Rabbit Beginner Study Guide.docx

**[Health ]** - Temperature: 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit - Heart rate: 150-300 beats per minute - Respiratory rate: 30-60 breaths per minute **Nutrition** **All feeds include six basic nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, lipids,** **minerals, vitamins, and water**. **Protein** **Carbohydr...

**[Health ]** - Temperature: 100-104 degrees Fahrenheit - Heart rate: 150-300 beats per minute - Respiratory rate: 30-60 breaths per minute **Nutrition** **All feeds include six basic nutrients: protein, carbohydrates, lipids,** **minerals, vitamins, and water**. **Protein** **Carbohydrates** **Fats** **Minerals** **Vitamins** **Water** **Digestive Systems** In its simplest form, the digestive system is a tube extending from the mouth to the anus with associated organs. Monogastrics are unable to digest large quantities of fiber unless they have an enlarged cecum (examples include horses, rabbits and guinea pigs). o The cecum is a blind pouch or cul-de-sac at the first portion of the large intestine. **Signs of a Sick Rabbit** - Decreased appetite - Lethargic - Hair loss - Runny eyes - Discharge from nose - Diarrhea - Sneezing - Fever - Changes in breathing **Uses of Rabbits** **Breeding Stock --** Rabbits raised for high quality offspring. Keep good records. Attending shows to have your rabbits' breed characteristics judged. Maintain a high level of quality in your animals. **Meat Production --** Rabbits raised to eat. **Fur --** Rabbits raised for fur to be tanned and made into novelty, craft and consumer products. **Wool --** Rabbits raised for wool. It is important for wool to be clean, durable and easily processed. The Angora rabbit is one breed raised for its wool. If you want to raise Angoras, learn where the wool can be marketed for a profit. **Pets --** Rabbits raised for companionship. Pet stores may be a place for you to sell extra rabbits.  **Meat Cuts** **Tattooing a Rabbit** 1. Select the tattoo digits for the first rabbit. 2. Put the digits correctly in the pliers before tattooing. Test the intended tattoo by using a piece of paper or paper towel to make sure you have the correct digits and that they are properly aligned. 4. Place the rabbit in the proper tattooing position. A very effective method is for one person to hold the head and rump, with the person tattooing positioned across the table. 5. Examine the location where the tattoo will be placed in the rabbit's left ear, which is the ear as you look down over the animal from behind. The tattoo should be placed above the main visible vein in the ear. Note: Rabbits with very hot ears may bleed excessively. If the ear is very hot, dip a towel in cold water, squeeze the excess water from the towel and place the cold towel on the ears until the ear is cool. 6. If ears are dirty, thoroughly clean and dry the ear before applying the tattoo. 7. Both the holder and person tattooing should be prepared for the rabbit to attempt to jump and move once tattoo digits pierce the ear. 8. Place the pliers in the correct position in the ear. The tattoo should be placed in the ear so it is legible when observing the ear from the rabbit's left side. Place the tattoo so the first digit is lowest on the ear. For example, the ID for the rabbit above is RS53, with the R appearing at the base of the ear. Make sure the side of the tattoo pliers with the digits is *inside* the ear. When applying the tattoo, make sure the ear is straight, with no folds. 9. Once the tattoo pliers are properly positioned, firmly squeeze the pliers together for 1-2 seconds to ensure needles penetrate through the inner skin of the rabbit's left ear. The pliers must be completely closed for the tattoo to be readable. 10. In young rabbits, it is common for the digits to penetrate completely through the ear. This is okay, as the backside of the ear will heal over and not leave marks on the outside of the ear. It is better to completely penetrate the ear than to apply too little pressure and end up with a tattoo that no one can read. 11. Next vigorously rub the ink into the puncture holes. Use a cotton swab, pencil eraser, or finger to work the ink into the puncture holes. 12. Do not remove excess ink. 13. Apply a light film of petroleum jelly over the tattoo. Petroleum jelly will temporarily seal the holes while the puncture holes absorb the ink as they heal.