Dutch Dwarf Rabbit – Food and Housing

The Netherland Dwarf is the smallest of the 45 breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, weighing only 2 pounds when fully grown.

Feeding

The digestive system of a Dutch dwarf is sensitive, even by rabbit standards. A constant supply of fresh water is essential; rabbits cannot absorb water from their food. A gravity water bottle attached to the inside of his cage will prevent spills and contamination. Additionally, a steady supply of timothy hay provides a great source of fiber and allows for all-day nibbling. Alfalfa could be used, but it is higher in calcium and protein and lower in fiber. Too much calcium can lead to serious kidney and bladder problems. Approximately 250 mg a day is sufficient for a mature Dutch dwarf.

Rabbit food should be limited to about 1 ounce per pound of weight per day, unless you have a pregnant or lactating female, or a baby under four months, in which case a steady supply should be provided. Only buy a month’s supply of food at a time, as the granules can go bad or mold and cause illness. They can also lose important nutrients for your rabbit’s physical well-being. Domestic rabbits do well with a pellet containing 18-20% fiber, 14-15% protein, and 2-3% fat. Once you find a good brand, stick with it. Changing your food frequently can cause dangerous digestive problems.

For rabbits over six months of age, you can supplement their staple diet with raw fruits and vegetables in amounts of about a teaspoon at a time. Introduce new foods for a couple of weeks so your systems have time to adjust. Kitchen scraps work great here, but spoiling food is better for the compost pile than your bunny’s belly.

Good choices are apples, grapes, pears, oranges, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, papayas, pineapples, melons, mangoes, peaches, tomatoes, peas, beans, kale, carrot tops, mustard greens, tooth greens. lion, sugar beet, parsnips. , parsley and potato peels. Be careful to remove the seeds or seeds first.

Never feed your rabbit lettuce. Lettuce contains lactucarium, which can cause severe diarrhea. Diarrhea can kill a rabbit. Romaine lettuce has the lowest amounts of lactucarium of the common garden varieties. Other foods to avoid include cabbage, parsnips, and tomato leaves.

accommodation

While each rabbit has its own unique personality, they and their owners can enjoy hours of interaction through play and physical contact. If you decide that a Netherland Dwarf is the bunny for you, preparing a suitable habitat will be the first step in their overall care.

The Netherland Dwarf is the smallest of the 45 breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, weighing only 2 pounds when fully grown. But they’re tough little guys and they do pretty well indoors or out, even in winter.

A dwarf cage should be at least three feet square, but bigger is better. Creating multiple tiers connected with ramps is an easy way to increase the overall size of an enclosure without sacrificing floor space.

Outdoor housing should provide protection against moisture and cold in winter and heat in summer. A heavy wooden cabin with wire sides and a waterproof roof, raised off the ground, is ideal. Even though your rabbit will be safe inside his hutch, a menacing predator can scare him to death. Include an enclosed area inside the hutch to give your bunny a place to hide when scared, or simply to escape the weather. Bedding should be provided in the form of clean wood chips and / or straw. Indoor living does not have to be so utilitarian, but it should provide a safe and comfortable home for your pet.

Traditionally, wire-bottomed enclosures have been used to allow droppings to fall into a tray for easy cleaning. However, wire cages can be difficult on rabbit feet, and a solid area must be provided for a comfortable rest. Alternatively, the rabbits can be litter-boxed. Never use clumping cat litter or cedar chips, which can be harmful if swallowed. Food, hay and water containers should be mounted in cages to avoid spillage and contamination.

However, no matter how luxurious the accommodation is, your bunny will still need room to frolic and roam outside of his cage. Care must be taken to ensure the safety of your rabbit wherever you allow it to run. Indoor spaces should be rabbit proof. Outdoor spaces must be properly closed.

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