Small Animal Management Rabbits
I. Terms A. Buck – male rabbit B. Doe – female rabbit C. Bunny – baby rabbit D. Kit – baby rabbit E. Kindle – giving birth
(terms cont. ) F. Litter – group of young kindled by the same doe G. Junior – rabbit under 6 months H. Senior – rabbit over 6 months I. Breed – animals with similar physical characteristics that are passed on to their young. J. Variety – subdivision of a breed, usually by distinguished by color
(terms continued) K. Molting – shedding fur L. Gestation – the length of time a female is pregnant M. Lactation – production of milk N. Snuffles – respiratory ailment in rabbits
II. Parts
Neck Ear Shoulder Rump Tail Cheek Dewlap Hock Flank Belly
III. Size Classes A. Small a. 2 – 7 lbs b. Examples 1. Netherland Dwarfs 2. Dutch 3. Tans
(size classes continued) B. Medium a. 8 - 12 lbs b. Examples 1. New Zealands 2. Florida Whites 3. Satins
(size classes continued) C. Large a. over 13 lbs b. Examples 1. Flemish Giants 2. Checkered Giants 3. Giant Lops
IV. Classes by Use A. Pets B. Show / Exhibition C. Meat Production D. Pelts E. Wool F. Laboratory / Research
V. Breed Selection A. Over 30 recognized breeds B. Over 80 recognized varieties (divisions within a breed)
(breed selection continued) C. Selection based on use 1. Meat Production • New Zealand (White, Black, Red) • California (White w/eight black points) • Satin (Colors vary – specialty fur)
(breed selection continued) (Selection based on use, cont) 2. Research • New Zealand White – consistent 3. Show / Pet • Any breed
(breed selection continued) (Selection based on use, cont) 4. Pelts • Rex • Mini Rex • Satin 5. Wool • Angora
VI. Locating Breeding Stock A. Feed Stores B. American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) C. Journals / Magazines
(Locating Breeding Stock, cont) D. Telephone Book E. County Agricultural Agent F. Agriscience Teacher G. County Fair Exhibits H. Newspapers
VII. Selection of Breeding Stock A. They are healthy and vigorous B. They are average size for their breed C. Age to buy 1. Juniors (unproven) (-) must wait to breed them (+) can ease them into production
(selection of breeding stock/ age to buy continued) 2. Seniors (-) age difficult to determine (+) ready for production 3. Older Rabbits (long heavy toenails and the meat along the back bone is sinewy (stringy) and tough) (-) less production potential (-) may be sterile (+) may be cheaper
(selection of breeding stock continued) D. Start with a “trio” 1. One buck and two does E. Trust the breeder to select compatible breeders
VIII. Proper Handling A. Best Method 1. Grasp the nap of the neck and the rump 2. Always support the hind quarters B. Alternate Methods 1. Grasp in front of hip 2. Underarm, clutched against body C. NEVER BY THE EARS!!!!!
IX. Feeding A. Requirements vary depending on ØBreed ØSize ØAge ØWeather ØCondition ØProduction Stage
(feeding continued) B. Rule of Thumb 1. Mature Rabbits - Maintenance a. 3. 8 to 4% of their body weight per day b. increases based on growth & production C. Easiest: buy complete pellets needs
(feeding continued) D. Limit Feed vs Full Feed (free choice) 1. Full Feed > rabbits eat more – cost more 2. overweight rabbits – lazy/poor breeders 3. less attention given to rabbits
X. Housing A. Free of Drafts B. Protect from rain, snow, wind, sun & heat C. Pens – wire floor * D. Size – 1 square foot floor space per one pound live rabbit (4# needs 2 ft x 2 ft)
XI. Equipment A. Feeders * B. Waters * C. Nest Boxes D. Tattoo Pliers
XII. Reproduction
A. Age to breed 1. Dwarfs & Small breeds – 5 months 2. Medium breeds – 6 months 3. Large breeds – 8 months
B. Selecting mates 1. Doe a. Good weight (not skinny or fat) b. Vulva – dark in color 2. Buck a. Good fur condition b. Bright eyes c. Evidence of both testicles in the scrotum
C. Gestation Period 1. Average: 31 days 2. Range: 28 – 31 days
D. Mating 1. Take the doe to the buck’s cage 2. Doe is more defensive of her territory than the buck 3. Don’t leave alone
E. Pregnancy Test 1. Palpation – 12 days 2. Attempt to rebreed in 14 days
F. Preparing Cage 1. On 27 th day, place nest box in cage 2. Provide nesting material (hay, straw, wood shavings) 3. Doe will pluck hair from belly to line nest
G. Kindling 1. Keep area quiet 2. Inspect nest a. Number of bunnies b. Healthy c. Content d. Adequate nest materials
H. Weaning 1. Creep feed a. Feed only the babies b. Reduces stress at weaning 2. Separate at 6 – 8 weeks
XIII Record Keeping A. Importance 1. Financial: Profit/Loss 2. Identify Animals 3. Management Plan a. Health b. Reproduction
(record keeping continued) B. Types 1. Pedigree – “Family Tree” 2. Breeding a. Cage Cards b. Doe/Buck Records 3. Feeding 4. Health
by: Johanna Davis Updated 2/1/2001
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