The dwarf rabbit is a companion animal on the rise, but if we want to share life with one of these small animals, we cannot limit them to putting them in a cage and giving them carrots. For this reason, before adopting a rabbit, in this article on our site, we explain the care of a dwarf rabbit to ensure that we offer a good life.
We recommend looking for a good veterinarian with knowledge about the so-called exotic animals to always have a reliable reference to turn to.
Characteristics of a dwarf rabbit
As its name indicates, we are dealing with a small size rabbit. This trait is due to a lack of growth hormone production. In addition to their small size, dwarf rabbit breeds stand out for the following:
- Weight between 800 g and 2.5 kg.
- Short, rounded ears.
- Flat snout.
- Soft fur.
He can be an excellent company at home, although we must get him used to our presence little by little, offering him prizes and spending time each day interacting with him through play.
If there are other animals at home, the adaptation must also be done progressively. Of course, They are territorial, so they tend to be aggressive towards their peers. They are generally good-natured and, well used and cared for, will be friendly company. Keep in mind that around three months of life they already mature sexually. In the following sections, we specify the care of a dwarf rabbit at home.
Dwarf rabbit feeding
Among the care of a dwarf rabbit, its diet stands out. Taking care of food is always a guarantee of he alth. Dwarf rabbits are herbivorous animals and have a delicate digestive system For all these reasons, it is very important to offer them a balanced diet in the amount necessary to avoid becoming overweight and obesity.
Approximately 80% of the menu has to be hay, which is recommended to have at your fingertips permanently. The remaining percentage of the daily ration is covered with special feed for rabbits and fresh vegetables. They can also be offered fruit, although in small amounts, almost as prizes. Of course, everything we give him has to be well washed. The amount will depend on your weight and the life stage you are going through. Of course, clean water should always be freely available to you.
Dwarf Rabbit's Lodge
It is very important to provide a safe environment, since rabbits tend to bite everything within their reach. For this reason, it is usual to use a cage for the dwarf rabbit. This has to be located in a quiet place, away from excessive movements or noise, since it is not uncommon for rabbits to be skittish. You should also protect it from direct sunlight or heat sources, as well as from drafts, as they are sensitive to high and low temperatures.
The cage for a dwarf rabbit
Now, you may be wondering what your cage should be like to cover all your pet's needs. Whether you're thinking of buying one or making a homemade rabbit cage, keep the following in mind:
- Size: the cage has to be as big as possible, since the rabbit is an active and nervous animal, more than the others. large rabbits, who need to be able to enjoy space to move and jump. The minimum is 1 meter in length and about 60 cm in width.
- Cage base: the floor cannot be made of bars, as it could damage the legs. For the same reason, a flat base should be covered with chips, wood or paper pellets, sawdust, etc.
- Corner: it is advisable to put a corner keeper in his cage, since we can get him used to peeing alone in a corner of the cage, as well as the feces, although in the case of the poops it is more difficult for him to do them all in the corner. In this other article, we explain how to teach a rabbit where to relieve itself?
- Drinker: Of course, your cage also needs to have a drinker. Some owners choose to give them a bowl of water, although in general this measure is totally discouraged, especially if your rabbit has never drunk water in this way, as it could drown.
- Caseta: on the other hand, inside the cage you also have to put different accessories, such as a kennel, where your pet can take shelter and feel safe.
But, despite the fact that the cage is a common resource, it is essential to be able to take the rabbit out of the cage every day, a lot Better if you have a small garden or, failing that, some planters with plants that are not toxic to it, such as the ones we show you in this list of Toxic plants for rabbits. Between the care of a dwarf rabbit, this time of activity is mandatory, always, we insist, in a safe environment.
Dwarf rabbit care
When caring for a dwarf rabbit, it is important to also consider the following.
Dwarf rabbit vaccination
For the correct care of a dwarf rabbit it is essential that we look for a veterinarian specialized in these animals. It will be this professional who tells us the dwarf rabbit vaccines that we should administer according to our circumstances. Sterilization is recommended.
Dwarf Rabbit Handling
At home we need to pay attention to driving. Handling this rabbit must be delicate, because if we are rough and he moves quickly and unexpectedly, he could suffer a fracture.
Dwarf Rabbit Grooming
With regard to hygiene, the coat should be brushed frequently in long-haired rabbits. It is recommended to brush short-haired rabbits at least during the moulting season The objective is to remove as much hair as possible to prevent the rabbit from swallowing hair and this ends up forming balls that hinder intestinal transit.
Bathe a dwarf rabbit
Otherwise, it is an animal that is kept clean, so it will not be necessary to bathe it. If it occasionally gets dirty in any part of the body, we can clean it locally with a cloth moistened with warm water.
For more information, you can consult this other article on Can I give my rabbit a bath?
Growth of nails and teeth of the dwarf rabbit
Another point of attention are the nails and incisors, which should be watched and, if they grow too much, go to the vet to trim them. To find out how to do it, in this other article on our site we explain how to cut a rabbit's nails?
Dwarf Rabbit Behavior
Regarding the psychological aspect, we must be attentive to possible destructive or aggressive behaviors, since they may be indicating stress in the rabbit, in which case we must review the conditions in which we are keeping it and correct them.
