Rabbit FactsRichland County 4-H Livestock Incentive Program

Select the Right Rabbit•Rabbits are classified according to size:

▫Small: 3-4 lbs. at maturity

▫Medium: 9-12 lbs. at maturity

▫Large: 14-16 lbs. at maturity

Did You Know?•Rabbits have four toes on their front feet

and five toes on their back feet!

Basic Equipment Needed•Water container

▫Three basic kinds available Ceramic or vinyl crock (water dish) Bottle tube waterer Automatic waterer

▫Choose one that doesn’t tip over easily and is easy to clean

Basic Equipment Needed•Cage

▫A wire cage works best and is easier to clean.

▫Make sure it is the proper size for your rabbit. Small breeds: 24” X 24” X 16” cage Medium breeds: 30” X 30” X 18” cage Large breeds: 48” X 30” X 18” cage

Cage Location•Cage should be elevated off the ground 2-

3 feet.•If located outside, provide protection

from hot sun and rain.•Rabbits can tolerate cold temperatures

better than hot temperatures.

Cage Location•During hot weather. a frozen jug of water

can be placed in the cage to cool the rabbits.

•Be sure there is good air circulation around the cage.

•Place the cages where rain will not enter the cages and get the rabbits wet.

Feed and Feeding•Contrary to popular belief, rabbits cannot

live on lettuce and carrots alone!•A rabbit should reach its mature weight in

about eight weeks.•A rabbit eats best and gains weight

easiest when temperature is maintained at 60-65F.

•A commercial rabbit feed is best to provide a well balanced ration for your rabbit.

Amount of Food•Most commercial pellets are round and

about ¼ inch long.▫Small breeds: 2-3 ounces of pellets per

day▫Medium breeds: 3 1/2 – 4 ounces per day▫Large breeds: 4-8 ounces per day

•Adjust if needed to meet the needs of your rabbit

Feeding Schedule•A regular schedule is important – try to

feed at the same time each day.•Do not leave uneaten pellets and dirty

feed in the cage. Clean them out regularly.

Water•Provide clean fresh water at all times.•A rabbit that needs more water will eat

less food and grow slower.

Food Storage•Store feed in a tight container with a lid. •Do not store feed for longer than 3-4

weeks.

Cleaning Equipment•Clean the feeding and watering

equipment daily.•Let the equipment dry in the sun.•Use a vacuum or stiff brush to remove

loose fur from cages.•Diseases can come from using old cages

discarded by former rabbit owners – disinfect with a bleach solution before using.

Did You Know?•Rabbits are easily trained to use a litter

box just like a cat!

Rabbit Grooming•Use a damp rag or moisten your hands.•Stroke the fur from tail to head several

times.•Do not stroke back and forth as this

causes the fur to break.•Gently stroke from head to tail when you

are finished to smooth fur down.

Grooming Tips•Baths are not recommended.

▫Rabbit fur takes a long time to dry.•If fur is dirty spot clean using a cloth and

warm water. ▫Stains may be removed from white fur by

rubbing corn starch into the stain.

Toenail Trimming•Use clippers that cut when the handles

are squeezed.•Toenails have a vein that can be seen

when held up to a light.•Clip the end of the nail without clipping

the vein.▫If you clip the vein hold a cotton ball

against the nail to stop the bleeding.

Care of External Organs•Ears

▫Should be highly mobile and turn in the direction of each new sound.

▫Clean when necessary by wiping gently with baby oil – a cotton swab may be used.

•Eyes ▫Should be bright and attentive.▫Dull eyes are a sign of poor health.▫Discharging eyes are a certain sign the rabbit

is sick.

Care of External Organs•Nose

▫A healthy rabbit’s nose should always be dry.

▫A runny nose is a sign of disease.▫Respiratory infections can also be caused

by cold drafts and dampness.

Care of External Organs•Nails

▫A rabbit’s nails continuously grow.▫If they are not clipped, the toes may be

deformed.▫Be careful not to cut the nails back too far.

•Feet▫Inspect the soles of the feet for signs of

injury or accumulation of dirt between the toes.

Enjoy Your Rabbit•Check the showmanship guidelines posted

on the website.•Exhibit your rabbit at 4-H Achievement

Days July 10 at the Bagg Bonanza Farm.

Worksheet•Complete the worksheet posted on the

website with this presentation and mail or e-mail them back to the Richland County Extension Office by May 10!

Thank You!

Questions?•Call me at 642-7793.•E-mail me at dale.siebert@ndsu.edu.

Dale Siebert, Richland County NDSU ExtensionExtension Agent, Cropping Systems

DLS/cj