Rabbit Husbandry

Question 1

Rabbit Behaviour

Answer 1

Based on survival
- active at twilight
- burrowers
- live in social groups
- territorial
- strong hind limbs to kick and move fast
- territorial marking
- grooming
- coprophagy
- gnawing

Can be considered problematic
- “aggression”
- urine soiling
- damaging property
- less handle-able

Question 2

Hutch Requirements

Answer 2

• size
• furniture
• bedding
• resting site
• reinforcing ground for no digging or escaping
• comfort
• regular cleaning
• hay/straw/paper/pellet substrate, with enough for burrowing
• bedding not too dusty (prone to resp. diseases)

Question 3

Rabbit Nutrition

Answer 3

high fibre/cellulose intake
hay/grass provided ad libitum
a good diet is one that moves the gut
continuously weigh and BCS as obesity is a common issue

Question 4

Handling Rabbits

Answer 4

approach calmly but swiftly
support hind limbs
putting it down is just as important !

Question 5

Veterinary Care and Rabbits

Answer 5

physical exam as with other species

blood sampling done from the jugular or from the marginal ear vein

sexing is a key role of the vet
- bucks have a wide distance between the anus and the penis, with a circular shape to the tip of the penis
- does have a short distance between the anus and the vagina, with a pointed shape to the vagina

dental examination also a common procedure, as dental disease is problematic.