The Difference Between Pet Rabbits and Ordinary Rabbits
- The feeding approach for pet rabbits differs from that of skin rabbits and meat rabbits. Nevertheless, it follows a similar structure, divided into the management of young rabbits, juvenile rabbit care, and adult rabbit care.
- Appearance is crucial for ornamental rabbits like pets. It is vital to maintain a moderate size, resulting in significantly different feeding requirements for pet rabbits compared to ordinary rabbits. Pet rabbits should be provided with a diet low in protein, low in fat, low in calcium, and high in fiber. Additionally, the feed ratios for pet rabbits during various growth stages vary.
- Rabbit farmers are aware that rabbits are generally timid, easily frightened, and tend to keep their distance from people, including their owners. There is minimal closeness, especially with strangers, as they can be vigilant and fearful, sometimes refraining from eating or drinking for days. In contrast, pet rabbits are less timid since they are typically raised artificially for generations, making them less afraid of people.
- Managing pet rabbits differs slightly from ordinary rabbits due to their smaller size. Breastfeeding pet female rabbits in the early stage may result in the death of young rabbits due to insufficient milk, reducing their survival rate. To ensure the survival of newborn pet pups, owners must monitor the feeding situation daily. If a thin young rabbit cannot consume milk, finding a female nursing rabbit is necessary. If the female nursing rabbit is unresponsive, an ordinary domestic rabbit can substitute feeding. Place the pet pups in the ordinary rabbit’s delivery room until their scent matches, allowing them to be fed with milk. Additionally, attention should be given to keeping the puppies warm with additional bedding to prevent them from catching a cold.
- The weaning period for young pet rabbits should be relaxed appropriately, ideally around 45 days. Introduce a new feed slowly, allowing them to adapt to the specific diet for pet rabbits. After weaning, treat them similarly to ordinary rabbits during puberty.
- Common diseases in pet rabbits resemble those in ordinary rabbits, requiring the same preventive measures. Pet rabbit kits should be injected with a double boba vaccine at 25 to 30 days old, 1 ml subcutaneously each time. At 35 days old, administer a rabbit viral hemorrhage inactivated vaccine, also at 1 ml per injection.
- Pet rabbits are primarily companions, so there is no need to focus on meat quality. Regular epidemic prevention is advised, following the same procedures as for ordinary rabbits. Additionally, to maintain the beauty of long-haired pet rabbits, owners should regularly comb their hair to prevent tangling. Combing long-haired pet rabbits’ hair once a day is recommended.
In conclusion, our guide covers feeding and management practices for pet rabbits. Despite the differing purposes of raising pet rabbits and ordinary rabbits, prioritizing their health, especially disease prevention, is paramount.