Small Animal Management

RabbitsFrom foukeffa.org

Written by Johanna DavisGA Ag Ed Curriculum Office

To accompany the Georgia Agriculture Education Curriculum Lesson 02421-6.1

July 2001

I. TermsA. Buck – male rabbit

B. Doe – female rabbit

C. Bunny – baby rabbit

D. Kit – baby rabbit

E. Kindle – giving birth

(terms cont.)

F. Litter – group of young kindled by the same doe

G. Junior – rabbit under 6 monthsH. Senior – rabbit over 6 monthsI. Breed – animals with similar

physical characteristics that are passed on to their young.

J. Variety – subdivision of a breed, usually by distinguished by color

(terms continued)

K. Molting – shedding furL. Gestation – the length of

time a female is pregnantM. Lactation – production of

milkN. Snuffles – respiratory

ailment in rabbits

II. Parts

Ear

Cheek

BellyHock

Tail

Neck

Shoulder

Dewlap

Rump

Flank

III. Size ClassesA. Small

a. 2 – 7 lbsb. Examples

1. Netherland Dwarfs2. Dutch3. Tans

(size classes continued)

B. Medium

a. 8 - 12 lbs

b. Examples

1. New Zealands

2. Florida Whites

3. Satins

(size classes continued)

C. Largea. over 13 lbsb. Examples

1. Flemish Giants2. Checkered Giants3. Giant Lops

IV. Classes by Use

A. Pets

B. Show / Exhibition

C.Meat Production

D.Pelts

E. Wool

F. Laboratory / Research

V. Breed Selection

A.Over 30 recognized breeds

B.Over 80 recognized varieties(divisions within a breed)

(breed selection continued)

C. Selection based on use1. Meat Production

• New Zealand (White, Black, Red)

• California (White w/eight black points)

• Satin (Colors vary – specialty fur)

(breed selection continued)

(Selection based on use, cont)

2. Research

• New Zealand White –consistent

3. Show / Pet

• Any breed

(breed selection continued)

(Selection based on use, cont)

4. Pelts• Rex• Mini Rex• Satin

5. Wool• Angora

VI. Locating Breeding Stock

A.Feed Stores

B.American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA)

C.Journals / Magazines

(Locating Breeding Stock, cont)

D. Telephone Book

E. County Agricultural Agent

F. Agriscience Teacher

G. County Fair Exhibits

H. Newspapers

VII. Selection of Breeding StockA. They are healthy and vigorousB. They are average size for their

breedC. Age to buy

1. Juniors (unproven) (-) must wait to breed them(+) can ease them into

production

(selection of breeding stock/ age to buy continued)

2. Seniors

(-) age difficult to determine

(+) ready for production

3. 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

(selection of breeding stock continued)

D.Start with a “trio”

1.One buck and two does

E. Trust the breeder to select compatible breeders

VIII. 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!!!!!

IX. 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

(feeding continued)

D. Limit Feed vs Full Feed (free choice)

1.Full Feed > rabbits eat more – cost more

2.overweight rabbits – lazy/poor breeders

3.less attention given to rabbits

X. Housing

A. Free of DraftsB. Protect from rain, snow, wind, sun

& heatC. Pens – wire floor *D. Size – 1 square foot floor space

per one pound live rabbit (4# needs 2 ft x 2 ft)

XI. Equipment

A. Feeders *

B. Waters *

C. Nest Boxes

D. Tattoo Pliers

XII. 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. Mating1. 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. Weaning1. Creep feed

a.Feed only the babies

b.Reduces stress at weaning

2. Separate at 6 – 8 weeks

XIII Record Keeping

A. Importance

1. Financial: Profit/Loss

2. Identify Animals

3. Management Plan

a.Health

b.Reproduction

(record keeping continued)

B. Types

1. Pedigree – “Family Tree”

2. Breeding

a.Cage Cards

b.Doe/Buck Records

3. Feeding

4. Health

by: Johanna DavisUpdated 2/1/2001