Features of dwarf breeds
Among people involved in breeding rabbits, there are clear criteria by which animals are called dwarf. Not all small individuals may belong to this group. Such animals have a dwarfism gene in their DNA.
Dwarf breeds have some features that are worth knowing
Currently, 15 breeds of such rabbits are considered official, although there are many more small-sized individuals. In general, there are many types of decorative fluffies - almost 200.
The known 15 official breeds are also divided into several groups according to some characteristics:
- different colors,
- length and type of wool,
- body size,
- shape and size of ears,
- weight of individuals.
The first dwarf specimen was recorded in 1870 in England. It was a Polish fluffy mini rabbit. Gradually, more and more diverse types of dwarf babies appeared in Europe.
The colored shorthair is a rather unpretentious and friendly animal.
Extension methods
If a meat rabbit or hare appears in the house, the owner will have one goal in mind - to get fresh meat and skin as quickly as possible. In this case, life expectancy will depend only on the preferences of the breeder.
As for decorative varieties that are grown as pets, on the contrary, they want to be protected from premature aging and death. There are a number of conditions to avoid rapid age-related changes and help rabbits live as long as possible.
Fresh and high-quality food is used as feed. It is better to feed rabbits using special drinkers. The animal will not be able to turn the container over and wet the fur.
Houses, bedding and food and water facilities must be clean. Bedding and drinking fluid are changed every day. You also need to regularly clean the cell of waste products to prevent the problem of the development of dangerous microorganisms and bacteria. When cleaning, it is forbidden to make loud noises, otherwise the pets may become very frightened.
From time to time, comprehensive disinfection of the cell should be carried out. The event is also mandatory before the upcoming birth. Surfaces are treated with ordinary chlorine-based “Whiteness”, which is used for washing.
It is necessary to take care of a balanced daily routine. It is better to take street walks before noon, since during this period furry creatures experience a peak in physical activity.
Animals love to play and frolic a lot, so they should have access to a spacious play area. There should be toys that can be chewed with your teeth.
Rabbits are curious creatures that love to search for tasty treats and explore new things. If they get bored, this will lead to severe depression and the development of diseases. The role of toys can be played by two-layer cardboard boxes with paper pendants.
Differences between dwarf, decorative and miniature rabbits
At a young age, it is very difficult to distinguish different breeds of rabbit. Therefore, it is important to always ask the breeders for the necessary documents, so that in adulthood the animal does not surprise you with its size.
California rabbit: breed description, breeding and maintenance
The differences between decorative, dwarf and miniature animals are as follows:
- Decorative breeds include all animals with a beautiful color, but they are not raised for meat and skins. These include individuals with large or medium body size.
- Dwarf breeds are distinguished by their small size and shortened legs, due to which they look smaller, and have a medium body.
- Miniature rabbits are decorative dwarf rabbits whose weight does not exceed three kilograms.
Attention! Before purchasing a pet, you need to carefully study its features in order to be confident in your choice.
Signs of old age
While vaccination helps an eared dog avoid illness, a universal antidote for old age has not yet been invented. Unfortunately, just like people, rabbits age. The following signs signal the onset of old age:
- decreased playfulness and physical activity;
- blurred eyes;
- hair thinning not associated with shedding;
- decreased appetite;
- saggy belly.
It is worth remembering that these signs can be symptoms of a disease, and not just old age. If you do not have much experience in rabbit breeding, it is better to consult a veterinarian on this issue. He will indicate exactly what is causing the animal’s unusual condition – old age or disease.
The most popular breeds of rabbits kept at home
Burgundy rabbit: breed description and characteristics
Not all furry breeds can be kept at home. However, many of them are excellent for this and will feel great even in an apartment. For example, a wonderful fox animal, which is one of the most popular among lovers of such individuals.
The Angora breed has a very thick and beautiful coat.
Colored dwarf
The colored dwarf breed is small in size, weighing no more than one and a half kilograms. The length of the ears is approximately 5-6 centimeters. This species is the smallest. The color can be different, there are more than 60 options, the coat is quite short - about one and a half centimeters. Life expectancy is about 7 years.
Rabbits of this breed are quite active and have a good character. The fertility of the variety is average. They are undemanding in content and do not require special conditions.
Angora dwarf
The most “woolly” breed. The length of hairs in pets reaches 7 centimeters, and sometimes even 20 centimeters. Average body weight is one and a half kilograms. Life expectancy is approximately 7 years. Angora rabbits require careful grooming and constant brushing. In addition, they are very picky about cleanliness.
Satin (satin) dwarfs
Atlas dwarfs first appeared in America. The breed is distinguished by ultra-fine wool fibers. The fur of animals of this species is very beautiful. The color of the eyes depends on the overall color. However, satin rabbits are quite capricious and require careful care.
Lion head
Lion-headed rabbits are light in weight - up to one kilogram. Life expectancy is approximately 7 years. The body is short-haired, and the hairs on the head are much longer, so the animal resembles a lion cub. On average, a female rabbit brings up to 4 babies in a litter. Animals are distinguished by their flexible nature and unpretentious maintenance.
The Dutch breed is quite large in size and weight.
Dutch dwarf
The Netherland dwarf is also called the Dutch or Danish dwarf. This is the first colored breed to gain immense popularity among people. The mass can reach approximately 2.5 kilograms. It is distinguished by the presence of a white wedge on the face, which has a point towards the top. At the bottom, the wedge turns into a white chest and front paws. The remaining parts of the body have a different tone, while the color demarcation line is quite noticeable.
For your information! Pets are distinguished by their excellent character and docile nature; their life expectancy is approximately 10 years.
Dwarf rex
The weight of Dwarf Rex rabbits varies from 1.2 to 1.5 kilograms. With quality care, pets can live up to 10 years. The fur of individuals of these breeds is quite short, reminiscent of chinchilla fur, but its value is similar. The dwarf rex loves to eat, it is important to ensure that the animal does not overeat. However, it is worth considering that the number of cubs also depends on feeding.
Dwarf ram
The dwarf ram is a lop-eared rabbit. The baby's weight is approximately one and a half kilograms. The main difference is the long ears that hang below the chin. Moreover, the animal has a rather large head, which makes up about a third of the total body volume. The color of a pet can be varied - gray, dark.
Interesting! Dwarf rams are valued for their friendliness and ability to learn quite quickly.
Dwarf ram - an animal with hanging long ears
Which breeds live longer?
According to the results of many years of observations and reviews from the owners of eared sheep, the Lop-eared sheep lives the longest.
This breed has a higher life expectancy even without proper care. In the absence of serious genetic abnormalities, as well as acquired diseases, the individual lives up to 9 years. The Rex breed is considered a little less tenacious. Each of its representatives lives up to 5-7 years. Colored Dutch rabbits also have the same life expectancy.
How long does a rabbit, provided with everything it needs, live? What can a person expect who makes every effort to prolong the life of his pet? According to experts, pets can easily be kept for another 12-36 months to their average lifespan. Often the good attitude of the owner becomes the main criterion for the longevity of these pets. If an individual dies by the age of 13 or 14, all these years lived are the merit of the owner.
A wild animal lives much less than a domestic pet. And this is due to several factors. According to scientists, in 90% of cases, small rabbits live longer than their larger counterparts. In addition, how long a wild animal will live depends on natural factors, because lagomorphs prefer to spend most of their lives in burrows, which are occasionally flooded with groundwater. In addition to precipitation, there is a high risk of being eaten by a more formidable beast, so the life expectancy of wild rabbits is measured at 2-4 years.
Minilop
Minilop is a lop-eared rabbit. However, this breed's ears do not droop as much as those of Lambs. Babies are very reminiscent of a plush toy. The breed is quite difficult to breed. It is lightweight - up to 1.3 kilograms. The body of rabbits is quite massive, the head from the side looks like a ball. The color can be varied, the wool is thick and thick. Minilops are very playful and friendly animals, so they are quite popular among lovers of such animals.
Lion-headed individuals got their name for the specific growth of their fur.
Allergy to rabbits
Quite often, people with allergies, who are hypersensitive to certain components of the external environment, decide to purchase a decorative rabbit as a pet.
This is because the fur of rabbits is different from the fur of dogs and cats and rarely causes an allergic reaction. But elements of the excretory secretions of rabbits can be strong allergens for humans. Often, food is also the cause of an allergic reaction.
In case of allergic reactions, a laboratory blood test will allow you to find out what exactly was the allergen in this case.
Rabbit care
How to properly keep and care for dwarf rabbits? It is important to provide your pet with quality accommodation and food.
The most suitable temperature for animals to live is from +20 to -20 degrees. It is not recommended to house pets in a stuffy room; the cage should not be in direct sunlight. It is important to ensure that there is no dampness or draft so that your pets do not get sick.
Hermelins have dense fur and a playful nature.
During hot weather, the best option is to cover the rabbit's cage with a damp towel and place bottles of ice water nearby. This action allows you to slightly cool the air around your pet.
It is necessary to immediately take the rabbit to a veterinarian, conduct the necessary examination and get all the necessary vaccinations.
For a dwarf rabbit, it is important to have space where it can run and jump, so it is worth setting up a large cage or even an aviary. For relaxation, you need to have a small house where the baby will rest during the daytime. These animals prefer nightlife, which is also worth considering.
For nutrition, you need to choose high-quality regular hay and special balanced feed, which can be purchased in the store. Rabbits love to eat, so food should be available at all times. But at the same time, it is worth controlling the amount of food and weight gain, and not pampering your baby with various treats; gluttony has a negative impact on the animal’s condition.
The diet should be free of any citrus fruits, sweets, foods with high acidity, potatoes, plums and any baked goods. You cannot feed grass that previously grew along the road. It is necessary to place a mineral stone in the cage so that the rabbit can sharpen its teeth.
It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the pet, carry out the necessary hygiene procedures in a timely manner - clean the ears and eyes, trim the claws. If suspicious signs appear, you should consult a veterinarian.
Animals are bathed very rarely, and their heads and ears should not be wet. If necessary, castration should be carried out at a certain time.
Fireweeds amaze with their original coloring
Conditions for longevity
The decorative rabbit is a creature with a delicate immune system, and few breeders can keep it in good condition. It is the state of health of animals that most often influences the fact that furry creatures leave this world just a few years after birth. To maximize the life of your pets, you should:
- undergo regular veterinary examinations and vaccinations;
- monitor the quality of the animal’s diet;
- take good care of it;
- castrate males;
- Organize daily walks for the animal.
Also, the life expectancy of domestic animals depends on:
- breeds;
- the health of the rabbit's parents;
- the presence or absence of genetic defects;
- predisposition to diseases.
Every experienced breeder knows how to determine whether a rabbit is old or not. Dwarf rabbits kept in regular home cages lose the sparkle in their eyes as they age. The quality of the coat also deteriorates: it begins to fade and thin out. The previously noticed activity and playfulness disappear. Often, in old age, eared cats become fat and develop a saggy belly. In addition, these animals are shy, and this is a serious problem. A rabbit may even die due to severe fright.
You should not feel sorry for your pet, fearing that castration will bring him a lot of pain and inconvenience. According to the results of numerous studies, operated males and females please their owners for several months longer than their full-fledged relatives. This difference is determined by the reduction in the risk of tumors of the genital organs, which are observed in these animals in at least 20% of cases. In addition, these data were obtained from a study of individuals who had previously undergone regular mating. Rabbits kept in home cages are most often deprived of this opportunity. This increases the risk of cancer.
Taming and raising rabbits
Most breeds respond very well to people. During the training process, animals quickly get used to the tray and go into it.
You should play with your pet mini rabbit at precisely set times, as a result the baby will very quickly get used to the desired routine. It is not recommended to disturb pets during eating, sleeping or hygiene procedures.
It will take patience for the baby to get used to the owner, because rabbits are quite shy. However, most individuals are inquisitive and enjoy participating in the game.
Proper nutrition
How long a rabbit will live in an apartment also depends on how the person chooses the right diet for it.
These animals have one drawback: they are prone to obesity. This drawback is eliminated when preparing a daily menu for the animal. The main products he consumes are of plant origin. All that remains is to dose them correctly. Experienced breeders recommend feeding animals 6-7 times a day in small portions.
Animals willingly eat hay, cereals, herbs and vegetables. In addition, we must not forget about vitamins and beneficial microelements. They are contained in specialized feeds and supplements. But before giving them to your pet, you should consult your veterinarian. Not all breeds need standard vitamin complexes available on pet store shelves. The only thing that is not in doubt is the need to purchase a sharpening stone for teeth. This item will be a real salvation for the owners of the home, because every rabbit gnaws everything that gets in its way.
How long do dwarf rabbits live?
The average lifespan of dwarf rabbits is 6-8 years. However, in some cases, individuals can live longer. There are several factors that determine the lifespan of an animal:
- Genetic predisposition to various diseases,
- Good health of parents
- No injuries or various diseases,
- High-quality care and proper diet,
- Availability of active walks and activities.
If you follow the rules of care, timely vaccination and quality feeding, the life expectancy of a rabbit can be significantly increased.
Average life expectancy of rabbits
It is quite difficult for an ordinary farmer to say how long rabbits live, since when raising these animals for meat, they are simply not allowed to grow to their maximum age. Most often they are sent for slaughter a year after birth, some of them are kept for up to two years. But even in the case of raising for meat, purebred animals can be kept for up to 4-5 years, which are valued for good offspring. If the animal is given the opportunity to live in good conditions, then the life expectancy of meat breed rabbits reaches 10 years.
A rabbit's lifespan is influenced by many factors.
Decorative rabbits live up to the age of 8 years. In addition to the usual conditions, their life expectancy is affected by the stress they endure, sometimes this even leads to the death of the animal. Wild rabbits are the least fortunate; their age rarely reaches 3 years, but this is not at all influenced by the natural characteristics of the body. Diseases, weather conditions, and predators do not allow wild rabbits to become long-lived. It is worth noting that if a wild animal is placed in a domestic environment, it will still not live long. This is due to the fact that a change in living conditions has an extremely negative impact on health, which will lead to sudden death.
Where is the best place to buy a dwarf rabbit?
To choose the right breed, you should go to a specialized nursery. Before purchasing a baby rabbit, you need to ask the breeder for all the necessary documents, which clearly indicate all the information about the animal. You also need to clarify the rules of housing and feeding. Otherwise, the animal will not be dwarf at all and will grow to large sizes; in addition, it is possible that it will be of a completely incomprehensible breed.
Dwarf rabbits are cute animals that can be kept even in an apartment. It is important to study all the characteristics of the pet and provide it with proper care, monitor its nutrition, and carry out the necessary vaccinations on time. Dwarf animals are generally friendly and get along well with people; you need to give them the necessary attention, and they will definitely respond with love.
How to determine gender
In order to determine the sex of an ornamental animal, you must adhere to the following action plan:
- With your right hand, grab the rabbit by the skin between its back and head. Lift him slightly and sit him on his hind legs.
- Place it on its tail very quickly so that the animal does not have time to roll over.
- After performing these manipulations, your rabbit should lie on its back with its paws raised.
- Lift the rabbit again by the withers, and with your left hand stretch the fur in the area where the genitals are concentrated. Using two fingers, press on the genital organ as if you want to squeeze something out. If you see a small pink triangle, then it's a girl. When a pink penis is formed that looks like a trimmed pencil, it can be said that it is a boy.
You can find out how many years rabbits live by reading the article.
The video tells how long dwarf rabbits live:
How to extend the life of decorative breed rabbits
Every owner of a decorative rabbit breed wants to extend the life of their pet longer.
This can be done by providing the animal with constant attention, careful care and care.
For the health of a rabbit, it is very important not only fortified, high-calorie food and daily cleaning of the tray, but also constant attention and communication with the pet. If an animal feels lonely, it may develop stress and depression, which greatly weakens the body.
When caring for a rabbit, you need to pay attention to the main factors:
- hereditary predisposition;
- the correct feeding regimen is two times for adult animals and three times for rabbits;
- high-calorie nutrition containing all the necessary vitamins, micro- and macroelements, proteins and other nutrients;
- maintaining optimal temperature and humidity;
- daily physical activity;
- regular preventive examinations at the veterinarian;
- castration or sterilization.
