They need a lot more time and effort than people assume, but the payoff is a curious, playful companion that will be part of the family for years. Rabbits engage in coprophagy, which means they eat their own feces at night. Key principles natural behaviour of rabbits welfare problems of laboratory rabbits social housing enrichment health related resources references key principles good housing and husbandry for rabbit housing should take account of the following principles. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. A domestic or domesticated rabbit oryctolagus cuniculus domesticusmore commonly known as a pet rabbit, a bunny, a bun, or a bunny rabbit is a subspecies of european rabbit. Veterinarians and hrs hrs positions on common rabbit health and husbandry issues other resources. Pdf the current state of welfare, housing and husbandry. The challenges of multi rabbit households are also discussed. Guidelines for the housing of rabbits in scientific institutions. Differentiating the polish and netherland dwarf breed. A rabbit s top front teeth grow at a rate of 3mm a week. Designing a rabbit habitat 3 y adult males, it is important to keep the singly housed male social groupings because rabbits in the wild are highly social, it is important to house pet or farm rabbits.
However, despite their elevated status as a family pet in the usa, little is known about specific details of pet rabbit husbandry, or their economic effect on the veterinary sector. Human interaction with the rabbits during daily husbandry is encouraged. The first thing to consider before you get a pet rabbit is that they have a long lifespan so be prepared to care for them long term. By the 1500s selective breeding resulted in several distinct breeds. For those who are thinking of getting a pet rabbit, but are not. The exhibition of rabbits and the keeping of rabbits as pets was popularized in the. This guidance applies to pet rabbits and is intended to support pet rabbit owners and others responsible for the care of pet rabbits. The guidance is not intended to apply to pet shops as they are subject to a separate licensing and inspection. The rabbit pet is a craftable farming pet unlocked in raw rabbit ii. Code of practice for the welfare of rabbits following the code. Preliminary investigation to establish prevalence and risk.
Domestic rabbits are very cheap to raise as a domestic animal and. Dec 22, 2014 the welfare of pet rabbits is an area of growing interest in europe and the uk. Rabbit greens fresh greens are an important part of your pet s daily diet. The book begins with an overview of rabbit husbandry. A domestic rabbit kept as a pet may be considered a pocket pet, depending on its size. Code of practice for the welfare of rabbits 7 introduction owning and caring for a rabbit is great fun and very rewarding, but it is also a big responsibility and a longterm caring and financial commitment. A pet rabbit s diet should be supplemented with a variety of leafy green vegetables every day. This project is organized to provide experience for young people in the selection, feeding, husbandry, and exhibiting of rabbits. From the animals point of view 2 anr 8375 rabbit housing. Hay is essential for rabbit health as the roughage provided by hay reduces the risk of gastrointestinal problems. About half of my clients deliberately purchase a rabbit as a pet. It is also intended as a contribution to the preparation and execution of rabbit development programmes, particularly in. The most common differential diagnoses for presenting complaints are summarized in table form.
Pododermatitis is a common clinical finding in the pet rabbit population, but no data is available regarding the actual prevalence of this condition in the uk pet rabbit population or possible husbandry related factors which may predispose pet rabbits to. A male rabbit is known as a buck, a female is a doe, and a young rabbit is a kit, or kitten. Your local scottish spca, pet care specialist or animal welfare organisation will also be able to advise you on how best to meet your rabbits husbandry needs. Selecting a pet rabbit american veterinary medical. Pet rabbits can be taught to respond to commands using positive rewardbased training.
It is the highest in protein, lowest in fat and cholesterol, has the least number of calories per pound and has only eight percent bone. Animal welfare unit, nsw agriculture, locked bag 21, orange nsw 2800. Report on our first house rabbit veterinary conference. Animal shelters for cats and dogs may also have rabbits waiting for their forever home. Rabbit general care and husbandry diet fiber is crucial to your rabbits diet and keeps their digestive system functioning properly. Fresh fruits and veggies should also be included in your rabbits diet.
Upon adopting a rabbit, owners should bring their new pet to their veterinarian for an initial exam and information on proper husbandry, advises dr. Key principles natural behaviour of rabbits welfare problems of laboratory rabbits social housing enrichment health related resources references key principles good housing and husbandry for rabbit housing. The current state of welfare, housing and husbandry of the english pet rabbit population article pdf available in bmc research notes 71. The lucky ones who intend to purchase a rabbit have the opportunity to select a healthy one. Greens contribute to hydration and provide important vitamins and minerals, as well as enrichment. Rabbit obesity has been anecdotally associated with several health disorders of rabbits such as myiasis, pododermatitis, pregnancy toxaemia, gastrointestinal stasis and ileus harcourtbrown 2002.
Human interaction with the rabbits during daily husbandry is. However, given their popularity, surprisingly little is known about the way pet rabbits are kept and cared for, or how their housing and husbandry conditions affect their health. The high sugar content in fruits and even carrots may upset the normal gi tract bacteria if given in excess. Before investing your money in rabbit production, get all available literature, talk and visit with other producers, visit a rabbit processor, and talk with your county extension agent. Refer to the information sheet starting a rabbit enterprise for additional insight of advantages and disadvantages of producing rabbits. Rabbit meat is one of the most nutritious meats available. Further research into the dietary requirements of pet rabbits may help reveal more defined fiber requirements that can be more clearly stated on commercial packaging. Owners of house rabbits know these are intelligent creatures with distinct personalities and a range of behaviors. Lots of alfalfa hay, little pellets, and fruitsveggies as treats. Grasp the scruff of the neck firmly with one hand b. Rabbits need to be handled and socialized from a young age to be comfortable with people and to make good pets.
For those who are thinking of getting a pet rabbit. Methods a modified delphi method was used to generate expert consensus on the most important welfare issues for rabbits in the uk. Place the rabbit s head under your armelbow being careful not to impede breathing c. They may seem small, but because they reproduce so quickly one rabbit can give anywhere from 125 pounds to 250 pounds of meat per year depending on how frequently the doe is bred and how many kits per litter. For a complete list of appropriate greens, visit the house rabbit societys website at rabbit. Feb 16, 2016 rabbits are also highly social animals that crave contact and interaction with their human caretakers. The most common problem was dental disease, which affected 30 rabbits although only six of their owners were aware of the problem, which was significantly associated with feeding a rabbit mix. Pet rabbits are related to the wild european rabbit, the biology and behaviour of pet rabbits is very similar to that of their wild cousins.
The 15 best rabbit breeds a complete breed guide to. I have seen rabbits kept in the same cramped cage used when it was a small youngster continues to be used when the rabbit reaches adult size. Types of rabbit production fanciers pets, breeding stock, and show animals laboratory furhair angora rex meat largest rabbit market. How to start a profitable rabbit farming business pdf guide. Crafting requires 64 raw rabbit and an enchanted egg or super enchanted egg. Rabbits are extremely hot natured so it is important to place their shelter in a shaded area. But before you swoop into the shelter and pick out a cutie, there are a few things you should know to ensure a rabbit is right for you and your family. Today they are raised for meat, research, pets, show, and pelts. We have not, in the past, paid any par ticular attention tothe commercial possibili ties in breeding rabbitsin. Each pen can hold 15 rabbits weighing less than 4 kg or 11 rabbits weighing 45 kg.
Intelligent technology for rabbit farm amazing technology. This article provides a broad overview of pet rabbit medicine, which is a relatively new field compared to laboratory and farm rabbit medicine. Participate in the rabbit health database project pre and postoperative care of rabbits articles on specific diseases and medical concerns medical bibliography standards of care in the 21st century. Owners expect the same standard of care for their rabbit as their dog or cat.
Beyond the planning requirements, financial costs, and daytoday supervision that even the most modest backyard rabbit farm entails, rabbitry forces farmers to ask themselves some uncomfortable questions. To collect data on pet rabbit husbandry and health, a pet rabbit health information survey was designed and disseminated to pet rabbit owners through internet sites. Smallscale sustainable rabbit production attra ncat. Lots of alfalfa hay, lots of pellets, and veggies as treats. Feed each rabbit ad libutum teklad 8630 rabbit diet. Devoted entirely to the pet rabbit, this book is a practical and concise guide to health, husbandry and diseases. Intelligent technology for rabbit farm amazing technology for agriculture modern farm for rabbits smart technologies on the modern rabbit farm. The english spot easily adapted to being a house pet after its long show rabbit history, which helped it get used to constant petting and handling. Rabbit owners expect and deserve the same standard of veterinary care for their rabbits as they receive for their cats and dogs. Survey of the husbandry, health and welfare of 102 pet. Why not read our information on ensuring your rabbit has a suitable place to live. Please take this brief quiz to test your knowledge.
Rabbits need a minimum of 24 square feet floor space for adequate exercise and activity. The other half has the rabbit presented to them by their child or neighbor or come upon the animal unexpectedly. Handling live animals, watching them grow, and learning how to care for them has value far beyond that of competition. Anything beyond this considered a treat and should be offered in limited quantities only. Heres how to provide the best care for your pet rabbit. The selfselected respondents were generally motivated, attached to their rabbits, englishspeaking, and educated. Rabbit husbandry and preventative healthcare stahl. Husbandry risk factors associated with hock pododermatitis. Naturally, an animals appearance will play a major factor in the process of. Fresh small animal bedding, aspen shavings, and newspaper.
Policy it is larc policy to meet or exceed all federal, state, local regulations and. They are the third most popular mammalian pet in the uk, with an estimated 1. Radiographs were taken to judge the abnormality in dentition and surgically rasping was performed. Look for a healthy rabbit, one with clear eyes and no. The experts generated an initial broad list of welfare issues via an. Pododermatitis is a common clinical finding in the pet rabbit population, but no data is available regarding the actual prevalence of this condition in the uk pet rabbit population or possible husbandry related factors which may predispose pet rabbits to development of this condition. Rabbits should not be left unattended in a car or other vehicle during warm weather when there is a possibility of heat stress occurring or during extreme cold.
Pet rabbits are becoming more common, and rabbit owners are demanding quality veterinary care. Background rabbits are the third most popular pet in the uk, but little research into their welfare needs has been conducted. The welfare of pet rabbits is an area of growing interest in europe and the uk. Guidelines for the housing of rabbits in scientific. Rabbit production manual government of nova scotia. Welle recommends adopting a pet rabbit from a rabbit rescue organization. You will also find reference in the code to pet care specialists. Here we provide general information on the housing and husbandry requirements of laboratory rabbits. There is much to learn about raising rabbits for meat, but they are a perfect fit for any size homestead. Storeys guide to raising rabbits, 4th edition is one of the books i read the most, but if you dont want to purchase a book the usda has a page devoted to rabbit husbandry.
I have never seen a rabbit with too much living space. Support and control the rabbits hindquarters with the other hand. If blood is suspected, the veterinarian can perform a urinalysis to determine if it is blood or stress urine. Before bringing your pet home, educate yourself about the care, husbandry, housing, feeding, and socialization needs of rabbits. Jan 10, 2000 rabbit owners expect and deserve the same standard of veterinary care for their rabbits as they receive for their cats and dogs. However, given their popularity, surprisingly little is known about the way pet rabbits are kept and cared for, or how their housing and husbandry conditions affect their health, behaviour and general wellbeing. Publication of the handbook, delayed for many months, coincided with the sixth world rabbit congress held in toulouse from 8 to 12 july 1996.
There is still much to be learned in the areas of pet rabbit husbandry, health, and their effects on behavior. Rabbits are social animals and studies have shown being kept in social isolation can cause stress trocino et al, 20. Support and control the rabbit s hindquarters with the other hand. In the summer, it is wise to place frozen water bottles in the hutches with the rabbits to help keep them cool. Animal care staff trims toenails and brush the rabbits monthly providing. Use an enchanted egg to obtain a 1 common, 2 uncommon or 3 rare rabbit pet. Further research warranted on behavior and husbandry. Guidelines on keeping pet rabbits rabbits other pets.
More detailed guidance can be found in the related resources and references provided. Rabbits can be raised as pets, for showbreeding, or for commercialmeat purposes. This study analyses questionnaire results from a diverse population of 1254 rabbit owners from three different geographical areas in england with the aim of providing an accurate representation of how pet rabbits are currently housed and cared for and key aspects of their health and welfare. Basic rabbit care pet food from lafeber working for. Hay is essential for rabbit health as the roughage provided by hay reduces the risk of gastrointestinal. This book will provide a practical and concise guide to the health, husbandry and diseases of pet and house rabbits and will be an invaluable resource for busy vets in practice. In efficient production systems, rabbits can turn 20 percent of the proteins they eat into edible. If the rabbit is normally housed with another rabbit providing there is no risk of infectious disease it is a good idea for the other rabbit to be hospitalised too. You need to start a profitable rabbit farming business to boost your income. A sound rabbit diet consists of fresh hay, goodquality pellets, and fresh vegetables. The study involved 11 experts, recruited from a range of disciplines.
Diseasecondition symptoms treatment tapeworm infestation. Am i really comfortable with the idea of raising rabbits solely to harvest their meat. Basic rabbit care handout and infographic lafebervet. Pdf the current state of welfare, housing and husbandry of. This is why this manual, first published in 1984, is now being reissued. Keep your rabbit healthy by following our health and welfare advice, including information about how to check your rabbit s health.
Resources for veterinary professionals house rabbit society. There are several general health concerns in rabbit husbandry see table 1 4 table 1. Rabbits are territorial animals and form complicated social structures. Housing in pens on the floor should always be considered before cage housing. Caring and husbandry of pet rabbits pet rabbit care. The majority of your rabbits diet should consist of unlimited amounts of hay, which can consist of any of the following varieties. Rabbits are a very social, intelligent, and curious animal. This meeting reported on the latest and best rabbit technologies, as well as those which. Rabbits are also unique creatures who form tight bonds with their families, but they also have some quirks you should know about. Management of rabbits for meat production is quite different from the maintenance of a pet or house rabbit.
However, given their popularity, surprisingly little is known about the way pet rabbits are kept and cared for, or how their housing and husbandry conditions affect their. Commercial rabbit production poultry science mississippi state. The current state of welfare, housing and husbandry of the. This publication provides an introduction to smallscale rabbit production. Rabbit husbandry and care laboratory animal resources. Some of the main organisations are listed in appendix 2. Welfare of rabbits 3 preface under the animal welfare act 2006 the act, if you own or are responsible for an animal. The house rabbit society hrs is one of the largest pet rabbit associations in the world and a strong proponent of providing optimal care for pet rabbits. If there are no ongoing health issues, a rabbit should visit the veterinarian each year for an annual exam, just as is typically done for a cat or dog. This basic rabbit care handout and infographic are part of lafebervets basic rabbit care teaching module. Husbandry risk factors associated with hock pododermatitis in. Hay is essential for rabbit health as the roughage provided by.
Although it can be performed in healthy animals of any age, it is ideally performed between 4 and 6 months. This sop applies to rabbits housed at the laboratory animal research cores animal facilities on the campus of the university of missourikansas city. Always get an initial physical exam on any newly acquired pet. Veterinarians and hrs hrs positions on common rabbit health and husbandry issues. Some people find it difficult to slaughter rabbits for consumption because they. During long trips food and water should be offered regularly to the rabbit inside the pet carriertransport container and only be offered once the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Rabbits are common pets in many western european countries.