Essential Information

Getting Started

Baby rabbit development illustrated with photos:

1. How Should A 8 Weeks Old Look Like
2. How Should A 8 Weeks Old Look Like (Remake)

References

Recommended Veterinarians:

Dr. Wong Shaw Feei

Dr. Chong Voon Keat (well versed with small & exotic animals)

Dr. Sivan

Dr. Hasnol

Mostly for Dogs and Cats but can attend to minor emergencies in Rabbits:

Dr. Prem

Daily Diet

Below 6 months (Junior)

Being active little bunnies, younger rabbits need a lot of protein in their diet. The recommendation is:

1) Unlimited high protein hay e.g. Alfalfa Hay

2) Unlimited rabbit pellet high in protein and made out of alfalfa as main ingredient

3) Lots of clean water in crock or bottle

Above 6 months (Senior)

1) Unlimited high fiber hay e.g Timothy Hay

2) Generally, 1/4 to 1/2 cup pellets per 6 lbs. body weight.

3) Minimum 2 cups chopped vegetables per 6 lbs. body weight

4) Lots of clean water in crock or bottle

Natural Diet

Since it may be difficult to get constant feed supply, I believe it is appropriate to offer a couple of links on the possibilities of feeding natural diet to rabbits. Due to its experimental nature, I urge fellow readers to exercise discretion and care while using natural diet.

A forum where natural diet is discussed – http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/showthread.php?t=211220

Understanding how rabbit stomach works to compliment natural diet – http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-3/fiber.html

Your rabbit’s monthly expenses (for a single rabbit only):

This is just a rough guide.

Senior (above 6 months):

• Feed & Hay:

1. 1kg Timothy Based Rabbit Feed i.e. Genesis Ultra Premium Timothy Rabbit Food @ RM 28.50
2. 1kg Timothy Hay = RM20.00

• 4 Assorted Vegetables (RM8/week) = RM32 (Optional)

Junior (Below 6 months):

• Feed & Hay:

1. 1kg Alfalfa Based Rabbit Feed i.e. Genesis Ultra Premium Alfalfa Rabbit Food @ RM26.50
2. 1kg Timothy Hay = RM20.00

Recommended Diet Products:

Please click on images to proceed to the respective Online Store to purchase

Common Illnesses

These are some of the illnesses and diseases that bunny lovers around the world worries about:

G.I. Stasis:http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/ileus.html

Fur Mites (Mange):http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

Splayed Legs:

I recently notice increased number of occurrences in the local rabbits with this problem:

http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Bone_diseases/Genetic/splayleg.PDF

There is no 100% cure for splayed legs but corrective measures can be taken. There are websites suggesting to bind the affected legs together in attempt to realign the legs. The best preventive measure is to stop breeding rabbits with splayed legs.

Malocclusion

Another hereditary illness which results in misaligned teeth. Regular filing is needed but causes high level of stress for the rabbit affected. Another long term measure is to remove the misalign teeth but by doing so, the rabbit will need to be given soft food throughout its life.

Wry Neck/Head Tilt

This is when you find your rabbit’s head tilted to one side gradually or out of a sudden. It is basically caused by infection and can be treated.

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/tilt.html

Drug Dosage Calculator for Rabbits:

This is a very useful link to ascertain the dosage of drug to use. Please ensure that you get a certified vet to identify the right drugs to use before attempting administration.

http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rx/drugcalc.html

Housing & Husbandry

I am using the 24 x 17.5 x 16.5 cages to house individual rabbits. The general rule of thumb is that the rabbit should be able to lie down, “stand up” and also able to hop around a little. The cages that I use does not allow them to hop around much so I have to setup the playpen as their run on a daily basis. Exercise is very important for rabbits because it stimulates their stomach to continue functioning well.

In the cages I have a litter tray, a food bowl, a water bowl or a water bottle attached. Below are some pictures of my setup:

Corner Litter Tray:

Cage with plastic mat and tiles for comfort together with food bowl & water bowl:

*photos courtesy of http://www.chestnutpictures.com

The Tru-Luv Rabbitry System:

This is our old setup. Back in 2008, I setup a rabbitry system which included a waste management system. I no longer need to clean the many litter trays on a daily basis. Waste are washed down a piping system.

The rabbitry shelving unit has 3 levels and each level can house 2 rabbits if I decide to expand the herd size.

The waste are collected in a central collection basket:

The current Tru-Luv Rabbitry setup:

Neutering Rabbits

4) Spayed/Neutered rabbits have better litter habits (YES! You can actually litter train your pet rabbits)

5) Spayed/Neutered rabbits live longer lives as risk of cancer and urinary tract infections are greatly reduced

Quick Terms

Junior: A rabbit that is below 6 months of age

Kindling: The act of a doe giving birth

Peanut: A kit with 2 dwarf genes contributed by both parents. Peanut will not survive in normal circumstances

Pedigree: A document that states the ancestry of the rabbit. Normally traces back at least 3 generations

Senior: A rabbit above 6 months of age

Solid: Just one color

Show Abbreviations:

BIS: Best In Show (The best rabbit in the entire show regardless of breed)

BRIS: Best Reserve In Show (The 2nd best rabbit in the entire show regardless of breed)

BOB: Best Of Breed (The best rabbit in a particular breed)

BOS: Best Opposite Sex (The best rabbit of the opposite gender of BOB)

BOV: Best Of Variety (The best broken or solid and able to compete for BOB or BOS)

BOSV: Best Opposite Sex of Variety (Similar to BOS but opposite gender of BOV. Eligible to compete for BOS)

BJB: Broken Junior Buck

BJD: Broken Junior Doe

BSB: Broken Senior Buck

BSD: Broken Senior Doe

SJB: Solid Junior Buck

SJD: Solid Junior Doe

SSB: Solid Senior Buck

SSD: Solid Senior Doe

Useful Tips

Recycle those papers:

Shredded papers or newspapers can be used as litter materials. Clean white recycle paper can be used as nesting materials as well. I normally add some shredded papers to the nest box together with loads of hay for my kindling does.

GO GREEN, GO PLANET!!!