Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
1.21.4.14 - Rabbit and Guinea Pig Husbandry - Coggle Diagram
1.21.4.14 - Rabbit and Guinea Pig Husbandry
role in society
companionship
mental health
child development - guinea pigs are excellent children's pets
social connection - rabbit and guinea pig groups
research rabbits
serum antibodies
models for disease or biological systems
used and test animals for products
testing cosmetics, household products, chemicals and drug safety
food rabbits
food for meat eating pets e.g. snakes
food for humans - wild rabbits are shot for food
ecosystems rabbits
eat weeds and allow other plants to thrive
source of food for predators
rabbit breeds
guinea pig breeds
rabbit enclosures
RSPCA minimum for two rabbits
somewhere to hide/sleep
somewhere to exercise
able to perform behaviours in every section of their housing
can stand up on their hind legs without their ear touching the roof
can lie fully outstretched in any direction
can take 3 consecutive hops
RWAF recommendations for two rabbits
access to both areas
sleeping quarters 1.8x0.6x0.6m
enclosed area of 3x2x1m
rabbits need space
guinea pigs enclosure
RSPCA minimum
2mx0.5mx25cm but should be larger
RWAF recommendations
1.25x1m and access to exercise area of 2mx1.25m
do not dig but should have tunnels to run and hide in
draught proof
damp proof
escape proof
predator proof
need shade and ventilation
must be made of chew-resistant and waterproof non-toxic materials
substrate
toilet area
absorbent substrate materials e.g. newspaper and dust free (non-cedar) wood shavings
should be cleaned every day
whole home should be cleaned regularly (once a wek)
bedding
insulating materials
dust free hay
no wire mesh flooring
water
provide a bottle and a bowl
providing both gives a choice
check ball bearing is flowing smoothly
change water daily
companion animals
rabbits should be kept in pairs
guinea pigs should also be kept in pairs but thrive in bigger groups
never keep guinea pigs and rabbits together
enrichments
toys
food puzzles
rabbits are particularly active, intelligent and social
foraging
physical and psychological wellbeing
rabbit diet
herbivores
metabolise calcium differently
don't feed excess calcium
hind gut fermenters
continuously growing teeth
need a lot of fibres
gut health
dental health
ideal diet
10% veg
5% pellets not muesli
85% hay
NOT ALFALFA
guinea pig diet
herbivores
hindgut fermenters
constantly growing teeth
need a lot of fibre
avoid alfalfa hay
avoid vegetables high in calcium
cannot synthesise their own Vitamin C so rely on diet
ideal diet
85% hay/grass/forage
12% veg
3% pellets
vitamin C
degrades rapidly in sunlight and heat
keep bags of food closed and store away from light
follow manufactuers instructions about use by ates
introduce veg high in vitamin C
behaviour and social structure
rabbits
live in social groups
thumping with the hindleg is an alarm call
burrowers
fear causes immobility or a flight response
crepuscular
bruxism indicates pain
prey species
guinea pigs
not borrowers, hide in abandoned burrows and under structures
livein social groups
crepuscular
purr to each other when content and squeal when excited
prey species
use their voices to raise alarm when scared
grinding indicates pain
safe handling rabbits
support back and spine
safer to handle sat on the floor
support hindlimbs so cannot kick out
bunny burrito
restrian firmly but dont squeeze
never use tonic immobility
sexing rabbits and guinea pigs
anogeital distance
welfare concerns
solitary living
become depressed and lonely when alone
need to find the right companion and introduce slowly
rabbits and guinea pigs are socialbe animals and should not be kept alone
good rescue centres will work with owners
poor breeding in rabbits
narrow ear canals
dental disease
brachycephalic -> overheating
lop rabbits are cute but the most severely affected
small enclosures
poor ventilation - respiratory infections
poor hygiene - fly strike
lack of movement - bladder disease
physiological parameters
rabbits
temp: 38.5-40º
gestation: 29-35 days
heart rate: 130-325
resp rate: 30-60
guinea pigs
heart rate: 230-380
gestation: 59-72 days
temp: 37.5-39.5º
resp rate: 40-120
welfare diseases
obesity - arthritis - bladder disease
excessive calcium - bladder disease
dental disease - gut stasis
hypovitaminosis C - swollen joints - pain