GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR RABBIT

RABBITS 101

CHOOSING THE AGE & TYPE OF RABBIT

• Rabbits live on average 6 to 8 years • For breeding purposes, rabbits are most productive between 6 months

and 3 years of age

• 2-3 months • Young rabbits are cute and fun• Easier to learn how to handle them

• 4-5 months • It is easier to determine what the adult rabbit will look like with a slightly

older animal

• 6 months and older • You can get a pretty accurate picture of what type of adult the rabbit

will be • Buying a rabbit of this age, means you miss the fun of seeing it grow

Fun Fact: Domesticated rabbits are born without fur.

PRODUCTION VS. PET

PET RABBITS:• Actual pets, breeding rabbits, show rabbits

PRODUCTION RABBITS:• Raised for meat consumption

NUTRIENT LEVELS:• Very similar in both types of rabbits• Rabbits are herbivores (functional caecum)• Protein levels usually 14-16%• Fiber levels usually a minimum of 18% in complete feed

• Maintaining fiber levels and intake is usually the biggest issue• Young rabbits fed at lib (eat roughly 2-4 ounces)• Adults fed twice daily (eat 4-8 ounces)

RABBIT BREEDS

Best for Pets• Most breeds of rabbits do make good pets• Larger breed rabbits, such as the Flemish Giant require a large cage space, room to

exercise and more food• Wool breeds such as the Giant Angora, require daily grooming• Smaller breeds of rabbits, such as the Mini Rex, Polish and Netherland Dwarf may not be

good with younger children

Meat Breeds• Some of the more popular meat breeds of rabbits are Silver Fox, American, Californian,

Champahne: D'Argent, Checkered Giant, Flemish Giant, New Zealand and English Spot• Mixed breeds also make good meat rabbits

Show Rabbits • All breeds of rabbit can show• Most have standards established by their respective breed based on size (small,

medium, and large), color, coat and body• If you are interested in showing rabbits, you can contact a reputable breeder, your

county extension office or the American Rabbit Breeders Association has a publication entitled “Standard of Perfection” a great resource for rabbit breeders or exhibitors

ENVIRONMENT

Rabbit Hutches• You can either build your own or purchase a hutch

• Make sure that the wire mesh is no larger than 1”x2” on the sides and top • The floor should be ½”x1” to insure that the rabbits’ feet do not get caught in the

mesh • The cage should be made of 14 gauge wire to insure a long life for the hutch

• Your rabbit needs to have protection from the environment • An enclosed area in the hutch if it is outside, or the hutch can be in a sheltered

area

• Some rabbit breeds need a solid area so they don’t get sores on their feet• Place a board in the cage if it is made entirely of wire

• If you are using a second-hand cage • Repair any rusted or broken wire • Clean and disinfect the cage by using a cleaning solution containing 1 part

bleach and 5 parts water

WHEN TO FEED YOUR RABBIT

• Wild rabbits are nocturnal animals • In nature, rabbits have learned that it is safer to stay hidden during the

day• In late afternoon, hungry wild rabbits come out of hiding

• Using this information, most rabbit owners feed their rabbits twice a day• A lighter portion of the diet is fed in the morning• A larger portion of the diet is fed either in the late afternoon or early

evening

• Whatever feeding schedule you choose, remember that it is very important to follow that schedule every day

• Rabbits will settle into any schedule you set, so try to avoid variations in feeding times

Fun Fact: Domestic and wild rabbits cannot breed together.

RABBIT FEEDING

• Commercial rabbit pellets, such as Prince Premium Rabbit Feeds, are the best and easiest way to provide proper nutrition to your rabbits

• A great deal of research goes into producing a good, balanced ration• Feed companies are better qualified than most

rabbit owners to do this• A rabbit ration should contain 16-20% protein

for mature animals (rabbits raised for meat purposes require more protein) and a minimum fiber content of 16%. • Anything less than 16% fiber will cause the rabbit

to get diarrhea

Fun Fact: Rabbits eat their own droppings, it’s called Cecotropes.

HOW TO FEED PELLETS

• A self-feeder that has a screened bottom is recommended • This allows the fines (small, dusty pieces of pellets) to pass through

the feeder • Rabbits will not eat fines

• Your rabbit will not eat well unless you provide the most important nutrient of all…WATER!

• Rabbits need a constant supply of clean water to thrive • The use of a simple clip-on water bottle is easiest

• These can easily freeze in cold weather

Fun Fact: Rabbits have 28 teeth.Fun Fact: A 4lb rabbit will drink as much water as a 20lb dog.

RABBIT DIET

• Salt is a necessary part of any rabbit diet • Commercial pellets should contain enough salt to meet your rabbit’s

needs• Feeding hay to your rabbit is an excellent way to add fiber to the rabbit’s

diet• Make sure the hay smells good, and is not dusty or moldy• Fresh hay should be available to your rabbit at all times• Additions to the rabbit’s diet can cause upsets to the digestive system • Pellets, water and hay should be the major part of your rabbits diet• Vegetables provide valuable roughage for your rabbit• Vegetables such as broccoli, parsley, romaine lettuce and celery and

root vegetables such as carrots are excellent for your rabbit• Don’t overfeed them vegetables• Introduce vegetables one at a time so if they get loose stools you can

eliminate that from their diet

Fun Fact: Rabbits need hay to assist the digestive system and prevent fur balls in the stomach.Fun Fact: Rabbits can’t vomit.Fun Fact: Rabbits don’t hibernate.

FEEDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RABBITS

• SMALL BREEDS• Bucks: 2 ounces• Does: 3 ounces• Young Rabbit (2 months) 2-3 ounces

• MEDIUM BREEDS• Bucks: 3-6 ounces• Does: 6 ounces• Young Rabbit (2 months) 3-6 ounces

• LARGE BREEDS• Bucks: 4-9 ounces• Does: 9ounces• Young Rabbit (2 months) 6-9 ounces

Fun Fact: A male rabbit is a buck, a female is a doe, and a baby is a kit.Fun Fact: When a female gives birth it’s called a litter.

SIGNS OF A HEALTHY RABBIT

• Eyes: Bright, with no spots, cloudiness, or discharge• Nose: Clean and dry, with no discharges.• Front Feet: Clean, with no matting that could indicate wiping

a runny nose• Hind Feet: Bottoms of feet are well furred.• Teeth: The front teeth line up correctly, with the top two teeth

slightly overlapping the bottom• General Condition: The fur is clean, and the body is smooth

and firm.• Rear End: The area at the base of the tail is clean, with no

manure sticking to the fur

Fun Fact: A rabbit can jump 36” or higher.

HOW TO KEEP RABBITS HEALTHY

• H: Housing • Clean often and offer protection from extremes in temps, wind,

and rain• E: Environment

• Protect rabbit from loud noise, scary animals, and provide shade• L: Look at rabbit

• Changes in how rabbit looks and acts can help indicate possible health issues

• P: Proper Nutrition• Provide the correct amount and clean water

• A change in eating habits is often the first sign a rabbit is not feeling well

Use the HELP technique!

Fun Fact: Predators can literally scare a rabbit to death. Common predators are cats, dogs, owls, coyotes, raccoons.

WHAT GOES INTO A PRINCE PREMIUM ANIMAL FEED?

• Grains: Corn, Oats, Wheat, and Barley• Protein Sources: Soybean Meal, Canola, and

Corn Distillers Grains• Roughage: Alfalfa Meal, Soyhulls, Wheat Midds• Major Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus,

Magnesium, Potassium• Trace Minerals: Cu, Co, Mn, I, Zn, Fe, Se• Vitamins: Fat Soluble (A, D, E) Water Soluble (B,

C)• Good Manufacturing Practices-solid firm pellets

with little to no fines• Quality Control• Locked Formulas and ingredients• Prince Premium Rabbit Feeds have 16-18%

protein and 3-4% Fat

RABBIT DISEASES

Common Rabbit Diseases and Parasites • Rhinitis or Snuffles:

• A respiratory disease that includes nasal discharge and sneezing. • Paws may be caked with nasal discharge• Prevent by keeping your rabbit out of drafts

• Pneumonia: • Signs may include depression, labored breathing and nasal discharge

• Conjunctivitis (Weepy Eye)• Symptoms are red, swollen eyes • Eyes may be stuck shut with a mucus • Prevent by limiting dust from hay or bedding

• Treponematosis (Vent Disease) • Symptoms include small blisters on the external sex organs

and then lesions on the face.

RABBIT DISEASES CONTINUED

• Ear Mites • Signs of ear mites include a brown, waxy substance in the ear canal• You can get rid of ear mites by gently putting a drop of baby or

mineral oil in the ear• Coccidiosis

• Symptoms include diarrhea, poor appetite and weight loss• Heat Prostration

• Animals may pant rapidly and lay on their sides • You can freeze a bottle of water on very hot days and place in your

rabbits cage• Mastitis

• Symptoms of mastitis are hot, swollen mammary glands• Ulcerative Pododermatitis (Sore Hocks)

• The main symptom is sores on the foot pads • You can prevent sore hocks by placing a resting board in your rabbits

cage

DISEASE PREVENTION

• Purchase rabbits from reputable sources • Look for rabbits that are clean, not in distress• There should be no fur missing, ears should be clean, eyes bright, and the

rabbit should not be excessively overweight or under weight• Isolate new rabbits for two to four weeks• Sanitize your cage/hutch before putting a new rabbit into the cage or hutch• Provide adequate ventilation, protect the rabbit from drafts and the weather • Make sure your rabbits nutritional needs are being properly met with a

nutritionally balanced diet• Do not overcrowd rabbits• Clean water bottles/dishes and feeding equipment regularly• Provide a board or solid area for your rabbit to rest on especially if you have a

wire cage• If you notice any signs of disease in your rabbit, immediately isolate the rabbit • Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions about the health of your

rabbit

COMMON QUESTIONS

What is the gestation of a rabbit? • About 31 days.

Can I train a rabbit to use a litter box? • Yes, rabbits can be trained to use a litter box by placing a litter box in the spot your

rabbit normally goes to the bathroom.Should I take my rabbit out of the cage by grabbing the nape of the neck?

• Although it does not hurt them, it is best to grasp them under the belly behind the front paws and take them out of a cage.

Is organic feed better for my rabbit? • As long as the rabbit feed is nutritionally balanced, it is your choice if you would like to

feed regular, such as Prince Premium Rabbit Feed, or organic feed.What is the best breed of rabbit?

• That depends on what you want your rabbit for. • There are 100 recognized domesticated breeds of rabbits. • Some are for pleasure only while others are used for consumption• You can check with your county extension office, research on the internet or obtain

books that will aid you in selecting the right breed for you.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What is the largest breed of rabbit? • The Flemish Giant is one of the largest breeds of rabbits.

What is the smallest breed of rabbit? • The Netherland Dwarf and Britannia Petites are considered the smallest breeds.

At what weight are rabbits ready for consumption? • It depends on the breed• Small breed rabbits typically weigh around 2-3 lbs, medium 4-8 lbs, large 8-11 lbs

and giant over 11 lbs. (Weights are approximate)

CHECK LIST OF RABBIT SUPPLIES

Essential Supplies

• Cage or Hutch• Resting surface (if your cage is

all wire)• Food Dish• Water Bottle or Water Dish• Nutritionally Balanced Pellets

(try Prince Feeds Rabbit Balanced Show Diet or Prince Feeds Production Rabbit Feed)

Supplies That May Be Needed

• Litter Box and Litter• Toys: such as rabbit chew toys• Nail Trimmers (Use caution if you

are trimming a rabbits nails, you don’t want to trim them too short)

• Pet Carrier• Books About Rabbit Breeds and

Care

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT RAISING RABBITS?

• Your county extension office is a good place to start.

• The American Rabbit Breeders Association has many resources available.

• Reliable rabbit breeders, the internet and books are also good resources.