1 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

2 CHAPTER Rabbits 9

3 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. History of Rabbits Fossils date back 30 to 37 million years Domestic breeds developed from European wild rabbit –First reports during 1100 BC –Domesticated by French monks in Middle Ages Became pests in latter 19 th century –European wilds now flourish –Cottontail common in North America

4 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Uses for Rabbits Meat Research Fur/wool Pets

5 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Five Rabbit Weight Categories Dwarf or miniature Small Medium Large Giant

6 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Dwarf or Miniature Rabbits Britannia Petite Netherland Dwarf Himalayan Dwarf Hotot Polish Jersey Wooly Holland Lop American Fuzzy Lop Mini Rex

7 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Small Rabbits Dutch Tan Florida White Silver Havana Mini Lop

8 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Medium Rabbits English Spot Standard Chinchilla English Angora Satin Angora French Angora Lilac Silver Martin Belgian Hare Rhinelander Harlequin Sable Shorthaired Rex

9 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Large Rabbits Beveren Californian Hotot Palomino Satin Cinnamon Creme d’Argent Champagne d’Argent American American Chinchilla English Lop New Zealand Silver Fox

10 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Giant Rabbits Giant Angora French Lop Checkered Giant Giant Chinchilla Flemish Giant

11 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Rabbit Housing and Equipment Rabbit houses called “hutches” –Determined by breed, large is better –Solid floors prevent irritation –Absorbent materials best for litter Other equipment –For feeding: Galvanized-metal self-feeders –For water: Ceramic bowls or vacuum-type bottles –For birthing: Nest boxes

12 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Methods of Rabbit Feeding Commercial pellet-type feeds best choice Supplement with other foods, but cautiously –Things like Timothy grass and carrots okay –Green lettuce and other leafy greens should not be fed Especially when warm, clean, fresh water should be available

13 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Handling of Rabbits Rabbit’s size drives handling method –Never pick a rabbit up by the ears Approach cage slowly, speaking to rabbit Rub rabbit before attempting lifting –Place one hand under belly, one behind –For large rabbits, use arm for cradling –Tuck head under elbow of supporting arm Put rabbit down slowly, hind end first –Allow rabbit to see where it is going

14 Copyright 2010 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. Rabbit Diseases and Ailments Enteritis Snuffles Mastitis Weepy eye Treponematosis Ear mites Infectious myxomatosis Papillomatosis Ringworm Fur mites Pinworms Wet dewlaps Fur chewing Hutch burn Sore hocks Malocclusion