Rabbit behaviour and Husbandry Flashcards
Approximately how many rabbits are there in the UK?
1.5 million
Name 7 rabbits breeds
- Angora
- Dutch
- Lop
- Lionhead
- Rex
- Giant Rabbit
- English Spot
Name some rabbit behaviours that are centred around survival
- Crepuscular
- Burrowers
- Live in social groups
- Territorial
- Strong hindlimbs that can kick fast
- White tail flashes when threatened
Why should muesli be avoided?
Colouring and not good for teeth/ digestion
how do you handle a rabbit?
- Approach calmly but do not delay
- Restraint firmly
- Support the hindlimbs
- avoid picking up if they do not want to be picked up
- rub the substrate before picking them up
What vein do you use in animals
Marginal vein
Sapphenous vein
Cephalic vein
What is the meaning of crepuscular?
Active in twilight
Name 4 potential problems for owners as rabbit behaviour is centred around ‘staying alive’
- rabbit aggression towards people and other rabbits/ pets
- Urine soiling
- Damaging property
- May bite when handled
Name 4 things required in a rabbits environment
- Bedding
- Furniture/ Enrichment
- Resting site
- Isolation area for new/ sick animals
- Reinforced ground so that the rabbit cannot escape
What do you need to consider when picking a substrate for your rabbit?
- Hay, Straw, Paper and Pellets work
- Needs to be enough to dig and burrow
- Rabbit urine is turbid and soils easily
- Needs to be a substrate that does not get dusty over time- they are prone to respiratory diseases
What do you need to consider when feeding your rabbit?
- Rabbits require a high fibre/ cellulose intake
- Hay should be provided ad libitum
What is the best way to get your rabbit used to handling?
- Handle from a young age
- Handle when they are in a positive state
- reward when rabbit is handled comfortably
What can occur if a rabbit is put down incorrectly?
spinal injury
How would you do a physical examination of a rabbit?
- Should be head to tail
- rabbit should be restrained to avoid distress
- Oral examinations are important
- do BCS and weight
- Blood sampling
- Sexing
What is a common problem with rabbits mouths?
Dental disease
