Justifiably, the rabbit has been accused of being one of the most prolific breeders of all time. One reason for this fecundity is that the female rabbit, or doe, is polyestrous, that is, continually in heat. Rabbits are also induced ovulators, which means that an egg is released from the ovary only on copulation.
Three weeks after breeding, a hay-filled nesting box should be introduced into the cage for the doe to make final preparations for birth. It must be large enough for the doe to easily stand in and be equipped with a doorway to allow for the doe and her babies to come and go as they please. Pregnancy in does lasts 28 to 34 days. The number of offspring to be expected is around three to nine. Baby rabbits, or pups, are born in the nest naked, blind, and helpless, yet are usually well cared for by the doe. Eyes will open up at around 10 days of age.
After the birth, the doe’s food allowance should be increased gradually over a week’s time to compensate for lactation. Do not increase it suddenly, as this can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems. In 3 weeks, the nest can be removed from the cage. Weaning will occur 3 to 4 weeks after its removal. Young rabbits reach puberty at 4 to 10 months of age.
Orphaned pups or those that have not been fed properly during the first 2 days of life can be raised on commercial milk replacements intended for puppies and kittens. Feedings should be offered every 8 to 12 hours, up to a daily amount of 10 to 20 milliliters of formula. Pups should be stimulated to urinate and defecate after feeding by massaging their anal regions with a cotton ball soaked in warm water. Most young rabbits can be weaned onto commercial pellets as early as 3 weeks of age. As always, warmth, sanitation, and tender loving care are vital whenever raising orphans.
Three weeks after breeding, a hay-filled nesting box should be introduced into the cage for the doe to make final preparations for birth. It must be large enough for the doe to easily stand in and be equipped with a doorway to allow for the doe and her babies to come and go as they please. Pregnancy in does lasts 28 to 34 days. The number of offspring to be expected is around three to nine. Baby rabbits, or pups, are born in the nest naked, blind, and helpless, yet are usually well cared for by the doe. Eyes will open up at around 10 days of age.
After the birth, the doe’s food allowance should be increased gradually over a week’s time to compensate for lactation. Do not increase it suddenly, as this can lead to serious gastrointestinal problems. In 3 weeks, the nest can be removed from the cage. Weaning will occur 3 to 4 weeks after its removal. Young rabbits reach puberty at 4 to 10 months of age.
Orphaned pups or those that have not been fed properly during the first 2 days of life can be raised on commercial milk replacements intended for puppies and kittens. Feedings should be offered every 8 to 12 hours, up to a daily amount of 10 to 20 milliliters of formula. Pups should be stimulated to urinate and defecate after feeding by massaging their anal regions with a cotton ball soaked in warm water. Most young rabbits can be weaned onto commercial pellets as early as 3 weeks of age. As always, warmth, sanitation, and tender loving care are vital whenever raising orphans.
Comments :
Post a Comment