ANSC 307 rabbit lecture exam 4

rabbits order

lagomorph

How to Handle a Rabbit​

• Place one hand under the chest​

• Support their hind end and back legs with other hand​

• Hold the rabbit against your body​

• ”Football” method if rabbit is skittish​

• Scruff only for restraining

American Rabbit Breeder Association (ARBA)

51 recognized breeds

how do rabbit breeds differ 

Vary by ear conformation, coat color, hair length, size/frame​

lop

ears that point down

lionhead

long hair but not on ears

angora

long hair and on ears

dwarf

tiny body, tiny ears, point up

giant 

big body, big ears 

rabbit lifespan

8-12 years

rabbit weight and length

varies greatly by breed

rabbit sexual maturity for small breeds

3.5-5 months

rabbit sexual maturity for medium/large breeds

4-4.5 months

rabbit sexual maturity for giant

6-9 months

rabbits are what king of ovulators 

• induced 

• need stimulation on cervix from penis

• do not have regular estrus cycle

• can become pregnant immediately after birth

rabbit gestation

30-33 days

rabbit litter size

1-14 kittens or kits (6-7 average)

rabbit nutrition

• timothy hay 

• avoid alfalfa hay 

• too high in protein/calcium 

• commercial pellet diet

• important not to overfeed 

• dark, leafy greens

• cilantro 

• carrot tops 

• enage in coprophagy 

rabbit activity

• crepuscular

• need room to jump, run, gnaw, dig, explore

• social species but need a slow, supervised introduction to new rabbits

• can form bonded pairs

  • neutered male and spayed female more likely to bond

• need enrichment for mental stimulation

rabbit housing

• Open concept indoors is preferred​

• Need room to express natural behaviors​

• Incorporate an area of soft flooring if housing on hardwood or laminate surfaces ​

• Avoid wire cage bottoms ​

• Can be litter trained ​

• Provide a safe hiding place​

• Include a hay rack​

• Use heavy bowls for food to prevent tipping​

• Give fresh water each day via bottle or bowl​

• Include plenty of enrichment items to chew​

• Consider levels and obstacles/digging box