How to Rear Rabbits
Rabbits are delightful and relatively low-maintenance pets. Rabbits rank No. 3 behind cats and dogs for favored pets in Great Britain. (see Reference 5) Contact your local 4-H group for a list of rabbit breeders in your area or check the neighborhood pet store to purchase your rabbit. Raising rabbits is a popular project in 4-H and offers children an opportunity to record their efforts in the care and rearing of their rabbit, with a chance to show their full-grown rabbit at the county fair.
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Things You'll Need
- Proper cage
- Cardboard box for hiding place
- Rabbit feed pellets
- Fresh vegetables
- Food bowl
- Water bottle
- Exercise pen
Instructions
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Preparation
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Surf the Internet or visit the library for books on the various rabbit breeds and decide which breed you want to raise. Rabbits come in many different sizes from the small 2-½ pound Netherland Dwarf to the12-pound New Zealand white rabbits, which are often bred for meat. (see Reference 2) The breed you select will determine the size cage needed.
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Determine the size cage your rabbit will need based on its size, number of rabbits per cage and the purpose you are raising them for. For the safety of your rabbit, avoid cages with plastic bottoms. Cages with a rough textured, or stiff, tightly woven mesh-wire bottoms are best. Multiply the weight of the potentially full-grown rabbit by .75 to gain the square feet size needed for your rabbit cage. The height of the cage should enable the rabbit to stand up fully on its hind legs. Place a cardboard box in the cage for a hiding place. (see Reference 2)
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Place your rabbit cage in a shady, well-protected area outdoors, or inside your home, barn or well-ventilated shed depending on the climate you live in. Rabbits are sensitive to heat exposure and extreme cold. Rabbits thrive best in climate-controlled environments.
Daily Care
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Feed your rabbit processed alfalfa pellets with added vitamins and minerals, made specifically for rabbits, and sold at pet or feed stores. Read the instructions on the feed-bag to determine the amount of pellets your rabbit needs, and provide fresh food daily. Provide fresh carrots and other veggies for your rabbit to snack on.
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Attach a water bottle to the side of the cage to ensure a no-spill water source. Fresh water replaced daily is essential to the rabbit's ability to cool himself in addition to normal hydration needs.
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Provide a large exercise area or pen for your rabbit to run and play regularly. Portable puppy pens work well and can be purchased at pet stores. (see Reference 4) Make an escape- and predator-proof daytime run for your rabbit. Rabbits need to be outside for some amount of time each day according to the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation. (see Reference 5)
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Tips & Warnings
Vaccinate your rabbits to protect against potentially life threatening diseases such as
myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease. (see Reference 5)
Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box like cats.
Rabbit fur causes an allergic reaction in some people, so find out if you are allergic to rabbits before purchasing one.
References
Resources
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