Dwarf Bunny Care

A lot of people are pet lovers, and go beyond the regular dogs and
cats for pets. If you are looking for exotic pets, then dwarf bunnies
are for you. They are cute, cuddly creatures, and as the name
suggests, simply smaller versions of rabbits. This species requires
care that is different from the regular cats and dogs. Of course,
every pet requires good amount of attention, but the care requirements
for each pet also differs. As such, knowing the kind of pet you will
be bringing home is essential before you decide to have a dwarf bunny
as a pet. Presented here are some facts about dwarf rabbits, and how
you should take care of them.

Dwarf Bunny Care

Experts suggest that the best time to buy dwarf bunnies is when they
are three to four months old. If you are getting a male dwarf bunny,
ensure that it is spayed or neutered. Do not fathom keeping two males
together as they view each other as competition, even in the absence
of a female of the species. On the other hand, you may keep a pair of
two female dwarf bunnies as pets. Finally, among the various breeds of
this species, the Netherland dwarf bunny is the most docile breed to
choose from. The other breeds are known to be more aggressive. With
the knowledge of choosing these furry little creatures as pets, here's
a look at some tips on caring for them.

Dwarf bunnies require to be caged, as leaving them loose around your
house is definitely not a good idea. A wire cage that is 4 feet wide
and 2 feet deep and long is ideal for them. The base of the cage
should either be covered with a piece of wood, some hay, or a piece of
cardboard, and should never be left bare as it can harm your pet's
feet.

• The cage of a dwarf bunny should always be kept indoors, in the
shade. They are very susceptible to developing health conditions from
exposure to direct sunlight or heat. Furthermore, if kept in sight of
a visible or perceived predator, dwarf bunnies can even have heart
attacks.

• Dwarf bunnies require litter boxes too, but ensure the ones you
provide for them are lined with newspaper or timothy hay. This litter
box needs to be cleaned daily in order to avoid the odor it gives out.

• Apart from a litter box, your little pet will require a box where it
can dig and hide as it is a burrowing animal and the love for dark
spots is inherent in its nature. It will also require something to
chew on (phone books, chew toys, etc.) as this is another one of its
natural traits.

• The diet of dwarf bunnies mainly consists of as much hay as they
like. Timothy hay is the best type for them. Along with hay, they
require good quality rabbit pellets. These they can consume in
unlimited amounts when younger, while 1/4 cup is suitable for fully
grown rabbits. Fresh greens are essential for them, and 2 cups of any
such greens such as carrot tops and dark lettuce can be given to them
daily. Fruits such as apples and bananas can be provided as an
occasional treat. Finally, water is important and a fresh supply is
required daily.

• Though dwarf bunnies require to be caged, it is essential to ensure
they get a good amount of exercise for a few hours on a daily basis.
These pets cannot be left loose without supervision, so ensure you are
always monitoring their activities. Keep wires, curtains, and other
chewables out of their reach. When outdoors, the space they can play
in should be enclosed well, and they should not be allowed to dig too
many burrows lest they escape thereon. No potential predators should
be in sight.

• When letting a dwarf bunny out of a cage, do not ever lift it by its
ears as this affects them emotionally. Let them come out on their own,
and hold them with both hands cupped. This shows a lot of affection
and gives them the attention they need. Children may be prone to
scratches and bites from dwarf bunnies if they do not handle them
carefully. As such, make sure your kids are never left alone with
them.

• As mentioned earlier, it is possible that dwarf bunnies may develop
certain health conditions, symptoms of which they may not show
immediately causing the condition to get worse over time. You must
really be tuned with their personality and nature to be able to notice
any changes in their behavior and point out health problems.

• A Netherland dwarf bunny weighs only up to 2 pounds when full-grown.
The life span of a dwarf rabbit ranges anywhere between 7-10 years,
though some have known to exceed this range and live up to 13 years.
Simply put, the amount of care and affection dwarf bunnies receive is
essential in determining their life span.

Rabbit Habitat

Is it just me or does the rabbit (any rabbit) make one go all awwww
(for the lack of a better term) at their cuteness? Rabbits are some of
the cutest species, if the article picture is anything to go by. If
you live in the city, the chances are that you've probably seen them
only at zoos. It's only those who have farms (and who keep rabbits)
who know what the habitat of a rabbit is all about. Now there are two
reasons why you would want to know about the rabbit habitat. One, for
general knowledge and two, if you are thinking of getting one as a
pet. For reasons we just mentioned, let us learn something more about
the habitat of rabbits in the following sections.

Habitat of a Rabbit

In connection with the habitat of rabbits, it could be taken in
connection with two scenarios - one, the habitat in captivity and two,
the habitat in the wild. Let's give you the details of the same in the
sections that follow.

Habitat in the Wild
A rabbit habitat is one in which the rabbit naturally exists and
lives. Rabbits prefer to live in places that have a moderate climate.
Rabbits who live in their natural surroundings and habitats live in
meadows, forests, grasslands, sagebrush, woods and dense thickets.
These are places that are ideal for a rabbit because they allow a
rabbit to create burrows, where they feel safe and protected, as well
as allows them the opportunity to explore their surroundings. In
addition to that, all these places are out in the open and therefore
they allow a rabbit plenty of space for running. This is an essential
feature of the habitat of a rabbit because it helps the rabbit to keep
fit.

In the wild, the rabbits build warrens for housing. These are
essentially burrows which have several tunnels that interconnect them.
These warrens have spaces and areas that are especially designated for
varied purposes like sleeping or raising the young. They have a very
small opening so that once the rabbit escapes into the burrow, his
predator will not be able to attack him. Another purpose that it
serves is that it allows the rabbits protection against the heat and
cold in the summer and winter seasons respectively. The rabbits spend
most of their time in the burrows where they feel secure and protected
and are only seen to come out during dawn, early morning and dusk.

Habitat in Captivity
When creating a housing area for a pet rabbit, it is important that
you remember all the features of the habitat in the wild so that you
can duplicate the same. This is necessary because it helps the rabbit
to adjust to the created habitat better. That does not mean that you
simply re-create the physical structure of the burrows and warrens,
but understand why the habitat of a rabbit is important for it. The
habitat of the rabbit needs a particular structure (like the
interconnected tunnels) to keep the rabbit occupied and engaged.

If one is able to create a housing area that closely resembles the
natural habitat of the rabbit in the wild, then it will be easier for
the rabbit to adjust, and you will have no trouble with an
ill-adjusted pet rabbit.

Rabbit Condos Essentials
Condos are multi-storied cages that are especially built to re-create
the same effect of the warrens. These work best if you have more than
two rabbits for pets.

There are several ways in which you can create a condo. Use natural
substances to form the basic structure or remodel already existing
cages by placing them one on top of the other and then getting rid of
the walls. The idea is to create shelves and tunnels. Fill the cages
with mud and plants to give it a more natural feel. While modeling a
burrow for the rabbit(s), make sure to include a small box that is
filled with hay so that the rabbits can escape into this whenever they
feel the need to feel safe and protected.

How you decorate the cage is entirely your choice - like if you do not
want to clutter the cage with mud and plants, but instead want to keep
it plain; or fill it with a stray toy here and there. If you're not
the creative type, you can buy a ready-made cage from the store just
as well. Here are some things that you should keep in mind when going
in for, or creating a condo.

Each rabbit requires about four times the space of its size. Make
sure that you have this factor planned for.
Do not use grids in the cage that are bigger than an inch. A
rabbit might want to explore the area and get its head stuck in one of
the grids, thus causing it harm.
Be absolutely sure that you check the safety of the cage while
building it and do a re-check once it's done. Make sure there are no
screws, nails or other things left in the cage.
Be careful with the kind of material you use to build the condo or
the things that you keep in the cage. Nothing that can be chewed upon
or is toxic should find its way there.
The placement of the cage is just as important because rabbits
tend to get startled very easily. Place the cage in a quiet area where
there is not too much activity happening to disturb them. Speak out
loud as you approach the cage to prepare the rabbit for your arrival,
thus preventing it from getting startled.
Do not handle the rabbits often and keep them away from small kids
who might be too rough with them.
It is essential that the rabbit gets at least 3 hours of exercise
everyday. So do the needful and let it out of its cage everyday for 3
hours.
Some people who have the privilege of space, like a garden or
farm, build a coop or a rabbit hutch to house the rabbits. This is
more humane and allows the rabbit to have more space and freedom.
Some house them in these coops for the day and get them in for the night.

Dwarf Rabbits

Dwarf rabbits with their affectionate, playful temperament and big
personalities make for wonderful pets. In fact, the Netherland Dwarf
rabbit breed is the second most popular breed among the forty five
purebred rabbits recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders
Association, Inc. With a weight of just around 2 - 2/12 pounds, these
little delights are probably the cutest pets that one could have. The
most common domestic European pet rabbit breeds to have inherited the
dwarf gene are the Netherland Dwarf and the Dwarf Hotot rabbits. Here
is more information about the dwarf rabbit life span, their physical
characteristics and the ways to take care of them. Read more on pet
rabbit breeds.

Dwarf Rabbits as Pets

Netherland Dwarf Rabbits: Often touted as the gems of the rabbit
world, the Netherland Dwarf is the smallest of all domestic rabbit
breeds. What it lacks in size, it makes up in popularity and let's
just say a big (bad tempered) personality. With a short neck, short
erect ears, round bold eyes and a small round body, this is a breed
which carries the dwarf gene. They are available in a wide range of
colors including fawn, himalayan, chinchilla, seal point, steel,
orange and tortoiseshell. Since the Netherland Dwarf rabbits are noted
for their bad temper and a high strung nature, especially among the
bucks, they are not suitable pets for young children. Instead they are
suited more in an adult, mature home. Read more on rabbits as pets for
kids.

Dwarf Hotot: The Dwarf Hotot is small and compact breed weighing as
little as 2 1/2 to 3 lbs. The physical appearance of this stocky,
docile little rabbit is similar to the Netherland Dwarf. The head
itself is round, with a broad skull and a very short neck. There
should be no visible neck. The eyes are round, bold and bright with
those characteristic eye bands. Ears which are short, well furred, and
usually of good substance, balance with the head and body. While most
of these breeds are white in color with black around the eyes, black
and chocolate varieties are recognized as well. This friendly rabbit
makes an ideal pet as it is affectionate and loves spending time with
people. They are also easy to train and love being carried around.

Dwarf Rabbits Life Span

The average dwarf rabbit life expectancy ranges from 7 to 10 years,
but some have lived as long as 13 years. While the Netherland Dwarf
rabbit's life span is around 7 to 8 years, the average life expectancy
of the Dwarf Hotot is around 5 to 10 years. By spaying early in life,
you can increase the life expectancy to around 10 years. Most of the
dwarf rabbits are affected by the common health problems in rabbits
such as overgrown teeth, mites, lice, fleas, diarrhea and infections.
Read more on life span of a rabbit.

Dwarf Rabbits Care

Despite their small size, dwarf rabbits are quite active and need to
have plenty of exercise. You should either provide it space in their
house or a have separate run just for it. Items like boxes and tubes
will keep your little rabbit busy by allowing them to burrow and
climb. This keeps them amused and exercised. A large exercise pen or a
cage should work just fine. Make sure that you provide a litter box if
the rabbits have been litter trained.

For feeding dwarf rabbits you will need dry rabbit mix and lots of
fresh hay to feed on. This should be supplemented by fresh fruit and
dark leafy green vegetables along with a regular supply of freshwater
in a bottle feeder. Commercial rabbit pellets (1/4 cup of pellets per
5 pounds of body weight every day) are also recommended. Read more on
taking care of rabbits.

REX RABBIT BREED

House pets are impulsive purchases for most of us who just love the
sight, sound and feel of anything adorable, soft and furry. But, if
you are making a planned purchase and a rabbit is what you have zeroed
in on, a Rex could be the breed for you. Below, I list some of its
more adorable (well, also the not-so-adorable) features:

Origin
This breed originated as a natural mutation (crossbreed) of the gray
rabbits found in the wilderness of France. They were discovered in
1919, but were bred commercially for their fur and meat after
attaining popularity. They made a successful debut at the Paris
International Rabbit Show in 1924 and later made an entry into the
U.S.A. Today, they are one of the most popular house rabbits in the
world.

Appearance and Personality
Rexes come in various colors, namely black, white, blue, castor,
chocolate, sable, tortoise, seal, brindle, etc. Their peculiarity is
the thick, upstanding fur that looks and feels like velvet. It ranges
between 1.3 - 2.2 centimeters in length and the guard hair are
actually the same length as the undercoat. This makes the coat thicker
and gives it plush-like feel. It must be remembered that these low
maintenance mammals do not require combing at all. In fact, the only
grooming they require is regular nail trims.

An average Rex weighs anything between 6 to 10.5 pounds, making it a
fairly large rabbit in its family. Its broad head has pert upright
ears that suit its fairly rounded body. These plump fur balls are
generally friendly, curious and playful and make perfect foster moms
for any other rabbits that you may own. They can be litter-trained
easily, but (like us, human beings) do need proper incentives to learn
anything new. A happy Rex can live up to 6 years (despite being in
human company).

Rexes require low to medium activity levels. They are equally content
sitting on someone's lap and acting out their perfect pet part. These
incredibly soft creatures do require a physical show of affection, in
the form of petting or stroking. Though, a lot of fun, they require
lots of attention, if their non-destructive and friendly temperament
is to be maintained in the long run. Lastly, it is essential to keep
the cage size, in accordance with their size - i.e. large!

Food and Health Care
Rexes feed. No, I do mean feed. There will be times that you will
think that you have pet horse. The good thing however, is that their
food is easily available and does not tax the budget. Rexes mostly
feed on commercial rabbit pellets, timothy hay, lucerne hay, fresh
greens and fresh fruit. They need up to a quarter cup of pellets per
day, for every 5 pounds of their body weight. Fresh greens can
comprise the main portion of the rest of their diet. Fruits should be
limited for their high sugar content and for that you need a heart of
steel. After all, how else can you deny him his favorite food, when he
looks at you with big watery eyes begging you give it.

Healthwise, Rex rabbits are generally sturdy. They are prone to cold
and flu, so it is best to keep them indoors during extreme weather.
They have fragile skeletons, so proper care should be taken, while
handling them. Males should be neutered after about 4 months of age,
to prevent the aggression arising out of sexual maturity. Females can
also be neutered, as this reduces the risks of uterine cancer. Both
the males and females live longer (8 - 11 years) after spaying. As
long as, the standard ear mites and fleas are taken care of, your Rex
should be a really healthy pet. It is also essential that your Rex is
vaccinated against calicivirus at a young age. There are two main
types of Rex rabbits: Mini Rex and the Standard Rex.

Standard Rex
A standard Rex that weighs about 8 to 12 pounds has a lovely velvety
fur. These rabbits come in many different colors like: black, red,
opal, chocolate and white. Standard Rexes are available in various
marking styles including, castor, californian, broken, chinchilla and
black otter. They have straight ears and the coat doesn't require too
much grooming. Standard Rexes are good-natured, and are known as
enatic creatures. The interesting fact about this breed is that they
can easily accept the baby of any rabbit and nurture it like their
own. These rabbits are generally quiet and may find it difficult to
live in a chaotic environment.

Mini Rex
Mini Rex rabbits are very small rabbits, they weigh about 3.5 to 5
pounds and come in various colors including, blue, black, red, seal,
blue-eyed white and broken colors. These are very friendly pets and
they have very beautiful fur coats. They can be toilet trained very
easily. Mini Rexes are loved by all adults as well as children, and
they also enjoy human company. These things make them lovely house
pets. They have a longer lifespan and can live well for more than 10
years.

I conclude claiming Rexes as the best pets for those who want one, but
are already over and done with the responsibilities of diapers and
Cerelac. Get them! You will fall in love so quickly with your curious,
albeit playful pet that you will learn to ignore that strong odor they
tend to retain. Oh, sorry! Did I forget to mention that rabbit urine
contains a lot of ammonia making their pee stink like hell.

Facts about Eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus)

Eastern cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) belong to the
family Leporidae and genus Sylvilagus. Almost all members of this
genus have a very small tail, with a puffy white underside, which
resemble a cotton ball. The name 'cottontail' was derived from this
feature. These rabbits belong to the Americas and are commonly found
in North America.

Physical Features

Eastern cottontail rabbits have a compact body with long hind legs,
long ears, large brown eyes and a short tail. The fur of these animals
is either reddish brown or grayish-brown in color. During winters, the
color changes to more grayish than brown. The fur around their nose,
underside of the tail and belly, is white in color. Almost all of them
have a gray patch around the neck. An average eastern cottontail
rabbit can weigh between 2 to 4 pounds. The young ones of eastern
cottontail rabbits, called 'kits', have an additional white mark on
their forehead, which fades out with age.

Distribution and Habitat

These rabbits are mostly found in southern Canada, eastern Mexico,
central America, northern regions of South America and eastern and
south-central United States. They can be commonly seen in New Mexico,
Arizona and mid-west North America. Nowadays, there have been reports
of occasional sightings of this rabbit in New England too. They can
live in a variety of habitats, but they prefer woody, shrubby areas
and open country. It is also observed that they have a preference to
areas near a water source, like ponds or streams. They like places
with dense vegetation, which helps them in finding cover.

Dietary Habits and Behavior

Eastern cottontail rabbits are herbivores, who love to feed on grass,
bark, twigs, fruits and vegetables. During winters, they eat the tree
bark of brambles, birch, oak, dogwood and maple trees, buds and twigs,
whereas their summer and spring diet includes grass, fruits,
vegetables, other green vegetation and clovers. They are nocturnal
animals, who are active at dawn and dusk. It is difficult to chase
them as they run in a zigzag manner to confuse predators. They can
leap up to 15 feet and can run at the speed of 18 miles per hour. This
ability helps them to protect themselves from predators. Sometimes,
they stand on their hind legs to keep an eye out for predators.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

The mating season of these rabbits is from February to September. It
is observed that they perform a mating dance too. The female builds a
nest in the ground with grass and fur. The gestation period is around
a month and a female can give birth to a maximum of nine kits. The
females may mate soon after giving birth and can breed four to five
times a year. They feed the young ones twice a day, for a period of
three months. The kits leave the nest after seven weeks and reach
maturity after three to four months.

They are proficient breeders, and can produce many offspring. They are
preyed upon by hawks, barn owls, opossums, coyotes, foxes, weasels and
many other animals. Humans also hunt them for their fur and meat. They
are also trapped and killed for damaging farms and gardens. They have
a varying population, depending on various habitats. Any disturbance
or loss of habitat, may adversely affect the population of these
beautiful creatures.

Raising Rabbits - What Do Rabbit Eat..?

Cute, cuddly, furry and extremely lovable, rabbits are therefore most
preferred as pets! Raising rabbits can be really fun and they prove to
be great pets for the family. These cute creatures can be kept
outdoors as well as indoors which would depend upon the kind of
environment you can offer. Being social animals, one would need to
ensure there is ample interaction between other rabbits and even the
pet owners. Rabbits basically are found in varied environment from the
forests to the deserts.

These animals are essentially ground dwellers. The popularity of
rabbits is such that one can notice them as fictional characters as
well! Br'er Rabbit and the very popular Bugs Bunny won the hearts of
people all over the world! If you wish to raise rabbits, there are a
few things you would have to bear in mind as far as the food habits
are concerned. Here's a look at the food patterns of rabbits.

Raising Rabbits: What do Rabbits Eat?

Rabbits always need to be fed at least twice a day. Pet owners would
need to bear in mind to give their rabbits a balanced diet that has
high levels of fibers. Rabbits love to eat grass and leafy weeds. They
even love fresh vegetables. They are known to graze rapidly for the
initial 30 minutes when they feel hungry. They can also be given hay
occasionally. Rabbit pellets available in pet stores are a main source
of nutrition for these animals. Rabbits also love carrots, apples,
strawberries, bananas etc. Always remember to feed your rabbit the
right quantity of food. Also ensure they have plenty of water to
drink.

Along with food, give your rabbit plenty of love so that you can
really enjoy this relation you share with your pets!

Different Rabbit Breeda

If you are out to get a cute and cuddly rabbit as a pet, perhaps it
would prove to be a better bet if you tried to know all about the
different rabbit breeds that are seen today. Many different rabbit
breeds that we see today are all various varieties of domestic
rabbits. These are specially created through the process of selective
breeding. These rabbit breeds differ from each other in terms of their
size or even the appearance of their coat and many such factors.
Here's a look at different types of rabbit breeds.

Different Rabbit Breeds

Angora Rabbit
This breed is a domestic variety. The Angora breed is also the oldest
kind of domesticated rabbit, which is easily distinguishable due to
its long and soft hair. Basically, the Angora rabbit is preferred
mainly due to its long and soft fur coat. This breed of rabbits does
require a lot of grooming and care. In total, there are around 4 types
of Angora rabbits (English, Giant, Satin and French), which are ARBA
recognized.

Blue of Sint-Niklaas
Amongst the different kinds of rabbits seen, this rabbit breed is
considered to be one of the oldest fur rabbits seen. This is a Flemish
rabbit breed. This breed now belongs to the almost rare category.

American Sable
The American sable is one such breed that is quite sociable in nature.
This breed is a cross of the Chinchilla rabbit breeds. The American
sable rabbit is quite identical to the Chinchilla rabbits although
they have a different color for their coat. The American Sable
generally has a light shaded coat, which darkens towards the head area
as well as the upper end of the tail.

Beveren
This rabbit breed is considered to be a very rare breed. The
temperament of this rabbit breed shows it to be full of energy. The
Beveren is also one of the largest breeds of fur rabbits. The name
Beveren largely remains due to the fact that it was first bred in
Beveren. This is a small town that lies close to Antwerp, which is in
Belgium.

Such rabbit breeds have coats that are blue, brown, lilac or even
white in color. This does not mean all the colors are accepted and
meet the standards of ARBA. The Beveren breed has a fur length that is
about 1 ½ inches long. One of the rare varieties of the Beveren is
known as the Pointed Beveren.

Californian Rabbits
George West first developed this rabbit breed in the early 1920s.
Initially, amongst all the different kinds of rabbits, this particular
rabbit breed did not gain popularity. The color of the coat is quite
similar to that of the Himalayan rabbit. The Californian rabbits also
have a white body with shades of black on the nose and ears along with
the tail and feet. The Californian rabbits would also require a lot of
grooming care. This would mean grooming care on a daily routine.

Chinchilla Rabbits
This breed consists of three types of rabbits that belong to this category.

The American Chinchilla - This rabbit breed originated in France. They
are largely bred due to their size.

Giant Chinchilla - This rabbit breed has its origins in the United States.

Standard Chinchilla - The standard chinchilla finds its origins in
France. They have easily distinguishable coats.

About Rabbit

Most of the people have seen rabbits and some even consider making it
a pet. But are they aware of the facts about rabbits? Here are some
interesting rabbit facts which most of the people don't know.

Rabbits are not rodents, but they belong to lagomorphs order.
Rabbits are herbivores and eat carrots, vegetables, tree barks and herbs.
Rabbits are social, loving and interactive animals.
Rabbits weigh between 2 to 11 pounds.
There are over 45 recognized breeds of rabbits.
Rabbits live in groups called herd in a warren.
Rabbits have a very good memory.
Each rabbit has his own distinct identity.
Rabbits have long sensitive ears, which can turn in any direction
and can also help in regulating their temperature.
Rabbits can make various sounds.
Rabbits have large eyes and a blind spot right in front of their face.
Rabbits can see behind themselves without rotating their heads.
Rabbits have 3 pairs of scent glands located under the chin, anal
and inguinal glands.
A male rabbit is called buck and a female one is called doe.
A baby rabbit is called kitten or a kit.
Rabbits are crepuscular, that is they are most active at dawn and dusk.
Rabbits have 28 teeth, which keeps on growing continuously
throughout its life.
After birth, the baby rabbits are collectively known as litter.
Rabbits can mate when they are 3 months old.
Rabbits can produce babies when they are 6 months old.
Rabbits can produce 20-40 babies in a year.
Size of the litter is usually between 4-8 kits.
The gestation period of rabbit is about 30 days.
Babies are born blind and without fur.
Babies open their eyes at about 10 days.
Kits get weaned at about 6-8 weeks.
Rabbits feed their babies only for about 5 minutes a day.
Rabbits can jump as long as 36 inches and higher.
Rabbits can run about 35 miles an hour.
Average lifespan of a rabbit is about 8-10 years.
Rabbits can't vomit.
Droppings of rabbits serve as an excellent garden fertilizer.
Rabbits are very susceptible to over heating and can suffer from a
heat stroke.
Rabbit's chew 120 times a minute and has over 17,000 taste buds.
Domestic rabbits can't breed with the wild ones.
Rabbit meat is all white meat, which is lower in cholesterol, fat
and calories.
Rabbits eat their night droppings called cecotropes, which are
good sources of nutrients.
When rabbits are happy, they perform a series of jumps, twists and
runs, which is termed as binky.
Spaying and neutering a rabbit is very much essential for
maintaining good health.
Rabbits require a four hours exercise a day. They can suffer from
osteoporosis if they don't get enough exercise.
Rabbit's diet is equally important. The wrong food can kill a rabbit.
Rabbits don't like being picked up.
Rabbits clean up themselves.

Types of Rabbits

Various varieties of domestic rabbits are bred through selective
breeding or natural selection. In this article, I will list a few
common breeds of rabbits that are recognized by the American Rabbit
Breeders Association along with a brief description.

Rabbit Breeds

American: This breed was standardized early in the 20th century. The
two categories available are the blue and white. The sub-varieties
available under this breed are:

American Fuzzy Lop: This breed was derived by breeding two Holland
Lops each carrying a recessive wool gene. The rabbits belonging to
this breed have lopped ears and their body is covered with thick wool.
American Sable: The rabbits belonging to this breed have different
levels of sandy (sable) coloring.

Angora: This breed consists of the oldest types of domestic rabbits
that originated in Ankara, Turkey. The rabbits belonging to this breed
are used for their long wool which is removed by shearing or plucking.
The sub-varieties available under this breed are:

English Angora: This breed has been derived from French Angoras
and are gentle in nature but require a lot of grooming.
French Angora: This breed has guard hair on the surface and wool
as an undercoat.
Satin Angora: This breed is so named because of its extremely soft
texture of its wool. These are very easy to groom and the wool they
produce is very strong.

Beveran: This breed consists of the oldest and largest of the fur
rabbits. The color of their coats can vary from blue, white, black,
lilac or brown. A rare variety in this breed is the Pointed Beveren
which has the same color but have white-tipped hair.

Blue of Ham: This breed of rabbit was very popular during the first
few decades of the 20th century but became extinct during the sixties.
However, a Belgian breeder was able to recreate the rabbit by using
off-springs.

Britannia Petite: This breed of rabbits weigh about 2.5 lb and are
thought to have been derived from small wild rabbits. They have a wild
temperament and are not suitable for pets. However, if handled
properly these rabbits can be calm.

American Chinchilla: This breed of rabbits are bred for their meat.
They are a hardy pet and do not require regular grooming. They have a
medium length body which is slightly curved. Their ears are straight
and erect. These rabbits are also good breeders and on an average
their litter consists of 7 - 10 babies.

Dutch: This breed of rabbits were originally bred in Netherlands. The
markings present on their body includes a white wedge down the face,
round colored circles around the eyes, white markings on the hind feet
and a line extending under the belly. Dutch rabbits make excellent
pets, show rabbits and do rather well in the sport of rabbit hopping.

Himalayan: This is a very old breed of rabbits that are very common in
the Asian countries in the Himalayan Mountains. It is the most widely
distributed rabbit in the world and is also known as by many other
names like Chinese, Russian, Egyptian and the Black Nose. They are
delicately built and have a long body resembling a tube and are famous
for their general temperament. They make excellent pets especially for
the children and an ideal choice for a first time rabbit owner.

Lionhead: This is one of the newest breed of domesticated rabbits and
it was originated in Belgium. It is reported to be a cross between a
miniature Swiss Fox and a Belgian Dwarf. It has been so named because
it has particularly long hair surrounding the face that resembles the
mane of a male lion. The other characteristics include a round head
and ears shorter than most breeds of rabbits.

English Spot: This breed of rabbits is mostly white and they have a
butterfly mark on their nose, colored ears and chains of colored spots
along its sides including a herringbone stripe down its back. English
Spots are a very active breed of rabbits and require a minimum of two
hours of running time everyday. They are generally docile and make
good pets and also tolerate other pets like guinea pigs, cats and
dogs.

PET AT HOME

Dogs, cats, birds, horses, fish and small animals are the numerous
types of pets at home. In case of these, some contemplation has to be
done regarding their names, breeds, health, training, rescue and sale.
For example, a dog breed selector is useful to determine if a pet is
suitable for children, the exercises and grooming needs and other
health topics.

Dogs

The American Kennel Club recognizes more than 400 distinct dog breeds.
These breeds are further classified as per their functions. A natural
guard dog is the best for personal protection. A guard dog is further
classified into alarm dog, sentry dog and attack dog. The Giant
Schnauzer is best suited to the role of a guard dog. Doberman pinchers
have a very strong instinct as protection dogs. Mastiffs are generally
used as sentry dogs in Europe. German shepherds are alert, loyal and
perfect as protection dogs. The Belgian Malinois has a tremendous
capacity as an all-purpose working dog. Great Dane is impressive if it
just stands and barks.

Cats

There are several breeds like Maine Coon, American Bobtail, Norwegian
Forest Cat, American Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair, Bengal, Ragdoll
Cat, Bombay, Scottish Fold, Burmese, Siamese, Chartreux, Snowshoe,
Cornish Rex, Tonkinese, Egyptian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, Abyssinian,
Manx, American Curl, Ocicat, American Wirehair, Persian, Birman,
Russian Blue, British Shorthair, Siberian, Burmilla, Singapura,
Cymric, Somali, Devon Rex, Turkish Angora, Himalayan and Korat. The
American Shorthair are very robust, athletic, working cats. It is also
very sociable, affectionate and adaptable cat. It has a short, glossy
and dense coat. The American Wirehair has a rounded head, high
cheekbones, medium-sized and round-tipped ears as well as large, round
and widely-spaced eyes.

Birds

There are several bird species in North America like Greater
Yellowlegs, American Bittern, Great Horned Owl, American Redstart,
House Finch, American Coot, Hummingbirds, American Robin, Laughing
Gull, American Woodcock, Long-eared Owl, Barred Owl, Northern Goshawk,
Blackpoll Warbler, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Boreal Owl, Osprey,
Black-and-White Warbler, Pygmy Owl, Blue Jay, Red-shouldered Hawk,
Brewer's Blackbird, Ruffed Grouse, Brown Thrasher, Tufted Titmouse,
Cedar Waxwing, White-breasted Nuthatch, Common Flicker, Willet etc.
These are classified as per their length, wingspan, habitat and range.
For example, the American Wigeon has a length of 17-23 inches and a
wingspan of 33 inches. It is found in lakes, marshes, bays and fields.
It is abundant and widespread in the West and farther North regions of
the United States.

Horses

The different varieties of breeds available in the United States are
American Miniature Horse, American Paint Horse, American Quarter
Horse, American Saddlebred, Andalusian Horse, Appaloosa Horse, Arabian
Horse, Belgian Draft Horse, Friesian Horse, Hanoverian, Icelandic
Horse, Lipizzan, Lusitano, Missouri Fox Trotter, Mustang Horse,
Percheron, Tennessee Walking Horse, Thoroughbred and Trakehner. The
pony breeds are American Shetland Pony, American Walking Pony and
Australian Pony.

Fish

The fish must be able to swim effortlessly or minimum maintain a
steady position in the water. There must not be a very thin
cross-section or a hollow belly. As compared to the other tankmates,
these must not have extremely large or small size. A folded-down,
split or frayed fins must be absent. There must be absence of pimples,
wounds, spots or other body damages. These pets must not be
quarantined or bought from any doubtful source.

Small animals

These comprise rabbits, ferrets, hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, gerbils,
mice and chinchillas. Rats are loving and very intelligent. These
spend 2/5th of their time in cleaning. Mice are intelligent, friendly
and in need of less maintenance. They are sociable and occur in pairs
or groups. However, aggressive males may have to be kept singly.
Rabbits are affectionate, playful, loyal and mischievous.

Rabbits as Pets - House Rabbit Care

Caring for Pet Rabbits - Is it Easy?
'Stuffed bunny rabbits are so cute. So are real rabbits. How difficult
could it be to take care of just one rabbit. All that is required is
to give it something to eat, water to drink, and a big enough cage to
live in. An occasional cleaning of the cage, and that's it. This is
all that there is to rabbit care '.

These are the thoughts that come to mind to almost everyone who want
to keep rabbits as pets . The thought of such people are both - right
and wrong.

Right because maintaining a healthy pet rabbit is not at all
difficult. Wrong because unless you are aware of all the facts about
rabbit food, healthcare, the things you should and should not do,
things could really go wrong. With pet rabbits, it is the minor facts
that matter: what you feed them, the amount of exercise they get, even
how you carry and handle them.

Buying your Pet Rabbit
Once you have decided that you want a rabbit as a pet, there are a few
questions that you should answer.

Do I already have a pet that could pose a threat to the rabbit? (Dog, cat etc.)

What will it cost me to take care of the rabbit? (Cage, Food, the
occasional veterinarian expense etc.)

Are all the supplies that will be required available? (Mostly food requirements)

And finally, do I have the time to take proper care of the rabbit?

Once all these questions are answered in the positive, you should
decide on what color rabbit you want. Rabbits come in many colors -
snow white, beige shades, light brown to dark brown shades, shades of
gray, rabbits having a single color, rabbits with stripes, the
combinations are endless. The best solution is to visit your local pet
store and see what choices are available.

The rabbit decided, you must now decide on the cage. You should buy a
cage that allows the rabbit to stand up fully stretched on its hind
legs without any obstruction. The cage should be large enough to
accommodate the rabbit when it is fully stretched. Make sure that
there is extra space to accommodate a litter box, including space for
the feed and water. The cage must be easy to clean and indestructible.
A metal cage with a wire mesh floor is the most preferable choice. Not
only will this cage be indestructible, but very easy to clean too.

If you think that the major buying decisions (the rabbit and cage) are
over, you are mistaken. The most important part is still left out -
The Food. Yes, this is of utmost importance. The entire health and
well-being of the rabbit will depend on this. As you read the part on
feeding your rabbit, you will realize the importance of choosing the
proper food for your rabbit. Pet rabbits usually live 7 to 8 years,
but keeping your pet on the proper feed should ensure it lives 10 to
12 years. Pet rabbits have been known to live up to 15 years given the
proper care.

What are rabbits like?
Before buying a pet rabbit, many would have asked the question 'What
are rabbits like - a cat, a dog'? A pet rabbit is neither like a pet
cat nor a pet dog. Pet cats and dogs will take an immediate liking to
you and not be afraid of you. This will happen with a pet rabbit too,
but it will take much longer. Your pet dog or cat can be fed on a
variety of things including vegetables, fish, chicken, and meat,
making feeding them absolutely worry-free. Not the case with pet
rabbits. You try feeding them just about anything, and that will be
the end of your pet rabbit. Rabbits have got a very sensitive
gastrointestinal tract.

Rabbits are very affectionate, but could get really aggressive and
destructive at times. Many have got the misconception that a pet
rabbit can be picked up and cuddled just like the kids stuffed bunny
rabbit. In fact with pet rabbits it is just the opposite - even the
slightest mishandling of your pet rabbit could prove fatal. Treating
the rabbit gently is very important.

Making your new Pet Rabbit comfortable
When you get your new pet rabbit home, you must decide as to where the
cage will be placed. Make sure it is placed where it will not obstruct
your movement. The place should be well ventilated with a free flow of
fresh air. Place the cage as close to the ground as possible. Place
bedding made of straw in the cage so that the rabbit feels
comfortable. Remember that the cage is not a place to confine your
rabbit. It is more of a place where the rabbit will retire for the
night or whenever it is tired, or hungry. As far as possible do not
keep the door of the cage shut, always leave it open.

Problems that your pet could face if confined to the cage will include
a poor muscle tone because of no exercise, inflammation of the feet
due to sitting in one place constantly, could become very lethargic,
can be very aggressive at times, will become obese due to lack of any
exercise. Most of all it will not turn out to be the happy, jumping
about rabbit that you thought it would be.

A rabbit requires to be constantly active. Rabbits love jumping and
running around. This helps keep their bodies in shape, keep their
minds active and alert, and will help in eliminating a lot of sickness
that will be present if they are confined to the cage.

Proper diet for your Pet Rabbit
Proper care should be taken that you feed your pet rabbit the correct
diet. A little care taken by you in feeding your pet will go a long
way. It can ensure that your rabbit remains disease free, healthy,
active, and enjoys a lifespan of between 10 to 15 years.

Thanks to what we see on television (Bunny Rabbit etc.) we presume
that all rabbits enjoy are carrots. Not so. Rabbits are basically wild
animals, so carrots are very much non-existent in their natural diet.
Rabbits are herbivores and their primary diet consists of a variety of
grass and leaves. Wild rabbits also enjoy the seasonal flower or
fruit.

One part of what their natural diet consists of, could be very
repulsive to some. All rabbits will eat grass etc. Part of this goes
into an intestinal tract known as the cecum, where it is converted
into small pellets that are soft and filled with nutrients. These soft
pellets are known as cecotropes and are eaten by the rabbit as they
are being excreted. This is easily digested and contain fatty acids,
vitamins and amino acids, which are all very important for the
well-being of the rabbit.

Your pet rabbits diet should consist primarily of hay. Always make
sure that there is enough hay in the rabbits cage. There are two types
of hay - grass and legume. Make sure that the hay you give your pet is
the grass variety. Meadow grass which is naturally sun dried is the
best. Find out where you can have easy access to such grass/hay. It
will be required throughout the life of the rabbit. Always make sure
that the hay that you feed your rabbit is dry and fresh. The hay
should never be damp and of dull color.

Do not worry about the rabbit spoiling its teeth with the constant
chewing and munching of this hay. Rabbit teeth grow constantly,
eliminating the possibility of teeth destruction.

Wild rabbits gorge on green grass and fresh leaves, so your pet should
also get its fair share of greens. Along with hay, greens are a vital
part of the rabbits diet because they will provide all the nutrients
that hay provides, but in addition fresh greens will provide the
rabbit with water. Yes, the rabbit will have permanent access to fresh
drinking water, but you can't force the rabbit to drink. When the
rabbit consumes greens they are also getting a sure supply of water.
Good options are broccoli, cabbage, celery, and most of the greens
that are dark in color. Occasionally feed your rabbit fruits such as
pineapple, pear, peach, papaya, and any of the sweet berries. Special
treats could include edible flowers such as roses and lilies.

As far as possible stay away from commercially available rabbit food.
These foods are usually packed with starch and fat. They are made to
the rabbits taste, so that the rabbit enjoys eating it. What will
result is a rabbit that grows plump very fast. Many would think that
this is very good, but just the opposite. Unwanted fat is accumulating
in your chubby looking rabbit. Many nutrients present in natural food
may not be present in commercial food. No doubt, your rabbit will look
cute and chubby for some time, but sooner or later it will begin to
suffer. A plump fat rabbit is not a healthy rabbit. Healthy rabbits
are those that have a strong muscular tone with minimal fat. The
proper diet with enough exercise ensures this.

The proper diet will not only ensure that your rabbit is in the peak
of health, but also reduce your veterinary bills.

Lifting your Pet Rabbit
Your pet rabbit is not a cuddly stuffed toy rabbit. You can't treat it
the way you would your toy rabbit. Rabbits have very fragile
backbones. Never pick up your rabbit so that its hind legs are left
dangling. The rabbit might kick violently, possibly fracturing its
backbone. Make sure that this does not happen, because the only
solution if this happens is to put the rabbit to 'sleep'. Never lift
the rabbit by its ears. It is very painful for the rabbit, just like
it would pain you if someone tried to lift you by the ears.

The best way to lift your rabbit is to put one hand below its hind
legs for support and the other below its chest and then lift it. The
entire weight of the rabbit must be supported by your hands.

As far as possible avoid small children from picking up the rabbit.
They tend to get a bit excited and might cause unintentional harm to
the very rabbit they want to care for. If they insist on carrying the
rabbit around, please get them well trained in the technique of
lifting the rabbit.

When to visit the veterinarian
If you feed your rabbit with the correct diet and allow it to exercise
enough, the veterinarian is someone you may never have to visit.

Always watch out for abnormal behavior in your rabbit. If you notice
something different, it may be time to take your pet to the
veterinarian. This may include a sudden loss in appetite, a sudden
weight loss, suddenly wanting to be confined to the cage, extremely
aggressive behavior, and just about anything that may seem abnormal.
If you notice that your rabbit has diarrhea (not very common in
rabbits), do not wait. Your pet requires medical attention
immediately.

Your rabbit is not as hardy as a cat or a dog. Do not wait for the
symptoms to subside when you see one. If you are not sure of what it
is, at least call the veterinarian. Based on the symptoms he will let
you know the urgency.

Summary
Buy your pet rabbit from a reputed pet shop. Always keep the cage open
and try to place it where there is a good flow of fresh air. Always
keep the cage clean, with a sufficient stock of fresh food and water.
Be very careful while lifting and handling your rabbit. Take your pet
rabbit to the veterinarian as soon as you notice the slightest change
in its behavior.

Following all this will allow you to have a bunny good time with your
pet rabbit!

My Rabbit Photo

http://kaninchengeschichte.com/

I put all my photo about rabbit at here

Old Photo Rabbit

nice looking Lionhead...