Rabbit Care Guide

Netherland Dwarf breeds

2011-10-22T13:15:00.000+07:00

Rabbit breeds derived from breeding larger rabbits with the Netherland dwarf are known as dwarf breeds. Most smaller breeds, like the Mini-Rex, the Jersey Wooly, and the Holland lop, are results of such breedings. Generally dwarf breeds are slightly larger than the typical Netherland dwarf, not growing larger than 4 to 5 lb (1.8 to 2.3 kg). Most have shortened faces compared to larger rabbits, and some even preserve the rounded head, large eyes, or small ears of the Netherland dwarf.These features make them look little.

Most dwarf breeds are intended to bring a specialized characteristic, such as a specific fur type, into a smaller rabbit. Mini-Rex were created through the breeding of dwarfs with Rex rabbits, a fur breed with a short, plush coat, and retain both the dwarf's size and the Rex fur. Jersey Woolies are a dwarf version of the Angora rabbit, a wool-producing breed. Lop-eared rabbit breeds, interbred with dwarfs, were used to create Holland Lop. Despite its name, the Mini Lop is not a dwarf breed.

Breeding

When two "true dwarfs" (both buck and doe) are bred, the genetic pattern which makes them "true dwarfs" (Dwdw) ensures that a percentage of their offspring will inherent the lethal genetic combination DwDw. These offspring, often called "peanuts" by rabbit breeders, are destined to struggle with life for up to three weeks, and then to die. Reasons behind the death are unknown, but it is believed that peanuts have underdeveloped digestive tracts. The condition is 100% fatal, despite claims of some peanuts living to adulthood. Many ethical breeders humanely euthanize peanuts upon finding them soon after birth. Peanuts are easily distinguished from non-peanuts; they have extremely pinched hindquarters, a bulbous head, and their ears are often set further back than normal (sometimes almost onto the neck).

If two true dwarfs are bred, the statistical result will be 25% fatal 25% false, and 50% true. The actual numbers of true/false/peanuts in a real litter varies. "False Dwarfs" tend to have longer bodies, longer/larger ears, longer faces, and are often heavier than the 2.5 pound maximum weight for showing. While false dwarfs do not make good show rabbits, does from a good background are vital to a breeder's program. They have the same "good genes" as a true dwarf and are capable mothers, often having larger and more successful litters than true dwarfs. False dwarfs are easily judged for quality as the traits are generally the same, only bigger. Ear thickness/shape, fullness of hindquarter, topline, and other traits are the same.

It is common practice amongst Netherland Dwarf breeders to breed a proven show quality true dwarf buck to a quality false dwarf doe. This eliminates the chance of peanuts and yields quality offspring. The chances of false dwarfs is higher, but those offspring generally go toward breeding (some false dwarf bucks have proven themselves valuable to a breeding program) or are sold as pets.

Article Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherland_Dwarf

Netherland Dwarfs as pets

2011-10-22T13:10:00.000+07:00

Behavior Netherland dwarf rabbits have the same basic behavioral traits as dogs or cats. They can be litter-trained, but success varies amongst trainers of any breed.

Netherland Dwarfs have a reputation of being skittish, wild, and/or of poor temperament. This is a leftover stereotype from the beginnings of the breed, when temperament wasn't the best. This has changed through selective breeding, making Dwarfs a docile breed. There are always exceptions, however, and there are testy individuals out there. In general, the Netherland Dwarf is curious and gentle. Those that are handled often learn to seek out human contact and enjoy companionship.

A well-bred Netherland Dwarf makes an excellent pet for both adults and children. They are hardy and, while small, are able to keep up with reasonable play and handling.

Diet
Like other domestic rabbits, dwarf rabbits have a sensitive digestive system that is less hardy than their wild rabbit cousins, and leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage can give them health problems, such as diarrhea, if fed in excess. Young rabbits, up until about six months of age, should not be given vegetables for this reason. Adults can be fed safe fruits and veggies in moderation. In addition, sudden changes to a dwarf rabbit's diet can cause digestive problems, but it generally only lasts a few days and usually causes no real harm/lasting damage.

A very important aspect of rabbit care is proper diet. Many owners unintentionally fail at this point and that often spells disaster for their pet. Netherland Dwarfs have a digestive system even more sensitive than most breeds. The best diet consists of fresh, good quality rabbit pellets fed in limited amounts. It is crucial that the pellets be fresh and stored for no longer than eight weeks, do not use pellets which are moldy or have been contaminated. As pellets age they lose important nutrients, and a rabbit’s system will become susceptible to disease.

The owner should also check the label for the percentages of protein, fiber, and fat. The National Research Council lists minimum rabbit nutrient requirements for a maintenance diet as 14% crude fiber, 2% fat, and 12% protein. It is best to feed a pellet that is higher in fiber (18-20%) and lower in protein (14-15%) and fat (2-3%) to a pet rabbit. Once you find a good brand, stick with it; frequent changes in diet can cause digestive problems. If you need to change brands, be sure to mix the new feed in with the old and increase the amount of new to old over a week's time so the rabbit can adjust.

Netherland Dwarfs generally don't require much feed. A small handful each day is usually enough, but it is important to adjust for each individual to avoid malnourishment/obesity. It is also important not to overfeed a Netherland Dwarf. Hay, however, can be given in unlimited amounts.[2] A traditional ramekin dish full of complementary food and free access to water is always required.

Article Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherland_Dwarf

Netherland Dwarf

2011-10-22T13:04:00.001+07:00

The Netherland Dwarf is a popular breed of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) originating in the Netherlands. Smaller than most rabbit breeds, Netherland Dwarf rabbits weigh 500 g to 1.6 kg (1.1 lbs to 3.5 lbs) and are usually kept as pets or exhibition animals. They are not typically used as sources of meat or fur because of their small size.(3 in.)

Most rabbits sold in rabbit shows are Netherland Dwarfs, Netherland Dwarf-derived breeds (often referred to simply as dwarf breeds), or Netherland Dwarf crosses. Their popularity as pets stems from their babyish appearance and their smaller cage space requirement compared to larger rabbit breeds. A lot of people also use Netherland Dwarfs for showing.

History

The Netherland Dwarf breed was first produced in the Netherlands in the early 20th century. Small Polish rabbits were bred with smaller wild rabbits;[1] after several generations the resulting animal was a very small domestic rabbit available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Netherland Dwarfs were first imported into the United Kingdom in 1948.[1] In the 1960s and 1970s the United States imported its first Netherland Dwarf rabbits. The breed was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association in 1969 using a modification of the British standard.[1]

Early dwarfs, even into the 1970s and 1980s, had fearful and sometimes aggressive temperaments. This was a result of breeders selecting wild breeding animals for their size. The first dwarf rabbits behaved more like these wild rabbits than domestic animals and were not good pets. However, through generations of selective breeding, the modern Netherland Dwarf has become a gentle, friendly pet rabbit, though it still retains a more energetic disposition than larger breeds.

Appearance

Netherland Dwarfs' heads and eyes are disproportionately large with respect to their bodies, and their ears are tiny and carried high on the head. Additionally, their faces are rounded and shortened. These features, a part of the animals' dwarfism, cause them to look infantile even into adulthood.
1½ year old red-eyed-white (REW) Netherland Dwarf.

Dwarf crosses frequently retain some of these characteristics, depending on the breed the dwarf is crossed with. However, crosses rarely look as babyish as the purebred dwarfs and are usually somewhat larger.

Purebred Netherland Dwarfs come in a wide variety of colors, including Himalayan, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Smoke Pearl, Sable Point, Tortoiseshell, Chestnut, Siamese Sable, Opal, Lynx, Squirrel, Chinchilla, Otter, Tan, Silver Marten, Sable Marten, Smoke Pearl Marten, Orange, Fawn, Steel, Broken, Blue-Eyed White and Ruby Eyed White.[1] Other colors (including mismarks) exist in non-show-quality Netherland Dwarfs and in dwarf mongrel rabbits.

Article Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherland_Dwarf

Everything You Need to Know About Rabbit Runs

2011-09-09T13:28:00.002+07:00

Who wants to know boring facts about rabbits? Not us!

Here are some fun, little-known facts that are a bit more interesting than your usual 'largest rabbit', 'longest ears' sort of stuff!

Rabbits hate baths (and don't need them)
Ok, so a few of you may know of a pet rabbit that doesn't mind the odd bath or shower (even with you!) but in general bunnies don't like baths and should never be given one. Their fur takes a long time to dry so they could catch a chill while drying plus moist fur can attract parasites. Rabbits like to spend a large part of their day grooming themselves and this, along with a little human help in the form of brushing, is usually all they need to stay clean and tidy.

Rabbits' claws don't retract.
Unlike cats' claws which extended to catch prey, hook a toy and scratch your favourite sofa, rabbits' claws are permanently extended. They need them for traction when they are walking so never get your rabbit declawed. It it a very painful procedure plus it makes it harder for them to walk on smooth surfaces.

Bunnies like chocolate
Bunnies have a sweet tooth and will happily munch away on chocolate, sweets and biscuits. That's not to say that you should be feeding these to your bun. They have no nutritional value and have no place in their diet! Buns also love vegetables and fruits that are high in natural sugars like carrots and apples but at least these are good for them in moderation.

Bunnies can sleep with their eyes open
If you've ever wondered why your bun sits in his cage and seems to stare at you with eyes wide open, it may be because he's asleep. The tell tale sign is his nose. If it's twitching he is still awake but if it's still then he's catching a few Z's.

Bunnies love to taste new things
Rabbits have over 17,000 taste buds in their mouths. Compare that to humans who have around 10,000. Your bun loves to try out new things and in the wild this comes in handy as they gather their daily nutrient requirements from taking a nibble here and there from many plants. You can cater to your bunny's refined palate by offering a wide range of vegetables, plants and fruit to eat along with his hay.

Rabbits really do breed like well, rabbits!
Female bunnies (does) can have a litter every month. Let's say just one mama rabbit starts out and has a litter every month and three of those are female babies. She and her babies will go on to have the same (3 baby girls, 12 times a year) as will their offspring. At the end of three years there will be over 50,000 rabbits and at the end of four years, just one year later, there will be 1.8 million... scary stuff!

Of course this example was just a bit of fun because conditions would not always be perfect (babies would die etc) but it does show what could potentially happen.

We hope you enjoyed these and they help you to understand a little bit more about your precious, intriguing and fabulous bunny.

More facts about rabbits.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3713701

Facts about rabbits as pets

2011-09-09T13:28:00.000+07:00

Bunnies are very popular amongst children. Story books, movies, and cartoons are all filled with rabbit characters that show a personality which results to the misconception that rabbits and children are perfect for each other.

Getting a rabbit for a young child could be disastrous. If you have been thinking of buying this pet, then you might want to take the time in reading the following considerations in caring for a rabbit. Of course, it is important that you never allow your child to have a pet in which he is not capable of taking care of.

There is really no need to be a very mature person to successfully own a pet rabbit. But, the fact is that these pets are much like having a toddler in the home. They are very fun and delightful, yet they can be quite a handful to care for. The need for time, effort, patience, and tolerance should be devoted in getting the best out of them.

Be ready to devote your time in training rabbits. Yes, they can be litter trained, also known as toilet training. They are highly capable of being trained, but you need to be prepared in meeting accidents first. A number of droppings and urine could be anywhere in the home, especially during the earlier stages of training. The key to a good training is patience. However, rabbits are intelligent by nature, and highly trainable. In fact, they even have the ability to learn a few tricks. With time, perseverance, and a little patience, your pet will be able to learn what is being taught in no time.

Rabbit-proofing some parts of the home should be emphasized. There are some areas in your house that the rabbits are not allowed to roam around as these could be potentially dangerous for both your family, and the pet.

Keep on watch during the time when the child interacts with the rabbit, especially during exercise. Aside from that, your pet should be allowed to spend time out of the cage for at last 3-4 hours daily.

In having a rabbit, always keep in mind that you need to sacrifice some of your belongings. Rabbits are simply inclined to chew and scratch as they are familiarizing themselves with their new home. These experiments are normal, and could be seen in virtually every pet mammal. However, there are toys and other equipment that could divert these specific needs to other means. Keep in mind that their natural instinct to chew and dig could vary according to different factors such as age, or if they have been neutered or spayed, along with what type of toys they have been provided.

Rabbits are delightful to have. They are very entertaining to look at, they have limitless energy, their ability to learn tricks is impressive, and they are capable of socializing with the people they live with, as well as other pets, if introduced. The responsibility of taking care of these fun creatures will not surpass the brightness they can add to your home.

Davidd Warren enjoys writing for The Rabbit Hutch Shop which sells rabbit hutch and rabbit hutches as well as a host of additional products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Davidd_Warren

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5961179

All about rabbits

2011-09-09T13:26:00.000+07:00

If you're not ready for the abundant energy and care needs of a dog and a cat is just not your cup of tea, perhaps you should look into a rabbit as a pet. Rabbits have been a common household pet for a long time. There are several reasons for this. First they are a very gentle creature and do very well with children. Their soft fur and big ears make them irresistible to kids. Rabbits require very little in the way of care. A clean cage, a little food and water and the rabbit can pretty much be left alone. They of course prefer some human contact and love, but they can go long periods without it and not feel hurt.

Once you find a rabbit, you need to provide it with a hutch. The hutch should be spacious enough to allow the rabbit the freedom to do a little jumping around, especially if you don't plan to let it out regularly for exercise. Cover the bottom of the hutch with grass, hay or shredded newspapers to keep it clean. A sleeping area that provides the rabbit with a feeling of more security also should be included. The hutch should be covered for protection, especially if located outdoors. Many unfortunate rabbit owners have woken to a missing rabbit, taken by one of their many natural predators. Also, make sure the hutch is well ventilated to prevent the rabbits from overheating.

Food for the rabbit is a fairly simple affair. You can find rabbit pellets at any pet store and these pellets will provide the rabbit will all the nutrition it requires. Of course the poor rabbit will quickly tire of such a routine diet and it's always nice to spice it up a bit with some fresh vegetables. Though rabbits will eat carrots, they aren't as fond of them as Bugs Bunny would lead you to believe. They prefer lettuce and other green plants, including the tops of carrots. Keep in mind that a rabbit will graze continuously and can quickly become overweight if they aren't getting the proper exercise. Any processed foods designed for human consumptions should be avoided as rabbits are very sensitive to chemicals. Make sure the rabbit always has a supply of fresh clean water.

Rabbits have teeth that grow throughout their lives and therefore they need a way to wear them down. Foods that contain high fiber content, such as fresh grass and hay, are a good choice. This fiber is also essential to the rabbit's natural digestive process. Be careful giving them plants from a garden as they can be poisonous to a rabbit.
The last thing you need to do is provide your rabbit with love. These animals can form attachments to humans and are quite bonding. Rabbits are perfectly happy sitting at your side or in your lap while you watch TV.

This article was provided by Josh Hall of Pet-Super-Store.com, where you can find the Garmin Astro and Tri-tronics products.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Hall

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4277360

Complete Rabbit Food Ideas

2011-01-11T23:17:00.003+07:00

Raising a pet rabbit can be very easy and fun...that is, if you do it right. What are the things that you need to know?

What shall you do to start it right and to make it certain that you are on the right track in pet rabbit raising? - these are just some common questions that need to be addressed before you commence raising a pet rabbit.

A very important thing that you need to remember to begin your rabbit raising is to be knowledgeable on what foods necessary for your dear bunny. This is very basic that every pet rabbit raiser should know even before the actual rabbit raising. Being knowledgeable enough helps you to have a happy and healthy rabbits in your community.

To have a better chance to become a successful rabbit raiser, it is a great help to know the complete rabbit food resources. Meaning, to know the sources of foods that your pet needs to survive. What are some sources of rabbit foods?

Rabbits are herbivores in nature, meaning they only eat plants. They love to eat fruits and veggies. Some of what they enjoy eating are seeds, herbs, grass, twigs.

However, when it comes giving domestic rabbit foods , pet rabbits are also fed with instant, more easy to prepare foods - like pellets. There is no question about giving your rabbits with pellets for as long as you know you are giving the necessary nutrients they need. It is important that you keep an eye on nutrition composition of the pellets you give - you can do it by reading the labels of the product before buying - buy only the pellets that have the necessary nutrients.

When giving your rabbit with conventional or traditional foods, it is important that you know what are specific types that they love. It is imperative that you know about domestic rabbit foods. When you give something and they response well, certainly they like what you are giving. Otherwise, do not bother giving the same food again.

Common foods that rabbits would love to eat include lettuce leaves, carrots, apple branches ( be sure this is not treated with pesticides), herbs like cilantro, timothy or orchard hay. You have to remember also to avoid giving treats that are too watery, sugary, or salty. And, again, if your rabbits do not react well on what you are giving, stop feeding them with that or do not give it to them at all.

Rabbits love to eat, you can always see them chewing something. But it does not mean you give them foods as often as you like. Just like with other pets, giving to much is not good. In fact, too much can also be fatal to them. So, as a rabbit raiser, know what is necessary for them.

P.S. David Troy is a rabbit enthusiast who has successfully raised pet rabbit in years. He is also running an online resource which is aimed to give important information about effective pet rabbit raising at home through his website http://rabbit-center.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Troy

Protein in Rabbit Food

2011-01-05T23:14:00.001+07:00

How much protein do rabbits need?

Why do rabbit foods have different amounts of protein and how much do they really need? Is an 18% crude protein rabbit food worth the extra cost?

The answers to these questions really depend upon protein quality. If your rabbits poop smells strongly of ammonia then the protein in the feed is probably getting wasted.

Excess unbalanced and undigested protein produces ammonia when it reaches the ceacum (place where rabbits digest certain types of fiber). Normally good bacteria digest fiber in the ceacum but increasing amounts of ammonia will change the pH so that bad bacteria can grow causing rabbits to have digestive problems.

A word on Yucca root: Some rabbit foods try to cover this problem with yucca root because the saponins in it bind to ammonia.

Protein is made up of building blocks called amino acids. They need to be in the feed in a certain ratio. This ratio (and their digestibility) is what determines protein quality. For example, the many of the amino acids can be converted from one to another. However, certain "limiting" amino acids cannot be converted and must be obtained in the diet. When growing, the body of the rabbit will draw from a pool of amino acids. If one of them is in excess of need then it will get wasted. If one of the limiting amino acids is in short supply then the rabbit will have to eat more food to get that one amino acid and waste everything else. Balancing the amino acid profile of rabbit food can have a profound impact upon the health and feed efficiency of growing rabbits.

Depending upon quality, a 15% CRUDE PROTEIN RABBIT FOOD CAN BE MORE EFFECTIVE
THAN ONE THAT IS 18%.

To learn more about a scientifically balanced natural rabbit food...
Check out naturalrabbitfood.com

David Sherwood has grown up raising rabbits for fun and profit. His advanced academic and real world experience have given him extensive knowledge that will help you understand and solve many of the problems that face those who raise rabbits. To learn more about his qualifications and to get 'common sense' answers to rabbit questions, go to http://naturalrabbitfood.com

To learn more about the importance of using a balanced natural rabbit food and to see it's unique and proven formulation (now commercially available), go to: http://naturalrabbitfood.com/crude-protein/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Sherwood

Fiber in Rabbit Food

2010-12-29T23:10:00.002+07:00

Rabbits need the right types and sizes of fiber in their food!

You may already know that rabbits need a high fiber diet to prevent digestive problems, but did you know that they need the right types of fiber and, for optimal health, that they need them to be in certain sizes and ratios in their food? If they don't it could slow their digestion, stunt their growth, and reduce feed efficiency.

How can you tell if your rabbit food has the right kind of fiber in the right sizes?
Rabbits need two basic types of fiber: Indigestible, and digestible. The indigestible types need to be larger in size (approximately 1.7mm or larger) than the digestible types of fiber.

This is because, at the end of the digestive tract, rabbits sort the unabsorbed portion of their food based on size. The smaller particles are channeled into the ceacum to be fermented by bacteria. If the ceacum contains mostly digestible fiber then good bacteria will ferment it to produce nutrients vitamins for the rabbit. If the ceacum contains indigestible fiber or high amounts of grain or protein supplements then bad bacteria will grow causing digestive troubles like bloating and diarrhea for your rabbits.

The best way to tell if your rabbit food will cause problems is to take a pellet in your hands and break it apart.

If it is composed of mostly small particles then you'll know that all of it will likely end up in the ceacum and slow digestion as already discussed. If it has large particles then take a closer look at the large particles. If they are "woody" or stringy and tough fibrous plant materials then they'll probably do their job, but check the rabbit food label. If it has a lot of grain and grain by-products, or high concentrations of protein supplements like soybean meal then beware!

For more information and pictures regarding the right kind of fiber you should have in your rabbit food check out naturalrabbitfood.com/crude-fiber

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Sherwood

A Guide to Rabbit Food

2010-12-25T23:04:00.001+07:00

Providing a healthy diet for your rabbit is slightly more involved than simply filling his bowl with pellets every day. Rabbits need certain nutrients, just like people do, and with just a little effort, you can provide your rabbit with a healthy and complete diet. The following is a list of the commercial rabbit food and fresh produce you will want to feed your animal.

Hay
Hay is the most important food in a rabbit's diet, and it should be made available for your rabbit to graze on at all times. Hay contains the roughage, fiber, and other essential nutrients that a rabbit needs to stay healthy. There are different types of grass hay, such as timothy, brome, Bermuda, prairie, oat, and mixed orchard grass. Any is good. Alfalfa, however, is a type of hay you should avoid, as it is too high in calories and calcium to be given in large quantities.

Pellets
If you have an adult rabbit, you should choose timothy-based pellets, and not alfalfa-based pellets. Choose pellets that contain at least 20 percent fiber content. Buy only what your animal can eat in a month, as pellets will lose their nutritional value over time.

Vegetables
Vegetables and greens are an essential part of a rabbit's diet and should be given daily. Good choices include parsley, cilantro, endive, romaine lettuce, spinach, dandelion greens (do not pick greens from areas where pesticides may have been used), watercress, and carrot tops. Carrots should only be offered in limited quantities, as they contain sugar. Broccoli, kale, and cabbage can also be given, but should not be given in large quantities as they can cause gas. Beans, onions, rhubarb, corn, peas, nuts, and seeds are dangerous for rabbits, and should never be given. Before you feed vegetables to your rabbit, wash them and check for any bad parts. Be sure to cut those parts off before serving them.

Fruit
Rabbits have a sweet tooth, but as with humans, too much sugar can be bad for rabbits, including the sugar naturally contained in fruit. You should offer fruit very sparingly and only as a treat or a training reward. Fruit that rabbits are known to enjoy include apples (remove the seeds as they are toxic), strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pears, plums, watermelon, and orange slices (peeled).

Looking for a reliable, comprehensive guide on top rabbit food brands in the UK? The inside scoop now on http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/products/rabbit.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Andrew_Woodcock

Baby Rabbit Food

2010-12-21T22:58:00.001+07:00

Baby rabbits are healthier and grow faster with a specially designed baby rabbit food that is high in fat and fiber. In fact, baby rabbits are accustomed to the doe's milk that is high in fat and low in sugar (Coates et. al. 1964).

Baby rabbits don't produce enough enzymes needed to digest excess starch (sugar) until later in life. Feeding baby rabbits a diet with a lot of grain or grain by-products makes them more likely to get diarrhea. A rabbit feed higher in fat and lower in carbohydrates helps baby bunnies make the switch from the doe's milk at weaning and provides the energy they need for healthy growth.

As baby bunnies get older they still naturally use fat as an energy source. In fact, rabbits need a high fiber diet because good bacteria ferment fiber in the caecum to produce the healthy fats rabbits use.
Scientific studies show that increasing the fat content of rabbit food will improve protein AND energy efficiency as well as improve the feed conversion ratio (easily by 20%) for growing rabbits (Arrington et. al.1974).

Most commercial rabbit feeds don't have near enough fat and fall short of the needs of baby bunnies. Generally, they have less than 3% crude fat when research shows that baby rabbit food should have around 8% fat when balanced with high quality protein.

If you choose a healthy rabbit food that has a higher fat content for your growing bunny rabbits then make sure it is using oil from natural sources and not simply refined vegetable oil or worse, rendered animal fat. This is because when adding fat to a rabbit's diet you should also be adding vitamin E, which whole oil seeds from plants naturally have.

• Whole oil seeds are naturally high in vitamin E.
• Rendered animal fat or refined vegetable oils ARE NOT!

To learn more about a high fat natural baby rabbit food check out naturalrabbitfood.com
Arrington, L.R., J.K. Platt, and D.E. Franke 1974. Fat Utilization by Rabbits. Journalof Animal Science 38:76-80.

Coates, M.E., MargretE. Gregory, and S.Y. Thompson 1964. The Composition of Rabbit's Milk. British Journal of Nutrition 18:583-586

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Sherwood

Pregnant Rabbit Food

2010-12-17T22:54:00.003+07:00

Pregnant rabbits require food with a more energy than normal pet food to be able to support their growing baby bunnies. This is especially important during the last two weeks of pregnancy. The type of food should be different than one that is made for pet rabbits. Most commercial rabbit feeds will work fine as a pregnant rabbit food but some brands are far better than others (I discuss this in detail in my website).

After your rabbit gives birth to a new litter of baby bunnies it is best to switch her with a high-fat rabbit food. This is important to stimulate the milk production needed to support the health of growing bunnies (Fortun-Lamothe L. 1997). Research shows that you'll see major improvements in the health of growing baby bunnies and improved feed efficiency when using a high-fat rabbit food.

Most commercial rabbit feeds have very little fat. Additionally, those that claim to have added fat for "show rabbits" are simply adding a little "natural" vegetable oil. Two things are wrong with this scenario. First, these types of rabbit foods still have less than 4% fat when growing rabbits should be getting at least twice that amount! Second, vegetable oil is refined and and lacks the natural vitamins needed. Plants that use oil to store energy in seeds also package vitamin E with it. Feeds that use cheep refined soybean oil will not have the same amount of vitamin E as feeds that use whole natural oil seeds like flax, canola (rape), and others as an oil source. This is important because when adding fat to any diet you should also add vitamin E.

Following these dietary recommendations for feeding pregnant rabbits will improve their health. If you plan on breeding more rabbits then it is also important to learn how to rear Does before they become pregnant. The information found in the website below is guaranteed to improve your success and reduce the culling rates of nursing and pregnant rabbits and the mortality rates of their growing bunnies. It also details what you should feed your rabbits months before breeding them and how to find the best kind of pregnant rabbit food.

To learn more about his qualifications and to get 'common sense' answers to rabbit questions, go to http://naturalrabbitfood.com

To learn more about the importance of using a balanced natural rabbit food and to see it's unique and proven formulation (now commercially available), go to: http://naturalrabbitfood.com/sherwood-forest-natural-rabbit-food/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Sherwood

The Truth About Rabbit Treats

2010-12-17T07:56:00.000+07:00

Many rabbit owners come to think of their rabbits as children. They lavish their bunnies with all the indulgence and attention one might give to a small child, never missing an opportunity to slip Flopsy a treat. Unfortunately, rabbits that are consistently spoiled by overfeeding of treats, and especially the wrong treats, will suffer severe health problems. Excessive snacking is a common cause of obesity and other health problems in pet rabbits, but is easily avoided by following some common-sense guidelines.

It helps to begin with a basic understanding of the rabbit digestive system. When a rabbit eats, the food first passes into the stomach. Not much happens here- the food is simply sterilized to prepare it for further digestion. The food continues down into the small colon, where the majority of the sugar and protein is digested, as in humans. Indigestible fiber continues down the digestive tract, and although no nutrients are absorbed from it, it cleans out the tract and conditions the muscles that keep waste moving through the system, before being excreted as the hard, dry pellets you find in the litterbox.

At this point, though, a great deal of the mass of hay and grass the rabbit has eaten has not yet been digested. These tough, hard to digest materials are diverted into an organ called the cecum, which is home to a thriving bacterial metropolis. These beneficial bacteria do the dirty work of breaking down tough compounds like lignin and cellulose, which would otherwise be impossible to digest. The partially digested food, clumped into mucous-covered pellets called cecotrophes or "night pellets", is then passed back into the colon and excreted, only to be immediately re-ingested by the rabbit! This "coprophagic" behavior isn't something you want to think about much if you're squeamish, but luckily, it tends to happen out of sight- hence the term "night pellets." Pleasant or not, it is an absolutely essential biological process for rabbits, and anything that disturbs this process will lead to health problems.

The bacterial colony in the cecum is delicately balanced. Beneficial bacteria must compete with "squatter" bacteria that do not contribute to the digestive process, as well as adapting to the rabbit's internal chemistry.

They thrive on consistency- no news is good news, as far as cecal bacteria are concerned. When you give a rabbit a sweet, sugary treat, those bacteria suddenly have a rich supply of quick, easy energy to feed on, and their population explodes. The chemistry of the cecum shifts, and the bacteria have to struggle to adjust.

When this happens, rabbit owners often observe what is known in technical terms as "poopy butt syndrome." The rabbit's cecotrophes lose their consistency, and instead of passing cleanly from the anus and being re-eaten, they cake onto the rabbit's rear. This can lead to a whole host of other problems, and if the problem is not addressed, may end in death.

At this point, you might be wondering, "Why give rabbits treats at all?" The answer is pretty straightforward: for all the same reasons you would give a child an ice cream cone. It makes the child happy, which is its own reward, and it can be a great way to reinforce a positive behavior. Rabbits are the same. They enjoy those rich, sweet snacks just as much as we do, and a little dessert now and again will be a pleasure to your bunny.

Moreover, treats are extremely useful when it comes to litter training, teaching tricks, or simply establishing a pet-owner bond. When healthful treats are given in sensible quantities, the end results should be an improvement in the rabbit's overall quality of life.

Rabbit treats usually fall into one of several categories: Compressed cereal bars/sticks, mueslix, pellets or puffed kibble, and candied treats. What all types of rabbit treats have in common are high levels of sugar, fat, protein, and starch. Any one of these nutrients can lead to the kinds of problems mentioned earlier, so it's important to restrict your rabbit's intake of any treat. Yoghurt-covered cqandy drops are the worst culprits in this respect, and though many rabbits love these treats, they should probably be avoided except on the most special occasions, or when the rabbit is underweight. Seed and grain mixes seem are a better alternative, as they contain little sugar, but remember that seeds are rich, high-protein packages. Rabbits retain body fat even better than humans, so that they can keep warm while wintering, but since you should be keeping your rabbit indoors for the winter, you want to keep them from bulking up unnecessarily. As an alternative to packaged treats, try fresh fruit. Rabbits typically enjoy berries, melon, papaya, apple (without stem or seeds), and many others. Bananas are a bit more starchy and sweet than you really want, so they should probably be avoided.

At the end of the day, rabbits are individuals, and there are no hard and fast rules for them. The best way to give your rabbits treats in a sensible, healthy manner is to introduce them as gradually as possible. As you begin to give treats on a limited basis, keep observing your rabbit. If he loses appetite, develops diarrhea or becomes gassy, or begins to put on weight excessively, stop giving treats for a while. When the problem is resolved, you can try offering something else, ideally something with a lower sugar or protein content. Keep experimenting, but always be patient and conservative. You should be able to find a healthy balance for your rabbit, one that is stimulating and enjoyable without negatively impacting its overall quality of life.

Even healthy Rabbit Treats can have ill effects on your pet rabbit if you feed them excessively. It's hard not to spoil your rabbit but you must ration the amount of treats you provide them, to ensure your rabbit stays healthy and happy. In addition to treats it's of the utmost importance to provide your rabbit with quality Rabbit Cages to relax in.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Massaro

Baby Rabbit Care - What To Do If You Have Bunny Newborns

2010-12-17T03:27:00.000+07:00

The phrase "multiply like rabbits" isn't just a saying, rabbits are known for breeding a lot and quickly. Baby rabbit care is especially important in the first couple of weeks because they are very vulnerable to many outside factors even in a domestic environment.

It's important to check on your baby rabbits fairly often. It can be quite an exhausting chore, but is really important in the first few weeks of life. Mother rabbits generally feed their young in the early hours of the morning. A good time to check on these little guys is around 3-4am. Be sure that they're feeding well.

If it looks as though they are not, Kitten Milk Replacer (which you can find at your local pet store) is a very good substitute. However, KMR is not quite a caloric as rabbits milk, so you may want to add a tablespoon of cream per can, to raise the caloric level a bit.

The best way to feed baby bunnies is to use an oral syringe, which you can pick up at any pharmacy. This will allow you to measure adequate amounts for feeding as well as to be sure the rabbits are actually ingesting the food.

If one of the young manage to get away from the litter be sure to put them back as gently as possible. If they stay away from their brothers, sisters and mother for too long they will get cold, and it is extremely important that they stay warm during this time.

Sadly, one thing to keep in mind is that baby bunnies are very fragile creatures. Even those with the best baby rabbit care may not necessarily make it through infancy. Do not blame yourself if you lose any from a litter if you have tried your best. In some cases, there just isn't anything that can be done.

To give yourself the best opportunity to raise happy and healthy rabbits, be sure to look into getting a bunny care guide [http://www.bunnycare.info]. These guides will teach you everything you need to know about raising rabbits, training them, and keeping them as pets.

Rick is the author of Bunny Care a blog dedicated to helping rabbit owners keep their pets happy and healthy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rick_Aspen

How to Raise Rabbits - Guide on Food and Grooming

2010-12-16T15:30:00.001+07:00

So, you have finally decided to get a pet rabbit. These adorable, fluffy creatures are really cute, but there's one problem: you do not know how to raise rabbits. Fear not! Although it will require you a bit of work and time, it does not take much to know the answers on how to raise rabbits. A little patience and a heart that loves bunnies would go a long way to keep the little bun buns happy and content.

The basic knowledge on raising rabbits is to know what kind of food and drink to give them. This is simple. For the food, give them a mix of hay, fruits and vegetables. Alfalfa hay is suited for younger bunnies, while timothy hay would please a grown up bunny more. Rabbits love fruits. Pears, apples, melons, peaches and strawberries are good choices for rabbit food.

You can cut them into bite-sized pieces for the rabbits. As for the vegetables, everybody knows that carrots are rabbits' best friend (or food, for that matter). Load their food bowl with carrots and leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli. For rabbits that run regularly, you can let them eat dandelions as long as they are free from pesticide.

Some rabbit owners focus too much on food and forget that water is important on how to raise rabbits, too. The best way to provide water for your pet bunny is to place a water bottle outside its' cage, but still within reach. You do not want to put it inside because the rabbit can knock it off, and it will make rabbit house cleaning difficult for you. Change the water every day. Clean the bottle and nozzle regularly with warm water.

Humans want to look good, and so do rabbits! You have to groom your rabbit regularly. The frequency depends on the length of the rabbit's hair. For a rabbit with short fur, brush the fur once or twice a week with a brush that is specifically designed for rabbit fur. This can be bought in pet shops. For rabbits with long fur, it is important that you groom your rabbit everyday. Brushing the fur daily keeps it from getting matted. Alternatively, you can bring it to professional animal groomers who know how to raise rabbits and have the fur trimmed regularly to keep it short, so that you wouldn't have to brush it everyday. Brush the rabbit's fur gently.

Learn step by step the right way on how to raise rabbits the first time and avoid having to make painful mistakes that beginner rabbit owner's are prone too. Separate yourself from the average rabbit owner who will end up harming their rabbits without knowing it and you could learn more tips on raising rabbits from the guide here: http://www.howtoraiserabbits.com.

Don't forget to claim your FREE "4 Rabbit Care Tips That Every Rabbit Owners Should Know!" eReport!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Paterson

Pet Rabbit Food Supplies

2010-12-14T22:40:00.001+07:00

Doctor Brown: Have you got a cute rabbit that wants quality food? What are the best types of food for your rabbit? Did you know a rabbit needs more than just pellets to stay healthy? Where can you get cheap quality food for your rabbit? Did you know rabbits love eating weeds, lawn and other vegetables? How can you make your rabbit healthy and happy by simply giving it vegetables and clean water?

Can you make your rabbit happy by feeding it delicious cheap food?

If you can imagine yourself as a rabbit then you too would like quality delicious food. Some of the vegetables that you grow or eat are also a rabbit's favorite delicacies. Please remember to wash the vegetables first because some vegetables have pesticides on them. You wouldn't want your rabbit to eat it. Rabbits are one of the simplest pets to have. They have a huge diet that varies from weeds to bread.

Rabbits are lovely, cuddly and peaceful animals. They are either eating, resting or mating. This is the life of a rabbit. In the wild they are running away from predators. They rarely make any noise. They have a diet that varies from carrots to different garden weeds. Although you may think weeds are disgusting but it is a rabbit's delicacy. It is important to allow your rabbit to eat a balanced diet and keep it healthy. Rabbits also need exercise.

It is important to let you rabbit out of its hutch as often as possible to give it fresh air, sun light and to warm its muscles. Your rabbit will be very happy because living in a hutch is like a jail. It is important to understand that your rabbit also needs exercise so remember to let it out more often. Rabbits love to roam and nibble at weeds around the home. They do not want to be stuck in a hutch all day long. Don't keep it outside overnight because cats can injure or kill your rabbit. Rabbits also love clean water especially in the hot summer months.

There are various types of food that you can purchase at the supermarkets. Here are a few types of food you could fee your rabbit:
1. Carrots
2. Cabbages
3. Capsicum
4. Cucumbers
5. Apples
6. Pears
7. Vegetables
8. Bread
9. Lettuce
10. Water melons
11. Corn
12. Potatoes
13. Broccoli
14. Cauliflower
15. Zucchinis

Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits don't need that much attention because they are timid and shy. Rabbit manure is a great fertilizer for your garden.

Lam Bong is an Author living in Sydney, Australia. He is interested in reading and creating websites. His latest website is about Pack Rafting Holiday Tips and finding the Cheap Pack Raft Shops on the web today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lam_Bong

Top Tips For Pet Rabbit Care

2010-12-14T03:21:00.000+07:00

It's a Pet - Not a Toy
As a pet, rabbits do not necessarily come to mind as a pet that needs to have a lot of care and attention. However, just like cats and dogs, rabbits need a considerable amount of both of those things in order to live a long and truly healthy life.

Spay or Neuter Your Bunny
A very important decision to be made is to spay or not spay. Spaying or neutering a rabbit typically lengthens their lifespan by two or more years. But factually, there is evidence that points to be spaying a rabbit leading to a more manageable behavior. Rabbits that aren't spayed can become territorial and very possessive later in their reproductive lives. When they are spayed or neutered, possessiveness is reduced, as well as moodiness, aggressiveness, and excessive biting and chewing.

Fur Balls
To avoid excessive fur balls, brushing a rabbit regularly is highly advised. At times, rabbits may swallow the fur balls their bodies create and that is a problem mainly because they can't spit it back up. So, this could definitely derail future digestive problems. For a short haired rabbit, brushing at least once a week is the advised brushing time. Rabbits shed every three months and it is advised to brush them daily when they do this and to brush even more frequently during the heaviest part of the shed.

The preferred brush to use on a rabbit is one specifically designed for them because to skin is very delicate and tougher brushes may irritate or cause them pain quite easily. Angora rabbits, no matter what period of time it is, require a daily brushing because their hair tends to be much longer than shorter hair rabbits. Along with daily brushing, keeping their hair trimmed to about 1-inch is also advised.

No Rabbit Baths
Baths as a way to clean them is definitely not advised. Baths tend to cause rabbits to develop a very stressful state and it is better to rely on "spot cleaning" opposed to placing them in a bath. Spot cleaning allows you to focus on one dirty spot a time to clean instead of getting their entire bodies wet.

If bathing is absolutely positively necessary, it is best to clean the rabbit as quickly as possible and to remember it takes a long while for their fur to dry so try not to get them too wet. A blow dryer is advised to use to speed the drying process. But even though instructions are given, it is best to try not to rely on bathing your rabbit at all.

Rabbits Chew
Rabbits need hard items to chew on in order to keep their teeth healthy and strong. If you allow your rabbit to roam free in your house, try to rabbit-proof the place so that rabbits do not chew on your furniture, wires, etc.

Keep within their reach plenty of chewable items because it is very vital to their day-to-day living.

Other Factors
Security is also important to rabbits. They have to be held properly and in a way that makes them feel completely and totally safe. They are used to being hunted so they automatically become defensive or afraid if held improperly, which can lead to scratching.

Finding a great veterinarian who is trained in rabbit care is also important in terms of caring for a rabbit because they are considered to be an exotic pet and when something goes wrong, you want to know that you have someone you can call to be there for you.

If you are going to have a pet bunny, you should probably look at a few rabbit cages. Even if you have a rabbit-proof-fence for your yard or keep them in the house, bunnies need a safe and secure place to bed down for a good night's sleep. A rabbit hutch is also a good option. For more information and tips visit http://www.rabbitcagesforsale.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aravel_Johnson

Rabbit Care Guide

2010-12-14T03:18:00.000+07:00

A rabbit care guide is an important tool for all rabbit owners for one main reason. Rabbits are complex creatures both mentally and physically.

Unfortunately they are often seen as being quite a simple creature and as such can be entirely accidentally neglected by well intentioned, but less than well educated, folks. It could be that these folks were not quite sure on how best to feed their rabbit or how best to play and have fun with their rabbit. Well, in this article we are going to lay out a very basic rabbit care guide, outlining what you will need to know to raise a happy, healthy and long living pet bunny.

The first thing any rabbit owner should consider is what type of rabbit is right for them. In order to do this you must assess your lifestyle:
- do you have kids?
- do you have a large enough home?
- do you have sufficient time?
- do you have sufficient money?

These are important things to think about because if you have kids it will be a good idea to get a larger breed of rabbit or a large size rabbit. This is because larger rabbits have a more sturdy, muscular physique and so are less likely to be injured by kids. In addition to this larger rabbits generally have a less nervous nature and are therefore unlikely to react badly to excitable kids i.e. kick or bite.

Keeping a rabbit require plenty of time and a large enough home to provide him with sufficient space. Generally you will need at least an hour or two each day to feed, groom, exercise and socialise with your pet bunny.

Money is also required because you will need to provide your pet with everything he needs. Some things your bunny will need are:
- a house... a cage or a pen or a large hutch
- water bottles
- food bowls
- litter box
- hay rack
- nest box
- toys
- grooming equipment such as brushes, flea combs, etc
- food! Rabbits need pellet foods or natural greens or a combination of both. Grass hay is also very important.

In addition to the above considerations you will need to have a good understanding of rabbit care topics such as:
- housing your pet rabbit
- how to groom your bunny
- what to feed your pet and how much to feed him
- how to exercise him and keep him fit
- how to spot health problems
- how to litter box train him and train him to do other things
- how to prevent misbehaviour
- how to interpret his body language and sounds
- how to play and socialise with him

So you can see why it is so important to have a good rabbit care guide and that there are many things you need to know to be a great rabbit carer.

Nathan Alan is the founder of RabbitProfessor.com and the author of "The Ultimate Guide To Caring For Your Rabbit". He is a house rabbit enthusiast and encourages the use of a good rabbit care guide.

Visit him at www.RabbitProfessor.com to find out more about caring for your pet rabbit and grab your FREE rabbit care guide.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Alan

Can Guinea Pigs Live With Rabbits?

2010-12-13T07:51:00.001+07:00

This is possibly one of the most asked questions when it comes to getting new guinea pigs and rabbits. This question doesn't have a simple answer. Basically it depends on the individual rabbits and piggies in question.
As with people, there are unsocial rabbits and piggies, so there is no guarantee that your chosen rabbit and cavy will get on well together.

As a rule, owners tend to say 'no' to keeping these two animals in the same hutch together for a number of reasons:

1) The rabbit (or guinea pig in come cases!) may show dominating behavior over the other.

2) In the wild they would not live together, as they originate from different countries.

3) They can't eat the same dried food or pellets - guinea pigs need food that has extra Vitamin C in it as they are prone to scurvy and other illnesses involving a deficiency of Vitamin C. It is true that in some cases rabbits can eat guinea pig food, but it is best if each animal has food that is specially formulated for them.

4) Guinea pigs are a lot smaller than rabbits, and may feel threatened and scared of their companion.

5) It is advised that cavies have hay for bedding, as they have sensitive skin and straw can be quite sharp, (although in extreme cold weather it may be best for them to have a mixture of hay and straw). A lot of rabbits on the other hand prefer straw for bedding.

One of the main reasons that people want to keep these two animals together is that it saves the cost of buying an extra hutch. However more expensive this may be, it is certainly best to do this! Some rabbits have been known to severely injure (or worse) the guinea pig they are with. Remember rabbits are naturally territorial creatures and so are quite likely to 'boss' the cavies around and show dominating behaviour.

This does not mean that rabbits do not like cavies. It is quite the opposite with some rabbits. What a lot of owners who want both animals tend to do is keep the animals in separate hutches next to one another, and let them all out for exercise together under supervision. This way if the rabbit starts to show dominating behavior it can be stopped before any of the animals get hurt. Remember if you are going to introduce your animals together like this, it is best to do so from a young age, as they will be less likely to fight (although some may still).

You may have noticed that a few pet shops keep rabbits and guinea pigs together. This may be alright as the animals are young and are more likely to get along; this doesn't mean they won't turn on each other in the future.

So, good luck with your rabbits and guinea pigs!

To find out more about keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together go to: http://www.guineapigland.com/can-guinea-pigs-live-with-rabbits/ at http://www.guineapigland.com/ the site all about guinea pig care!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Madeline_Dyer

Common Rabbit Behaviors

2010-12-10T07:38:00.002+07:00

One of the most fun rabbit behaviors to witness is the binky. A binky is when the rabbit leaps into the air and simultaneously does some acrobatic twists and turns. This means your bunny is feeling particularly happy and comfortable!

Chin rubbing is when your rabbit rubs its chin on certain objects. Rabbits have scent glands under their chins and they mark territory by rubbing their chins on objects.

Your rabbit will grind its teeth for one of two reasons. If it is gently grinding your teeth and making what sounds like a purring noise, it is because your bunny is feeling content! On the other hand, if a rabbit is grinding its teeth very hard then it probably means your rabbit is in pain. Usually a trip to the veterinarian is necessary if you witness persistent hard teeth grinding.

If you see your bunny flattening itself onto the ground, it can mean two things. The first reason is a way to try to avoid being seen by predators. The second reason is that it is submitting to you or another rabbit.

When rabbits move around on their tip-toes, it means they are exploring uncharted waters and are unsure of their surroundings. When moving on their tip-toes, rabbits are ready to run away at the first sign of danger!

Sometimes a rabbit will thump its hind legs on the ground and make a surprisingly loud sound. This means that the rabbit is either frightened or that he is annoyed at you.

When a rabbit eats its poop, don't be alarmed! Soft mushy stools called cecals are re-ingested by rabbits in order to get vital nutrients that they missed the first time around. If you notice them not eating their cecals, then there might be a problem and you should probably take your bunny to a vet.

Rabbits use several vocalizations to express emotion. Grunting or hissing usually signifies anger or stress and should be interpreted as a warning signal. Honking or oinking is a vocalization rabbits make to express sexual interest. This is a common behavior if a rabbit has not been spayed or neutered. If a rabbit screams, then it is in extreme pain or fear. A rabbit scream is a distinct sound and you will know it when you hear it. If it is screaming for no apparent reason, then it is a good idea to take your bunny to a veterinarian to seek help.

These are just some of the more common of rabbit behaviors and vocalizations. Rabbits are complex creatures; they will continue to do things that will surprise even the most experienced rabbit owners!

When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet rabbit, choosing a quality living environment should be on the top of your list. Whether you choose quality Rabbit Cages or opt for larger Rabbit Hutches, the quality of the materials and the construction of the dwelling will determine how well it works for your particular furry friend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Massaro

Understanding the Best Rabbit Food

2010-12-08T10:48:00.007+07:00

If you have recently taken possession of a cute little bunny then you will need to make sure you get hold of a supply of the right rabbit food. There are actually a range of options available from pet stores, this does not make the task any easier. The following information should give you a better understanding of exactly what you should be giving to your new pet.

A wise choice for a young rabbit would be alfalfa hay. This would provide them with a good dose of carbohydrate and calcium. The looser the strands the better amount of digestion that can take place.

All rabbits enjoy eating fresh green vegetables. This is a primary ingredient in their natural diet. Try to vary the selection on different days. A good choice would be such products as broccoli, spinach, celery, lettuce, and even garden grass. Keep an eye on their toilet movements to ensure that the vegetables do not cause any diarrhoea or similar problems.

There is nothing wrong with giving your rabbit the occasional piece of fruit but too much can make them unwell and even cause tooth decay. If you want to give fruit then choose varieties that can be chewed easily.
Most pet stores sell specialist rabbit pellets that are a great way to make sure they are having the right balance of nutrition. With a young rabbit understand exactly the correct amount as you would not want them to get obese.

You should not overlook the importance of water. Be certain that the rabbit has access to clean and fresh water each day. Do not let the liquid become stale or contaminated by food.
Owning a rabbit can provide much pleasure and enjoyment. It is important to return the favor by ensuring they have an adequate and healthy diet at all times.

Finding the best rabbit food on the UK market is now as easy as pie. More info now on http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/products/rabbit.html.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Andrew_Woodcock

Why People Love Rabbits

2010-12-08T07:34:00.004+07:00

People who own and love rabbits are not afraid to share about why they love these furry creatures so much. There are many reasons to love rabbits. Not all reasons are obvious to those who have not owned a rabbit, though. Many of the reasons to love rabbits are based upon their fun personalities and quirky behaviors.
Personality

A rabbit has a unique personality that is a mix of dog, cat and wild animal. They are certainly in a class of their own. Some of the rabbit behavior that makes you love rabbits is their fun little habits and actions that show their unique personality.

Rabbits are so adorable when they are trying to get attention. They love to be pampered and they crave interaction because they are very social creatures. In order to get attention many rabbits will nudge you. This can be a signal they want to be petted or simply that they want you to move. Rabbits are also very in tune with their environment. When they become attached to their owner they will start responding when they come into view by standing up and looking around, jumping or making noise.

One of the best shows of a rabbit's personality is the funny little dances and jumps they do. When a rabbit is really happy they may jump in the air and kick their legs. If they are mad they may stomp around. They really let their personality shine and are never afraid to tell you how they feel.

Behavior
Rabbit behavior is also an area that makes people fall in love with rabbits. Their peculiar behavior is often a result of their wild roots. You may be able to tame a rabbit and keep it as a pet, but it will never lose all of that wild spirit and that often comes out in their behavior.

When a rabbit really loves someone they will do an odd mating ritual of running around them in circles. They will just keep running around and around. It is so cute that you cannot help but give them attention, which is exactly what they want.
Rabbits can be quite naughty. They have natural instincts to chew and they will chew pretty much anything they can. If you scold them they will stop and become very still. Many rabbits have mastered the art of acting completely innocent and giving a look that says "I didn't do it". As soon as you walk away they are right back at doing what got them in trouble. While it can be irritating, it is also rather cute.

Just Being a Bunny

Above all else, people love rabbits because they are rabbits. Just being themselves is enough to make some people choose them over more conventional pets. Rabbits can wiggle their nose in that adorable way. They are soft and fluffy. They can be extremely lovable and are almost always friendly. On top of that, rabbits are self groomers so you rarely will ever have to bath them. They are also a quiet animal, so no barking or meowing to drive you crazy.

There are so many reasons to love rabbits. As you can see, a rabbit is a special pet. They are so different from other animals and unique in their own bunny way. Anyone who has ever owned a rabbit will tell you that it takes only a second to fall completely in love with one of these little bundles of fluff.

Give your pets outdoor rabbit hutches they will love.

Choose the right rabbit hutch for your needs so you can have a healthy and happy pet. Visit our website to learn more about rabbit hutches and rabbit cages

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Rodriguez

Rabbit Food For a Happy Bunny

2010-12-07T23:10:00.000+07:00

Caring for your lovely, fluffy bunny requires some careful thought and planning. If you want your rabbit to thrive and stay in tip-top health, it is very important supply a varied and healthy diet that contains all of the basic food groups needed. Essentially, your rabbit should be eating a diet of hay, dried rabbit food and fresh produce. You will need to make sure that you feed the correct portions from each of these important food groups.

- Hay for Your Rabbit
Hay is an absolutely vital element of your rabbit's diet. It is a great source of fibre and essential vitamins and minerals. Hay will keep your rabbit's digestive system in great working order because it contains very high levels of fibre. It will also help to prevent your rabbit's teeth from getting too long. Chewing on the hay will wear your pet's teeth down to the correct length. The vitamins and minerals found in hay are just perfect for your rabbit, and will help to make sure he keeps a glossy coat, bright eyes and great energy levels.

SUGGESTED SERVING SIZE:
Every day, your rabbit should be provided with a fresh bunch of hay about the size of the rabbit itself.
1 x Rabbit Sized Portion of Hay x Daily = HAPPY BUNNY
- Dry Food - Commercial

Because your rabbit is not living 'in the wild' you will never truly be able to find the variety of foods needed to keep your bunny healthy. So, enter science, thank goodness. Dry food is carefully blended to contain the minerals and vitamins needed to keep your rabbit thriving and in excellent health. You can feed your pet pellets or a mixed batch. They usually contain yummy ingredients like cereal, biscuits and vegetables. Rabbits absolutely love dry food and will eat way too much if you let them. Make sure that you control the amount of dry food that you give your rabbit every day and carefully read the label. As a guide, half a cup of pellets per day should be enough, but it really does depend on the specific brand that you decide to go with.

SUGGESTED SERVING SIZE:
1 x what the label says (50grams) x daily = HEALTHY BUNNY
- Fresh Produce
This is the easy part. Simply make sure that you give your rabbit some fresh food everyday. Fresh food contains anti-oxidants not found in processed food, so make sure that you feed your greens and vegetables everyday, such as lettuce and carrot. Note, stick to veg only - fruit should be avoided!

SUGGESTED SERVING SIZE
2 x little handfuls of fresh food = FIT BUNNY

By following these basic principles and by ensuring that you feed your bunny the correct proportions everyday, you will have a healthy, happy and energetic pet that is well cared for. A quick word of caution, avoid over feeding your bunny and make sure that you take your pet to the vet if you have any concerns about their overall health or diet.

Author Lindsey Watson is a Webmaster of a wide variety of online specialty shops including a very popular site on Rabbit Food. Visit http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lindsey_Watson

Organic Rabbit Food

2010-12-07T22:25:00.000+07:00

Should I use Regular, Natural, or Organic Rabbit Food?
The best rabbit food for your rabbits is one that is specifically tailored to the life stage they are at. This is because rabbits nutritional needs change as they go through weaning, as they grow and mature, become pregnant or nursing, or whether they just hang out as well-loved pets.

So what's the difference between Natural and Organic Rabbit Food? Honestly, their just labels! Some criteria have to be met but it doesn't mean that it is the best combination of the right ingredients. Rabbits are very sensitive to the quality of their diet and science has identified what's best for them at every stage in life.

For example, the best rabbit food should be formulated with quality natural and whole ingredients. Rabbits are often stuck with food that is made from a mixture of by-products and cheap leftovers that vary in quality. Some rabbit food labels have long lists of "natural" ingredients because it looks good to us. However, it probably isn't the best thing for your rabbits. In fact, dietary BALANCE is the most important thing for your rabbits!

A lot of rabbit food brands brag about having more vitamin A (among others) but these vitamins are synthetically added. Furthermore the label doesn't say what is already naturally in the feed; it only reports what has been added synthetically. This can cause problems, especially when many vitamins need to be balanced. Also certain vitamins can cause problems in rabbits because their metabolism is different (excess vitamin D3 has been used as a pest control poison in rabbits).

It may be common knowledge that rabbits need a large amount of fiber in their diet because it helps prevent digestive troubles. Did you know that there are many different types and sizes of fiber and rabbits need specific ratios of certain types for optimal digestive health?

Also rabbits shouldn't have too much grain or grain by-products in their diet. They will inevitably be combined with high concentrations of low-quality protein supplements like soybean meal. This combination often spells trouble, especially for baby bunnies who get bloated and have diarrhea when eating this type of rabbit food.

A one size fits all style of rabbit food compromises their health and productivity. For example, baby bunnies need a diet high in fiber and fat. Nursing does should also eat this same type of feed. However pregnant rabbits need a diet lower in fat, while mature rabbits who aren't breeding need a high fiber and low energy rabbit food.

To learn more about NATURAL rabbit nutrition from a qualified research scientist....
Check out naturalrabbitfood.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Sherwood

Rabbit Mating Habits

2010-12-06T07:30:00.002+07:00

Rabbits are prolific breeders and have been known to produce large quantities of offspring in short periods of time. Because of this, there are significant problems with overpopulation of both domestic and wild rabbits around the world. For this reason it is important that we familiarize ourselves with the rabbit's mating habits in order to gain a better understanding of how, when, and how often a rabbit reproduces.

Rabbit mating season begins during the warm seasons to allow wild newborn baby bunnies to have the best chance to survive. During the spring and summer seasons, the increase in the amount of light available triggers a release of hormones in rabbits that begins to alter a rabbit's behavior. Male rabbits will begin to act more frantically and aggressively as the hormones trigger their sex drives. They will compete with other male rabbits for the attentions of female rabbits. Dominant rabbits are more successful at this competition and usually manage to mate with more females.

When a male rabbit has successfully seduced a female rabbit, the female will position herself flat on the ground and lift up her tail. The mail will mount her and bite down hard on her back. The mating lasts about twenty seconds after which the male will release the female from his bite grip and likely emerge with a mouthful of fur.
Once impregnated, the gestation period for female rabbits lasts about one month. Then she will give birth to anywhere from three to eight blind, hairless bunnies. The female rabbit is capable of giving birth several times in one year.

Remember, if you are planning to breed your domesticated rabbit, there is already an overabundance of rabbits in the United States and by creating more rabbits, you may be lessening the likelihood that other rabbits can find a home to live in.

When it comes to the health and happiness of your pet rabbit, choosing a quality living environment should be on the top of your list. Whether you choose quality Rabbit Cages for sale or opt for larger Rabbit Hutches for sale, the quality of the materials and the construction of the dwelling will determine how well it works for your particular furry friend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Massaro