Unit 3: Rabbits - General (Cram)

What is the genus species of the domestic rabbits?

Oryctolagus cuniculus

What is the order rabbits belong to?

Lagomorpha

What family do rabbits belong to?

Leporidae

What are the three sizes of rabbits?

1. Small: <2kg

2. Medium: 2–5kg

3. Large: >5kg

What are the five rabbit breeds used in research?

1. Dutch

2. Polish

3. Californian

4. New Zealand Red

5. New Zealand White

Which rabbit breed used in research is the most common?

New Zealand White

What breed of research (and pet) rabbit is this?

Californian

What breed of research (and pet) rabbit is this?

Dutch

What breed of research rabbit is this?

New Zealand Red

What breed of research (and pet) rabbit is this?

New Zealand White

What breed of research rabbit is this?

Polish

What are the nine rabbit breeds seen in practice?

1. Angora

2. Californian

3. Checkered giant

4. Dutch

5. Himalayan

6. Holland lop

7. Mini–lop

8. New Zealand White

9. Rex

What breed of pet rabbit is this?

Rex

What breed of pet rabbit is this?

Mini–lop

What breed of pet rabbit is this?

Holland lop

Which breed is larger: holland lop or mini–lop?

Mini–lop is larger!

What breed of pet rabbit is this?

Angora

What breed of pet rabbit is this?

Checkered giant

What breed of pet rabbit is this?

Himalayan

Term for a rabbit burrow

Warren

Term for the time of day that rabbits are active

Crepuscular

What are the two kinds of scent glands that both male and female rabbits have?

1. Submandibular

2. Inguinal

Sound rabbit makes when aggressive

Growl

Sound rabbit makes when in pain or frightened (very loud and piercing)

Scream

Sound rabbit makes as a sign of contentment. It is a light and quick grinding of the teeth and whisker movement.

Purring or tooth purring

Sound used to get food or attention. May also be heard during courtship

Oinking or honking

Fretting noise that may be heard during handling. More often heard in pseudopregnant or pregnant does

Whimpering or low squealing

Behaviour of rubbing the submandibular scent glands under the chin on inanimate objects and people. Used to mark

Chinning

What are some behaviours that may be seen when rabbits are settling down to relax or groom?

Head shaking, ear shaking, or body shuddering

What are some sexual behaviours of rabbits?

Circling and honking

Fear response behaviour

Flattening

Alarm or warning behaviour

Thumping

Slow and loud sound indicating discomfort or pain

Teeth grinding

What is the lifespan of rabbits?

8–12 years

What is the gestation of rabbits?

30–32 days

What is the litter size of rabbits?

4–8 kits

What is the age rabbits are weaned?

4–6 weeks

What is the normal temperature of rabbits?

38–40C

What is the dental formula for rabbits?

2(I2/1, C0/0, P3/2, M3/3)

How many teeth do rabbits have in total?

28

Is rabbit urine alkaline or acidic?

Alkaline (pH 8.2)

Why are rabbits unable to vomit?

Well–developed cardiac sphincter

What condition can develop if a rabbit goes off feed for even 24 hours, or if a diet is too low in protein?

GI stasis (do not fast rabbits before procedures)

Due to rabbits caudal epiglottis, what are rabbits prone to?

Laryngospasms

Term for the nocturnal feces rabbits will eat to have a more efficient use of forage proteins

Cecotropes

How many nipples do female rabbits have?

8–10 nipples

Is timothy hay or alfalfa more recommended for rabbits, why?

Timothy hay. Alfalfa has too much protein and can result in diarrhea or bladder stones

How is appropriate cage size measured for rabbits?

3 complete hops, can stand on their hind legs and completely lay down