Contrary to popular belief, rabbits belong to hare-like, not rodents. There are many breeds and colors in rabbits such as English Angora, chinchilla rabbit, Dutch, Flemish giant, Himalayan, Dutch dwarf, polish, rex, minilop. If they are properly tamed and socialized, they become curious, sociable, obedient, calm and gentle pets. Rabbits rarely bite, but if mistreated, they can scratch with their sharp claws and powerful hind legs. They they simply learn to use the tray, but if they are not taught, they can go to the toilet anywhere where they are now are located.
The average life expectancy in rabbits is 5-8 years (in small breeds 10-14 years old), they are able to breed already at the age of 6 months. Rabbits are well known for their ability to breed, their pregnancy lasts about 30 days, and the average litter is from 4 to 10 individuals. Their early sterilization and castration (aged 5-6 months), will help you avoid both medical problems and behavior problems.
For decorative rabbits, proper handling is very important. They have a relatively light skeleton compared to most others animals. Their powerful hind legs allow them to strike surprisingly great power. If you keep the rabbit wrong, he with its sharp and powerful blow it can easily dislocate and even break your back, leading to severe disability or even the need for his euthanasia, as it can become paralyzed. Therefore, when handling, you must hold your rabbit for everything body, especially behind the back. Never raise a rabbit by the ears. Ask your vet to show you how to hold and carry the rabbit.
Interesting facts about rabbits
Contents
- Rabbits have big ears that provide them with excellent hearing. The ears also serve the rabbit to regulate its temperature. body. The ears contain a large number of veins, so often used for blood sampling if any analyzes.
- The gastrointestinal tract in rabbits is adapted to digesting large amounts of fiber that they need in the diet.
- Rabbits have a large intestine where food is high in fiber is digested with bacteria so that nutrient substances are absorbed in the same place in the back of the intestine.
- Rabbits leave a large amount of daily round fecal balls. At night and early morning they also lay special fecal balls, consisting predominantly and bunch mass and the nutrients they need, produced using special bacteria. Rabbits eat these balls to absorb these nutrients.
- Rabbits have a very light skeleton, which means that their bones easy to break. The rabbit must be carried and raised very carefully and neatly.
- Rabbits have two pairs of upper incisors (the second pair is hidden behind first), this means that they are not rodents, but hare-like.
- Like rodents, rabbits’ teeth grow throughout animal life, which often leads to problems and may require periodically cutting them. Provide rabbits with solid blocks wood so that they can chew it and thereby prevent it excessive growth of your teeth.
- Rabbits rarely make noise, but sometimes they can growl or grunt warningly. If they are scared or hurt, they can emit a high-pitched cry. As rabbits can also knock their alarm hind legs.
See even more interesting facts about rabbits here.
How to choose a rabbit
Rabbits are often purchased at pet stores or through breeders. Ideally, it is advisable to acquire a young rabbit. He must be curious and inquisitive. The rabbit should not be thin or exhausted. Check for moisture around his anus, which may indicate diarrhea. Other than that, check it out on the presence of parasites such as fleas and ear mites (ear mites often lead to crunchy, thick and flaky formations on the ears). Eyes and nose should be clear, without any discharge that may indicate an infection. If possible, check the rabbit’s mouth for broken or overgrown incisors (front teeth) and colorless gums that should be light pink. Find out if the rabbit has been sterilized or neutered, and finally find out if there are any guarantees of it health that the seller offers.
First visit to the veterinarian
Your rabbit should be examined by a veterinarian within 48 hours after purchase (this check is required if the seller did not give no guarantees for the health of the animal). Make sure that The vet has experience treating rabbits. When the vet will be his inspect, write down his weight, ask about the home, the correct food and rabbit-friendly toys. Also necessary check fecal balls for parasites. Check rabbits the presence of parasites is necessary at least annually.
Vaccinations
Bunnies do not require vaccinations, unless placed on outdoors, in which case you need to discuss with your vet vaccination against rabies.
And as a final note, it should be noted that rabbits usually become good pets for the whole family, and for children, and for adults, however, they should not be left unattended with very young children.