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Rabbit Facts

Rabbit Facts. Richland County 4-H Livestock Incentive Program. Select the Right Rabbit. Rabbits are classified according to size: Small: 3-4 lbs. at maturity Medium: 9-12 lbs. at maturity Large: 14-16 lbs. at maturity. Did You Know?.

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Rabbit Facts

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  1. Rabbit Facts Richland County 4-H Livestock Incentive Program

  2. Select the Right Rabbit • Rabbits are classified according to size: • Small: 3-4 lbs. at maturity • Medium: 9-12 lbs. at maturity • Large: 14-16 lbs. at maturity

  3. Did You Know? • Rabbits have four toes on their front feet and five toes on their back feet!

  4. Basic Equipment Needed • Water container • Three basic kinds available • Ceramic or vinyl crock (water dish) • Bottle tube waterer • Automatic waterer • Choose one that doesn’t tip over easily and is easy to clean

  5. Basic Equipment Needed • Cage • A wire cage works best and is easier to clean. • Make sure it is the proper size for your rabbit. • Small breeds: 24” X 24” X 16” cage • Medium breeds: 30” X 30” X 18” cage • Large breeds: 48” X 30” X 18” cage

  6. Cage Location • Cage should be elevated off the ground 2-3 feet. • If located outside, provide protection from hot sun and rain. • Rabbits can tolerate cold temperatures better than hot temperatures.

  7. Cage Location • During hot weather. a frozen jug of water can be placed in the cage to cool the rabbits. • Be sure there is good air circulation around the cage. • Place the cages where rain will not enter the cages and get the rabbits wet.

  8. Feed and Feeding • Contrary to popular belief, rabbits cannot live on lettuce and carrots alone! • A rabbit should reach its mature weight in about eight weeks. • A rabbit eats best and gains weight easiest when temperature is maintained at 60-65F. • A commercial rabbit feed is best to provide a well balanced ration for your rabbit.

  9. Amount of Food • Most commercial pellets are round and about ¼ inch long. • Small breeds: 2-3 ounces of pellets per day • Medium breeds: 3 1/2 – 4 ounces per day • Large breeds: 4-8 ounces per day • Adjust if needed to meet the needs of your rabbit

  10. Feeding Schedule • A regular schedule is important – try to feed at the same time each day. • Do not leave uneaten pellets and dirty feed in the cage. Clean them out regularly.

  11. Water • Provide clean fresh water at all times. • A rabbit that needs more water will eat less food and grow slower.

  12. Food Storage • Store feed in a tight container with a lid. • Do not store feed for longer than 3-4 weeks.

  13. Cleaning Equipment • Clean the feeding and watering equipment daily. • Let the equipment dry in the sun. • Use a vacuum or stiff brush to remove loose fur from cages. • Diseases can come from using old cages discarded by former rabbit owners – disinfect with a bleach solution before using.

  14. Did You Know? • Rabbits are easily trained to use a litter box just like a cat!

  15. Rabbit Grooming • Use a damp rag or moisten your hands. • Stroke the fur from tail to head several times. • Do not stroke back and forth as this causes the fur to break. • Gently stroke from head to tail when you are finished to smooth fur down.

  16. Grooming Tips • Baths are not recommended. • Rabbit fur takes a long time to dry. • If fur is dirty spot clean using a cloth and warm water. • Stains may be removed from white fur by rubbing corn starch into the stain.

  17. Toenail Trimming • Use clippers that cut when the handles are squeezed. • Toenails have a vein that can be seen when held up to a light. • Clip the end of the nail without clipping the vein. • If you clip the vein hold a cotton ball against the nail to stop the bleeding.

  18. Care of External Organs • Ears • Should be highly mobile and turn in the direction of each new sound. • Clean when necessary by wiping gently with baby oil – a cotton swab may be used. • Eyes • Should be bright and attentive. • Dull eyes are a sign of poor health. • Discharging eyes are a certain sign the rabbit is sick.

  19. Care of External Organs • Nose • A healthy rabbit’s nose should always be dry. • A runny nose is a sign of disease. • Respiratory infections can also be caused by cold drafts and dampness.

  20. Care of External Organs • Nails • A rabbit’s nails continuously grow. • If they are not clipped, the toes may be deformed. • Be careful not to cut the nails back too far. • Feet • Inspect the soles of the feet for signs of injury or accumulation of dirt between the toes.

  21. Enjoy Your Rabbit • Check the showmanship guidelines posted on the website. • Exhibit your rabbit at 4-H Achievement Days July 10 at the Bagg Bonanza Farm.

  22. Worksheet • Complete the worksheet posted on the website with this presentation and mail or e-mail them back to the Richland County Extension Office by May 10! Thank You!

  23. Questions? • Call me at 642-7793. • E-mail me at dale.siebert@ndsu.edu. Dale Siebert, Richland County NDSU Extension Extension Agent, Cropping Systems DLS/cj

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