| New Zealand's Nature & Science Discovery Centre |
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| Please send questions on rabbit care to info@hippo.co.nz. What are the best brand of pellets? From my experience, I recommend and use Country Harvest Pellets or NRM for strong, healthy rabbits. These are usually available through a Pak n Save or RD1 store. They are excellent quaility pellets. Best to avoid the fancy mixes from supermarkets or pet stores as there may be a link to serious health problems when feeding these to rabbits under 6 months old. What proportion of the rabbits diet should be fruit and veg? Our pedigree rabbits are fed on a diet of pellets, hay and fresh water with fruit or veg as a treat a couple of times per week. If you feed these out more often, just ensure the amounts are small. Fruit and veg should not take the place of pellets. How old should my rabbit be before breeding him/her? This differs between breeds. A netherland dwarf will be ready to breed at around 5 months and mini lops or mini rex at around 6 months. This compares to a flemish giant that is not ready to breed until 10-18 months. However, think carefully before breeding your pet rabbit as hundreds of unwanted rabbits are dumped every year when they grow to big or become agressive when maturity is reached. Is it safe to have your rabbit desexed? Yes! It's a great way to have Mr and Mrs Rabbit live a long life together forever! There are however many vets that are unfamiliar with the operation, so you may need to contact a few vets to find one that has done it before. My rabbit is attacking me! What should I do? This is a common problem. Often the problem arises as a result of a doe (female) rabbit that has reached maturity and is trying to dominate her owner. Try a short squirt of water when the behavior occurs. Also ensure you are holding the rabbit securely and comfortably as rabbits will kick and scratch when they don't feel safe. Overhandling and too much noise and attention from children will also cause a rabbit to 'attach'. Have a talk to your local rabbit club if the problem continues. |
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