21/04/2021
Rabbit Common Terminologies 🐰
DOE - babaeng kuneho
BUCK - lalaking kuneho
DAM - inahing kuneho
SIRE - bulugang kuneho
BREEDING - pagpaparami /pagpapabuntis ng kuneho
TESTING - pagsusuri kung nabuntis ang inahin
NESTING - paglalagay ng kahong anakan sa kulungan ng inahin
KINDLING - panganganak ng inahin
KITS - mga anak ng kuneho
LITTER - bilang ng anak sa isang anakan
WEANING - pagwawalay ng mga anak sa inahin
LACTATING - pagpapasuso
BEW - blue eyed white rabbit.
REW - Red or ruby eyed white
Dressed - Skinned and prepared for cooking.
Hutch - Rabbit housing
Molt - Shedding fur
Purebred - parents are of the same breed
Saddle - the meaty hind body and legs
Albino - a white haired rabbit with pink eyes.
Pelt - skin and fur of a rabbit to be tanned.
Abscess - collection of pus caused by infection
▪Breed - Group of rabbits that share the same characteristic’s such as color, size, and fur type
▪Foster - Fostering rabbit kits is the act of placing newborn baby rabbits with a different mother doe.
▪Gestation period - The period of time between breeding and kindling. Usually 28 to 35 days.
▪Hutch card - Information card on cage that identifies the rabbit and contains breeding information
▪Outcrossing - is the breeding of two rabbits from unrelated lines.
▪Line breeding - this breeding system is usually the most satisfactory. Line breeding itself is a form of inbreeding, but is less intense. In line breeding, rabbits are mated together which are both descendants from a particular rabbit, but which are as distantly related as possible.
▪Malocclusion - The misalignment of teeth, this is genetic and rabbits that have this should not be bred.
▪Nesting - when the doe starts to put nesting material in her box.
▪Nest box - A box to provided for the doe so that she can make a nest and have kits in.
▪Palpate - Feeling for the developing embryos within the abdominal cavity of the pregnant doe. This is said to be the most reliable way to determine pregnancy in the domestic rabbits.
▪Pedigree - Written record of an animals ancestors, going back at least three generations.
▪Trio - 2 does and 1 buck. They are usually matched for breeding to begin or expand a rabbitry.
▪Warren - Warrens are a large fenced enclosed area were rabbits can burrow and live as naturally as possible. This is equal to free ranging chickens.
▪Rabbitry - placed were rabbits are kept
▪Belled ears - Ears that lop over or droop, this is sometimes caused in growing rabbits in hot weather.
▪Agouti - A color pattern where each individual hair alternates dark and light bands.
➡10 bunnies Do's and Dont's
▪Do let a bunny out to run and play – They need exercise.
▪Do make sure that a bunny has hay and water constantly – They can never get enough.
▪Do clean their cage at least once a week – They get smelly fast.
▪Do give a bunny a place to hide in their house – They like their alone time.
▪Don’t put a bunny near cords – They like to chew them.
▪Don’t feed a bunny Ice Burg lettuce – This is poisonous.
▪Don’t feed a bunny to many sugary treats – This can hurt a bunny in the long run.
▪Don’t use cat litter or newspaper as bedding – Cat litter blows up in the bunny’s belly and newspaper has ink which is poisonous in large amounts.
▪Don’t feed a rabbit chocolate – This is poisonous.
▪Don’t scare or hit a bunny – this can cause aggressive behavior.
➡Content & Playful Rabbit Behaviors
▪Binkies – A happy bunny will often hop in the air, often turning their hind legs sideways mid-air, in a display of happiness and joy. Many rabbits “binky” when out for play time or spending time with their loving human.
▪Ear Woggling – Bunnies that are happy to see you will wiggle their ears in anticipation of your interaction.
▪Licking – This is a grooming behavior, a high compliment. Petting your bunny in turn will be greatly appreciated.
▪Meditation – Often rabbits who enjoy the company of people will go into a slight bunny trance when you pet them, especially when petting above their nose. Often this is accompanied with teeth grinding, indicating one happy bunny, indeed!
▪Nose Poking – If your rabbit pokes you with his nose he is indicating that he is marking or accepting you.
▪Teeth Grinding – Content rabbits often grind their teeth when content, much like a cat purrs or a rat bruxes. However if the grinding becomes too loud and excessive it could indicate that the rabbit is in pain.
➡Territorial Rabbit Behaviors
▪Chinning – Rabbits have scent glands on their chins. Often times they will rub their chins on items (or even you) to indicate that they are laying claim to that item or person. Cats display similar behaviors by rubbing their heads on people and objects.
▪Nipping – A bunny that nips, particularly when putting your hand into his cage, is simply telling you that you’re invading his territory and he doesn’t like it. Squealing at your rabbit or gently pushing their head to the floor can sometimes teach the rabbit that this is not a tactic that will work for you. Once they learn this they will learn to nudge your hand or move out of your way when you are entering their home.
▪Scattered Droppings – Rabbit droppings that are not in a litter pan or in a pile in a single location are signs of territory marking. They will scatter their droppings throughout an area to stake claim. This often happens when the rabbit is in a new environment and can happen if another rabbit lives in the same household.
▪Spraying – Male rabbits that are not neutered will often spray urine to mark their territory. They also will spray female rabbits to mark them as their territory for breeding. Females rabbits can also spray. Neutering and spaying your rabbit will help to eliminate spraying.
➡Aggressive Rabbit Behaviors
▪Ankle Biting – Sometimes when walking into a room your rabbit will run circles around you and attempt to bite or nip at your ankles. While this isn’t necessarily an aggressive behavior, it does suggest a sexually frustrated bunny. Spaying and neutering your rabbit will help to curb this behavior.
▪Biting – Biting is an aggressive behavior in rabbits and can be accompanies with scratching. Often neutering or spaying your rabbit will curb these types of aggression.
▪Grunting – Rabbits will issue a grunt when annoyed or angry. Be wary of your bunny if it is grunting as you approach him.
Ill, Injured, Annoyed or Scared Rabbit Behaviors
▪Bar Chewing – Chewing on cage bars indicates boredom. Be sure your bunny has plenty of toys and attention, lots of out of cage time and adequate hay.
▪Ear Rotations – Some rabbits will turn their ears with one up and one down, or even with both turned to the back to indicate they are annoyed and becoming angry.
▪Flat Rabbit – Rabbits, when frightened, will sometimes lay as flat as they can against the floor or ground. This makes them as low as possible so they can hide. If this behavior is accompanied by laid back ears, it is a sign of submission.
▪Frozen – A rabbit that stops and remains frozen in place indicates that he is scared. This is often accompanied by a racing heart.
▪Screaming – Rabbits that have been injured or are in pain will emit shrill screams. If your rabbit is screaming be sure to get veterinary assistance immediately.
▪Thumping – In the wild, rabbits will thump one or both of their rear legs to indicate danger. This behavior carries over to domestic rabbits and means they have heard something odd to them or if they are frightened by something they hear or see.
▪Tip-toeing – Oddly enough, bunnies can tip-toe! They do this when they are unsure of their surroundings or come across an object that is foreign to them.
➡Common rabbit illnesses that you should know about
Rabbit illnesses are unfortunately very common, largely due to their delicate and complex health systems. Read on to arm yourself with valuable information.
If you notice that your pet is presenting symptoms that match those of the illnesses listed below, you should consult your vet straight away as a matter of importance.
Myxomatosis: the most common of rabbit illnesses
This is an illness that is caused by a poxivirus. It affects domestic rabbits as well as those living in the wild. Myxomatosis is more often found in rural zones.
There are unfortunately no treatments for this disease, so it highly recommended that you vaccinate your pet against the most common of rabbit illnesses.
➡Symptoms of myxomatosis
The acute form presents as a fever, loss of appetite and ocular symptoms. This can be either an inflammation of the eyelids, the appearance of nodules on the nose, eyes or ears.
As for the chronic form, this presents as a coryza. The symptoms are very similar, physically: an inflammation of the eyelids and the appearance of nodules.
A fatal disease: la RHD (Rabbit haemorrhagic disease)
RHD affects mostly European rabbits (both domestic and wild). It is extremely contagious but is not dangerous for humans or other animals.
Just like myxomatosis, it is recommended to vaccinate your rabbit against this disease.
➡Symptoms of RHD:
Unfortunately, the symptoms of this disease are not always visible. Sometimes, RHD can present as a fever, difficulty moving, eyes watering, blood in the faeces and shaking.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, otherwise known as coryza, is a respiratory illness that is very common in rabbits. In order to prevent its spread you should keep your pet in a clean, dry place that is protected from air currents.
➡The symptoms of Rhinitis:
If you notice that your rabbit is sneezing and that their nose is running, they probably have rhinitis. Rhinitis can also present as ulcers and abscesses. You should consult your veterinary as soon as possible in order to treat your rabbit.
deux lapins
Pasteurellosis: a disease that affects rabbits' organs
This is one of the more common rabbit illnesses. Pasteurellosis is caused by the Pasteurella multocida bacteria, which can manifest in many different ways.
In order to prevent pasteurellosis, it is important to clean your rabbit's habitat. You should also keep it away from humid places and air currents.
➡The symptoms of pasteurellosis:
According to the virulence of the bacteria, there are different symptoms: otitis, respiratory problems, blood infections, subcutaneous abscesses, amongst others.
Diarrhea and other digestive illnesses
Rabbits' digestive systems are fragile and the quality of their food is of primordial importance.
Diarrhea is dangerous for your pet because they can become dehydrated very quickly. Diarrhea is due to intestinal parasites, bacteria or viruses.
➡Symptoms of digestive illnesses:
If having contracted a digestive illness, your rabbit will have diarrhea. They may also stop eating because of an intestinal problem or an obstruction.
Dental diseases: malocclusion
If your rabbit's teeth are not filed naturally and continue to grow, they will not be able to eat and abscesses will appear in their mouth.
Just like for digestive issues, your rabbit's food could have a part to play.
➡BAGAY-BAGAY TUNGKOL SA KUNEHO: By Avens Nature Park
▪Ang kuneho ay walang sakit na na maaaring makahawa sa tao.
▪Ang kuneho ang pinakamalinis sa grupo ng mga hayop na kumakain
lamang ng halaman (herbivores).
▪Ang pag-aalaga ng kuneho ay nangangailangan lamang ng maliit na
puhunan (low investment) at maliit na espasyo.
▪Ang kuneho ay hindi kaagaw sa pagkaing butil (grains) ng mga tao.
▪Ang mga “medium breeds” na kuneho o mga lahing pangkarne ay
maaari nang paanakin sa loob ng anim (6) na buwan (sexually mature in
6 months).
▪Ang pagbubuntis na kuneho ay isang buwan (one month) lamang.
▪Ang mga kuneho ay kabilang sa grupo ng mga hayop (mammals) na hindi naglalandi (no oestrus cycle and do not ovulate simultaneously. Ovulation requires stimulus of mating and thus induced in nature). Dahil dito ay maaaring paanakin ang mga dam sa buong taon.
▪Ang mga alagang kuneho ay tahimik anumang oras. Hindi tumitilaok,
tumatahol at umiiyak; o gumagawa ng anumang ingay na ikabubulahaw
ng kapaligiran.
➡PAGPAPAKAIN: By Avens Nature Park
Ang mga kuneho ay nangangailangan lamang na pakainin ng dalawang beses sa
maghapon. Nararapat na pakainin sila ng parehong oras at dami sa araw-araw;
“rabbit pellets” sa umaga at damo naman sa hapon.
Bigyan ng animnapung gramo (50 grams) ng pellets ang mga kuneho na may
edad 3 buwan at pataas sa umaga at maraming damo sa hapon. Bigyan naman
ng walumpung gramo (60 grams) ng pellets ang mga nagbubuntis at nagpapasuso
(lactating dam) hanggang sa pag-awat sa mga anak (kits).
Ang mga inahing kuneho ay nararapat na pakainin lamang ng sapat. Ang
pagpapakain ng labis-labis ay maaaring maging sanhi ng pagtaba at hindi
magandang kalusugan na makakaapekto sa kanilang panganganak. May mga
pagkakataon na ang mga inahing sobra sa timbang ay hindi na nagbubuntis.
Mahalaga ang palagiang pagbibigay ng maraming inuming tubig sa mga alagang
kuneho lalung-lalo na sa tag-araw. Maaaring kinakailangang palitan ang inumin
ng mga kuneho ng dalawa o higit pa sa maghapon. Mainam na maglagay ng
“automatic watering system” upang mapanatiling sariwa at malinis ang inuming
tubig sa loob ng 24 oras. Makakatulong din ito na pagaanin ang pang-araw-araw
na gawain sa alagaan ng mga kuneho.
➡PAGPAPARAMI/PAGPAPA-ANAK (BREEDING): By Avens Nature Park
Maaari nang simulan ang pagpapa-anak sa doe kapag sila ay 6 buwan na (para sa
mga medium-breeds). Ang doe ang dadalhin sa bahay ng buck. Timbangin ang
doe bago i-breed sa umaga (preferably at 6am-7am).
Kapag ang buck ang dinala sa bahay ng doe, maaaring mag-aksaya ng panahon
ang buck na markahan ang bagong teritoryo at ito karaniwan nang pinagmumulan
ng pag-aaway ng doe at ng buck.
Pumapadyak ang buck ng paikot (stomp) at umiikot ng 1 o 2 beses bago sumampa sa doe. Kung matagumpay ang buck, ito ay natutumba ng patalikod o patagilid
sabay ang pagsigaw. Hayaang maulit ito ng 2 o 3 beses at matapos ay alisin na
ang doe mula sa bahay ng buck. Kapag hindi naging matagumpay, alisin ang buck
at ulitin muli sa susunod na umaga.
➡PAGTATALA: By Avens Nature Park
Mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng mahusay at tamang (accurate) talaan sa
pag-aalaga ng mga kuneho. Sa pamamagitan nito lamang natin malalaman kung
matagumpay ang ating alagaan (rabbitry). Nararapat na maitala ang mga
kaganapan sa bawat kuneho, lalung-lalo na ang mga doe. Ang edad at timbang ng
doe, kailan nanganak, ilan ang anak, ilan ang nabuhay ay ilan lamang sa mga
datos na nararapat na nasa ating talaan. Sa pamamagitan nito ay mapipili natin
ang magandang inahin na pagmumulan ng mabuting palahian. (Tingnan ang mga
Talaan)
➡KALUSUGAN NG MGA ALAGANG KUNEHO: By Avens Nature Park
Ang kaalaman tungkol sa kalusugan ay isang mahalagang aspeto sa pag-aalaga ng
mga kuneho. Natural lamang ang pagkakaroon ng karamdaman o sakit ang mga
alagang kuneho kayat nararapat na magkaroon ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga
mag-aalaga tungkol dito. Marami man o kaunti ang ating mga alagang kuneho,
ang pagiging handa at pagkakaroon ng kaalaman tungkol sa mga karaniwang
karamdaman, mga remedyo at gamot sa mga ito ay susi sa mabuting kalusugan
at kabawasan sa pagkamatay ng mga alaga.
➡MGA KAUGALIAN NG KUNEHO: By Avens Nature Park
▪Pagsinghot (sniffing) - maaaring naiinis o may ibig ipahayag sa iyo.
▪Pag-ungol (grunts) - karaniwang nagagalit, mag-ingat- maaring mangagat.
▪Tili (shrill scream) - nasaktan or maaring namamatay
▪Pag-ihi sa paligid (spraying) - ang mga lalaking kuneho ay nagtatakda na
kanyang pag-aari ang babaeng kuneho, gayundin ang kanyang paligid.
Ang mga babaeng kuneho ay maaari ding mag-spray.
▪Pagkuskos ng baba (chinning) - ikinukuskos ng kuneho ang kanilang baba
sa mga bagay upang itakda ang pag-aari nila dito. Ang kanilang baba ay
may mga amoy at ito ay inihahawa nila sa kanilang mga pag-aari.
▪Pagsasayaw (Bunny Hop Dance) - nagpapakita ng kasiyahan.
▪Pagpadyak (stomping) - maaaring natatakot, nagagalit o maaari din
nagpapahayag sa iyo na may bantang sakuna (danger).
▪Pagngangalit (teeth grinding) - nagpapakita ng kapanatagan subalit ang
malabis na pagngangalit ay maaaring nagpapahayag ng sakit (pain).
▪Ayaw ng pagbabago - Panatiliin ang nakaugalian ng kaayusan ng kulungan.
▪Pagmamarka ng teritoryo (territorial droppings).
-CTTO 🐇🐰
