Small Animal Management Rabbits From foukeffa.org Written by Johanna Davis GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office To accompany the Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson 02421-6.1 July 2001

I. Terms Buck – male rabbit Doe – female rabbit Bunny – baby rabbit Kit – baby rabbit Kindle – giving birth

(terms cont.) F. Litter – group of young kindled by the same doe Junior – rabbit under 6 months Senior – rabbit over 6 months Breed – animals with similar physical characteristics that are passed on to their young. Variety – subdivision of a breed, usually by distinguished by color

K. Molting – shedding fur (terms continued) K. Molting – shedding fur L. Gestation – the length of time a female is pregnant M. Lactation – production of milk N. Snuffles – respiratory ailment in rabbits

II. Parts

Neck Ear Shoulder Rump Tail Cheek Dewlap Belly Hock Flank

III. Size Classes Small a. 2 – 7 lbs b. Examples 1. Netherland Dwarfs 2. Dutch 3. Tans

(size classes continued) Medium a. 8 - 12 lbs b. Examples 1. New Zealands 2. Florida Whites 3. Satins

(size classes continued) C. Large a. over 13 lbs b. Examples 1. Flemish Giants 2. Checkered Giants 3. Giant Lops

IV. Classes by Use Pets Show / Exhibition Meat Production Pelts Wool Laboratory / Research

V. Breed Selection Over 30 recognized breeds Over 80 recognized varieties (divisions within a breed)

(breed selection continued) Selection based on use 1. Meat Production • New Zealand (White, Black, Red) • California (White w/eight black points) • Satin (Colors vary – specialty fur)

(breed selection continued) (Selection based on use, cont) 2. Research • New Zealand White –consistent 3. Show / Pet • Any breed

(breed selection continued) (Selection based on use, cont) 4. Pelts • Rex • Mini Rex • Satin 5. Wool • Angora

VI. Locating Breeding Stock Feed Stores American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) Journals / Magazines

(Locating Breeding Stock, cont) D. Telephone Book E. County Agricultural Agent F. Agriscience Teacher G. County Fair Exhibits H. Newspapers

VII. Selection of Breeding Stock They are healthy and vigorous They are average size for their breed Age to buy Juniors (unproven) (-) must wait to breed them (+) can ease them into production

(selection of breeding stock/ age to buy continued) 2. Seniors (-) age difficult to determine (+) ready for production Older Rabbits (long heavy toenails and the meat along the back bone is sinewy (stringy) and tough) (-) less production potential (-) may be sterile (+) may be cheaper

(selection of breeding stock continued) Start with a “trio” One buck and two does Trust the breeder to select compatible breeders

VIII. Proper Handling C. NEVER BY THE EARS!!!!! Best Method Grasp the nap of the neck and the rump Always support the hind quarters Alternate Methods Grasp in front of hip Underarm, clutched against body C. NEVER BY THE EARS!!!!!

IX. Feeding Breed Size Age Requirements vary depending on Weather Condition Production Stage Breed Size Age

Easiest: buy complete pellets needs (feeding continued) Rule of Thumb Mature Rabbits - Maintenance 3.8 to 4% of their body weight per day increases based on growth & production Easiest: buy complete pellets needs

D. Limit Feed vs Full Feed (free choice) (feeding continued) D. Limit Feed vs Full Feed (free choice) Full Feed > rabbits eat more – cost more overweight rabbits – lazy/poor breeders less attention given to rabbits

X. Housing Free of Drafts Protect from rain, snow, wind, sun & heat Pens – wire floor * Size – 1 square foot floor space per one pound live rabbit (4# needs 2 ft x 2 ft)

XI. Equipment Feeders * Waters * Nest Boxes Tattoo Pliers

XII. Reproduction

A. Age to breed Dwarfs & Small breeds – 5 months Medium breeds – 6 months Large breeds – 8 months

B. Selecting mates Doe Good weight (not skinny or fat) Vulva – dark in color Buck Good fur condition Bright eyes Evidence of both testicles in the scrotum

C. Gestation Period Average: 31 days Range: 28 – 31 days

D. Mating Take the doe to the buck’s cage Doe is more defensive of her territory than the buck Don’t leave alone

E. Pregnancy Test Palpation – 12 days Attempt to rebreed in 14 days

F. Preparing Cage On 27th day, place nest box in cage Provide nesting material (hay, straw, wood shavings) 3. Doe will pluck hair from belly to line nest

G. Kindling Keep area quiet Inspect nest Number of bunnies Healthy Content Adequate nest materials

H. Weaning Creep feed Feed only the babies Reduces stress at weaning Separate at 6 – 8 weeks

XIII Record Keeping Importance Financial: Profit/Loss Identify Animals Management Plan Health Reproduction

(record keeping continued) Types Pedigree – “Family Tree” Breeding Cage Cards Doe/Buck Records Feeding Health

by: Johanna Davis Updated 2/1/2001