Rabbits

Varieties  Angora  Dwarf

Lop Flemish Giant

Characteristics Not rodents, Lagomorphs Do have continuously growing incisors Eat own feces to regain vitamins and proteins Do not have tear ducts Can live outside year round, but need protection from the elements (wind, rain, sun) Thump – stamp hind feet when excited

Housing Rabbits vary in size, so cage should allow them plenty of space to move around  Hutches (half wire, half wood), provide bedding on the wood portion  Wire cages (can cause sore hocks in larger rabbits)

Feeding  Pellets from pet store  Timothy Hay  Carrots, apples, green food or vegetables

Treats  Everybody loves a treat now and then, but to ensure your rabbits health they should be given only occasionally. Do not feed your rabbit items high in carbohydrates like breads, crackers, pasta, pretzels, cookies, chips, or cereal. Although branded for rabbits, many commercially-sold bunny treats are high in fat and sugar, such as yogurt chips, and should not be given. Never give chocolate as it is toxic to rabbits.  Fruit is the best option for a treat, but again you should give it only in small amounts because of the sugar content. We try to purchase organic fruits that we know are free of pesticides. Like vegetables, be sure that they are thoroughly washed.  Some fruits that rabbits enjoy include:  Strawberries  Raspberries  Bananas  Pineapple  Apples (no seeds)

Your rabbit may enjoy some of the following vegetables  :  Basil  Bok choy  Broccoli leaves (stems or tops can make rabbits gassy)  Carrot tops (carrots are high in calcium and should be given sparingly)  Celery  Cilantro  Clover  Collard greens  Dandelion leaves  Dill  Kale (sparingly)  Lettuce - romaine or dark leaf (no iceburg lettuce and no cabbage)  Mint  Mustard greens  Parsley  Water cress

Information  Sexual maturity 6-9 months  Gestation days (31 average)  Litter size 4-10  Wean 6-8 weeks  Lifespan 6 years

Gender ID – Apply pressure to the genital area, if genitals come out it is a male  rabbits.html rabbits.html  ›... › RabbitsRabbits

Health Problems  Broken back  Malocclusion – front teeth overgrown  Tyzzer’s disease – Bacteria, diarrhea high death loss  Sore hocks – sores on the bottom of the hind legs

Handling  Pet animal first  One hand on chest, one hand on rump  Carrying – tuck rabbits head under your arm and support the body  DO NOT LET ANIMAL JUMP OUT OF YOUR HANDS. THEIR BACKS BREAK EASILY