Rabbits
(oryctolagus Cunciculus).
Rabbits make an
ideal family pet. They can live indoors or outdoors and have a
natural lifespan of 5 to 8 years.
Breeds.
There are many breeds of rabbit. We breed netherland dwarfs, mini
lops and Lionheads.
More than one
rabbit.
Rabbits being sociable animals should if possible
be kept in pairs. Two entire
males do not mix, nor do male and female. Usually two females will
mix but not always. If you keep two rabbits together it is almost
certain you will need to get them both neutered at around six months
of age . You should investigate the cost of this with your vet.
Vaccinations.
Our
rabbits are sold at too young an age to require vaccinations. As
these are not compulsory you should seek the advice of your vet.
Neutering
should be considered to assist in reducing unwanted sexual
behaviour. It also helps reduce the likelihood of cancers in older
rabbits.
Rabbits and
Guinea Pigs.
Rabbits and guinea pigs do not always make good companions. When a
rabbit becomes sexually mature, it may turn on a guinea pig and
cause serious injury.
Housing.
We recommend you purchase the largest hutch and run you can. For the
welfare of the rabbit the bigger the hutch and run the better. The
rabbit should be able to stretch up fully
and hop at least three hops in the hutch . Outdoor hutches
should be placed well off the ground and away from prevailing
weather. Hutches should be well ventilated to prevent respiratory
problems.
What you need.
As well as the hutch, you will need.
1.
Wood Shavings.
2.
Hay
3.
Dry food
4.
Water bottle
5.
Feed Bowl
6.
Disinfectant
7.
Treats
8.
Care literature
Cleaning.
Rabbits should be thoroughly cleaned out and disinfected at
least once a week, more so in the summer to prevent fly strike.
Rabbits tend to do their business in one corner so you can
either put a litter tray there or you can clean out this area more
often.
When you get your
new rabbit home.
We sell our rabbits at a minimum age of 10 weeks, which is at least
3 weeks after weaning. Please adhere to the following advice for
your new rabbit as young rabbits are susceptible to stress and can
die from it quite quickly.
1.
When you get your
rabbit home, settle it into its hutch and leave it alone for at
least 24 hours.
It will be frightened of new surroundings and people and will need
time to become confident.
2.
Diet. Only feed
hay and the dry food provided by us
along with unlimited clean water. Do not change this basic
diet for at least 6
weeks. Only then start to very gradually introduce vegetables.
3.
Baby rabbits can
suffer from stress related problems at this age and this can show as
diarrhoea. If this is severe it can be fatal. Please follow the
guidelines that we provide, as it is based on over 20 years
experience of breeding rabbits. If you rabbit does show signs of
diarrhoea then remove all dry food for at least 24 hours leaving
only hay to eat. If the rabbit does not improve then seek veterinary
treatment immediately .
Feeding.
Rabbits should be fed hay at around 70% of their daily diet. Feed a
bundle of hay about the same size as the rabbit every day.
You should also feed dry food and fresh vegetables. Do not
feed lettuce, plants from the roadside, unclean vegetables or fruit
high in simple sugars.
Handling.
Always scoop up your rabbit and cuddle him up to make him feel safe.
Do not grab him from above and never by the ears.
Breeding.
Breeding rabbits is not to be taken lightly and is not a
money making venture.
Only undertake breeding once you have thoroughly investigated
the subject, especially where the young will be rehomed.
Further
information.
This is a very basic guide. There are many good books on the subject
and a number of reputable web sites. We offer lifetime support for
any pet that we sell.
Holiday time.
We offer a complete boarding service for your rabbit. Please ask for
full details.
Guarantee.
Should you have a problem
with your new rabbit within one week of purchase please contact us
for advice, replacement or refund. For on going advice please contact
us at anytime. Please note that we do not take responsibility for
any veterinary fees that you may incur. Also should you return your
rabbit we can only refund the cost of the rabbit. We cannot take
responsibility for any other product purchased unless it is
defective.
This does not
affect your statutory rights under the sale of goods act.