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Small Animal Management

Small Animal Management. Rabbits. I. Terms. Buck – male rabbit Doe – female rabbit Bunny – baby rabbit Kit – baby rabbit Kindle – giving birth. (terms cont.). F. Litter – group of young kindled by the same doe Junior – rabbit under 6 months Senior – rabbit over 6 months

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Small Animal Management

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  1. Small Animal Management Rabbits

  2. I. Terms • Buck – male rabbit • Doe – female rabbit • Bunny – baby rabbit • Kit – baby rabbit • Kindle – giving birth

  3. (terms cont.) F.Litter – group of young kindled by the same doe • Junior – rabbit under 6 months • Senior – rabbit over 6 months • Breed – animals with similar physical characteristics that are passed on to their young. • Variety – subdivision of a breed, usually by distinguished by color

  4. (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

  5. II. Parts

  6. Neck Ear Shoulder Rump Tail Cheek Dewlap Belly Hock Flank

  7. III. Size Classes • Small a. 2 – 7 lbs b. Examples 1. Netherland Dwarfs 2. Dutch 3. Tans

  8. (size classes continued) • Medium a. 8 - 12 lbs b. Examples 1. New Zealands 2. Florida Whites 3. Satins

  9. (size classes continued) C. Large a. over 13 lbs b. Examples 1. Flemish Giants 2. Checkered Giants 3. Giant Lops

  10. IV. Classes by Use • Pets • Show / Exhibition • Meat Production • Pelts • Wool • Laboratory / Research

  11. V. Breed Selection • Over 30 recognized breeds • Over 80 recognized varieties (divisions within a breed)

  12. (breed selection continued) • Selection based on use 1. Meat Production • New Zealand (White, Black, Red) • California (White w/eight black points) • Satin (Colors vary – specialty fur)

  13. (breed selection continued) (Selection based on use, cont) 2. Research • New Zealand White –consistent 3. Show / Pet • Any breed

  14. (breed selection continued) (Selection based on use, cont) 4. Pelts • Rex • Mini Rex • Satin 5. Wool • Angora

  15. VI. Locating Breeding Stock • Feed Stores • American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) • Journals / Magazines

  16. (Locating Breeding Stock, cont) D. Telephone Book E. County Agricultural Agent F. Agriscience Teacher G. County Fair Exhibits H. Newspapers

  17. VII. Selection of Breeding Stock • They are healthy and vigorous • They are average size for their breed • Age to buy • Juniors (unproven) (-) must wait to breed them (+) can ease them into production

  18. (selection of breeding stock/ age to buy continued) 2. Seniors (-) age difficult to determine (+) ready for production • 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

  19. (selection of breeding stock continued) • Start with a “trio” • One buck and two does • Trust the breeder to select compatible breeders

  20. VIII. Proper Handling • Best Method • Grasp the nap of the neck and the rump • Always support the hind quarters • Alternate Methods • Grasp in front of hip • Underarm, clutched against body C. NEVER BY THE EARS!!!!!

  21. IX. Feeding • Requirements vary depending on • Weather • Condition • Production Stage • Breed • Size • Age

  22. (feeding continued) • Rule of Thumb • Mature Rabbits - Maintenance • 3.8 to 4% of their body weight per day • increases based on growth & production • Easiest: buy complete pellets needs

  23. (feeding continued) D. Limit Feed vs Full Feed (free choice) • Full Feed > rabbits eat more – cost more • overweight rabbits – lazy/poor breeders • less attention given to rabbits

  24. X. Housing • Free of Drafts • Protect from rain, snow, wind, sun & heat • Pens – wire floor * • Size – 1 square foot floor space per one pound live rabbit (4# needs 2 ft x 2 ft)

  25. XI. Equipment • Feeders * • Waters * • Nest Boxes • Tattoo Pliers

  26. XII. Reproduction

  27. A. Age to breed • Dwarfs & Small breeds – 5 months • Medium breeds – 6 months • Large breeds – 8 months

  28. B. Selecting mates • Doe • Good weight (not skinny or fat) • Vulva – dark in color • Buck • Good fur condition • Bright eyes • Evidence of both testicles in the scrotum

  29. C. Gestation Period • Average: 31 days • Range: 28 – 31 days

  30. D. Mating • Take the doe to the buck’s cage • Doe is more defensive of her territory than the buck • Don’t leave alone

  31. E. Pregnancy Test • Palpation – 12 days • Attempt to rebreed in 14 days

  32. F. Preparing Cage • On 27th day, place nest box in cage • Provide nesting material (hay, straw, wood shavings) 3. Doe will pluck hair from belly to line nest

  33. G. Kindling • Keep area quiet • Inspect nest • Number of bunnies • Healthy • Content • Adequate nest materials

  34. H. Weaning • Creep feed • Feed only the babies • Reduces stress at weaning • Separate at 6 – 8 weeks

  35. XIII Record Keeping • Importance • Financial: Profit/Loss • Identify Animals • Management Plan • Health • Reproduction

  36. (record keeping continued) • Types • Pedigree – “Family Tree” • Breeding • Cage Cards • Doe/Buck Records • Feeding • Health

  37. by: Johanna DavisUpdated 2/1/2001

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