Rabbit Husbandry Flashcards
Sexing
Male: round preputial opening; penis can be extruded, in adult: testes obvious in two scortal sacs caudolateral to prepuce, anogenital distance slightly greater
Female: slit-like V-shaped vulval opening, top part of vulva can stick out,
What is the most stable pair to house?
Neutered buck and neutered doe
What is the general rule for diets?
70% grass and/or hay
28% leafy greens
1-2% high fiber concentrates
What is the general rule for amount of high fiber pellets to feed?
25g/kg bodyweight
What type of repro cycle do rabbits have?
Reflex ovulators
No definitive estrus cycle
Receptive periods occur for 12-14 days
What is the rabbit lifespan?
6-10 yrs
Weight range of rabbits
1kg-10kg+
Housing of rabbits
House with companion when possible
Best match=neutered buck and neutered doe
Not housed with guinea pig (rabbit can bully or pass Bordetella to gp)
Outdoor housing
Generally hardy, but protect from extremes Avoid direct sunlight Hutches PLUS addl exercise area Precaution of burrowing Mesh front and top Bolt-holes Prevent contact with wild rabbits
Indoor housing
Secure cage when alone Exercise around house Litter training Protect electric cables form chewing Protect from dangerous plants Chew toys
What types of leafy greens are good for rabbits?
Broccoli Cabbage Chard Parsley Kale Dandelion
What should not be fed to rabbits?
Frosted or moldy food
Lawnmower clippings
What is the rabbit breeding season?
January-October
What is rabbit gestation length?
30-32 days
When are rabbits mature?
4-8mo
