Rabbit husbandry Flashcards
What is the latin genus and species for rabbits?
Lagomorpha leporidae
What are organisations that help rabbit welfare?
RSPCA
RWAF - rabbit welfare association and fund
UFAW - universities federation for animal welfare
Are rabbits social creatures?
Yes - live in small family groups. Aggressive to others
How do rabbits communicate?
Body language
Scent markings
What is the happy behaviour rabbits show?
Binking
Binky
What happens to rabbits when they are extremely stressed? What effect does this have on the body?
Tonic immobility
Fear paralysis but fully awake and aware
Increased HR, RR and cortisol
What is important in rabbit environment in terms of scent marks?
Don’t disturb - hard to introduce new rabbits
Need place to scent mark, outdoor access and levels
What can a dirty environment cause in rabbits
Flystrike
Myiasis
Pododermatitis
Respiratory disease
Are rabbits grazers are browsers? They are active at dusk and dawn as they are prey species - what is this called?
Browsers
Crepuscular
What do rabbits need in their diet ad lib? Why?
Long fibre
Takes long time to eat, good for teeth and GI
Why are cereal/concentrate mixes unhealthy for rabbits?
High calories and protein Selective feeding Caecotrophy Boredom Dental disease
What should rabbits not have in their diet?
Starch
Disturbs GI
What does decreased dietary fibre cause?
Caecal dysbiosis (microbial imbalance) Inability to produce caecotrophs
Can all rabbits eat alfalfa? Why?
Growing rabbits only
High in Ca and protein
Why should rabbits be only given fruit as a treat? Should they have clover?
Fruit - too high sugar
Clover - too high energy
