2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Seeing this fluffy baby with funny hanging ears, a feeling of tenderness, most likely, will appear even among people who are indifferent to animals. You want to squeeze and lisp him just like little puppies and kittens. But, unlike the latter, becoming adults, fold rabbits practically do not lose the touchingness of their plush appearance. What are they like at home, how to win them over and earn their love?
A ram, but not an ungulate
In the world, the most popular breed of dwarf rabbits is the lop-eared ram. The cuties got this name because of their lamb-like hanging ears. Their dwarf variety was bred in 1952 by A. de Kok - a veterinarian-breeder from Holland. However, it was officially registered only in 1964. It turned out such a breed when crossing dwarf rabbits and the French ram breed. Fold rabbits came to Russia in the 1990s.
Ears are undoubtedly the main feature of a lop-eared ram. After all, they hang down almost to the feet. The auricles are turned inward and slightly thickened at the top. The length of the ears can be up to 30cm. At birth, babies, interestingly, have erect and even ears, and only after 4-12 weeks they acquire a "lying position". To prevent an overabundance of wax and to prevent the appearance of mites, it is worth regularly examining the ears.
A massive head with expressive eyes, a powerful nape and a wide forehead give the rabbits an additional resemblance to a curly cloven-hoofed animal. The body is cylindrical with a beautiful curve of the back, and the neck is almost invisible. The legs are short, and the fur is soft and delicate, evenly thick. The colors are varied.
It is necessary to comb the fur coat of the eared ears daily, and if these are long-haired favorites, then it will not hurt to correct their hairstyle twice a day. Manicure for domestic rabbits is quite important, because they can hurt themselves with their claws. Cuties live 5-10 years, gaining weight up to 2 kg, although they are often overfed, but this is best avoided.
Their house needs space and comfort
Before adopting a rabbit, consider where it will be kept. Pretty girls love space and comfort. The size of the cage should be 3-4 times the size of the pet, so that he can spread out and stretch his legs or stand up, warming up. Kids can get by with a cardboard box, which has high walls. The bottom of the rabbit dwelling is lined mainly with sawdust or wood filler.
The cage should not be placed on the floor, under a radiator, or in a draft. It is necessary to clean the animal's house of debris regularly, and change the litter at least once a week. As it gets dirty, the cage is washed. The best solution would be to purchase a corner toilet tray.
Affectionate like children
The disposition of the dwarf ram is docile and friendly. They easily become attached to the owner and are well trained. Like children, dwarf folds need hugs, attention, love and touch.
The main food, as well as for other relatives, lop-eared vegetables and hay. Dandelions, broccoli, cabbage and lettuce are better suited, but you should not get carried away with carrots, because it contains a lot of sugars and starch. Fruit should also be minimized in the diet, leaving it for special occasions. It is important to ensure that there is always a container of clean and fresh water in the cage.
At the pet store, you can buy special vitamins, granules or mineral stones. When buying a mixture, carefully review its composition. It should be high in fiber and low in protein. Peas, beans, grains, corn, onions, nuts and potatoes are harmful to eared ones. Keep in mind that there is a diet for different ages, the specifics of which can be clarified with a veterinarian or experienced breeders.
The family plan is important
A family issue for a lop-eared pet should be planned in advance, given their fertility and love. However, if you are not going to breed them, but decided to just create a pair, take care of the timely sterilization of the female. The nutrition of a pregnant rabbit needs high-quality, protein and high-calorie food. The kids are separated from their mother after 3 days, taking care of the crumbs separately.
When releasing a rabbit for a walk around the apartment, it is worth making sure that various connectors and electrical wires do not fall into its teeth. If possible, keep your rabbit safe from aggressive, intrusive animals or too young children. Put away from them bulbous plants, poisonous to them. To keep the rabbit from getting bored, a hamster or a guinea pig can keep him company.
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