House rabbit
From Safon.org
House rabbit is a common term for domesticated European rabbits which are kept as pets. European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are the only species of lagomorphs (i.e., rabbits, hares and picas) that are commonly domesticated.
|
[edit] Rabbits are not rodents!
Rabbits belong to the order of Lagomorpha — which comprises picas, hares and rabbits. Lagomorphs have in common that they have a double digestive process similar to chewing the cud which enables them to digest a relatively high percentage of cellulose.
Rodentia (rodents) are a different order of mammals which comprises, amongst others, mice and rats, beavers, hamsters and guinea pigs.
Lagomorphs and rodents have some superficial similarities, but they also show some basic differences:
- Lagomorphs have 4 incisors (front teeth) in the upper jaw; rodents have only two.
- The scrotum is situated anterior (to the front) of the penis in lagomorphs, but posterior (to the back) of the penis in rodents.
- Lagomorphs do not have a penis bone (os baculum).
- Lagomorphs chew their cud through excreting the half-digested food in the form of cecotropes which are then eaten and re-digested.
[edit] Rabbits need company
If at all possible, you should get two rabbits rather than one. Rabbits are very social animals, and unless you are prepared to give your single rabbit several hours of undivided attention every day for the decade or two a rabbit may live, your single rabbit is likely to become a lonely and depressed (also known as “boring”) rabbit.
[edit] A healthy rabbit diet
[edit] Water
Your rabbits should always have unlimited access to fresh drinking water.
[edit] Grass and hay
Grass and hay are the staple of a healthy rabbit's diet, and your rabbit should absolutely always have free access to hay or fresh grass.
[edit] Dry food (pellets)
[edit] Greens
[edit] Good in abundance
Even though it is not strictly speaking medically necessary for rabbits to eat fresh greens daily as long as they get their pellets, hay and fresh water, it is healthy for them to eat a variety of fresh greens daily.
Especially suitable greens include dill, carrot greens, dandelion and fennel greens.
[edit] Good in moderation
Some kinds of greens are good in moderation. These include kale (Brassica oleracea), parsley, clover and cabbage.
[edit] Avoid certain sorts
Raw potatoes, any green parts of potato plants, as well as beans, are poisonous to rabbits and must never be given to them.
[edit] Carrots in moderation
Carrots are a favourite treat for many rabbits. Since carrots have very high carbohydrate contents, excessive access to carrots will frequently lead to digestive problems and other health problems. It is important for your rabbits that you limit their carrot intake somewhat. Carrot greens, on the other hand, are leaner and may be given freely.
[edit] Fruit as occasional treat
Rabbits should not eat a lot of fruits and berries, but a berry, raisin or little piece of apple or pear is a good occasional treat.
[edit] No unprocessed maize (US corn)
[edit] No nuts or seeds
[edit] Health
[edit] Symtoms
[edit] Appetite
If a rabbit shows no interest in eating the salad or pellets at the normal time, the rabbit needs to be extra carefully monitored, since this is a sign of possible disease.
[edit] Body temperature
The normal body temperature for rabbits is around 38,3–39,4°C (101–103 °F).
[edit] Fever
A body temperature of about 39.9 °C (104 °F) is considered a slightly elevated temperature and may be caused by a light or early stage infection as well as by emotional stress. Temperatures around 40.5 °C (105 °F) are a sign of potentially serious illness and should be considered a medical emergency.
[edit] Hypothermia
A temperature of under 38.1 °C (100 °F) may be a sign of shock or serious infection, and the rabbit should be taken to a qualified veterinarian as soon as possible. Make sure that the rabbit is kept warm (e.g., in a warm towel) on the way there.
[edit] Digestive sounds
[edit] Other symptoms
[edit] Travelling with rabbits
[edit] Moving from North America to Europe
[edit] Links
[edit] Organisations
[edit] Health
- Krempels, Dana: «Detecting Illness Before it’s an Emergency»
- Krempels, Dana: «GastroIntestinal Stasis, The Silent Killer»
- «FAQ: Warm Weather Concerns» from Rabbit.org
- Medirabbit.com – a web site with lots of information about rabbit health (in English, French, Dutch, German, Norwegian, Polish, Hungarian and Hebrew)
[edit] Veterinarians
- Heidi L. Hoefer, DVM, Huntington, NY, USA
