Lets look at some really, really crazy facts about rabbits! Maybe you have heard the old saying multiply like rabbits well lets investigate that a little more. Rabbits are quickly becoming one of the number one sources for meat world wide! Do you believe me? Let us look at some rabbit facts. Ok, what animal was used to feed almost all the Germans in World War 2. What animal can multiply like crazy? What animal can live in small places like in cities?
Answer............
The RABBIT
More Rabbit Facts:
A Rabbit Doe can have bunnies about every 40 days!
A litter can consist of a count around 8 kits. Sometimes this number can be around 12! Every once in a while there will be a report of a doe having 23 bunnies! No- I am not joking!
If a rabbit had bunnies every 40 days (possible) they could have 9 litters a year.
Sometimes a Doe can continue to have litters until age 6.
Do the math that is a crap load of bunnies!
On average an American family has 2.5 children. China's population is decreasing.
Remember the energy pyramid? Only 10% of energy moves to next level. Rabbits are herbivores right? Humans in some cases are quaternary consumers. Get the picture?
When Rabbits Rule the World? What would happen? Who would be in charge?
By the way they are already in charge of todays dogs: The Rabbit vs. The Dog
Tell us what you think by commenting on this post!
An additive to the Raising Rabbits series or the Rabbits Raising Humans series, LOL
To be or not to be. To believe or not to believe. The choice is yours. The sky is the limit.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
All about Rabbits
A few simple and quick facts about rabbits:
There are lots of interesting facts about rabbits like how long their ears get, or how they aren't the same as hares but we found 6 super-cute facts to share. And, reading these, reminded us of just why we love our little buns so much. Ok, well maybe apart from number 5 but it's still cute that your bunny loves you that much right?
#1. A bunny can learn simple tricks
...like standing on their hind legs, rolling a ball back to their owner, go into his cage or jumping up on the couch on command. That's of course only if they want to learn it. As other owners will tell you it's darn near impossible to teach a rabbit anything if he doesn't want to do it!
# 2. A happy rabbit will purr with contentment.
It's not quite the same as a cat purring, it comes from their teeth not their throat, but it means the same thing. There isn't much better in the world than a bun purring with happiness is there?
# 3. Rabbits can learn to walk on a harness and leash
Always start gently and use some tasty treats as encouragement. Start with just the harness and attach the lead when he's comfortable. Of course he won't go where you want to go so in reality you'll end up the one being led around!
#4. Bunnies have their own special dance called a 'binky' or 'binkie'.
It's difficult to describe unless you have seen one for yourself but it it a combination of a jump, twist and kick. Binkies are unique to rabbits and are an expression of sheer joy. When you get to see a binkie for real you'll know what happiness is!
#5. If your bun circles your legs and then pees on you it means she loves you.
While it may be the ultimate sign of affection in bunnyville, it's not recommended that you try this one on your own boyfriend!
#6. Bunnies can be put into a trance.
This is similar to when a person meditates but it's just so much cuter when your bunny does it!
To put yours into one, pick her up underneath her front legs with your right hand while supporting her bottom and back legs with your left hand. Turn her over gently and cradle her in the crook of your elbow/arm like a baby or between your legs.
Now comes the Bunny Whisperer magic - gently stroke her face until you feel her head relax backward. To wake her up from the trance, just gently roll her back on to her side or tummy. NB: Be very gentle doing this as a rabbit's spine can be damaged very easily.
So there you go, 6 of the coolest, cutest things we like about our bunny buddies!
Read more facts about rabbits.
=================================
Abbey Mitchell is a long-time animal lover and rabbit enthusiast. Abbey's site http://www.RabbitsForPets.com is dedicated to providing you with the best information available on pet rabbits, delivered in her signature down to earth, fun style.
=================================
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abbey_Mitchell
There are lots of interesting facts about rabbits like how long their ears get, or how they aren't the same as hares but we found 6 super-cute facts to share. And, reading these, reminded us of just why we love our little buns so much. Ok, well maybe apart from number 5 but it's still cute that your bunny loves you that much right?
#1. A bunny can learn simple tricks
...like standing on their hind legs, rolling a ball back to their owner, go into his cage or jumping up on the couch on command. That's of course only if they want to learn it. As other owners will tell you it's darn near impossible to teach a rabbit anything if he doesn't want to do it!
# 2. A happy rabbit will purr with contentment.
It's not quite the same as a cat purring, it comes from their teeth not their throat, but it means the same thing. There isn't much better in the world than a bun purring with happiness is there?
# 3. Rabbits can learn to walk on a harness and leash
Always start gently and use some tasty treats as encouragement. Start with just the harness and attach the lead when he's comfortable. Of course he won't go where you want to go so in reality you'll end up the one being led around!
#4. Bunnies have their own special dance called a 'binky' or 'binkie'.
It's difficult to describe unless you have seen one for yourself but it it a combination of a jump, twist and kick. Binkies are unique to rabbits and are an expression of sheer joy. When you get to see a binkie for real you'll know what happiness is!
#5. If your bun circles your legs and then pees on you it means she loves you.
While it may be the ultimate sign of affection in bunnyville, it's not recommended that you try this one on your own boyfriend!
#6. Bunnies can be put into a trance.
This is similar to when a person meditates but it's just so much cuter when your bunny does it!
To put yours into one, pick her up underneath her front legs with your right hand while supporting her bottom and back legs with your left hand. Turn her over gently and cradle her in the crook of your elbow/arm like a baby or between your legs.
Now comes the Bunny Whisperer magic - gently stroke her face until you feel her head relax backward. To wake her up from the trance, just gently roll her back on to her side or tummy. NB: Be very gentle doing this as a rabbit's spine can be damaged very easily.
So there you go, 6 of the coolest, cutest things we like about our bunny buddies!
Read more facts about rabbits.
=================================
Abbey Mitchell is a long-time animal lover and rabbit enthusiast. Abbey's site http://www.RabbitsForPets.com is dedicated to providing you with the best information available on pet rabbits, delivered in her signature down to earth, fun style.
=================================
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abbey_Mitchell
Raising Holland Rabbits
What you should know about raising rabbits: Hollands
If you've decided to add a rabbit to your family and have settled on a Holland Lop then you've made a great choice! Holland Lop rabbits are a popular family pet for good reason. Of course every bunny has its own personality and there are always exceptions to the rule but in general they have friendly, inquisitive natures and love to be included in the family. Plus they are outrageously cute with their signature lop ears and baby-like appearance.
They are also known as Netherland Dwarf Lop but should not be confused with the Netherland Dwarf rabbit which is a completely separate breed with classic non-lop rabbit ears. The Holland Lop life span is around 10 years. Indoor rabbits tend to live longer than outdoor ones as they are more protected from predators and weather.
So, are there special things you need to know to care for your bun?
Here are our 5 top tips to caring for Holland Lop rabbits:
1. Don't over feed her
Obesity is a major problem with this breed because of their small size. It is ok to feed hay freely but be careful of pellets as well as high sugar fruits and vegetables. A serving of carrots or fruit for a 3lb lop is 1 tablespoon per day.
2. Watch her teeth
Holland Lop rabbits have very small heads and this can create problems with their teeth. Check your bunny's teeth regularly to make sure she is able to chew. If she stops eating (or chewing) she may have a problem with them. This can be serious so get her to a vet to be checked over asap.
3. Make sure her cage is big enough
Many people think that because their Holland Lop is so small (usually under 4 pounds) that they don't need a big cage/hutch. If anything, the opposite is true. A smaller rabbit tends to be more active than a larger breed and needs a cage that is at least 4-5 times their size.
4. Be careful of temperature changes
Rabbits are delicate creatures when it comes to changes in temperature and even more so when they have a very small body weight. No matter what the time of year always ensure your bun has access to somewhere she can cool off or keep warm so that she can regulate her temperature.
5. Be extra vigilant
Holland Lops are a very small breed. Always make sure your home is well fenced if you are exercising your bun as she could escape through the smallest of gaps. Also be careful when she is inside that she doesn't get caught under your feet.
More Holland Lop rabbits info. Plus your FREE copy of Rabbit Care Secrets mini course is available at Rabbits For Pets
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abbey_Mitchell
If you've decided to add a rabbit to your family and have settled on a Holland Lop then you've made a great choice! Holland Lop rabbits are a popular family pet for good reason. Of course every bunny has its own personality and there are always exceptions to the rule but in general they have friendly, inquisitive natures and love to be included in the family. Plus they are outrageously cute with their signature lop ears and baby-like appearance.
They are also known as Netherland Dwarf Lop but should not be confused with the Netherland Dwarf rabbit which is a completely separate breed with classic non-lop rabbit ears. The Holland Lop life span is around 10 years. Indoor rabbits tend to live longer than outdoor ones as they are more protected from predators and weather.
So, are there special things you need to know to care for your bun?
Here are our 5 top tips to caring for Holland Lop rabbits:
1. Don't over feed her
Obesity is a major problem with this breed because of their small size. It is ok to feed hay freely but be careful of pellets as well as high sugar fruits and vegetables. A serving of carrots or fruit for a 3lb lop is 1 tablespoon per day.
2. Watch her teeth
Holland Lop rabbits have very small heads and this can create problems with their teeth. Check your bunny's teeth regularly to make sure she is able to chew. If she stops eating (or chewing) she may have a problem with them. This can be serious so get her to a vet to be checked over asap.
3. Make sure her cage is big enough
Many people think that because their Holland Lop is so small (usually under 4 pounds) that they don't need a big cage/hutch. If anything, the opposite is true. A smaller rabbit tends to be more active than a larger breed and needs a cage that is at least 4-5 times their size.
4. Be careful of temperature changes
Rabbits are delicate creatures when it comes to changes in temperature and even more so when they have a very small body weight. No matter what the time of year always ensure your bun has access to somewhere she can cool off or keep warm so that she can regulate her temperature.
5. Be extra vigilant
Holland Lops are a very small breed. Always make sure your home is well fenced if you are exercising your bun as she could escape through the smallest of gaps. Also be careful when she is inside that she doesn't get caught under your feet.
More Holland Lop rabbits info. Plus your FREE copy of Rabbit Care Secrets mini course is available at Rabbits For Pets
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abbey_Mitchell
Protecting your Rabbit?
If you have been looking for information about pet insurance for rabbits then there are a few fundamental things you should know about before taking out a policy on your pet. Not all rabbit insurance companies are quick to insure animals but many of them are willing and able to insure "exotic pets" which rabbits conveniently fall under. Taking the necessary precautions to ensure that you are only dealing with reputable companies is another major part of the decision making process. Getting pet rabbit insurance is one of the biggest steps you will take towards protecting your pet bunny for the rest of its life; making sure to have a quality insurance plan backing you and your lovable pet up is the key to keeping a strong bond together for years to come.
The journey begins by trying to locate a good rabbit insurance company. This can be done either by looking on the web or through a phone book for potential companies that you are considering. Another great way is to find friends and family who currently have rabbit or another type of pet insurance and ask them for their opinion and experiences with various companies. Once you talk to some close contacts and begin to search online you will begin to see a clear picture develop about who you should speak to. It's recommended to get a couple of different quotes before actually settling for one. It's always a good thing to know that your estimate can likely change before everything is finalized.
You should always be aware of the fact that in the unfortunate event something should ever happen to your bunny rabbit, you are usually responsible for paying the entire sum of the bill up front unless you can find a veterinarian who is willing to wait for your insurance claim; this is a very rare occurrence indeed and not something you should count on happening all of the time. On a more positive note, you can expect to be reimbursed for about 70-80% of what your bill was providing your claim was accepted and processed successfully. It can be financially difficult to wait for your claim to be processed but choosing the best rabbit insurance company possible will increase the processing period of your claim and serve to expedite everything else as well. Always remember that the long term benefits of pet insurance for rabbits weigh the heaviest.
Rachael has been a rabbit enthusiast for many years and has learned a great deal about Rabbit Insurance over the years. She has dedicated her time and energy to empowering her readers to make the best decisions possible when it comes to Pet Insurance for Rabbits.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachael_Ben
The journey begins by trying to locate a good rabbit insurance company. This can be done either by looking on the web or through a phone book for potential companies that you are considering. Another great way is to find friends and family who currently have rabbit or another type of pet insurance and ask them for their opinion and experiences with various companies. Once you talk to some close contacts and begin to search online you will begin to see a clear picture develop about who you should speak to. It's recommended to get a couple of different quotes before actually settling for one. It's always a good thing to know that your estimate can likely change before everything is finalized.
You should always be aware of the fact that in the unfortunate event something should ever happen to your bunny rabbit, you are usually responsible for paying the entire sum of the bill up front unless you can find a veterinarian who is willing to wait for your insurance claim; this is a very rare occurrence indeed and not something you should count on happening all of the time. On a more positive note, you can expect to be reimbursed for about 70-80% of what your bill was providing your claim was accepted and processed successfully. It can be financially difficult to wait for your claim to be processed but choosing the best rabbit insurance company possible will increase the processing period of your claim and serve to expedite everything else as well. Always remember that the long term benefits of pet insurance for rabbits weigh the heaviest.
Rachael has been a rabbit enthusiast for many years and has learned a great deal about Rabbit Insurance over the years. She has dedicated her time and energy to empowering her readers to make the best decisions possible when it comes to Pet Insurance for Rabbits.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rachael_Ben
Buying Rabbits
If you want to buy a pet rabbit, where do you go? While not as common as pet dogs, pet rabbits for sale can be found at all sorts of places. You can own a cute little bunny of your own just by visiting a few pet haunts, consulting friends and even surfing online. Here are some of the places you can find your desired pet.
Rabbits for Sale at Local Breeders
If you want to own a bunny from when it is still a little one, you have to go to the local breeders. You can buy a rabbit that has just been born. It is also actually a cost-effective decision to buy from a local breeder because you can take your pick of rabbit and bring it home. There is no need to pay for shipping fees. Shipping fees can be very costly depending on where you are.
Rabbits for Sale at Pet Shops
One obvious place to look for a rabbit is at pet shops. If you have several local pet shops in your area, you should first scout for prices. The prices could go up if you buy from a pet shop rather than directly from a local breeder. Still, the price could still depend on the particular seller. Some shops may be more expensive than most because of their location.
Neighborhood Rabbits for Sale
If you have a neighbor whose pet rabbit has just given birth, you can go over and ask if you can buy one of the little rabbits. Of course, the neighbor could always refuse you. With luck, however, you could get your own pet rabbit for free, especially if you have a close relationship with that neighbor. Some neighbors, though not close, still prefer giving away some of the baby rabbits especially if there are plenty of them to go around, anyway.
Online Rabbits for Sale
In this modern age where the all sorts of products and services are being offered over the World Wide Web, you can also buy pets online. This means that you can definitely buy a pet rabbit online. There are even websites that sell only rabbits and rabbit accessories. You get to pick from a more varied selection. Of course, you do have to pay for shipment that could balloon further if you are buying from outside the country. What you could probably do is find an online seller that is headquartered near your home. This is a combination of cost-efficiency and convenience.
Learn more about where to find rabbits and rabbits for sale the first time and avoid having to make painful mistakes that beginner rabbit owner's are prone too. Separate yourself from the average rabbit owner who will end up harming their rabbits without knowing it and you could learn more tips on raising rabbits from the guide here: http://www.howtoraiserabbits.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Paterson
Places I recommend to buy rabbits:
AA Rabbitry- californian rabbits for sale
(Your Rabbitry Here- email me: garywise76@gmail.com)
Rabbits for Sale at Local Breeders
If you want to own a bunny from when it is still a little one, you have to go to the local breeders. You can buy a rabbit that has just been born. It is also actually a cost-effective decision to buy from a local breeder because you can take your pick of rabbit and bring it home. There is no need to pay for shipping fees. Shipping fees can be very costly depending on where you are.
Rabbits for Sale at Pet Shops
One obvious place to look for a rabbit is at pet shops. If you have several local pet shops in your area, you should first scout for prices. The prices could go up if you buy from a pet shop rather than directly from a local breeder. Still, the price could still depend on the particular seller. Some shops may be more expensive than most because of their location.
Neighborhood Rabbits for Sale
If you have a neighbor whose pet rabbit has just given birth, you can go over and ask if you can buy one of the little rabbits. Of course, the neighbor could always refuse you. With luck, however, you could get your own pet rabbit for free, especially if you have a close relationship with that neighbor. Some neighbors, though not close, still prefer giving away some of the baby rabbits especially if there are plenty of them to go around, anyway.
Online Rabbits for Sale
In this modern age where the all sorts of products and services are being offered over the World Wide Web, you can also buy pets online. This means that you can definitely buy a pet rabbit online. There are even websites that sell only rabbits and rabbit accessories. You get to pick from a more varied selection. Of course, you do have to pay for shipment that could balloon further if you are buying from outside the country. What you could probably do is find an online seller that is headquartered near your home. This is a combination of cost-efficiency and convenience.
Learn more about where to find rabbits and rabbits for sale the first time and avoid having to make painful mistakes that beginner rabbit owner's are prone too. Separate yourself from the average rabbit owner who will end up harming their rabbits without knowing it and you could learn more tips on raising rabbits from the guide here: http://www.howtoraiserabbits.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Paterson
Places I recommend to buy rabbits:
AA Rabbitry- californian rabbits for sale
(Your Rabbitry Here- email me: garywise76@gmail.com)
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Benefits of Raising Rabbits
Benefits Of Rabbits
Raising rabbits are much cheaper, more efficient, and more productive than raising chickens.
Raising Rabbits is Fun
Don't expect to make a profitable business raising rabbits. Only a small minority of those who raise rabbits are capable of making a living out of it. Think about it, , an enjoyable hobby that can help pay for itself. Raising rabbits gets in your blood. Two times you have had some nice rabbits, you need to keep them around. I found that when I was raising lots of and didn't have markets, the rabbits were eating me out of house and home. And so I got rid of them -- for a while. I then took up the hobby again because I found it was in my blood to raise rabbits.
Rabbits are fun to raise except when you must go out and take care of them at 10 below zero. Thinking about this is the exception than the rule, we'll assume that, generally speaking, they are fun to raise. You may have different reasons for raising them - enjoyment, education, business, show, laboratory, meat, fur, and the bi-products they produce, such as fertilizer and fishing worms.
Before you get lots of rabbits, it would be a nice idea for you to join the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). The low membership fee includes a very nice booklet on raising rabbits. It lists all of the recognized domestic breeds of rabbits along with their characteristics. Membership in ARBA includes a subscription to Domestic Rabbits magazine that supplies you with helpful articles on rabbit raising. Each year you will also receive a booklet listing the over 35,000 ARBA members and their addresses. You will easily find rabbit fanciers living close to you.
Join ARBA
Check out ARBA's web page for helpful books and materials. ARBA's web-site also lists shows throughout the United States. Find a show near you and go to it. You'll learn a great deal there. Watching the judges, you will find what they think about nice qualities in each particular breed. By exchanging information with other breeders, you can learn techniques that work. Shows are great places to shop for rabbits. You can find the breed(s) you would like to raise by seeing the rabbits up close and asking the owners what experiences they have had with them.
If you start showing your rabbits, you'll need to be a member of ARBA in order for your rabbits to be awarded grand championships. A rabbit wins a grand championship when it's won first place in two rabbit shows. Having a grand champion is valuable. Not only does the rabbit's monetary value go up, but also its offspring are thought about valuable.
Purchase Only Pedigree Rabbits
Usually, it is not a nice idea to go out and buy rabbits from somebody who cannot give you a nice pedigree certificate. Without knowing a rabbit's ancestry, neither it nor its offspring to the fourth generation may become grand champions. You risk getting a mixed rabbit (two that is not of a specific breed), a low quality specimen of a particular breed that somebody knew was poor and sold it as a pet, or a rabbit that has serious genetic defects. The principle of only buying animals with a pedigree applies anywhere. When acquiring a dog, why receive a mutt, even though it might be free, when you can buy a pedigree whose offspring you can sell for over two times the price you paid?
Even if you are purchasing a rabbit only as a pet, if you are planning on keeping the rabbit for any length of time, you need to think about its resale value. You may also later select to raise rabbits on a larger scale. Having a pedigree certificate ensures that you are beginning out right. When breeders give you a pedigree certificate, they are putting their reputation on the line. They are guaranteeing the background of the rabbit, specifying themselves as the owners, and authenticating it by their signature. Also, unless they are stupid, they are not going to knowingly sell you a defective rabbit. They would not stay in business long. Those that cannot provide a pedigree certificate may not be an expert raising rabbits. They may knowingly or unknowingly sell you two that is sick or has a genetic defect. Usually they are not very helpful in getting you started right. Stick with recognized breeders of pedigree rabbits that will provide you with a certificate.
Keep in mind, however, that pedigree certificates can be falsified by the person selling you the rabbit. It is best to buy from a reputable person. Try getting a recommendation from somebody who shows rabbits. They usually know the nice breeders.
The key idea is to purchase your rabbits from a reputable person who can help you with your questions after the sale, two who is recommended by others, and two who guarantees the rabbits you purchase.
If you need added protection, purchase a Registered Rabbit. A registered rabbit is two which an ARBA licensed registrar has examined and certified as free from defects and disqualifications. The registrar has determined that the rabbit is healthy and a nice representation of the breed. The registrar examines the rabbit's pedigree for completeness and accuracy. A copy of the rabbit's pedigree is forwarded to ARBA. Though inaccuracies can also be present with registered rabbits, the chances are better that you will receive a better rabbit.
I suppose the most difficult decision in raising rabbits is selecting the breed you need to raise. As for myself, I am not satisfied with two breed. I need representatives from several. I have Netherland Dwarfs in shades of white, black, chinchilla, chestnut, chocolate, and sable. I have white New Zealands, Californians, Rex in shades of white, black, lilac, chestnut, and broken (spotted). I also have Champagne D'Argents, chocolate English Spots, and black Silver Martens. I am planning on buying some Satins in the colors red, copper, and Siamese. I also need to purchase some more Netherland Dwarfs in the colors Himalayan, smoke pearl, black tan, and broken.
Pick Your Breed
Breeds are characterized by size, shape, ears, fur texture, sheen, and color. In some breeds, the individual fur characteristics are combined. The main fur types are:
Angora - The fur grows very long and is shaved or plucked and woven in to yarn to be used in making Angora sweaters, hats, and mittens. The long haired rabbits can become a real problem for the casual rabbit breeder. Their fur has a tendency to matt and shed. It is a real bear trying to neat the cages that have long hair everywhere. The hair also floats out and settles on anything in your rabbitry.
Satin - The fur has a special shine to it. It is used to make fine fur coats and hats.
Rex - The fur has a velvety touch and is short. It is used also to make fine fur coats and hats.
Multi-color fur - The fur is made up of two or two colors. Never will you find a fur coat made with these because of the problem of matching the patterns and colors. They are sometimes found in small furred items. Positive color patterns are sought for by judges when showing these types of rabbits.
The smallest breeds, the Dwarfs, vary in size from 1-3/4 to 3-1/2 lbs. They include:
Dwarf Breeds
Britannia Petite (White, black, black otter, or chestnut agouti) 1-1/2 - 2-1/2 lbs
Dwarf Hotot (White with black around its eyes) 2 - 3 lbs
Jersey Wooley (Lots of colors - Angora wool) 2 - 3-1/2 lbs
Netherland Dwarf (Lots of colors) 1-3/4 - 2-1/2 lbs
Polish (Black, blue, chocolate, blue eyed white, ruby eyed white, and broken) 2 - 3-1/2 lbs
These rabbits, as a group, are less than 3-1/2 pounds mature. These are the rabbits you will need to raise if you need small pets that don't consume much feed (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup per day) and take up the least amount of cage space (about 2-1/2 sq ft). Lots of times, these are the only rabbits that pet stores will buy. You can expect to fetch about $7.00 from pet stores without having to supply a pedigree. The pet store will turn around and sell them for about $30.00. When you sell to other breeders and provide a pedigree, you can expect from $15.00 to $40.00 or even $100.00 or more for a grand champion. Price depends on the rabbit's show background, quality, and heritage, including the production characteristics of its parents.
The Netherland Dwarf is the breed in greatest demand. The Netherland Dwarf has the most ARBA-recognized colors and patterns of all the breeds. If you are in to variety, you cannot go wrong with Netherland Dwarfs.
The problems you will run in to with any of the dwarf breeds mentioned are the following:
The average litter size is 2 - 4 bunnies, as opposed to the larger breeds which have 6 - 12 bunnies.
The genes responsible for making a dwarf rabbit, in positive combinations is lethal. This combination occurs in 25% of the rabbits. The two having this gene usually dies within 4 days after birth.
Dwarf rabbits are more susceptible to coccidiosis, an intestinal parasite that lots of times proves lethal to the young rabbits between two and ten weeks of age.
I have found that a significant number of dwarfs have attitude problems. Lots of of them resort to scratching or biting you when you put your hand in to their cage. It could be that they are more afraid than the larger breeds, as chihuahua canines have a nervous fight-back tendency.
The above factors don't tend to discourage people from raising dwarfs. They think about these problems as challenges. Dwarf rabbits are in great demand because of their popularity with young people. This, coupled with the lower litter rate, portray why they command a higher price than other rabbits.
Small Breeds
The next group of rabbits make up the small size breeds. They vary from about 2-1/2 to 5 pounds. These rabbits consume between 1/3 and 2/3 cup of feed per day and take up 3-1/2 sq ft of cage space. The small breeds have characteristics between the dwarfs and the medium size breeds. They usually have 1 - 3 more children in their litters than the dwarfs and do not carryover the possibly lethal dwarf gene. However, they are still more susceptible to death from coccidiosis than the larger breeds. A few pet stores will carryover these small breeds and you can expect perhaps $2.00 less from the pet shops than the dwarfs will bring. They may only take them during Easter. Check with your local stores. Sales to other breeders will command similar prices to the medium size rabbits, about $20.00. The small breeds consist of:
American Fuzzy Lop (Lots of colors - Angora fur - Lop Ears) 3 - 4 lbs
Dutch (The feet, front half of torso and face are white, the other parts can be black, blue, chocolate, tortoise, steel, or brown-gray) 3-1/2 - 5-1/2 lbs
Himalayan (White with colored ears, nose, feet, and tail of black, blue, lilac, or chocolate) 2-1/2 - 4-1/2 lbs
Holland Lop (Lop ears - Lots of colors) 2-1/2 - 4 lbs
Mini Rex (Rex coat - Lots of colors) 3 - 4-1/2 lbs
The next group of rabbits make up the medium size breeds. This group is characterized by weights ranging from 4-1/2 to 7 pounds mature. These rabbits consume between 1/2 and 1 cup of feed per day and take up 5 sq ft of cage space. Usually, pet stores don't need these breeds except possibly around Easter. The medium breeds produce an acceptable amount of meat on small bones. Some commercial meat rabbit breeders raise these breeds. But they usually prefer the next group - the meat rabbits, because the feed-to-meat conversion ratio is apparently better. Usually, those that raise the medium size rabbits like to show them and eat the ones that don't make the grade. A number of these rabbits are raised for their fur as well. On the whole, it is harder to sell these rabbits except to other fanciers of like mind. You can expect about $20.00 with pedigree for mature rabbits.
Medium Size Breeds
Rabbits that make up this group of medium breeds include the following:
American Sable (Also nice for meat) 7-10 lbs
English Angora (Lots of colors) 5 - 7-1/2 lbs
Spanish Angora (Lots of colors - nice also for meat) 7-1/2 - 10-1/2 lbs
Satin Angora (Lots of colors) 6-1/2 - 9 lbs
Belgian Hare (Not seen much - different body style) 6 - 9-1/2 lbs
Standard Chinchilla 5 - 7-1/2 lbs
English Spot (White with spots of black, blue, chocolate, gold, gray, lilac, or tortoise) 5 - 8 lbs
Florida White 4 - 6 lbs
Harlequin (Has alternate bands of color) 6-1/2 - 9-1/2 lbs
Havana (Black, blue, or chocolate) 4-1/2 - 6-1/2 lbs
Lilac 5-1/2 - 8 lbs
Mini Lop (Lop ears - Lots of colors) 4-1/2 - 6-1/2 lbs
Rhinelander (White with spots of black and orange) 6-1/2 - 10 lbs
Silver (Black, brown, or fawn with white ticking) 4 - 7 lbs
Silver Marten (Black, blue, chocolate, or sable with white on belly, flanks, jaw lines, and eye circles) 6 - 9-1/2 lbs
Tan (Black, blue, chocolate, or lilac with tan on belly, flanks, jaw lines, and eye circles) 4 - 6 lbs
Meat Rabbits make up the next group. They are characterized by weights between 8 and 12 pounds. These rabbits are raised for both meat and fur. A number of these may also be thought about fancy rabbits because they have unusual fur, color, or ear characteristics. Most of these rabbits are shown a great deal. Rabbits in the meat group consume about 1-1/4 cup of feed per day and take up 7-1/2 sq ft of cage space. They will command a price comparable to the medium size rabbits, about $20.00 for mature ones. The rabbits that make up the meat group include:
Meat Rabbits
American (Blue or White) 9 - 12 lbs
Beveren (Black, Blue, or White) 8 - 12 lbs
Californian (White with black ears, nose, feet, and tail) 8 - 10-1/2 lbs
Champagne D'Argent (Starts as black, mature is silver) 9 - 12 lbs
American Chinchilla 9 - 12 lbs
Cinnamon 8-1/2 - 11 lbs
Creme D'Argent 8 - 11 lbs
Hotot (White with black around its eyes) 8 - 11 lbs
English Lop (Lots of colors - giant lop ears) 9 - 14 lbs
Spanish Lop (Lots of colors - regular lop ears) 10 - 15 lbs
New Zealand (Black, Red, or White) The standard meat rabbit 9 - 12 lbs
Palomino 8 - 11 lbs
Satin (Shiny coat - lots of colors) 8-1/2 - 11 lbs
Silver Fox (fur resembles fox) 9 - 12 lbs
The Giants
The next group of rabbits are the Giants. These are raised because some breeders like giant rabbits. They can sometimes weigh up to 25 pounds. The giants need 1-3/4 - 2 cups of feed per day and 11 - 12 sq ft of cage space. The giant breeds also need stronger cages. Because few people raise these rabbits, they are more rare than the other breeds. It takes a strong person to lift these rabbits, so their demand is not great and thus harder to sell. They may command up to $50.00 for a mature rabbit and about $15.00 - $20.00 for a 2 month elderly two. Most of the giants are shown (their presence is always appreciated). They are mainly used for meat and fur. The feed-to-meat conversion ratio is less than the meat group. The giants include:
Checkered Giant (White with spots of black or blue) weight over 11 lbs
Giant Chinchilla 12 - 16 lbs
Flemish Giant (Black, blue, fawn, light gray, sandy, steel gray, or white) weight over 13 lbs
The above discussion of the various breeds of rabbits touched on the
Feed and Cage Requirements
References:
http://typesofrabbits.blogspot.com
http://www.aarabbits.com/types-of-rabbits.html
http://debmark.com
Raising rabbits are much cheaper, more efficient, and more productive than raising chickens.
Raising Rabbits is Fun
Don't expect to make a profitable business raising rabbits. Only a small minority of those who raise rabbits are capable of making a living out of it. Think about it, , an enjoyable hobby that can help pay for itself. Raising rabbits gets in your blood. Two times you have had some nice rabbits, you need to keep them around. I found that when I was raising lots of and didn't have markets, the rabbits were eating me out of house and home. And so I got rid of them -- for a while. I then took up the hobby again because I found it was in my blood to raise rabbits.
Rabbits are fun to raise except when you must go out and take care of them at 10 below zero. Thinking about this is the exception than the rule, we'll assume that, generally speaking, they are fun to raise. You may have different reasons for raising them - enjoyment, education, business, show, laboratory, meat, fur, and the bi-products they produce, such as fertilizer and fishing worms.
Before you get lots of rabbits, it would be a nice idea for you to join the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). The low membership fee includes a very nice booklet on raising rabbits. It lists all of the recognized domestic breeds of rabbits along with their characteristics. Membership in ARBA includes a subscription to Domestic Rabbits magazine that supplies you with helpful articles on rabbit raising. Each year you will also receive a booklet listing the over 35,000 ARBA members and their addresses. You will easily find rabbit fanciers living close to you.
Join ARBA
Check out ARBA's web page for helpful books and materials. ARBA's web-site also lists shows throughout the United States. Find a show near you and go to it. You'll learn a great deal there. Watching the judges, you will find what they think about nice qualities in each particular breed. By exchanging information with other breeders, you can learn techniques that work. Shows are great places to shop for rabbits. You can find the breed(s) you would like to raise by seeing the rabbits up close and asking the owners what experiences they have had with them.
If you start showing your rabbits, you'll need to be a member of ARBA in order for your rabbits to be awarded grand championships. A rabbit wins a grand championship when it's won first place in two rabbit shows. Having a grand champion is valuable. Not only does the rabbit's monetary value go up, but also its offspring are thought about valuable.
Purchase Only Pedigree Rabbits
Usually, it is not a nice idea to go out and buy rabbits from somebody who cannot give you a nice pedigree certificate. Without knowing a rabbit's ancestry, neither it nor its offspring to the fourth generation may become grand champions. You risk getting a mixed rabbit (two that is not of a specific breed), a low quality specimen of a particular breed that somebody knew was poor and sold it as a pet, or a rabbit that has serious genetic defects. The principle of only buying animals with a pedigree applies anywhere. When acquiring a dog, why receive a mutt, even though it might be free, when you can buy a pedigree whose offspring you can sell for over two times the price you paid?
Even if you are purchasing a rabbit only as a pet, if you are planning on keeping the rabbit for any length of time, you need to think about its resale value. You may also later select to raise rabbits on a larger scale. Having a pedigree certificate ensures that you are beginning out right. When breeders give you a pedigree certificate, they are putting their reputation on the line. They are guaranteeing the background of the rabbit, specifying themselves as the owners, and authenticating it by their signature. Also, unless they are stupid, they are not going to knowingly sell you a defective rabbit. They would not stay in business long. Those that cannot provide a pedigree certificate may not be an expert raising rabbits. They may knowingly or unknowingly sell you two that is sick or has a genetic defect. Usually they are not very helpful in getting you started right. Stick with recognized breeders of pedigree rabbits that will provide you with a certificate.
Keep in mind, however, that pedigree certificates can be falsified by the person selling you the rabbit. It is best to buy from a reputable person. Try getting a recommendation from somebody who shows rabbits. They usually know the nice breeders.
The key idea is to purchase your rabbits from a reputable person who can help you with your questions after the sale, two who is recommended by others, and two who guarantees the rabbits you purchase.
If you need added protection, purchase a Registered Rabbit. A registered rabbit is two which an ARBA licensed registrar has examined and certified as free from defects and disqualifications. The registrar has determined that the rabbit is healthy and a nice representation of the breed. The registrar examines the rabbit's pedigree for completeness and accuracy. A copy of the rabbit's pedigree is forwarded to ARBA. Though inaccuracies can also be present with registered rabbits, the chances are better that you will receive a better rabbit.
I suppose the most difficult decision in raising rabbits is selecting the breed you need to raise. As for myself, I am not satisfied with two breed. I need representatives from several. I have Netherland Dwarfs in shades of white, black, chinchilla, chestnut, chocolate, and sable. I have white New Zealands, Californians, Rex in shades of white, black, lilac, chestnut, and broken (spotted). I also have Champagne D'Argents, chocolate English Spots, and black Silver Martens. I am planning on buying some Satins in the colors red, copper, and Siamese. I also need to purchase some more Netherland Dwarfs in the colors Himalayan, smoke pearl, black tan, and broken.
Pick Your Breed
Breeds are characterized by size, shape, ears, fur texture, sheen, and color. In some breeds, the individual fur characteristics are combined. The main fur types are:
Angora - The fur grows very long and is shaved or plucked and woven in to yarn to be used in making Angora sweaters, hats, and mittens. The long haired rabbits can become a real problem for the casual rabbit breeder. Their fur has a tendency to matt and shed. It is a real bear trying to neat the cages that have long hair everywhere. The hair also floats out and settles on anything in your rabbitry.
Satin - The fur has a special shine to it. It is used to make fine fur coats and hats.
Rex - The fur has a velvety touch and is short. It is used also to make fine fur coats and hats.
Multi-color fur - The fur is made up of two or two colors. Never will you find a fur coat made with these because of the problem of matching the patterns and colors. They are sometimes found in small furred items. Positive color patterns are sought for by judges when showing these types of rabbits.
The smallest breeds, the Dwarfs, vary in size from 1-3/4 to 3-1/2 lbs. They include:
Dwarf Breeds
Britannia Petite (White, black, black otter, or chestnut agouti) 1-1/2 - 2-1/2 lbs
Dwarf Hotot (White with black around its eyes) 2 - 3 lbs
Jersey Wooley (Lots of colors - Angora wool) 2 - 3-1/2 lbs
Netherland Dwarf (Lots of colors) 1-3/4 - 2-1/2 lbs
Polish (Black, blue, chocolate, blue eyed white, ruby eyed white, and broken) 2 - 3-1/2 lbs
These rabbits, as a group, are less than 3-1/2 pounds mature. These are the rabbits you will need to raise if you need small pets that don't consume much feed (about 1/3 to 1/2 cup per day) and take up the least amount of cage space (about 2-1/2 sq ft). Lots of times, these are the only rabbits that pet stores will buy. You can expect to fetch about $7.00 from pet stores without having to supply a pedigree. The pet store will turn around and sell them for about $30.00. When you sell to other breeders and provide a pedigree, you can expect from $15.00 to $40.00 or even $100.00 or more for a grand champion. Price depends on the rabbit's show background, quality, and heritage, including the production characteristics of its parents.
The Netherland Dwarf is the breed in greatest demand. The Netherland Dwarf has the most ARBA-recognized colors and patterns of all the breeds. If you are in to variety, you cannot go wrong with Netherland Dwarfs.
The problems you will run in to with any of the dwarf breeds mentioned are the following:
The average litter size is 2 - 4 bunnies, as opposed to the larger breeds which have 6 - 12 bunnies.
The genes responsible for making a dwarf rabbit, in positive combinations is lethal. This combination occurs in 25% of the rabbits. The two having this gene usually dies within 4 days after birth.
Dwarf rabbits are more susceptible to coccidiosis, an intestinal parasite that lots of times proves lethal to the young rabbits between two and ten weeks of age.
I have found that a significant number of dwarfs have attitude problems. Lots of of them resort to scratching or biting you when you put your hand in to their cage. It could be that they are more afraid than the larger breeds, as chihuahua canines have a nervous fight-back tendency.
The above factors don't tend to discourage people from raising dwarfs. They think about these problems as challenges. Dwarf rabbits are in great demand because of their popularity with young people. This, coupled with the lower litter rate, portray why they command a higher price than other rabbits.
Small Breeds
The next group of rabbits make up the small size breeds. They vary from about 2-1/2 to 5 pounds. These rabbits consume between 1/3 and 2/3 cup of feed per day and take up 3-1/2 sq ft of cage space. The small breeds have characteristics between the dwarfs and the medium size breeds. They usually have 1 - 3 more children in their litters than the dwarfs and do not carryover the possibly lethal dwarf gene. However, they are still more susceptible to death from coccidiosis than the larger breeds. A few pet stores will carryover these small breeds and you can expect perhaps $2.00 less from the pet shops than the dwarfs will bring. They may only take them during Easter. Check with your local stores. Sales to other breeders will command similar prices to the medium size rabbits, about $20.00. The small breeds consist of:
American Fuzzy Lop (Lots of colors - Angora fur - Lop Ears) 3 - 4 lbs
Dutch (The feet, front half of torso and face are white, the other parts can be black, blue, chocolate, tortoise, steel, or brown-gray) 3-1/2 - 5-1/2 lbs
Himalayan (White with colored ears, nose, feet, and tail of black, blue, lilac, or chocolate) 2-1/2 - 4-1/2 lbs
Holland Lop (Lop ears - Lots of colors) 2-1/2 - 4 lbs
Mini Rex (Rex coat - Lots of colors) 3 - 4-1/2 lbs
The next group of rabbits make up the medium size breeds. This group is characterized by weights ranging from 4-1/2 to 7 pounds mature. These rabbits consume between 1/2 and 1 cup of feed per day and take up 5 sq ft of cage space. Usually, pet stores don't need these breeds except possibly around Easter. The medium breeds produce an acceptable amount of meat on small bones. Some commercial meat rabbit breeders raise these breeds. But they usually prefer the next group - the meat rabbits, because the feed-to-meat conversion ratio is apparently better. Usually, those that raise the medium size rabbits like to show them and eat the ones that don't make the grade. A number of these rabbits are raised for their fur as well. On the whole, it is harder to sell these rabbits except to other fanciers of like mind. You can expect about $20.00 with pedigree for mature rabbits.
Medium Size Breeds
Rabbits that make up this group of medium breeds include the following:
American Sable (Also nice for meat) 7-10 lbs
English Angora (Lots of colors) 5 - 7-1/2 lbs
Spanish Angora (Lots of colors - nice also for meat) 7-1/2 - 10-1/2 lbs
Satin Angora (Lots of colors) 6-1/2 - 9 lbs
Belgian Hare (Not seen much - different body style) 6 - 9-1/2 lbs
Standard Chinchilla 5 - 7-1/2 lbs
English Spot (White with spots of black, blue, chocolate, gold, gray, lilac, or tortoise) 5 - 8 lbs
Florida White 4 - 6 lbs
Harlequin (Has alternate bands of color) 6-1/2 - 9-1/2 lbs
Havana (Black, blue, or chocolate) 4-1/2 - 6-1/2 lbs
Lilac 5-1/2 - 8 lbs
Mini Lop (Lop ears - Lots of colors) 4-1/2 - 6-1/2 lbs
Rhinelander (White with spots of black and orange) 6-1/2 - 10 lbs
Silver (Black, brown, or fawn with white ticking) 4 - 7 lbs
Silver Marten (Black, blue, chocolate, or sable with white on belly, flanks, jaw lines, and eye circles) 6 - 9-1/2 lbs
Tan (Black, blue, chocolate, or lilac with tan on belly, flanks, jaw lines, and eye circles) 4 - 6 lbs
Meat Rabbits make up the next group. They are characterized by weights between 8 and 12 pounds. These rabbits are raised for both meat and fur. A number of these may also be thought about fancy rabbits because they have unusual fur, color, or ear characteristics. Most of these rabbits are shown a great deal. Rabbits in the meat group consume about 1-1/4 cup of feed per day and take up 7-1/2 sq ft of cage space. They will command a price comparable to the medium size rabbits, about $20.00 for mature ones. The rabbits that make up the meat group include:
Meat Rabbits
American (Blue or White) 9 - 12 lbs
Beveren (Black, Blue, or White) 8 - 12 lbs
Californian (White with black ears, nose, feet, and tail) 8 - 10-1/2 lbs
Champagne D'Argent (Starts as black, mature is silver) 9 - 12 lbs
American Chinchilla 9 - 12 lbs
Cinnamon 8-1/2 - 11 lbs
Creme D'Argent 8 - 11 lbs
Hotot (White with black around its eyes) 8 - 11 lbs
English Lop (Lots of colors - giant lop ears) 9 - 14 lbs
Spanish Lop (Lots of colors - regular lop ears) 10 - 15 lbs
New Zealand (Black, Red, or White) The standard meat rabbit 9 - 12 lbs
Palomino 8 - 11 lbs
Satin (Shiny coat - lots of colors) 8-1/2 - 11 lbs
Silver Fox (fur resembles fox) 9 - 12 lbs
The Giants
The next group of rabbits are the Giants. These are raised because some breeders like giant rabbits. They can sometimes weigh up to 25 pounds. The giants need 1-3/4 - 2 cups of feed per day and 11 - 12 sq ft of cage space. The giant breeds also need stronger cages. Because few people raise these rabbits, they are more rare than the other breeds. It takes a strong person to lift these rabbits, so their demand is not great and thus harder to sell. They may command up to $50.00 for a mature rabbit and about $15.00 - $20.00 for a 2 month elderly two. Most of the giants are shown (their presence is always appreciated). They are mainly used for meat and fur. The feed-to-meat conversion ratio is less than the meat group. The giants include:
Checkered Giant (White with spots of black or blue) weight over 11 lbs
Giant Chinchilla 12 - 16 lbs
Flemish Giant (Black, blue, fawn, light gray, sandy, steel gray, or white) weight over 13 lbs
The above discussion of the various breeds of rabbits touched on the
Feed and Cage Requirements
References:
http://typesofrabbits.blogspot.com
http://www.aarabbits.com/types-of-rabbits.html
http://debmark.com
What do rabbits eat?
I thought you might find this article about feeding rabbits useful:
"Hay Alfalfa hay should be available to your rabbit at all times until he reaches the ages of 6 to 8 monts old.Because alfalfa provide a high concentration of calcium and carbohydrates, you have to gradually switch him to Timothy hay.Loose, long strands of hay contains fiber and promote good digestion.
Fresh Food Your rabbit should get about a cup of fresh greens everyday per 5 pounds of weight.Give him at least 3 different fresh greens like spinach, brocoli, celery leaves, fresh grass from the garden, dandelions leaves, romaine lettuce, ect.Start him out at the age of 2 months gradually, adding a new green every week and remove from the diet anything that cause diarrhea.
Fruits and treats Limit your rabbit to about one tablespoon of fruit a day.Too much fruit will make him sick and promote teeth decay.Great treats consist in strawberry, babana, pinaple, blueberry,apple, any fresh fruit that he likes. Avoid dried fruits, raisins, cereal bars,bread, salty or sugary snacks, oatmeal and fresh or dried corn.
Rabbit Pellets Young rabbits up to height month old should have free access to alfalfa pellets.After that limit the amount to 1/8 of a cup daily for a 2-4 pounds rabbit. Also gradually switch him to timothy hay based pellets.Resist the temptation to give him more. To much pellets will lead to obesity because of their high calcium and carbohydrate content.
Water and vitamins Fresh water must be available at all times for your rabbit.Serving it in a bowl is better for the rabbit to drink,promoting a natural drinking position.If you have to put him in a cage on some occasions and he spills all his water, then give him a drinking bottle instead.Vitamins and salts are not necessary when your rabbit get a balance diet everyday.
Night Droppings A few times a day after eating you will notice your pet licking his anal area and eating some of his droppings at the same time. This is normal for the rabbit so do not worry about it.What he is eating are called "cecotropes". They are made of vital nutriments that have not been absorbed well by the large intestine.The rabbit need these nutriments in his diet.It is just a part of what do pet rabbits eat.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I hope you found this information helpful on what do pet rabbit eat.Did you know that pet rabbits can be quite easily litter trained? To get a lot more free tips and watch videos about pet rabbits, please visit my blog at http://www.petrabbitcare.blogspot.com and enjoy learning about your pet rabbit!"
-Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
You might also find this article useful: Is your rabbit being fed properly?
Please leave comments below telling us what you think
"Hay Alfalfa hay should be available to your rabbit at all times until he reaches the ages of 6 to 8 monts old.Because alfalfa provide a high concentration of calcium and carbohydrates, you have to gradually switch him to Timothy hay.Loose, long strands of hay contains fiber and promote good digestion.
Fresh Food Your rabbit should get about a cup of fresh greens everyday per 5 pounds of weight.Give him at least 3 different fresh greens like spinach, brocoli, celery leaves, fresh grass from the garden, dandelions leaves, romaine lettuce, ect.Start him out at the age of 2 months gradually, adding a new green every week and remove from the diet anything that cause diarrhea.
Fruits and treats Limit your rabbit to about one tablespoon of fruit a day.Too much fruit will make him sick and promote teeth decay.Great treats consist in strawberry, babana, pinaple, blueberry,apple, any fresh fruit that he likes. Avoid dried fruits, raisins, cereal bars,bread, salty or sugary snacks, oatmeal and fresh or dried corn.
Rabbit Pellets Young rabbits up to height month old should have free access to alfalfa pellets.After that limit the amount to 1/8 of a cup daily for a 2-4 pounds rabbit. Also gradually switch him to timothy hay based pellets.Resist the temptation to give him more. To much pellets will lead to obesity because of their high calcium and carbohydrate content.
Water and vitamins Fresh water must be available at all times for your rabbit.Serving it in a bowl is better for the rabbit to drink,promoting a natural drinking position.If you have to put him in a cage on some occasions and he spills all his water, then give him a drinking bottle instead.Vitamins and salts are not necessary when your rabbit get a balance diet everyday.
Night Droppings A few times a day after eating you will notice your pet licking his anal area and eating some of his droppings at the same time. This is normal for the rabbit so do not worry about it.What he is eating are called "cecotropes". They are made of vital nutriments that have not been absorbed well by the large intestine.The rabbit need these nutriments in his diet.It is just a part of what do pet rabbits eat.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I hope you found this information helpful on what do pet rabbit eat.Did you know that pet rabbits can be quite easily litter trained? To get a lot more free tips and watch videos about pet rabbits, please visit my blog at http://www.petrabbitcare.blogspot.com and enjoy learning about your pet rabbit!"
-Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
You might also find this article useful: Is your rabbit being fed properly?
Please leave comments below telling us what you think
Before buying a rabbit you should know
"This article reveal interesting rabbit facts and information. Discuss that rabbits are cute and soft with fascinating behavior. While they are affectionate animals, rabbits may take some time to get adjusted to a new environment. But once they are given enough time and sense of security, rabbits love the company of human being.
The minute anyone thinks of a rabbit, most people will see rabbits as docile and cuddly animals. Rabbits however, do take some time to adapt and feel at ease in unfamiliar environments. With enough time and assurance provided by owners, the rabbits should adjust soon. They like human company but might respond less positively to being held.
Rabbits are more intelligent than most people thought. They can be litter trained and can even be taught little parlor tricks to amuse others. A Japanese man raised a rabbit named Oolong and it had a quaint talent for balancing miniature objects on its head while it hopped around.
There are over 50 different breeds that are recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. However there is much more varieties than that, for example Snowshoe hares are not included in the listed 50 breeds.
This is because as a professional association concerned with organizing them in fairly strict standards they have differentiated the breeds accordingly. With different features, sizes and colors specific to each breed, there are some similarities among all the rabbits irrelevant of their breeds. Rabbits belong to Lagomorphs species. Since they have constantly growing teeth they are often misunderstood as rodents.
Rabbits breed very fast and tend to have a high number of offspring. They live up to 10 years and mature in about 6 months and start breeding immediately. This is because they had survived in the wild being prey to a lot of predations. They have an innate instinct to protect themselves and this has helped in their survival over thoussands of years. Their gestation period is as little as a month and they produce a lot of kits - rabbit babies.
Unlike other mammals whose teeth shift but do not grow after adulthood, rabbit's teeth keep growing through out their lives, To control the growth of the teeth, they keep chewing on anything and everything possible. That could be a problem for rabbit owners since they damage the furniture and other materials in the house. The most common or even favorite thing for the rabbits is the shoe. This problem can be handled by consciously keeping the shoes out of reach.
Rabbit proofing the furniture at home helps to prevent the furniture from further damages. Owners should provide their rabbits with lot of chewable toys available in pet shops to keep them from exploring and chewing other items in the house. Another natural instinct of rabbit is digging because they live in burrows in the wild. This can become and issue with domestic pets, as they will dig holes in the garden and spoil the foliage.
Their emotions can be adversely affected easily. Due to stress, rabbits can suffer from a number of medical afflicitons. They can be easily disturbed with loud noises and screaming. Children may not be aware that rabbits dislike to have their ears played with. They could even bite children if they are stressed.
Rabbits have a vision of close to 360 degrees to afford them a good view of possible predators. However, they do have a blind spot under their face that is approximately about 10 degrees. So, they could shift their heads frequently, and try to gauge the distance of objects through looking at the objects in different perspectives.
Rabbits need regular grooming. Though they are clean animals naturally, it is necessary to brush them often to avoid accumulation of fur balls in the intestine.
With more and more people choosing rabbits as their pets, it is clear that these small animals are gaining popularity and make good companions who amuse their owners well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Moses Wright is a an experience dog lover with 3 beautiful dogs. He created a pet problems and solutions site to help fellow pet owners stop their pet behavior problems. You can get more information about rabbit problems and solutions at his site."
-Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
The minute anyone thinks of a rabbit, most people will see rabbits as docile and cuddly animals. Rabbits however, do take some time to adapt and feel at ease in unfamiliar environments. With enough time and assurance provided by owners, the rabbits should adjust soon. They like human company but might respond less positively to being held.
Rabbits are more intelligent than most people thought. They can be litter trained and can even be taught little parlor tricks to amuse others. A Japanese man raised a rabbit named Oolong and it had a quaint talent for balancing miniature objects on its head while it hopped around.
There are over 50 different breeds that are recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. However there is much more varieties than that, for example Snowshoe hares are not included in the listed 50 breeds.
This is because as a professional association concerned with organizing them in fairly strict standards they have differentiated the breeds accordingly. With different features, sizes and colors specific to each breed, there are some similarities among all the rabbits irrelevant of their breeds. Rabbits belong to Lagomorphs species. Since they have constantly growing teeth they are often misunderstood as rodents.
Rabbits breed very fast and tend to have a high number of offspring. They live up to 10 years and mature in about 6 months and start breeding immediately. This is because they had survived in the wild being prey to a lot of predations. They have an innate instinct to protect themselves and this has helped in their survival over thoussands of years. Their gestation period is as little as a month and they produce a lot of kits - rabbit babies.
Unlike other mammals whose teeth shift but do not grow after adulthood, rabbit's teeth keep growing through out their lives, To control the growth of the teeth, they keep chewing on anything and everything possible. That could be a problem for rabbit owners since they damage the furniture and other materials in the house. The most common or even favorite thing for the rabbits is the shoe. This problem can be handled by consciously keeping the shoes out of reach.
Rabbit proofing the furniture at home helps to prevent the furniture from further damages. Owners should provide their rabbits with lot of chewable toys available in pet shops to keep them from exploring and chewing other items in the house. Another natural instinct of rabbit is digging because they live in burrows in the wild. This can become and issue with domestic pets, as they will dig holes in the garden and spoil the foliage.
Their emotions can be adversely affected easily. Due to stress, rabbits can suffer from a number of medical afflicitons. They can be easily disturbed with loud noises and screaming. Children may not be aware that rabbits dislike to have their ears played with. They could even bite children if they are stressed.
Rabbits have a vision of close to 360 degrees to afford them a good view of possible predators. However, they do have a blind spot under their face that is approximately about 10 degrees. So, they could shift their heads frequently, and try to gauge the distance of objects through looking at the objects in different perspectives.
Rabbits need regular grooming. Though they are clean animals naturally, it is necessary to brush them often to avoid accumulation of fur balls in the intestine.
With more and more people choosing rabbits as their pets, it is clear that these small animals are gaining popularity and make good companions who amuse their owners well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Moses Wright is a an experience dog lover with 3 beautiful dogs. He created a pet problems and solutions site to help fellow pet owners stop their pet behavior problems. You can get more information about rabbit problems and solutions at his site."
-Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Rabbit Blog: Comment Contest
Today we are launching a contest on this rabbit blog. We will give the person who leaves the most relevant comments on this blog a special prize. The prize will most likely be a cash prize. To qualify you must leave at least 10 comments throughout any of our posts.
So good luck and start leaving relevant comments!
P.S- You can get started by leaving a comment of this post!
So good luck and start leaving relevant comments!
P.S- You can get started by leaving a comment of this post!
The Rabbit vs. the Dog
Who do you think will win the fighting match the dog or the rabbit?
Leave your comments on this video in the comments section:
Leave your comments on this video in the comments section:
Chickens Protect Rabbit Citizens
Ok, this is another very cool rabbit video. Watch as chickens break up a rabbit fight!
Here are some funny comments that I found on the rabbit video:
Here are some funny comments that I found on the rabbit video:
Chickens: "Our job here is done. Keep the peace, citizens."
Strange comment:
imagen my friend we killing thats chicken's and we eat them look how life is.......men there is no right .......evil never dies evil in our blood!!!!! so now we are food lol
Tell us what you think! Leave comments about this video below:
Raising Rabbits for Meat
"Raising meat rabbits as a small backyard operation could be a positive experience for a family who wants some healthful,drug-free meat.Such project can involve all family members and provide them with an exceptional quality of meat/protein compare with what is found at the grocery store.Lets take a look at the pros and cons of this practice.
Pros
Rabbits are good for rural or urban areas.They are very quiet animals and are not considered as livestock such as chickens, geeses, turkeys or ducks.So they are permitted when those other animals are not.
They do not required a huge up-front money investment to get set up and you can get started with just a couple of rabbits.You can built a large pen to let them roam free out of cages and let them eat pasture.
Rabbits are fairly easy to raise, there is no need for special equipement and they multiply very very fast.Also their meat is low in cholesterol and fat and high in protein.
Cons
It will cost as much money to produce a pound of rabbit meat than buying any meat at the grocery store.It may be desappointing to expect much monetary profits from such operation.
Very few veterinarians have good knowledge about rabbits.So if a health problem arise among your bunnies, it could be difficult to get help.Also keep in mind that a lot of predators are going to be after your rabbits.
A lot of people, specially in the U.S. are considering rabbits as house pets.It could be hard to know with whom to talk to about your activity.Pet are consider as part of the family,people would never eat their dog or cat,or their pet rabbit.
Rabbits are very sensitive to overheating.Hot summer months could be fatal for their lives.Therefor do not set up such operation in a hot climat area.
People who want to get into raising meat rabbits should get a lot of documentation about this practice before starting so. Hear to mouth advice is never enough to aquire all the essential knowledge and it should be looked at with caution.
Since rabbits can multiply very quickly, some people woke up with a lot more animals than they could handle physically and financially.As a result rabbits where neglected and lived in miserable conditions,and animal shelters got overwhelmed.
Article Tags: Raising Meat
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hopefully you found this information helpful about raising meat rabbits.Would you know how to choose the right breed and what it takes to get started? Feel free to visit my blog at http://www.petrabbitcare.blogspot.com for a lot of ressources and videos. Enjoy learning about rabbits!" - Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Pros
Rabbits are good for rural or urban areas.They are very quiet animals and are not considered as livestock such as chickens, geeses, turkeys or ducks.So they are permitted when those other animals are not.
They do not required a huge up-front money investment to get set up and you can get started with just a couple of rabbits.You can built a large pen to let them roam free out of cages and let them eat pasture.
Rabbits are fairly easy to raise, there is no need for special equipement and they multiply very very fast.Also their meat is low in cholesterol and fat and high in protein.
Cons
It will cost as much money to produce a pound of rabbit meat than buying any meat at the grocery store.It may be desappointing to expect much monetary profits from such operation.
Very few veterinarians have good knowledge about rabbits.So if a health problem arise among your bunnies, it could be difficult to get help.Also keep in mind that a lot of predators are going to be after your rabbits.
A lot of people, specially in the U.S. are considering rabbits as house pets.It could be hard to know with whom to talk to about your activity.Pet are consider as part of the family,people would never eat their dog or cat,or their pet rabbit.
Rabbits are very sensitive to overheating.Hot summer months could be fatal for their lives.Therefor do not set up such operation in a hot climat area.
People who want to get into raising meat rabbits should get a lot of documentation about this practice before starting so. Hear to mouth advice is never enough to aquire all the essential knowledge and it should be looked at with caution.
Since rabbits can multiply very quickly, some people woke up with a lot more animals than they could handle physically and financially.As a result rabbits where neglected and lived in miserable conditions,and animal shelters got overwhelmed.
Article Tags: Raising Meat
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hopefully you found this information helpful about raising meat rabbits.Would you know how to choose the right breed and what it takes to get started? Feel free to visit my blog at http://www.petrabbitcare.blogspot.com for a lot of ressources and videos. Enjoy learning about rabbits!" - Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
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