Monday, December 5, 2011

Rabbit Management Tips

Cage
An all-wire cage for a 6-7 lb. rabbit should be at least 2 feet wide by 18 inches high by 2 feet long. You'll need a sitting board 6-8 inches square or larger to prevent sore hocks and feet.



Temperature

Outside cages need a shady roof and protection from rain, wind, drafts, dampness and direct sun during the hot summer months. To cool a rabbit, put a gallon jug of frozen water in the cage. Put long wet towels on the sides of the cage. Dampen the roof with cool water.



Cleaning/Sanitation

Remove all droppings from the cage every day. At least once a month, clean and disinfect the cage and tray. Use a mild bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon water or 1 tablespoon bleach to 1 quart water). Rinse well.



Feed

Rabbits need a balanced diet to grow and reproduce. Feed them a commercially prepared 14%-16% protein rabbit pellets daily. The amount fed will vary with the age, weight and activity level of each animal. Five to six ounces will usually keep a mature New Zealand rabbit not in production in good condition. Small breeds need two to three ounces of pellets. Small amounts of fresh hay and grain may also be given. Feed a doe and her litter all they will eat each day. (Feed the doe only two to four ounces the first day after kindling to prevent caked udders.) Give weaned bunnies all they will eat.



Do not overfeed or let uneaten rabbit pellets stay in the dish day after day. Store the feed in a water/air tight container away from the sun and moisture so the pellets keep their nutritional value.



Check to see if a rabbit is being fed enough or too much by feeling the skin covering the ribs and back bone. If it's too thin, feed it more; if too fat, feed it less.



Water

Rabbits need plenty of fresh, clean ice-free water each day. Clean the crock or water bottle every few days with a mild bleach solution and warm soapy water. A doe and her litter will drink about a gallon of water a day.



Source: 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System - BU-6069 What's Hoppening?

No comments:

Post a Comment