Small Animal Management

Rabbits

I. Parts

Ear

Cheek

BellyHock

Tail

Neck

Shoulder

Dewlap

Rump

Flank

II. Size ClassesA. Dwarf/Miniature

B. Small

C. Medium

D. Large

E. Giant

III. Breed Selection

A.Over 70 different breeds

B.Only about 45 recognized by breed organizations

(breed selection continued)

C.Selection based on use

1. Meat Production

2. Research

3. Fur/wool

4. Pets

IV. Proper HandlingA. Best Method

1. Grasp the nap of the neck and the rump

2. Always support the hind quarters B. Alternate Methods

1. Grasp in front of hip

2. Underarm, clutched against body

C. NEVER BY THE EARS!!!!!

V. Feeding

A. Requirements vary depending on

BreedSizeAge

WeatherConditionProduction Stage

(feeding continued)

B. Rule of Thumb1. Mature Rabbits - Maintenance

a. 3.8 to 4% of their body weight per day

b. increases based on growth & production

C. Easiest: buy complete pellets needs

VI. Housing

A. Free of Drafts

B. Temperature

C. Humidity

D. Ventilation

E. Proper Lighting

F. Pens – wire floor *

VII. Equipment

A. Feeders *

B. Waters *

C. Nest Boxes

VIII. Reproduction

A. Age to breed

1. Dwarfs & Small breeds – 5 months

2. Medium breeds – 6 months

3. Large breeds – 8 months

B. Selecting mates1. Doe

a. Good weight (not skinny or fat)

b. Vulva – dark in color

2. Buck

a. Good fur condition

b. Bright eyes

c. Evidence of both testicles in the scrotum

C. Gestation Period

1.Average: 31 days

2.Range: 28 – 31 days

D. Mating

1. Take the doe to the buck’s cage

2. Doe is more defensive of her territory than the buck

3. Don’t leave alone

E. Pregnancy Test

1. Palpation – 12 days

2. Attempt to rebreed

in 14 days

F. Preparing Cage

1. On 27th day, place nest box in cage

2. Provide nesting material(hay, straw, wood shavings)

3. Doe will pluck hair from belly to line nest

G. Kindling

1. Keep area quiet2. Inspect nest

a. Number of bunniesb. Healthyc. Contentd. Adequate nest materials

H. Weaning

1. Creep feeda. Feed only the babiesb. Reduces stress at

weaning2. Separate at 6 – 8 weeks