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

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

3. (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

4. 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

5. II. Parts

6. Neck
Ear
Shoulder
Rump
Tail
Cheek
Dewlap
Belly
Hock
Flank

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

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

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

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

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

12. (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)

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

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

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

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

17. 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

18. (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

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

20. 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!!!!!

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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)

25. XI. Equipment
Feeders *
Waters *
Nest Boxes
Tattoo Pliers

26. XII. Reproduction

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

28. 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

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

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

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

32. 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

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

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

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

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

37. by: Johanna Davis Updated 2/1/2001