Data sheet dwarf rabbit
Scientific name:
Brachylagus idahoensis
Origin:
North Africa, Europe
Height Weight:
approx. 30 cm / approx. 500g heavy
age expectation:
8-10 years
attitude and behavior
Behavior / stocking:
Distinctive social behavior and marginalization among each other
Group vs. individual housing:
group husbandry
Lining:
Enough hay, fruit, vegetables and green fodder
Difficulty level:
Medium © DoraZett ID:193128394 stock.adobe.com
are dwarf rabbits not a breed, but a species of mammal. The term «dwarf rabbit» covers several rabbit breeds that have their small size in common. Dwarf rabbits, on the other hand, belong to the lagomorphs in zoological terms.
There are a few things to consider when keeping dwarf rabbits. So need the animals lots of space, fellow animals, peace and quiet and species-appropriate feeding.
acquisition and maintenance
Dwarf rabbits can be purchased from the age of ten weeks. When buying, it is advisable to ask a reputable breeder or the local animal shelter.
Since rabbits, because of their sociable and pronounced social behavior in one Group of three to five animals are to be kept, the purchase of several animals is species-appropriate and necessary.
combinations in group housing
For the combination of the individual animals apply Mixture of neutered males and females as well as one same-sex husbandry of castrated males harmonious. In practice, keeping females of the same sex often leads to aggressive behavior towards one another.
Dwarf rabbits need dwarf rabbits as conspecifics
Important: dwarf rabbits need conspecific society. A guinea pig is not an appropriate companion for a rabbit as the two exhibit different behaviors.
requirement for posture
A distinction must be made between indoor and outdoor storage. The pure Keeping dwarf rabbits outdoors is the most species-appropriate form of keeping and for this reason desirable. In both attitude forms should the dwarf rabbit as agile animals as much space as possible for free movement be available.
Danger: The cages that can be bought in pet stores or other shops are usually much too small for the species-appropriate housing of dwarf rabbits.
outdoor keeping
A large enclosure is ideal for outdoor keeping, which protects the animals from heat, cold, predators and escaping.
enclosure size
For two to three dwarf rabbits, the enclosure should be at least six square meters.
fence of the enclosure
In the wild, dwarf rabbits live in burrows that they dig themselves, so they can dig great and deep. So the fence of the enclosure should go deep enoughso that the dwarf rabbits do not dig under the fence.
The height of the fence should also 80 to 100 cm high because dwarf rabbits are very good at jumping.
flooring of the enclosure
Stone slabs, wood shavings (dusted) and wood can be used as flooring for the outdoor enclosure.
indoor posture
A species-appropriate, large enclosure is also ideal for indoor keeping. People who are handy can build it themselves. As a commercially available variant are so-called «Rodent Vivarium» recommended.
enclosure size
The indoor enclosure should be at least approx. 1.50 mx approx. 0.75 m in size. Added to this is a daily free run in an additional room or in the whole apartment. When exercising in the home environment, it is important that this rabbit proof designed: The little rabbits must not be able to bite cables or stick their noses in sockets.
flooring of the enclosure
Commercial bedding or wood shavings (dust-free) can be used to cover the inside of the enclosure.
Tip: Newspaper can also be used as a floor covering. On the newspaper comes absorbent bark material. In this combination, hay can also be used as bedding and also serves as a source of food.
enclosure equipment
Irrespective of whether they are kept indoors or outdoors, the following equipment must be available in every enclosure to keep dwarf rabbits in a species-appropriate manner:
- Sleeping house/hutch for each rabbit (20cm high with a base area of 20x30cm)
- Feed rack for hay and green fodder
- When feeding ready-made food: stoneware bowls
- drinking bottles for water
The enclosures for the animals must be designed to be stimulating and varied. Dwarf rabbits require a variety of retreating (burrows, hollow logs), climbing (branches), peeping (boxes, mounds of earth) and gnawing (roots) needs. There are (almost) no limits to your own imagination.
gender differences
While a flesh-colored protuberance can be seen in males, a genital opening in the form of a slit can be seen in females. The genitals are located between the abdomen and anus.
Danger: In a mixed group housing, males should be spayed to avoid offspring.
feed and nutrition
Dwarf rabbits always need fresh hay. In addition, well-tolerated green fodder (dandelions, grass), fruit (apples, pears) and vegetables (spinach) can be fed. Grain feed is only necessary for dwarf rabbits with an increased energy requirement (e.g. mother animals, keeping them outdoors in winter).
acclimatization and handling
are dwarf rabbits area related, moving means stress for them. For this reason, it is important that owners take care of their rabbits time and rest give to get used to. The handling should also be characterized by a calm and level-headed behavior of the owner.
The arrival
When the rabbits arrive, they should be placed in their enclosure and left alone. The enclosure should already be completely prepared. Food and water should of course be available upon arrival.
The first days
The dwarf rabbits should be left alone for the first two to three days to get used to their new home. After that, a quiet acclimatization to the human can be achieved by keeping the rabbits informally company or talking to them quietly. It is also possible to carefully hold out your own hands so that the rabbits can sniff.
The handling
rabbits are no stuffed animals! They should neither be pressed nor lifted up. If the animal has to be picked up in exceptional cases (e.g. for a medical examination), support the animal’s rear end with one hand while grasping the scruff of the neck with the other hand.
Rabbits should be handled calmly and carefully. Jerky movements or loud noises frighten the animals.
Other questions
What breeds of dwarf rabbits are there?
Dwarf rabbits include the breeds dwarf ram, ermine, dwarf piebald, colored dwarf, Rex dwarf, teddy dwarf, teddy bear and lionhead dwarf.
What temperatures can dwarf rabbits withstand?
Most rabbit breeds of dwarf rabbits can withstand temperatures down to minus 20 degrees in winter. The animals are more sensitive in summer, when there is a risk of heat stroke from 30 degrees.
Whether winter or summer, dwarf rabbits must have enough opportunities in their enclosure to protect themselves from extreme temperatures and weather.
How expensive is a dwarf rabbit?
The prices vary depending on the region and provider. On average, a dwarf rabbit costs about 50 euros.
Tip: The animals are only delivered to the animal shelter after they have been neutered. This means cost savings and making a contribution to animal welfare at the same time.