ALFS, L25: Rabbits

Given definition, answer w/ term

Lagamorphs

Wild Rabbit Behavior:

• Social animals that live in large groups in warrens/burrows

• Stay vigilent for predators, and they thump feet to alert others to dangers

• Dominant doe and buck:

  • Males: dominant

  • Females: dig burrow for nesting away from the warren

• Crepuscular – most active at dawn and dusk

• Highly developed body systems:

  • Dentition – constantly growing teeth

  • GI Tract – hindgut fermenters that engage in cecotrophy

  • Developed muscle mass, light skeletal frame

• High reproductive capacity

Domestic Rabbit Behavior:

• Generally speaking, they are:

  • More placid

  • Tolerant of handling

  • Less afraid of other species – will see themselves as dominant or equals to other pets

• Should NOT be housed alone, and paired based on their personalities

Pet rabbits pairings: (bunny bonds)

• Neutered female and neutered male (best chance)

• Neutered females

• Neutered males

Ferrets do not see significant morpholical changes, but with rabbits we are

There are over 60 rabbit breeds,

Ear Disease

• Bottom part of external ear canal fills with wax, and becomes infected and swelling

• puts pressure on ear drum causing it to ruptures

• requires surgery to fix

get a rabbit that can breath and with upright ears

Binky

leaping in the air with delight

Rabbits are naturally destructive and messy

soft.- naturally on soil, which is soft

absorbant - to absorb urine

dust free – dust predisposes them to respiratory disease

can ge tp ododermatitits on point of hock

pressure sores on the point of hocks

pressure from resting on hard surfaces for too long

arthritis can affect how they sit and —> pododermatitis as well (which can worsen)

GI stasis

Stress in rabbits can lead to _______ stasis

fruit cuses overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria

Rabbit teeth are open rooted, filled with germinal tissue (allowing it to continually grow)

side to side motion as they chew hay allows for constant wear in 2 ways - the mechanical motion of side to side, as well as the the duration it takes to break down and eat hay

museli and pellet fill a rabbit up without wearing down the teeth (it’s not a side to side motion, it’s an up and down movement and they’re able to eat it very quickly, and they feel physiologically full so less drive to eat

can lead to dental disease & sharp spurs

dental abscess

Provide both a bowl and bottle for water provision

if given option, rabits prwfer bowl over botel according to new study

yurvac given 6 months after nobiac

rabbit comes in every 6 months bc vaccines are staggered