Dwarf Rabbits As Pets
Netherland Dwarf Rabbits: Often touted as the gems of the rabbit world, the Netherland Dwarf is the smallest of all domestic rabbit breeds. What it lacks in size, it makes up in popularity and lets just say a big (bad tempered) personality. With a short neck, short erect ears, round bold eyes and a small round body, this is a breed which carries the dwarf gene. They are available in a wide range of colors including fawn, himalayan, chinchilla, sealpoint, steel, orange and tortoiseshell. Since the Netherland Dwarf rabbits are noted for their bad temper and a high strung nature, especially among the bucks, they are not suitable pets for young children. Instead they are suited more in an adult, mature home. Read more on rabbits as pets for kids.
Dwarf Hotot: The Dwarf Hotot is small and compact breed weighing as little as 2 1/2 to 3 lbs. The physical appearance of this stocky, docile little rabbit is similar to the Netherland Dwarf. The head itself is round, with a broad skull and a very short neck. There should be no visible neck. The eyes are round, bold and bright with those characteristic eye bands. Ears which are short, well furred, and usually of good substance, balance with the head and body. While most of these breeds are white in color with black around the eyes, black and chocolate varieties are recognized as well. This friendly rabbit makes an ideal pet as it is affectionate and loves spending time with people. They are also easy to train and love being carried around.
Dwarf Rabbits Life Span
The average dwarf rabbit life expectancy ranges from 7 to 10 years, but some have lived as long as 13 years. While the Netherland Dwarf rabbit’s life span is around 7 to 8 years, the average life expectancy of the Dwarf Hotot is around 5 to 10 years. By spaying early in life, you can increase the life expectancy to around 10 years. Most of the dwarf rabbits are affected by the common health problems in rabbits such as overgrown teeth, mites, lice, fleas, diarrhea and infections. Read more on life span of a rabbit.
Dwarf Rabbits Care
Despite their small size, dwarf rabbits are quite active and need to have plenty of exercise. You should either provide it space in their house or a have separate run just for it. Items like boxes and tubes will keep your little rabbit busy by allowing them to burrow and climb. This keeps them amused and exercised. A large exercise pen or a cage should work just fine. Make sure that you provide a litter box if the rabbits have been litter trained.
For feeding dwarf rabbits you will need dry rabbit mix and lots of fresh hay to feed on. This should be supplemented by fresh fruit and dark leafy green vegetables along with a regular supply of fresh water in a bottle feeder. Commercial rabbit pellets (1/4 cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight every day) are also recommended. Read more on taking care of rabbits.
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