Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
chase the pellets. This way you will keep your feed supply as fresh as possible because certain
vitamins and some fats can deteriorate quickly after production.
Rabbits prefer to eat at night, so a good time to feed your rabbits is in the evening. Check the
feeders daily for any wet or moldy feed. Empty as needed before refilling the feeders. The
biggest health problem a rabbit has is overfeeding. Large-breed rabbits need 4 to 6 ounces of
pellets once a day. Small rabbits (dwarf type) need only 2 ounces of pellets a day.
Rabbits should have access to good, leafy alfalfa hay at all times. The hay should be checked
often to make sure it does not become moldy. A pregnant or lactating
doe
(female rabbit)
should have all the feed she wants. While her young are still with her (up to 8 weeks), they all
should have
free-choice feed
(feed that is available at all times) along with plenty of water. If
young bucks or does are being raised as breeding rabbits, they should be fed 1 ounce of feed
daily for each pound of body weight.
Rabbit health
Good nutrition; sound breeding stock; regular cleaning and disinfecting of cages, feeders, and
waterers; and weekly manure removal will go a long way toward ensuring your rabbits will
remain in optimal health. Keeping your rabbit housing well ventilated and in good repair are
part of keeping rabbits as healthy as they can be. The building and feed supply should be ro-
dent, predator, and bird proof. Cages and feeding and watering equipment should be disinfec-
ted on a regular basis.
Nest boxes
, or a box in a cage where an expectant doe prepares to give
birth and raises her offspring for several weeks, should be disinfected after each litter and be-
fore placing the expectant does in the cage. All manure and debris should be scraped from the
item being disinfected before being scrubbed with a disinfecting solution. Bleach water, vin-
egar, or a commercial disinfectant can be used. After disinfecting, the item should be allowed
to dry thoroughly before being placed into use. Letting the item dry in the sunlight lends an
additional level of sanitation.
Despite all this attention, occasionally some health problems may crop up in your rabbits. To
minimize losses, observe all your rabbits every day. Are they eating their feed and drinking
their water? Does the manure under the pen appear normal? Are their eyes clear and noses
free from discharge? Do they act interested in your presence at the front of their cage? Many
diseases are hard to detect with just a brief visual observation. You should examine your rab-
bits closely at least once a week by handling them and checking their ears, toenails, and teeth.
