Special features of your rabbit
Life expectancy: 7-10 years (up to 15)
Adult weight: Male = 1.5-5 kg // Female = 1.5-6 kg
Sexual maturity: 4-8 months
Gestation period: 30-32 days
Number of pups per litter: 4-10
Weaning age: 4-6 weeks
You and your rabbit
The rabbit is an intelligent animal that needs a stimulating environment. Toys (tunnels, plastic balls, etc.) are very good entertainment and promote its development and well-being.
The rabbit is also a social animal that needs to interact with other rabbits (rabbits spayed together, guinea pigs, dogs, or cats can be good companions).
It's home
For pet rabbits living indoors, the cage should be placed in a quiet place, away from windows and radiators (to avoid heatstroke and drafts). The average room temperature should be between 16 and 20°C.
The recommended dimensions of the cage are variable: it is considered that the floor surface should be large enough for the rabbit to move three jumps and high enough to allow the rabbit to stand on its hind legs.
The rabbit can be raised outdoors as long as the hutch is protected from wind, weather, predators, and insects. The hutch must be kept warm and dry. Under these conditions, the rabbit tolerates low outdoor temperatures.
The ideal litter consists of hemp, which is not very allergenic. Do not use a scented litter that can irritate.
Its diet
- Fibre is essential in his diet (in the form of good quality hay distributed at will) for his digestive well-being and for the wear and tear of his teeth.
- You can please him by giving him various green and leafy vegetables (lettuce, endive, watercress, spinach or celery leaves, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, radish or beet tops, parsley, basil, coriander, dandelion leaves and flowers, clover), washed beforehand and distributed in moderate quantities. Pieces of fruit or carrots, given in small quantities and occasionally, can be used as treats and sources of environmental enrichment.
Be careful however, some rabbits are sensitive and a wet diet can disturb their digestive transit (diarrhea). In this case, stop eating fresh vegetables or give them in very small quantities.
- Freshwater at will in a bottle or bowl.
How to hold your rabbit?
The support of the rear train is essential to avoid dislocations and vertebral fractures.
The "C" restraint: the rabbit is placed against the person carrying it, one hand supports the thorax while the other holds the lumbar vertebrae. For stressed animals, the head can be hidden under the arm.
Caution: do not take your rabbit by the ears, it is very painful.
How to protect it?
Vaccination is available: vaccine against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease.
Argos Veterinary Clinics recommend that you deworm him every year and make an annual check-up to make sure he is in good health.