Domestic rabbit

Encyclopedia : D : DO : DOM : Domestic rabbit

This article concerns domesticated European rabbits. For information on the wild variety, see European Rabbit. For general information on all rabbit species, see Rabbit.

A Netherland dwarf breed domestic rabbit.

A domestic rabbit is any of the several varieties of European rabbit that has been domesticated by humans. They are commonly raised for their meat, fur, or appeal as pets. Domestic rabbits are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes; hundreds of different breeds have been produced through selective breeding.

Male rabbits are known as bucks and the females are called does. Though many people use the terms "rabbit" and "bunny" interchangeably, bunny properly refers to the rabbit's young. Young rabbits are formally called kits or kittens.

Contents

History

For thousands of years, the wild European rabbit was hunted and used for meat by humans living in Europe. The domestication of the species did not begin until the time of the Roman Empire.

Phoenician sailors visiting the coast of Spain circa 1100 B.C.E., mistaking the European rabbit for a species from their homeland, gave it the name i-shepan-ham. A corruption of this name, used by the Romans, would become the Latin name for Spain, Hispania. In Rome rabbits were raised in large walled colonies. These captive rabbits were raised as food and permitted to interbreed at will. All of the different varieties of European rabbit at the time were natural; no man-made breeds had been developed.

Selective breeding of rabbits began in the Middle Ages, when they were first treated as domesticated farm animals. By the 1500s, several new breeds of different colors and sizes were being recorded. As the domestication process continued, rabbit behavior changed as the animals became more docile and easier to handle.

In the 1800s, as animal fancy in general began to emerge, rabbit fanciers began to attend rabbit shows in Western Europe and the United States. Breeds were created and modified for the purpose of exhibition, not exclusively as food, fur, or wool animals. Because of this, some breeds were created that had little purpose outside of exhibition. The rabbit's emergence as a household pet began during the Victorian era.

Throughout the 20th century domestic rabbits have been used as an all-purpose animal. Rabbits' soft fur is still popular for fur coats and fur trim. Many rabbit breeders still slaughter and eat some of their stock, and in some parts of the world rabbits are still a common source of meat.

Rabbits have also been popular in laboratory animal experimentation, particularly regarding cosmetics products. Since the 1970s the animal rights movement has attacked testing cosmetic and cleaning products tested on animals, particullarly rabbits, and has decreased the rabbit's use in this field.

The domestic rabbit continues to be popular as a show animal and pet. Rabbit shows occur in many places and are sanctioned in Canada and the United States by the American Rabbit Breeder's Association (ARBA). Many pet shops stock rabbits intended as pets.

General Types

Meat Rabbits

Meat rabbits are larger than most people expect. Breeds such as the New Zealand and the Californian are most frequently utilized for meat in commercial rabbitries. These breeds have efficient metabolisms and grow quickly; they are ready for slaughter by approximately eight to twelve weeks of age. Rabbit meat may be prepared in a variety of ways and to some it tastes like white meat chicken. During World War Two, a scarcity of meat led to cats being sold on the black market as rabbit. A skinned, headless, tailess cat resembles a similarly prepared rabbit to such a degree that only an expert in animal physiology can tell the difference.

Fur Rabbits

Fur rabbit breeds come in many sizes; some fur rabbits are also meat rabbits. The rex and mini-rex are examples of common fur rabbit breeds. These rabbits are bred to have particularly soft and thick fur that can be used to make fur coats or trim on clothing.

Wool Rabbits

Some rabbits, such as the Angoras and Jersey woolies, produce wool in the same manner that a sheep does. They are sheared or "plucked" (gently pulling loose wool from the body) to harvest the wool; this use of the rabbit does not involve slaughtering the animal. The wool can then be spun into yarn and used to make a variety of products, and is popular with fiber artists. Angora wool sweaters can be purchased in many clothing stores.

Diet

The typical diet for a pet rabbit consists of water, hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets. Fruit and other treats are given only in very limited quantities, as they can cause obesity in a rabbit. Rabbits require a constant water supply as they dehydrate quickly.

Most sources recommend 80% of the diet should be Timothy hay or another grass hay. Certain vegetables in a rabbit's diet lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems.

Caecal pellets

Caecal pellets are soft, smelly, clumpy feces, and are a rabbit's only supply of Vitamin B12. Due to the design of the rabbit's digestive system, they cannot extract some vitamins and minerals directly from their food. At the end of their digestive system is an area called the caecum where cellulose and other plant fibers are broken down and ferment. After they pass these pellets the rabbit will ingest them to extract the vitamins.

Rabbits as Pets

A young Netherland dwarf domestic rabbit.

Rabbits have been popularly kept as pets in Western nations since the 1800s. Rabbits can adjust well to indoor life, and can even be litter box trained. Like all pets, rabbits need a considerable amount of care and attention.

Children's Pets

Rabbits are often considered to be a children's pet. However, many experts feel rabbits make poor pets for young children, as they may be careless in picking up the rabbit or physically unable to provide the support the rabbit requires when carried. Rabbits have very strong back legs that can kick hard, this may hurt or cause the rabbit to be dropped, possibly causing injury. As with any pet, parents ought to be prepared to take care of any rabbit brought home for a child.

Older children who have experience with handling and caring for animals sometimes show their animals in 4-H shows and other exhibitions.

Companionship

Other rabbits

Unneutered rabbits frequently fight when paired with another rabbit of the same gender. Generally fighting is a result of sexual mounting, which is engaged in by rabbits of both sexes upon other rabbits of either sex; this behavior stresses the rabbit being mounted and can make it aggressive toward its cagemate. Unneutered rabbits of opposite sexes will breed rapidly.

Because of these problems, it used to be preferred to keep rabbits caged individually. However, it is becoming common to spay and neuter pet rabbits allowing male and female rabbits to live together. Fighting can result even from pairing altered rabbits. Keeping rabbits in pairs can limit behavioral problems (such as general aggression, biting or withdrawal) which may arise if rabbits are kept single.

Pairs of bonded and altered rabbits, usually one of each gender to a pair, can often be adopted from animal shelters. These have usually already had all their major expenses taken care of and they will rarely fight or harass each other, taking the trouble out of bonding two separate rabbits.

Guinea pigs

Some books recommend keeping rabbits and guinea pigs together to meet their social needs. While some people have seen success with this technique, the current consensus is that rabbits should never be kept in the same cage with guinea pigs. A rabbit can easily harass or injure a guinea pig; this can lead to severe distress or even death for the guinea pig. It may be unintentional or due to being startled, since the rabbit is larger and stronger, so it may seriously injure a guinea pig. They may also bite each other. Rabbits and Guinea pigs also have differing nutritional requirements, so it is preferable that rabbits and guinea pigs are fed separately.

Dogs and cats

It is generally recommended that dogs and cats should never be left alone with rabbits as their predatory instincts (or overenthusiastic play) can lead to the dog or cat attacking the rabbit spontaneously. After careful introductions, many people have found that dogs and cats can get along with rabbits.

Acquiring a Rabbit

Often people purchase rabbits from a breeder. Many people prefer breeders because they want purebred rabbits. Such a breeder who has a litter of young rabbits available for sale can be found in the newspaper classified ads listed under "Pets" or "Livestock." Some can be found through rabbit breeders' club publications or through rabbit-related magazines, which often include a breeder listing. With the advent of the Internet, many breeders advertise their stock online.

Finding a local rabbit breeder is generally preferred to shipping rabbits for long distances, as it can be stressful for the animal. Many pet shops nearly always carry smaller breeds of rabbit such as the Netherland dwarf, the Holland lop, and the Mini-Rex. These breeds, although smaller than 'normal' rabbits, still live long and healthy lives. Some breeders are not reputable and they will sell mixed breed rabbits as pure breed, or house the animals in unsafe conditions (rabbit "mills").

Rabbit rescue organizations or a local humane society are increasingly common places to find adult rabbits, who may already be spayed or neutered and docile from handling. Though most rescued rabbits are healthy, some may require special care for health conditions or behavioral problems resulting from prior abuse. Rescue groups often have mixed breed rabbits.

Pet stores are another place to find rabbits. Like animal shelters, pet stores are likely to have mixed breeds.

Training and Play

Pet rabbits can be trained to urinate and defecate in a litter box or on a newspaper in a specific corner of a room. The litter box may also be placed inside the rabbit's cage or the rabbit can be trained to treat the cage itself as the litter box. Litter training becomes much easier once a rabbit is spayed or neutered.

Rabbits can be taught to follow voice commands like a dog, but they can also be trained to recognize different patterns of the voice. For instance, if a rabbit is disobeying, for example biting, making a high pitched, or extremely bass noise will convey the message. Rabbits can be taught their names, although they recognize the pattern of the noises more than the words. Rabbits are intelligent and enjoy games and toys.

It is possible to permit a rabbit to run loose in the home if rooms have been rabbit-proofed (i.e. dangerous chewable items such as electric cords are removed from the rabbit's reach). Rabbits have a tendency to chew on items in their space, particularly wires, although they can be trained not to chew.

Rabbits will play and throw around objects. Pet rabbits are often provided toys for their entertainment.

Breeds

Main article: List of rabbit breeds

There are more then 50 different breeds of domestic rabbit. Like breeds of dogs, rabbit breeds were generally created by humans at different times, for different purposes. Breeds were created many reasons including for their fur, wool, meat, appearance and behavior.

Almost all breeds of European rabbits, if they are handled properly, are suitable as household pets. However, some breeds have inherently calmer dispositions than others and therefore usually make better companions.

Exhibition

Conformation shows

County fairs are common venues through which rabbits are shown in the United States. Rabbit clubs also hold shows; club shows generally permit only pedigreed rabbits to be entered. Children's clubs such as 4-H also include rabbit shows, usually in conjunction with county fairs.

The parent organization for rabbit exhibition in Canada and the United States is The American Rabbit Breeders Association. The American Rabbit Breeders Association currently has over 30,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, and in various other countries. In the United States the leading states for exhibition are Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and parts of California. There are shows in every state throughout the year and in some locations the shows take place most weekends.

In recent years the exhibition of rabbits has turned into a thriving family event. The focus has changed from a male dominated hobby to one of family involvement. At many shows there are events and contests that focus on youth education and youth development.

Show jumping

Main article: Rabbit show jumping

Rabbit show jumping, a form of athletic competition between rabbits, began in the 1970s and has since become popular in Europe, particularly Sweden and the United Kingdom. Any rabbit regardless of breed may participate in this kind of competition, as it is based on athletic skill and not the animal's appearance.

Housing

Three rabbits in a basket.

Depending on the purpose for keeping the rabbit, there are a number of different kinds of housing.

Commercial rabbits

Commercial rabbits of all varieties are almost always kept outdoors in steel wire cages hung or stacked in a barn, shed, or other shelter. Most large-scale commercial rabbitries have automated feeding and watering systems, and the cages have wire mesh floors (with a sloped tray underneath if the cages are stacked) to simplify waste removal. Nest boxes may be built into the cages for females.

Smaller rabbitries may still use wooden hutches, though the inherent difficulties in cleaning this type of cage have made it less popular in recent years. It is less efficient in both space and ease of care than the wire cage. However, for large breeds, the hutch's solid wood floor prevents sore hocks, a problem which results when the protective hair is rubbed off from the rabbit's hocks by a wire mesh floor.

Wool rabbits such as the Angora and Jersey Wooly are generally kept in individual cages to protect their coats.

Pet rabbits

Pet rabbits may be kept indoors or outdoors, but the cage used vary appropriately with where the rabbit is kept.

Outdoor pet rabbits are kept in a manner similar to commercial rabbits: stacked or hanging wire cages or wooden hutches are the most common outdoor cages. A wire cage must be kept inside a shelter, but some hutches are built with roofs or covered nest boxes that provide the rabbit shelter and allow the hutch to be placed directly outdoors.

There are two primary types of indoor rabbit cage: some have a wire floor with a sliding tray for waste removal, while others have a solid floor. Which type of cage should be purchased depends entirely upon the pet owner's preference, but factors to consider are the difficulty of cage cleaning and whether the rabbit will be litter trained.

Most pet stores stock only cages of an appropriate size for small rabbits. Some of these cages marketed for rabbits aren't even large enough for the smallest dwarf rabbits. For larger breeds a hutch or other larger cage will be required (usually available by mail-order or at farm supply stores). Some rabbit owners also build cages for their pets.

Genetics

There are 10 color gene groups (or loci) in rabbits. They are A, B, C, D, E, En, Du, Si, V, and W. There are also recessive forms of these genes. On top of these, there are also modifiers, which modify a certain gene. These include the rufus modifiers, color intensifiers, and plus/minus (blanket/spot) modifiers. A rabbit's coat only has two pigments, pheomelanin (yellow) and eumelanin (dark brown). There can also be no pigment, causing an albino or white rabbit.

Color Genes

Within each group, the genes are listed in order of dominance, with the most dominant gene first. In parenthesis after the description is at least one example of a color that displays this gene.

Note: lower case are recessive and capital letters are dominant

"A" is the agouti loci(wild rabbit color). The genes in this category are: A= agouti (chestnut, lynx, agouti) at= tan pattern (tan, silver martin) a= self or non-agouti (black, chocolate)

"B" is the black loci. The genes are: B= black (chestnut, agouti, black) b= brown (chocolate)

"C" is the color loci. C= full color (black) cchd= dark chinchilla (chinchilla) cchl= light chinchilla (seal point, smoke pearl) ch= Himalayan (black pointed white) c= albino (ruby-eyed white or REW)

"D" is the dilute loci. For example, a black rabbit with this gene is a blue. D= dense color (normal coloring, like a dominant C) d= diluted color (blue)

"E" is the extension loci. It works with the 'A' and 'C' loci, and rufus modifiers. When it is recessive, it removes all dark pigment. Es= steel E= normal dark pigment (black) ej= Japanese brindling (harlequin) e= no dark pigment (orange, frosted pearl)

"En" loci is the plus/ minus (blanket/spot) color loci. It creates the broken color pattern. En= English spotting (broken, which is white and another color) en= self (no white areas, solid color)

"Du" loci causes the Dutch color pattern, which is white on the head, white band behind the head, and white back feet. Du= absence of dutch pattern du= dutch pattern

"V" loci stands for vienna white, which is the blue-eyed white (BEW). V= normal color v= vienna white (BEW)

"Si" loci causes a silver color. Si= normal color si= silver color (silver, silver fox)

"W" loci works with the agouti gene and can widen the middle yellow-white band. W= normal width of yellow band (chinchilla) w= doubles yellow band width (New Zealand Red)

Health Problems

Vaccinations Against Calici Virus and Myxomytosis

Calicivirus and myxomytosis are the biggest threat to the health of well-cared for pet rabbits. These can be prevented by annual vaccinations. Rabbit owners in Australia cannot get their rabbit vaccinated against myxomytosis due to its use in controlling wild rabbit numbers (it may escape if a vaccinated pet rabbit is released). Rabbits caged outdoors are especially vulnerable due to their being exposed to more vectors carrying the diseases, especially mosquitoes. In wild populations fleas also carry myxomytosis.

Sore hocks

The formation of open sores on the rabbit's hocks, commonly called "sore hocks," is a common problem afflicting rabbits kept in cages with wire floors. The condition results when, in the course of moving about the cage, the protective fur on the bottom of the rabbit's feet is worn off from the hock area. The exposed skin further rubs on the wire floor, causing painful sores and blisters that can become infected.

Rabbits with sore hocks must be provided with a solid floor cage or a resting board in order for the sores to heal. To prevent the problem from developing, those rabbits especially prone to sore hocks, such as extremely heavy breeds or those with very short fur, should have access to a solid floor at all times. Regular inspections of a rabbit's feet can help an owner head off the development of sore hocks.

Respiratory infections

A common ailment among domestic rabbits is a respiratory infection most commonly caused by Pasteurella bacteria known colloquially as "snuffles." Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, and runny nose and eyes. Generally this disease is accepted as incurable, though some people attempt antibiotic treatments with varying degrees of success.

Head tilt or wry neck

Pasturella infections of the inner ear, certain protozoans, strokes, other diseases, or injuries affecting the brain or inner ear can lead to a condition known as wry neck or "head tilt." Frequently this condition is fatal, largely due to a disorientation that causes the animal to stop eating and drinking. Sometimes an antibiotic or antiprotozoal treatment can cure wry neck if it is caused by a bacterial or protozoal infection. Acupuncture has also been used in cases with some success.

Teeth problems

There are a number of dental problems that affect rabbits. These can cause anorexia (the rabbit refuses to eat), which is always a serious situation in rabbits and requires urgent care. Some of them are:

Malocclusion. Rabbit teeth are open rooted and continue to grow throughout their life. In healthy rabbits, they are kept under control by the chewing action during normal eating, during which they wear out against each other. In some rabbits, the teeth are not properly aligned (a condition called malocclusion), and so there is no normal wear to keep the teeth down. There are three main [causes of malocclusion], most commonly genetic predisposition, injury, or bacterial infection. In the case of congenital malocclusion, treatment usually involves veterinary visits in which the teeth are treated with a dental burr (a procedure called crown reduction) or, in some cases, permanently removed.

Molar spurs. These are spurs that can dig into the rabbit's tongue and/or cheek causing pain. These can be filed down by an experienced veterinarian with a dental burr.

The initial symptom in many dental problems is ptyalism (drooling or "slobbering"). However there are many other [causes of ptyalism] including pain due to other causes. A visit to an experienced rabbit veterinarian is strongly recommended in the case of a wet chin, or excessive grooming in the mouth area.

Gastrointestinal stasis

Gastrointestinal stasis (or G.I. stasis) is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs in some rabbits in which gut motility is severely reduced and possibly completely stopped. When untreated or improperly treated, G.I. stasis can be fatal in as little as 24 hours.

G.I. stasis is the condition of food not moving through the gut as quickly as normal. The gut contents may dehydrate and compact into a hard, immobile mass (impacted gut), blocking the digestive tract of the rabbit. Food in an immobile gut may also ferment, causing significant gas buildup and resultant gas pain for the rabbit.

The first noticeable symptom of G.I. stasis may be that the rabbit suddenly stops eating. Treatment frequently includes subcutaneous fluid therapy (rehydration through injection of saline solution under the skin), drugs for treatment of the buildup of gas in the digestive tract, massage to promote gas expulsion and comfort, possible drugs to promote gut motility, and careful monitoring of all inputs and outputs. The rabbit's diet may also be changed as part of treatment.

Some rabbits are more prone to G.I. stasis than others. The causes of G.I. stasis are not completely understood, but common contributing factors are thought to include:

a lack of fiber in the diet. Many pet rabbits do not get sufficient fresh grass hay but are instead mistakenly fed only commercial alfalfa pellets originally developed for rapidly increasing mass in rabbits bred for meat.
insufficient moisture in the diet. Fresh, leafy greens are a critical part of a rabbit's diet in part because of their moisture content, which helps prevent the gut contents from becoming impacted.
lack of exercise. Rabbits confined to a cage frequently do not get the opportunity (or motivation) to run, jump, and play which is critical in maintaining gut motility.

In addition, G.I. stasis can be caused by the rabbit not eating for other reasons, such as stress, dental problems, or other unrelated health problems.

G.I. stasis is sometimes misdiagnosed as cat-like "hair balls" by veterinarians not familiar with rabbit physiology.

For more information about G.I. stasis see:

Cancer

Rabbits frequently are subject to cancers of the reproductive organs by four or five years of age. Neutering or spaying a rabbit eliminates this risk and as a result may increase the animal's lifespan.

Resources

House Rabbit Handbook: How to Live With an Urban Rabbit - the ultimate book on rabbit care
Why Does My Rabbit . . .? - a great companion book to the House Rabbit Handbook
Rabbits for Dummies
Stories Rabbits Tell - this book is less about rabbit care and more about rabbit's place in the human world. *caution* - later chapters contain disturbing imagery of animal experimentation
American Rabbit Breeders' Association, Official Guidebook: Raising Better Rabbits and Cavies.
Wegler, Monika, Rabbits: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual, ISBN 0-7641-0937-5.

External links

[House Rabbit Society], an informational guide on pet rabbits
[Nibblin Rabbit Forum and Photo Gallery], a fun forum and photo gallery (registration required)
[Michigan Rabbit Rescue], information on adopting and caring for house rabbits
http://www.thebrc.org - The British Rabbit Council
http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk - Rehoming Rabbits in the United Kingdom
http://www.miniaturelops.com - Miniature Lops in the United Kingdom
http://www.rabbitwelfarefund.co.uk/ - Rabbit Welfare Fund based in the UK
http://www.arba.net - The American Rabbit Breeder's Association's official website

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