Rabbit Basics
By Heidi Dueck

Housing:

Whether you choose a hutch or stackable cages your rabbit's cage should meet these basic requirements-

- It should have a covering that protects it from sun, wind, and rain. A rabbit can die of heat stroke in weather as cool as 65 degrees, if fully exposed to the sun.

- It should have wire flooring that is 1/2" x 1/2". This is to insure that the rabbits droppings can fall through, but is not big enough for them to get their toes caught.

- The back side can be made of wood, leaving the other 3 sides being made of wire But, rabbits like to chew wood, and wood is also harder to disinfect. Using 1" x 2" wiring on the sides is ideal, with the bottom 4 inches being 1/2" x 2" or covered by splash guards if there is ever going to be kits (baby rabbits) in the cage. If you do purchase a prebuilt hutch, be sure to keep the corners cleared of any built up feces and urine, and disinfect the wood with a 1/10 bleach solution at least once every 2 weeks. Let the hutch air out before returning your rabbit to the cage.Here are two good examples of an all wire cage, and a wood/wire hutch.

- Small rabbits (up to 5 1/2 lbs) minimum cage size 24"x 18"x14". Large rabbits (up to 12 lbs) minimum cage size 30"x18"x18".

Feed:

- We feed Templeton Feed 16%, which can be bought at the manufacturer at 405 S. Main St in Templeton, CA (805)434-1136, Nipomo Feed~ 125 S. Thompson Ave in Nipomo (805) 929-1536, and there is also a feed store in Buellton that will order it for you for a $1.00 more a bag (805) 688-8101.

- Other good quality rabbit feeds found in our area are, Purina Rabbit Chow, Heinhold, King, and Ringmaster (that is the order from best to least liked, with Templeton being our favorite). Foods from pets stores, with the added 'treats' are not a good choice.

- Generally, if you feed your rabbit 1oz for every pound that it should weigh (according to the breed standard), it will be enough to maintain a healthy weight.

- Timothy hay, orchard grass, or a mixture of the two should be fed at least twice weekly. You can feed it daily, but it is not necessary. It helps with the digestion of food, and keeps your rabbit in condition. It also gives them something to do throughout the day. If you just have a small number of rabbits, you can buy a smallbag of Timothy at your local discount or pet feed stores. Do not feed alfalfa hay to your rabbit!! His food already contains it, and giving him alfalfa hay will cause many health problems that could become fatal.

- Your rabbit must have access to clean water at ALL times. Either in a 32 oz water bottle or a locking cup that fixes to the side of the cage. Bowls or crocks that a rabbit can tip over, are not good choices.

- Supplements can be given on top of their feed (top dress), or in a separate cup. We have used and liked; Doc's Rabbit Enhancer, Show Bloom and Calf Manna

These are used to hold your rabbits condition, or to help them through a molt. The Doc's and Show Bloom have a little measure cup to give the proper amount to your rabbit. The Calf-Manna should be given in very small amounts. If your rabbit has never had it before, only start with about 5 pellets, and work your way up to 1/2 tbs for a medium size rabbit. This will really bump up their weight fast, so you really have to watch how much to give. If they are gaining too much cut it back until you find a happy medium. These are completely optional, and we actually only use supplements when a big show is coming up, or that really hot rabbit just blew his coat. All can be purchased through KW cages .

Care:

- You need to cut your rabbits toenails once a month. You can use dog toenail clippers or just regular finger nail clippers.

- You should brush your rabbit once a week, but when they are molting (fur is coming out all over) you should brush him daily. You can use a cat/dog slicker brush. Then dampen your hands and rub them from head towards the tail to remove excess fur.

- You should check your rabbit on a regular basis to make sure you catch anything wrong as soon as possible. The best way to do this is practice your showmanship on him.

- If your rabbit is going to shows, or you let him out on your grass, you should be worming him every 4 months with ivermectin. If your rabbit is always in his cage, or in your house, every 6 months is fine. We use the brand Ivomec injectable for cattle. We give it orally at 1cc for every lbs that the rabbit weighs.