Dwarf Rabbits

Dwarf rabbits are the smallest breed of rabbits, ranging in sizes from 1-3/4 to 3-1/2 lbs. the shape of the dwarf should be a round ball. The ears of the rabbit should be no longer then 5 cm and erect. There are several types of dwarf rabbits such as: Britannia Petite, Dwarf Hotot, Jersey Wooley, Netherland Dwarf, Polish, each one ranging in different sizes and different colours. They can be trained to learn their name and are more intelligent then guinea pigs and hamster.

Also the can be trained to litter in certain spots. The most popular dwarf rabbit is the Netherland Dwarf Rabbit, because of the variety of colours in which they come in and the consistency in size.

If you are thinking about purchasing these dwarf rabbits for breeding purposes, breeding these rabbits are difficult because of there size. When the female do begin to breed it is between the ages of five to six month. Since the pelvic bone of the female fuse at the age of one year, at this point that they are unable to give birth naturally. Therefore their first litter should be before that period. Generally they can give birth till the approximate age of three years and on average that produce litter sizes of two to four bunnies.

These type rabbits make excellent small pet because that consumer very little food (? to ½ cup per day). A dry balanced rabbit mix is sufficient for a healthy diet; as well they can consume fresh fruits. However, pet owners should be sensitive to their delicate stomach and try to avoid over feeding them as can become ill or cause over complications such as diarrhea. A fresh water supply is essential for their survival. This should be provided for them outside of their cage because this would reduce the amount of spillage within the cage.

Living area for the rabbit can be easily accommodated. If the rabbit was to live outdoor a wood hutch made of heavy wood raised off the ground would be suitable. A small cage indoor would be appropriate. Wood shavings should be used in both the cage and the wood hutch. During colder weather bedding material should be used. The living area should be cleaned out weekly and remove old food

To keep your dwarf rabbit active there should be an adequate exercise area where the rabbit would be able to climb, crawl, dig and chew. This can be constructed easily with household items such a toilet paper rolls or small boxes so the rabbit and crawl through them. Ramps can be place against boxes for them to climb up. As well toys can be purchases for them to chew on. Digging would not be a problem for them as the live in their cage with wood shaving to do so.

There are some problems that you many encounter with dwarf rabbits such as litter size. The genes that produce these rabbits can be lethal. About 25% of rabbit have this combination of genes and usually die within 4 days. As while they are more vulnerable intestinal parasites that are lethal to younger dwarf rabbits from the age of three to ten weeks old. Some believe that dwarf rabbit have attitude problem with respect to other animals, even human of larger size and defend themselves by scratching or even biting back. Due to this they are not ideal pets for young children.