Articles on Research & Rabbit Management
At Purina Mills, we’ve been conducting rabbit research longer than any other manufacturer in the United States. In fact, our professionals feed and care for over 500 rabbits every day. Since we know that nutrition is just one aspect of rabbit health, our research also includes studies on breeding, health care and management practices. We’re committed to helping you provide the best care possible. The articles listed below offer a wealth of information for keeping your rabbit healthy and happy.
| Nutritional Research |
| |
-
Rabbit Management
Purina Mills has been conducting nutritional feed studies with domestic rabbits since the LongView Animal Nutrition Center was established in 1926....more
|
-
Rabbit Production & Precautions
2. Check condition of rabbits -- are they over or under weight, or just right? Use the ARBA book for proper weight range for breed of rabbit....more
|
-
8 & 8 Breeding Program
Doe is rebred 14 days after kindling. However, at our rabbitry breeding days are on Mondays and Fridays except on holidays, shifting the breeding...more
|
-
Feeding Regimen on 8 & 8 Program
Note : normally around day nine there will be some feed left in feeder, you can then start full feeding *Daily monitoring of the young could...more
|
-
Rabbit Palpation
Palpation helps you to control production and maintain does in proper breeding condition...more
|
|
| Advanced Rabbit Management |
| |
-
Good Rest Room Habits
Teaching Rabbits Good Rest Room HabitsIt’s not difficult to house-train a rabbit, but it takes a little time and dedication. It’s best to start...more
|
-
Getting A Handle On Your Rabbit
Getting a Handle on Your RabbitWhen frightened, the rabbit’s only defense mechanism is to run away. It is very important that you handle your...more
|
-
Free Ranging
Free RangingIndoor pet rabbits are often allowed to have the “run of the house,” or at least allowed to roam free in certain rooms....more
|
|
| Housing for Your Rabbit |
| |
-
You Don't Need A Lot of Room
The floor of the cage may vary considerably. A self-cleaning cage (the urine and fecal material drop through the floor) has a floor made of...more
|
-
Construction of Hutch
Construction of a HutchIf no building exists, this backyard hutch will protect the animals in most climates. It utilizes both wooden and wire parts....more
|
|
| General Rabbit Care and Health |
| |
|
-
Water Water Everywhere
Water Water EverywhereYour rabbit should have access to water at all times. You can provide water in a spill-proof dish or crock....more
|
-
The Well Trimmed Rabbit
The Well-Trimmed RabbitRabbit toenails become quite sharp and rabbits can scratch if they become frightened or are not handled properly....more
|
|
|
| Guest Articles |
| |
-
Dog Days of Summer
DOG DAYS OF SUMMERReducing heat stress in the rabbitry during the summer months is a challenge for everyone. Reducing the amount of feed to your...more
|
-
Cool Tips for Summer
Even though the summer months are more comfortable for you and me, the dog days of summer can be pretty hard on the rabbits. So here are a few...more
|
-
Fall Dormancy - Fact or Fiction
So why do my junior age rabbits perform so well in the fall? A breeder should position their breeding program to have a high percentage of junior...more
|
-
Kit Care
A poorly managed nest box can lead to; nest box eyes, pasturella infections and sudden kit death. Place the fresh bedding material in the nest...more
|
-
To Cull or Not to Cull
How do I know what rabbits to keep and which rabbits to cull? If your goal is to produce the best breeding stock for the show table then culling...more
|
-
The Nursery Box
I replace the nest box with a nursery box when the litter is two weeks of age for spring, summer and early fall born litters....more
|
-
Summer Heat
Summer heat is thought to be a key factor in starting this lowered fertility in our herd bucks. Keep a few young bucks (6 -7 months of age) on...more
|
-
The Puzzle
If you think about it, putting together a breeding program is like building a puzzle. Your breeding program must start with a picture of the...more
|
-
Nest Box Eyes
Nest box or matted eyes is caused by bacteria present in the nest box litter. When the bunnies are 2-3 weeks of age, remove them from their nest...more
|
-
Lovin Feeling
We know that rabbits require at least 12 to 14 hours of light combined with temperatures above 50 degrees to get that “lovin feeling....more
|
-
Inheriting Your Future
This can be found in the mating of unrelated parents. Introducing a new buck or doe into your breeding program can upset the frequency of genes...more
|
-
How Much Do I Feed?
Rabbits require about .5 ounces of feed for every one pound of body weight. Hand feeding only what the rabbit will consume from one feeding to...more
|
-
Gene Spray - Good or Bad?
When it comes to genetic improvement, survival traits such as disease resistance are lowly heritable. “Breed Complimentarity” where the strong...more
|
|