Small Animal Management

1
Small Animal Management

• Rabbits

2
I. Terms

1. Buck male rabbit
2. Doe female rabbit
3. Bunny baby rabbit
4. Kit baby rabbit
5. 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
Cheek
Tail
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

1. Pets
2. Show / Exhibition
3. Meat Production
4. Pelts
5. Wool
6. 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

1. Feed Stores
2. American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA)
3. 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

1. 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 gt rabbits eat more cost more
• overweight rabbits lazy/poor breeders
• less attention given to rabbits

24
X. Housing

1. Free of Drafts
2. Protect from rain, snow, wind, sun heat
3. Pens wire floor
4. Size 1 square foot floor space per one pound
   live rabbit (4 needs 2 ft x 2 ft)

25
XI. Equipment

1. Feeders
2. Waters
3. Nest Boxes
4. Tattoo Pliers

26
XII. Reproduction
27
A. Age to breed

1. Dwarfs Small breeds 5 months
2. Medium breeds 6 months
3. 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

1. Average 31 days
2. Range 28 31 days

30
D. Mating

1. Take the doe to the bucks cage
2. Doe is more defensive of her territory than the
   buck
3. Dont 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