RABBITS
Rabbits are quiet, gentle pets that come in a variety of colors and sizes. The average life span of a rabbit is 5-8+ years. Male rabbits are old enough to breed at 6-10 months of age and females are ready at 4-9 months. A typical pregnancy usually lasts from 29-35 days and there are 4-10 babies in a litter. When rabbits are alarmed they are capable of making warning growls, thumping their hind feet on the ground and even screaming when in a panic. They practice a unique digestive habit called caprophagy, which means they eat their own fecal material. Fecal material leaves the rabbit the first time still containing nutrients and by the rabbit ingesting this special feces they are able to maximize all of the nutritional value from the food they consume.
Food should be available to rabbits at all times as they are “nibblers” and cannot safely go longs periods of time without eating. An unlimited amount of mixed grass or timothy hay is an important staple in their diet. (Alfalfa hay is too high in calcium and should be restricted from an adult rabbit’s diet) The rest of their diet should be composed of ~1/8 cup of high fiber pelleted food, ~1 cup of veggies for each 4 lbs. of body wt. (select dark green and/or dark yellow vegetables), and 1-2 TBS per 5 lbs of body wt. of fruit. Rabbits should be encouraged to drink from a sipper tube because this is the most sanitary way to offer water.
Rabbits can be trained to wear a harness and walk on a leash. They also can learn to use a litter box if they are to be housed indoors. The litter should be non-toxic and digestible if eaten. (No corncob, walnut shell shavings or clay litters) Always remember to “rabbit proof” your home, they will chew on all manner of items, including electrical cords. The cage should be chew proof and have partial solid flooring. If housed outdoors make sure the cage is sheltered from the wind, rain/snow and full sun.
It is important for a rabbit to receive a physical exam from a veterinarian yearly, which includes checking a fecal sample for intestinal parasite eggs. Other testing that can be done at their first visit is blood work, a urinalysis, syphilis testing if it is a breeding rabbit, and screening for pasteurella. If the rabbit is not going to be used for breeding they should be spayed or neutered to decrease their chances of developing cancer. Rabbits should also see a veterinarian if they have green or yellow discharge from their eyes and nose, have a head tilt, are off food for 24 hrs or more, have reduced amounts or no stool for more than 24 hours, or have patches of fur missing.