensive.
The main disadvantage of animals is their pain. They can fall ill not only from infection, but also from sadness. Frequent visits to the veterinarian can take a lot of effort and time. Another disadvantage is the problem of constantly gnawing on something. Buying toys will help solve the problem: the rest of the things in the house will remain intact.
It is also worth considering that each rabbit, despite its small stature, is a personality. They are very touchy and remember bad treatment for a long time.
Varieties
Breeders all over the world tried to create their own animal with floppy ears, which is why there were so many breeds. Among them there are both dwarf and rather large specimens.
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Care and maintenance at home
Keeping long-eared pets is not particularly difficult. It is important to choose a healthy animal and prepare a suitable room for it. It should be well ventilated, but without drafts. Heat is also contraindicated for rabbits; they cannot be placed near a radiator.
It is better to buy a cage with galvanized metal rods. Two males will not get along in it, but females or rabbits of different sexes can be placed together. Of course, the size of such a house should be larger.
Many breeders are afraid of unpleasant odors. If you properly care for animals, they will not exist. At the bottom of the cage, it is necessary to pour bedding from pieces of newspapers, sawdust or straw in time. These materials absorb odors well and can be quickly removed.
Long-eared dogs with thick hair need to be brushed regularly. In addition, approximately once every 3 weeks your pet needs to have its claws trimmed.
What to feed a dwarf rabbit
Dwarf rabbits can eat up to 30 times a day
Dwarf rabbits are big eaters: they eat up to 30 times per day. The owners must provide them with adequate nutrition and not restrict food, otherwise they can harm the digestive system. The food that the animal eats is quickly digested and reaches the intestines only after the next meal.
A pet's diet should be varied. It is better if it is based on ready-made balanced food from pet stores. You can also give hay. If the eared dog refuses to eat it, the hay is slightly moistened with water and salt.
The menu must be supplemented with grass, including meadow grass, as well as bone meal and chalk - a long-eared animal cannot do without minerals. It is useful to give oats or wheat soaked in water, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Important: You can give cabbage, which rabbits love, but red cabbage is contraindicated for them.
Sometimes rabbits eat the waste left in the cage. There is no need to be afraid of this: they are harmless to long-eared animals.
Hygiene and bathing
You should only bathe babies if they are very dirty.
Since dwarf rabbits are very clean, there is no need for regular bathing. But if the baby gets very dirty at home or on a walk, it is better not to let him clean himself, but still give him a bath. The rest of the time, you should not expose your baby to stress. He will take care of his own skin, which is also replaced with a new one every six months.
Diseases and treatment
Vaccines and vaccinations are necessary for dwarf rabbits. These gentle creatures, even in comfortable room conditions, can catch a disease such as a cold or conjunctivitis. Both hypothermia and heat stroke are equally dangerous for them. Timely vaccinations will protect rabbits from infections and dangerous diseases such as rabies.
Therefore, the condition of pets must be constantly monitored. The following symptoms may indicate the disease:
- Vomiting, nausea, bloating.
- Loose stools or constipation.
- Belching, rumbling in the stomach, bad breath.
- Fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness.
Even if there are one or two symptoms, the baby should be shown to the veterinarian: delay can be disastrous for him.
Vaccination
The smallest rabbits are protected from diseases by maternal immunity. When they switch to adult food, the body weakens. Vaccinations can begin as early as the sixth week. Animals are vaccinated against rabies, salmonellosis, listeriosis and some other diseases.
Before vaccination, you need to prepare: take care of the prevention of helminthic infestation, monitor the pet’s health, and stop bathing it a week before.
Selecting a cage and accessories
Take care in advance of entertainment for the rabbit in the cage
The dwarf rabbit is a delicate and fragile breed, which must be taken into account when choosing a cage. It is desirable that each individual has its own house. Its size must be 4–5 times the size of an adult rabbit so that the animal can move. It is advisable that its rods be made of unpainted iron: when the baby gnaws on them, his health will not suffer . It is better to choose a plastic pallet.
It is worth taking care in advance about purchasing accessories: tray, feeder, drinking bowl, toys. You also need to buy a manger into which hay will be poured. This is necessary because it quickly deteriorates on the floor.
Breeding dwarf rabbits
When breeding rabbits, the key is moderation.
A feature of decorative rabbits is the possibility of early mating. They reach sexual maturity in 6–9 months. At this time, the animals are ready to reproduce. At one time, a female rabbit brings on average 5–7 babies. Breeding rabbits too often is not recommended, as this may affect the quality of the offspring.
How to determine the sex of an animal
Rabbits aged one to two months are practically indistinguishable from each other. The sex of animals can only be determined from documents. The genitals will help determine it externally. The animal must be placed with its belly up on its hind legs. After this, the tail is raised and the genital organ is gently squeezed. The male will have a penis, while the female will have a pink triangle.
Mating and pregnancy
Be prepared that a female rabbit ready for mating will dramatically change her behavior
It is best to breed a dwarf rabbit under the age of one year . When she is ready to breed, her character changes dramatically. The female becomes restless and irritable. At this time, it’s time to place her in the male’s cage, where she will become more docile. Mating occurs almost immediately. Then the animals need to be left alone for a while, and then seated. A day after this, control mating occurs.
Pregnancy in females lasts on average 31 days. If the litter is small and the offspring are large, it may last longer. When there are many rabbits, their mother will give birth faster.
During the first two weeks, the female's diet does not need to be changed. Starting from the third week, the dose should be increased slightly. The menu of the expectant mother should include fruits and vegetables, especially cucumbers: they are believed to enhance lactation. But you still shouldn’t overfeed your rabbit.
How to care for newborn dwarf rabbits
Rabbits are born deaf, blind and require special care. Their mother will look after them, and the owners must provide her with conditions and additional food. It is necessary to prepare a warm place for the offspring in advance: if the rabbits are placed on the floor, they will die.
There is no point in disturbing the rabbit again: she may get scared and harm the newborns. But you will have to make sure that she is always full and does not eat the babies. There is no need to worry that the female spends little time with the children. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits do not sit with their offspring all the time, but only come to feed them.
Reproduction
For most owners, the issue of breeding decorative rabbits is not relevant. It is enough that one pet lives at home.
When choosing the sex of an animal, you should take into account that males are more aggressive and impulsive than females. The urine of males has a very unpleasant odor, especially noticeable when they exhibit the instinct to mark territory. To exclude the latter, it is necessary to take care of timely castration .
Rabbits are known for their fertility. Therefore, if you decide to breed animals, with proper care you can get up to 8 litters per year. As a rule, representatives of decorative and dwarf breeds are able to become parents from 6-7 months of age. Pregnancy lasts 31 days. During this period, caring for the rabbit does not change much, but the diet should be diversified by adding foods rich in vitamins to the diet.
Training and playing with your pet
Decorative rabbits just love to play
Dwarf rabbit breeds love to play and can learn some interesting tricks. They perceive training not as coercion, but as an opportunity to have fun. To achieve success, you need to eliminate negativity and aggression from the educational process. The best assistants in training will be praise and treating your pet with treats.
You should not start training your baby immediately after purchase. We need to give him a couple of months to adapt, after which he can begin training.
How to toilet train an animal
Accustoming a baby rabbit to a litter tray requires a lot of patience from the owner.
The little rabbit is gradually getting used to the toilet, but you will have to be a little patient. It is advisable to remember in which corner the breeder had the tray and place it there at home. It is worth asking the breeder for some used litter and mixing it with the old one. The pet will quickly find its native smell.
If the baby doesn't get into the tray, there's no need to swear. As soon as it becomes noticeable that your pet wants to go to the toilet, you must immediately put him in the litter tray. After a job done successfully, the animal should be praised. If you patiently train your pet to use the toilet day after day, the result will be achieved.
What to name a dwarf rabbit
Choosing a name for these affectionate creatures is not an easy task, because you want your pet to have the most beautiful one. At home, rabbits are called completely differently than on farms.
The name has a certain influence on the character of the pet. A rabbit whose nickname sounds soft has a more docile character than an animal with a harsh name. When choosing, you can take into account body type, color, and other appearance features.
For boys, the names Coal, Ryzhik, and Donut may be suitable. Popular rabbit names are Yasha, Fomka, Stepan. Female rabbits readily respond to the nicknames Bunny, Smokey, Pushinka. Girls with a proud, unapproachable character are given names such as Eva, Gerda, Magnolia.
To quickly accustom your baby to his name, you need to call him as often as possible . If the name is sonorous and short, there will be no problems.
