Names
Female and Male rabbits
Doe and Buck
Breed
animals with similar physical characteristics
Fossils from when?
Found fossils nearly identical to rabbits 30 Million Years ago.
Housing?
Hutches: Size depends on size of rabbit
Wire cage bottoms: Common and fine for all breeds except the very large breeds (over 12 pounds)
Feeding
Commercial Rabbit food (Life Stage)
Fresh Fruits and Veggies
Grass Hay, Corn, Oats, Wheat Germ, Carrots, Apples, Beans for Treats
Do Not Feed Leaf Lettuce or other green vegetables.
High Water Content - will cause diarrhea and dehydration
The 2 names for a Baby Rabbit
Bunny and Kit
Molting
Shedding of fur
Domesticated rabbits come from where?
European Wild Rabbit
Housing care
Small rabbits: Need weekly cleaning
Large Rabbits: Need daily cleaning (ODOR is the biggest problem)
Eating
Hard feces are not eaten as much as the “night feces” (Soft form of feces that the rabbit puts out.)
Birthing/Litter
A group of Kits after Kindled by the same Doe
Gestation
the length of time a female is pregnant (28-31 days)
Why was trading rabbits important?
Needed for meat and pelts for clothing
Conditions
Temperature, Humidity, Ventilation, Proper Light, Absence of drafts
Never!!!
Never pick up by the ears or scruff of the neck.
Under 6 months
Junior
Lactation
production of milk
Uses of Rabbits
Meat, Fur or Wool, Laboratory use, Pets
Air/Lighting
Keep out of wind during winter and special care given when temperatures reach 80 degrees or more...Need fresh air
Keep the fur primed and 16 hours of light for breeding to occur
Approach rabbit by speaking to it
Stroke the rabbit from head to rear before picking up
Place one hand under belly and crest, with other hand placed under the rear
Over 6 months
Senior
Variety
subdivision of a breed, usually by distinguished by color
Why use Rabbits?
Reproduction rates are fast and easy
Still used today for research
Feeders- Tin or metal
Nesting box- for kindling and build a nest
Last 3 steps to handling
Remove the rabbit tail first so feet does not get caught on door
Tucking the head under the armpit- it will calm and will not try to escape
Place rabbit on rough surface (Never Smooth) – foot pads have fur on them and the rabbit can not get traction to move.