Health

Rabbits are generally healthy. Like most animals, however, they may become ill. Your first choice in seeking advice for proper health care should be a veterinarian. Ask other rabbit producers for a  veterinarian recommendation.

Record Keeping

Doe

§  ID number, origin, birth date, and breed

§  Each mating: date, buck ID, body weight, observations

§  Diagnose pregnancy

§  Kindling: date, litter size (alive & stillborn)

§  Weaning: date, litter size and weight

§  Selling: date, litter size, live weight

§  Notes on maternal behavior, health and treatments, other

Buck

§  ID number, origin, birth date, and breed

§  Each mating: date, doe ID, observations

§  Kindling: litter size (alive & stillborn)

§  Weaning: date, litter size and weight

§  Selling: litter size, live weight

§  Notes on behavior and health

Litter

§  Weaning: date, number, and live weight

§  Feed consumption

§  Selling weight

Physiological Data
Criteria		Measurement
Life Span		Average of 6 years.
Breeding Age		4 months for small breeds
		5-6 months for medium breeds
		9-12 months for large breeds
Estrus Cycle		15-16 days; ovulation occurs post-colitus
Gestation Time		31 days; between 29-35 days
Weaning Age		4-8 weeks
Heart Rate		205 beats per minute; range between 200-250
Rectal Temperature		Range 102.2o -103.2oF; min. 101.9oF, max. 103.7oF
Respiratory Rate		53 breaths per minute; variation of 38-60 per minute
Food Consumption		0.4-1.2 oz/lb of weight
Water Consumption		Growth – 3 oz; Adult – 12 oz; Lactation – 1-2 quarts

 

Sanitation Diarrhea and Pasteurella are the major causes of rabbit losses. Environment and management are the most important factors in preventing morbidity and mortality in a rabbit facility.

Feeders, waterers, floors, and equipment need to be disinfected with chlorine bleach or an iodophor compound monthly.
 

Bedding placed under the cages will absorb urine and reduce odors. Removing feces and urine weekly will help eliminate bacterial build-up
 

Sick rabbits should be removed immediately from the other rabbits and the cage cleaned and disinfected.

COCCIDIOSIS This is a diminishing problem due to the self-cleaning cage. This protozoan can infect the liver and digestive tract of the rabbit. Generally, it will be fatal only with very young or stressed adults. An adult-rabbit carrier will be rough looking and won’t gain weight properly. A simple test on a fecal sample (by your veterinarian) can determine whether this is a problem. If present, a treatment will be suggested.

PARASITES Pinworms are believed to be the only common parasite found in rabbits. Once again, the animal will be rough and won’t gain weight properly. Self-cleaning cages have brought this under general control. Please check with your veterinarian regarding the best way to eliminate this parasite.

SNUFFLES Snuffles, or more properly Pasturella, has long been the bane of rabbit growers. This nasal infection can develop into pneumonia, defies antibiotics and many attempts to develop a vaccine have failed. Breeders using feed with a natural additive known as “yucca” report the additive significantly reduces the incidence of this viral disorder which is worsened by the presence of ammonia. Yucca significantly reduces the amount of ammonia in rabbit facilities, as is evidenced by the sharp reduction of the odor usually associated with rabbits. Alliance Nutrition incorporates this natural additive in all of its rabbit products for the health of the rabbits and peace of mind of rabbit growers. Yucca has been used in conventional farm animal feed since 1976. The product is not absorbed in the digestive system and is considered a food stuff, not a medication, meaning no withdrawal time is required.

EAR CANKER This is caused by ear mites. The rabbit will scratch and shake its head. Scabs will form in the ear and crust over. Many ear remedies, or a light oil, will suffocate the mites. The cage should be cleaned to kill any wandering mites. Rabbits in adjoining cages should be treated also. Specific treatment should be recommended by a veterinarian familiar with this problem.

FLEAS Fleas and ticks can be killed with appropriate, approved powder.

WRY NECK The exact cause of this is unknown, although the bacteria usually isolated is a Pasturella sp. and there is inflammation of the middle ear. The result is that the rabbit will start to tilt its head at an odd angle. This will worsen until the animal cannot stand. It is probably best to humanely dispose of the animal. Check with a veterinarian for his or her recommendations.

SORE EYES This disorder is marked by the inability to open the eye. A discharge will come from the eye. A veterinarian’s recommendation is advised.

SORE HOCKS These are basically what the name implies. It is said that a good hemorrhoid medicine is adequate treatment. Check with a veterinarian for his/her recommendations.

MALOCCLUSION (BUCK TEETH) This problem is not curable and can be passed genetically. It is generally recommended that those afflicted should not be permitted to enter the breeding colony.

For More Information contact AN_RabbitHelp@adm.com
ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc. 1000 North 30th Street P.O. Box C1 Quincy, IL USA 62305-3155