Early in 2009, Scott said to me, "Kenzie and I are going to start raising rabbits and she's going to show them." And I said, "Y'all are going to do what? You mean people show rabbits? Like a dog show?" So, he had to explain the hobby to me (he had already done his homework). He pulled up the ARBA website and showed me and Kenzie all of the different breeds of domestic rabbits and asked us which breed did we like. Needless to say it was a unanimous decision-We all chose the Dwarf Hotot. Kenzie got her first show stock that fall and the rest is history.....
Things to Consider:
Searching for a pet rabbit? There are many choices. The best route to take is to find a reputable breeder or attend a Rabbit Show. You have at least 40 breeds of domestic rabbits to choose from. There are long hair breeds (wool breeds), short hair breeds, many colors, and sizes that range from two pounds to over 10 pounds. The grooming needs of the wool breeds are going to take more time than the other breeds. Then, you will have to decide if you want a buck (male) or a doe (female). Bucks tend to be more “laid-back” than does are but they may “spray”. Does tend to be more territorial at maturity age but not always. Rabbits are like people, they all have their own personalities. They can be timid and scare easy. Fast movements and loud noises may frighten them. Usually, getting a rabbit at a young age, such as Ten weeks old or so, and handled daily, it will typically enjoy being held. By daily handling, the rabbit will become aware that it is not in danger. It takes time to find the “right” one for you. Take your time and find breeders that are helpful and willing to answer your questions.
Housing: Rabbits can be raised successfully indoors or outdoors. Depending on what is more suitable for the rabbit owner. There are things to consider either way. They can be raised indoors in a cage with a wire floor and/or a litter box. They can be raised outdoors in a hutch with a wire floor or in a cage in “barn” facilities. A dwarf hotot needs a cage that is at least 1.5 square feet with a minimum height of 14 inches. Cage bottoms should not be slippery, as this could cause injury to the rabbit. Rabbits can stand almost any amount of cold temperatures but hot, humid weather can cause them to have a heatstroke and die. They need to be protected from extreme weather conditions. Rabbits should be kept in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight or drafts. Keep them protected from outdoor predators.
Feeding: Rabbits should be fed a quality pellet that is complete, 16%-18% protein, 1/4 – 1/3 cup a day for Dwarf Hotots. Keep feed in a dry location. Never feed a rabbit moldy pellets. Feed Timothy Hay daily to prevent intestinal blockages and hairballs. Special Treats should only be given to rabbits at least 6 months old and only a few times a week. Some “good” treats are apples (no seeds) carrots, papaya, pumpkin and bananas. Rolled oats (not instant) and black sunflowers seeds are good treats as well.
Grooming: Dwarf Hotots require little grooming. Use a slicker brush frequently and especially when they are molting. Keep toenails trimmed with small animal clippers.
Toys: Some ideas are ping pong balls, toilet paper & paper towel rolls filled with Timothy Hay, and a block of untreated wood.
Searching for a pet rabbit? There are many choices. The best route to take is to find a reputable breeder or attend a Rabbit Show. You have at least 40 breeds of domestic rabbits to choose from. There are long hair breeds (wool breeds), short hair breeds, many colors, and sizes that range from two pounds to over 10 pounds. The grooming needs of the wool breeds are going to take more time than the other breeds. Then, you will have to decide if you want a buck (male) or a doe (female). Bucks tend to be more “laid-back” than does are but they may “spray”. Does tend to be more territorial at maturity age but not always. Rabbits are like people, they all have their own personalities. They can be timid and scare easy. Fast movements and loud noises may frighten them. Usually, getting a rabbit at a young age, such as Ten weeks old or so, and handled daily, it will typically enjoy being held. By daily handling, the rabbit will become aware that it is not in danger. It takes time to find the “right” one for you. Take your time and find breeders that are helpful and willing to answer your questions.
Housing: Rabbits can be raised successfully indoors or outdoors. Depending on what is more suitable for the rabbit owner. There are things to consider either way. They can be raised indoors in a cage with a wire floor and/or a litter box. They can be raised outdoors in a hutch with a wire floor or in a cage in “barn” facilities. A dwarf hotot needs a cage that is at least 1.5 square feet with a minimum height of 14 inches. Cage bottoms should not be slippery, as this could cause injury to the rabbit. Rabbits can stand almost any amount of cold temperatures but hot, humid weather can cause them to have a heatstroke and die. They need to be protected from extreme weather conditions. Rabbits should be kept in a well-ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight or drafts. Keep them protected from outdoor predators.
Feeding: Rabbits should be fed a quality pellet that is complete, 16%-18% protein, 1/4 – 1/3 cup a day for Dwarf Hotots. Keep feed in a dry location. Never feed a rabbit moldy pellets. Feed Timothy Hay daily to prevent intestinal blockages and hairballs. Special Treats should only be given to rabbits at least 6 months old and only a few times a week. Some “good” treats are apples (no seeds) carrots, papaya, pumpkin and bananas. Rolled oats (not instant) and black sunflowers seeds are good treats as well.
Grooming: Dwarf Hotots require little grooming. Use a slicker brush frequently and especially when they are molting. Keep toenails trimmed with small animal clippers.
Toys: Some ideas are ping pong balls, toilet paper & paper towel rolls filled with Timothy Hay, and a block of untreated wood.
Things to consider purchasing before bringing a new bunny home:
* Carrier
* Dust Free Litter * Feed Cup * Litter Box * Pellets (feed) * Resting Board |
* Roomy Cage
* Slicker Brush * Timothy Hay * Toenail Clippers * Water Bottle |
Two of Kenzie's rabbits were featured in Lynn M. Stone's Rabbit Breeds:
http://www.storey.com/books/rabbit-breeds/
Books & Magazines
Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies Domestic Rabbit Magazine Both of these are Free with an ARBA Membership: https://www.arba.net How to Raise Rabbits: Everything You Need to Know and The Rabbit Book: A Guide to Raising and Showing Rabbits by: Samantha Johnson Storey’s Guide to Raising Rabbits-by Bob Bennett Raising Show Rabbits-by Shirley Deluca The Field Guide to Rabbits- by Samantha Johnson Care of the Domestic Rabbit-by Dr. Chris Hayhow |
Cute Books
On the Banks of Durbin Creek "It's Bedtime for Bunnies"- by Loretta Hayward On the Banks of Durbin Creed "Four Seasons for Bunnies"- by Loretta Hayward |
Enjoyable Movies
Rabbit Fever The Christmas Bunny |