Small Animal Management

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Small Animal Management

• Rabbits

• From foukeffa.org
• Written by Johanna Davis
• GA Ag Ed Curriculum Office
• To accompany the Georgia Agriculture Education
  Curriculum Lesson 02421-6.1
• July 2001

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I. Terms

• Buck male rabbit
• Doe female rabbit
• Bunny baby rabbit
• Kit baby rabbit
• Kindle giving birth

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(terms cont.)

• F. Litter group of young kindled by the same
  doe
• Junior rabbit under 6 months
• Senior rabbit over 6 months
• Breed animals with similar physical
  characteristics that are passed on to their
  young.
• Variety subdivision of a breed, usually by
  distinguished by color

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(terms continued)

• K. Molting shedding fur
• L. Gestation the length of time a female is
  pregnant
• M. Lactation production of milk
• N. Snuffles respiratory ailment in rabbits

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II. Parts
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Neck
Ear
Shoulder
Rump
Cheek
Tail
Dewlap
Belly
Hock
Flank
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III. Size Classes

• Small
• a. 2 7 lbs
• b. Examples
• 1. Netherland Dwarfs
• 2. Dutch
• 3. Tans

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(size classes continued)

• Medium
• a. 8 - 12 lbs
• b. Examples
• 1. New Zealands
• 2. Florida Whites
• 3. Satins

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(size classes continued)

• C. Large
• a. over 13 lbs
• b. Examples
• 1. Flemish Giants
• 2. Checkered Giants
• 3. Giant Lops

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IV. Classes by Use

• Pets
• Show / Exhibition
• Meat Production
• Pelts
• Wool
• Laboratory / Research

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V. Breed Selection

• Over 30 recognized breeds
• Over 80 recognized varieties
• (divisions within a breed)

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(breed selection continued)

• Selection based on use
• 1. Meat Production
• New Zealand (White, Black, Red)
• California (White w/eight black points)
• Satin (Colors vary specialty fur)

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(breed selection continued)

• (Selection based on use, cont)
• 2. Research
• New Zealand White consistent
• 3. Show / Pet
• Any breed

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(breed selection continued)

• (Selection based on use, cont)
• 4. Pelts
• Rex
• Mini Rex
• Satin
• 5. Wool
• Angora

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VI. Locating Breeding Stock

• Feed Stores
• American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA)
• Journals / Magazines

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(Locating Breeding Stock, cont)

• D. Telephone Book
• E. County Agricultural Agent
• F. Agriscience Teacher
• G. County Fair Exhibits
• H. Newspapers

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VII. Selection of Breeding Stock

• They are healthy and vigorous
• They are average size for their breed
• Age to buy
• Juniors (unproven)
• (-) must wait to breed them
• () can ease them into production

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(selection of breeding stock/ age to buy
continued)

• 2. Seniors
• (-) age difficult to determine
• () ready for production
• Older Rabbits
• (long heavy toenails and the meat along the back
  bone is sinewy (stringy) and tough)
• (-) less production potential
• (-) may be sterile
• () may be cheaper

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(selection of breeding stock continued)

• Start with a trio
• One buck and two does
• Trust the breeder to select compatible breeders

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VIII. Proper Handling

• Best Method
• Grasp the nap of the neck and the rump
• Always support the hind quarters
• Alternate Methods
• Grasp in front of hip
• Underarm, clutched against body
• C. NEVER BY THE EARS!!!!!

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IX. Feeding

• Requirements vary depending on

• Weather
• Condition
• Production Stage

• Breed
• Size
• Age

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(feeding continued)

• Rule of Thumb
• Mature Rabbits - Maintenance
• 3.8 to 4 of their body weight per day
• increases based on growth production
• Easiest buy complete pellets needs

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(feeding continued)

• D. Limit Feed vs Full Feed (free choice)
• Full Feed rabbits eat more cost more
• overweight rabbits lazy/poor breeders
• less attention given to rabbits

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X. Housing

• Free of Drafts
• Protect from rain, snow, wind, sun heat
• Pens wire floor
• Size 1 square foot floor space per one pound
  live rabbit (4 needs 2 ft x 2 ft)

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XI. Equipment

• Feeders
• Waters
• Nest Boxes
• Tattoo Pliers

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XII. Reproduction
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A. Age to breed

• Dwarfs Small breeds 5 months
• Medium breeds 6 months
• Large breeds 8 months

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B. Selecting mates

• Doe
• Good weight (not skinny or fat)
• Vulva dark in color
• Buck
• Good fur condition
• Bright eyes
• Evidence of both testicles in the scrotum

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C. Gestation Period

• Average 31 days
• Range 28 31
• days

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D. Mating

• Take the doe to the bucks cage
• Doe is more defensive of her territory than the
  buck
• Dont leave alone

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E. Pregnancy Test

• Palpation 12 days
• Attempt to rebreed
• in 14 days

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F. Preparing Cage

• On 27th day, place nest box in cage
• Provide nesting material
• (hay, straw, wood shavings)
• 3. Doe will pluck hair from belly to line nest

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G. Kindling

• Keep area quiet
• Inspect nest
• Number of bunnies
• Healthy
• Content
• Adequate nest materials

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H. Weaning

• Creep feed
• Feed only the babies
• Reduces stress at weaning
• Separate at 6 8 weeks

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XIII Record Keeping

• Importance
• Financial Profit/Loss
• Identify Animals
• Management Plan
• Health
• Reproduction

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(record keeping continued)

• Types
• Pedigree Family Tree
• Breeding
• Cage Cards
• Doe/Buck Records
• Feeding
• Health

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by Johanna DavisUpdated 2/1/2001