Rabbits - Information

Rabbits - Health Care

Picture source: HERBIVORES

Infectious diseases demand specific and highly qualified treatment, and, considering the precarious intestinal bacteria balance, there should be no attempts by non-specialists to handle the problem. Improper antibiotic therapy may lead to the killing of many beneficial bacteria and trigger a serious disturbance in intestinal bacterial balance. Infections impacts vitally important organs (lungs, kidneys, liver) resulting in abscess (accumulation of pus), and thus preventing those organs from proper functioning.

Rabbits are also prone to parasitic diseases, such as 'Walking Dandruff'', caused by Cheiletiella mange mite, flea infestations and which, in hard cases, may end in considerable blood loss. Ear Mite infestation causes severe inflammatory reactions in external ear areas. Coccidiosis is caused by one-cell organisms. The disease affects liver and intestinal tract. The disease can be difficult to eradicate, therefore prevention measures are much more efficient.

Some illnesses are related to care and living conditions. Rabbits, like cats, use their tongues when caring for their hair. Many fall-out hairs are swallowed and form pellets inside the stomach. Rabbits cannot regurgitate, thus, the pellets grow bigger leaving little space in the stomach for food and makes it impossible for the animals to feed properly. There are some conservative treatment methods, like using intestinal lubricants; however, all too frequently a surgical operation becomes necessary.

Because rabbits are very active and curious, their movement around the apartment must be strictly controlled. Rabbits are fond of chewing, and they are no less crazy about chewing on electric cords, which may often end up in electrocution. Poisonous plants can also be dangerous because rabbits are not visually capable of distinguishing between poisonous and nonpoisonous plants.

Rabbits - General Information Links

Picture source: HERBIVORES

Breeding the Silver Fox - Breeding for the ideal Silver Fox.

Alabama EARS: Encouraging Alabama Rabbit Support - Dedicated to the rescue of abused and neglected rabbits and to education of the public on rabbit health, behavior and care. A chapter of the House Rabbit Society.

American Dutch Rabbit Club. Breeders of Rabbits - Specialty club for Dutch rabbit breeders.

American Rabbit Breeders Association - ARBA, an organization dedicated to the promotion, development and improvement of the domestic rabbit and cavy industry and fancy.

Breed Photos & Links. Images of Rabbits - Photos of the breeds currently recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

Bunnyrabbit - Offers food, treats, bowls, cages, litter pans, grooming aids, toys and themed gifts. Includes a newsletter and show schedule for United States.

Diseases Of Laboratory Rabbits - A quarterly report of diseases on laboratory rabbits.

Hopperhome.com. Rabbits - Lots of information on rabbits including care, adoption and contests.

House Rabbit Society - Massachusetts Chapter - A non-profit organization devoted to sheltering, adopting and educating the general public about pet rabbits.

HRS Articles. Maladies of Rabbits - Information/articles pertaining to many rabbit diseases written by veterinarians.

Internal Parasites of Rabbits - A guide for internal parasites in rabbits for the veterinarian.

Iowa State Rabbit Breeders - Iowa State Rabbit Breeders Association Official site. Dedicated to promoting all breeds of rabbits.

Leith Petwerks - Supplying cages, bowls, food, litter pans, treats, toys and health products, with newsletter and FAQ.

Picture source: HopperHome © 2004 Connie Andrews

Manna Pro - Animal Feed and Health Nutrition for Livestock and Poultry - Manna Pro manufactures and distributes livestock feed including rabbit food, pet food and wild life products which are formulated according to the nutrition requirements of each animal species.

Minnesota House Rabbit Society - Includes tips on care, photos of available rabbits, and donation and volunteer information.

New York Rabbit & Cavy Breeders Assoc. - New York State clubs, which promote the showing and responsible breeding of purebred rabbits and cavies. Site offers lists of rabbit clubs, sanctioned show dates and provides a County Fair schedule.

Pennsylvania State Rabbit Breeders Association - Offers show information, list of committees, forms, and information about shows.

PetsHub.com Rabbits - General information about rabbits. Rabbit community items such as forums, greeting cards, a photo gallery and chat room.

Rabbit Advocates - Works with Oregon Humane Society to find homes for rabbits and educate the public about proper care. Profiles with photos of adoptable rabbits, articles and event details.

Rabbit Rescue Inc. - A non-profit rescue group. Rescue bunnies live indoors as house pets and are altered and vet checked. Shelter is located in East Los Angeles.

Rabbit Rescue of the Triad - A small, not-for-profit group located in Kernersville. Contains adoption, information, news, and images of available pets.

Rabbits and Friends - Information about all breeds of rabbits and all aspects of keeping rabbits, from pet to show rabbits. Chat, message board and photo share.

San Francisco/ Marin County House Rabbit Society - Rescue, foster, education and adoption center for rabbits in the San Francisco Bay area. Spayed and neutered rabbits available for adoption to indoor homes.

Secrets For Keeping Your Bunny Healthy And Happy - Article gives opinion of husbandry and nutritional requirements of rabbits.

The Rabbit Hutch - A guide for indoor rabbit owners with informational links such as health, care and house proofing tips.

Tooth Problems In Rabbits And Rodents - Article gives a description of the cause and treatment of overgrown teeth in rabbits and rodents

United Kingdom Dutch Rabbit Club. Pictures of Rabbits - National Club for Dutch Rabbit breeders and exhibitors. Full of information and pics of Dutch Rabbits.

Rabbits - Other Rabbits sites

Rabbits Bunnies - Rabbits, or as a popular slang term goes, bunnies, are lagomorphs, the family of Leporidae. Leporids belong to the most familiar mammals. Rabbits have a black to buff coat, white belly and a short upturned tail. Long ears and long hind legs are the physical characteristics by which rabbits are recognized. Their large ears help them detect danger. Eyes are adapted to nighttime activities. Each foot has five toes and hair-covered cushions with soles. Rabbits are cute fluffy creatures that need plenty of your love and care. All rabbits are adapted for quick movement and hopping. They can run very fast to escape danger.

Leporidae lagomorphs

Cottontail Rabbits - Cottontail rabbits live in high numbers in areas, which are rich in vegetation. All rabbits are exclusively herbivorous and Cottontail rabbits are no exception. Plants that grow on fertilized soil attract them. Cottontails can be found in wild places with thick vegetation. They feed on grass, clover, chickweed and goldenrod. Garden plants, herbs, legumes, and fruits are also perfect food for rabbits. In winter, for lack of greenery, they chew on dry twigs and tree bark.

There are three types of Cottontail rabbits. These are Mountain Cottontail, Eastern Cottontail and Desert Cottontail. Mountain Cottontails are smaller in size. They live high in the uplands. Desert Cottontails are the most widespread; they can be found in every suitable region. East Cottontails are bigger than the other two. It is interesting that Cottontails can be found, not only in the suburbs, but in towns and cities as well.

Dwarf Rabbits - Dwarf rabbits are the most adorned species by pet lovers. Their funny behavior and miniature size excite interest of children. They are often brought home as Christmas presents. As they grow they develop remarkable intellectual abilities, like trying to find a passage to favorite their shelter when the usual one is somehow blocked. Dwarfs are easily trained to use a toilet. They can open doors and wait in due time for the owner to return home.

There are several breeds of Dwarf rabbits. These are: The Netherland Dwarf, the Holland and English Lops, the Mini-Rex, the Jersey Wooly and the Polish Dwarf. All Dwarf rabbits are submissive, kind and easy to care for them. However, there is a reasonably good deal regarding care tips for potential owners to learn beforehand.

Rabbits Breeders - Domestic Rabbits are very popular nowadays in the USA and many other countries. Breeders create new breeds and improve the conformation and health or existing breeds, so everybody can choose the pet according to his/her liking. Breeds differ by size, body structure, fur texture, ear shape, and coat length and color. According to the fur type Rabbits are subdivided into 4 groups: angora (with long and floating coat), satin (with shining coat), rex (with short velvety coat), and multi-colored (with several coat colors).

Rabbits Pictures - Oryclolagus cuniculus is the scientific name for rabbits. Oryct stands for 'digger', lag means 'hare' (Greek). Cunniculus is Latin for burrowing. The etimology underscores rabbits' kinship with hares.