Rabbit Husbandry

Question 1

What are the subtle means of communication that rabbits use?

Answer 1

Scent marking
Body language

Question 2

When are rabbits most active?

Answer 2

Most active at dawn and dusk

Question 3

What does a rabbit banging its hind feet suggest?

Answer 3

Its giving a warning

Question 4

What do rabbits do when they’re really happy?

Answer 4

Binkying - high jumps

Question 5

In what groups do rabbits live in?

Answer 5

Small family groups -
- single-sex sibling groups
- neutered pairs

Question 6

When housing rabbits what should you ensure the stability of?

Answer 6

Environment - don’t disturb scent marks
Population - introducing new rabbits is tricky

Question 7

How many recognised rabbit breeds are there?

Answer 7

Around 60 breeds

Question 8

What is an issue associated with lop rabbits?

Answer 8

They have a shortened face which an lead to more dental problems.

Question 9

Describe a dwarf lop.

Answer 9

(Known as mini lop in USA)
Small/medium breed
2 - 2.5kg
Friendly, playful

Question 10

Describe a mini lop.

Answer 10

Smaller than a dwarf
1.5 - 1.7 kg
Sociable, friendly

Question 11

Describe a French lop.

Answer 11

Large
4.5 - 6.8 kg
Sensible ear length

Question 12

Describe an English lop.

Answer 12

Around 5.5 kg
Laid back
Ear length can be problematic -
- heat loss
- adequate space is required

Question 13

Describe a Lionhead rabbit.

Answer 13

Small
1.1 - 1.6 kg
Docile, clever, flighty when stressed
Wooly coat requires daily attention to prevent mating

Question 14

Describe an Angora rabbit.

Answer 14

Coat maintenance is very important
English - 2 - 3 kg
French - 3.5 - 4.5 kg
German - 2.5 - 5.5 kg
Giant - >5kg

Question 15

Describe a Rex rabbit.

Answer 15

3 - 3.5 kg
Playful, gentle, enjoy human company

Question 16

Describe a Satin rabbit.

Answer 16

Medium breed
2.7 - 3.6 kg
Docile, calm

Question 17

Describe a Himalayan rabbit.

Answer 17

Black and white - temperature dependent
1.5 - 2 kg
Gentle, enjoy human company

Question 18

Describe a Dutch rabbit.

Answer 18

Black and white - temperature dependent
2 - 2.5 kg
Sociable, friendly

Question 19

Describe an English rabbit.

Answer 19

Black and white - temperature dependent
Around 3 kg
Sociable, friendly, gentle

Question 20

Describe a Netherlands dwarf rabbit.

Answer 20

< 1 kg
Timid, skittish, occasionally grumpy
Short face - problems

Question 21

Describe a Polish rabbit.

Answer 21

About 1.1 kg
Calmer than other small breeds
Docile, friendly, intelligent

Question 22

Describe the New Zealand rabbits.

Answer 22

Meat and lab use originally
New Zealand Red and New Zealand White
About 5kg
Great personalities
Clever, laid back, docile, friendly

Question 23

Describe a Belgian hare.

Answer 23

A hare that’s not a hare
Around 3 - 4 kg
Very clever, generally friendly, can be skittish

Question 24

Describe a continental giant rabbit.

Answer 24

7 kg +
Great pets, shorter lifespan (CV or dental problems)

Question 25

Describe a Flemish giant rabbit.

Answer 25

Around 7 kg Can be above 10 kg Longer lived - 8 - 10 years Calm, docile, good pets

Question 26

How can stress affect a rabbits' digestive system?

Answer 26

Reduce gut motility significantly

Question 27

On a rabbits face, where should/shouldn't you touch?

Answer 27

Avoid touching nose Stroking round cheeks and chin can mimic natural mutual grooming behaviour

Question 28

How should you examine a rabbit?

Answer 28

Don't pick them up Let them come to you Examine on the floor Put a towel down

Question 29

How should you handle a rabbit?

Answer 29

As little as possible Ideally introduce from a young age Make sure you support hindlimb, to avoid damage to spine Never by the ears

Question 30

What is tonic immobility?

Answer 30

It is a fear response and should not be used as routine restraint or instead of sedation or anaesthesia. They are fully aware. Induced when turned onto their backs. Cortisol, respiratory rate and heart rate increase.

Question 31

What is essential when feeding rabbits?

Answer 31

Fibre as they are hindgut fermenters

Question 32

Rabbits are browsing creatures, what does this mean when feeding them?

Answer 32

They can be highly selective

Question 33

What is the link between dietary fibre and stress in rabbits?

Answer 33

Increased dietary fibre = decreased stress

Question 34

Rabbits are very selective. They will often choose grains and pulses over grass pellets in a concentrate diet. Why is this problematic?

Answer 34

Low fibre intake = increase risk of dental disease and reduced gut health High concentrates = lots of energy in small meal

Question 35

What does feeding starchy foods to rabbits lead to?

Answer 35

Gastrointestinal disturbances

Question 36

Describe what indigestible fibre is used for in rabbits.

Answer 36

Vital for gut motility Ligin and cellulose from secondary plant wall No nutritional 'value' Not easily fermented - excreted as hard pellets

Question 37

Describe what digestible fibre is used for in rabbits.

Answer 37

For energy Smaller particles from primary plant wall Fermented in caecum Results in volatile fatty acid production

Question 38

What does excess digestible fibre result in for rabbits?

Answer 38

Caecal dysbiosis e.g. lawn clippings

Question 39

What should you feed rabbits?

Answer 39

Grass (fresh, dried, hay) ad-lib (80% of diet) A mixture of Timothy, fescue, cocksfoot and meadow grass is ideal. Supplement with edible wild leafy plants and leafy greens (carrot tops, beet tops, spinach, rocket)

Question 40

What is alfalfa used for when feeding rabbits?

Answer 40

Only for growing rabbits due to the high protein and calcium levels and lower fibre

Question 41

What is clover used for when feeding rabbits?

Answer 41

Weight gain Very high energy

Question 42

How is calcium regulated in rabbits?

Answer 42

By the kidneys, not the gut

Question 43

In rabbits, what dietary level of calcium is required for optimal health?

Answer 43

0.6 - 1 %

Question 44

What is the pH of the stomach of neonatal rabbits?

Answer 44

pH 5 - 6.5

Question 45

What is milk oil produced due to in rabbits?

Answer 45

Due to a reaction of doe's milk with digestive enzymes = antimicrobial

Question 46

As a kit starts to take in plant matter, what changes?

Answer 46

Bacteria colonise in the caecum and pH in the stomach drops

Question 47

When housing rabbits, what do they need space to do?

Answer 47

Sit up with ears erect Hop Lie down fully stretched Play Eat and drink Maintain hygiene

Question 48

What temperature is ideal for housing rabbits?

Answer 48

10 - 20 degrees Celcius

Question 49

What does a dirty environment predispose rabbits to?

Answer 49

Flystrike Pododermatitis Respiratory disease

Question 50

What vaccinations are part of routine health care for rabbits?

Answer 50

Myxomatosis RHD (Viral haemorrhagic disease - caused by calicivirus)