Netherland Dwarf Rabbit - Feeding and Housing

The Netherland Dwarf is the smallest of the 45 breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, weighing in at a mere 2 lbs when fully grown.

Feeding

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

Do Dwarf Rabbit Breeds Need Special Care?

When it comes to breeds of rabbits there is a huge choice from the adorable Mini Lops to the massive Flemish Giants. But more and more people are choosing to open their hearts and homes to a dwarf rabbit. In fact the Netherland Dwarf is one of, if not the, most popular breed worldwide today.

Many people refer to their small rabbits as dwarfs and you will often find people saying they have a 'Dwarf Lop' or 'Dwarf Lionhead'. However, to be an official 'dwarf' breed a rabbit must carry one half of the dwarf gene. The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes just two true dwarf breeds - the Dwarf Hotot (around 3lb) and the Netherland Dwarf (around 2.5lb).

But regardless of whether your bun is an official dwarf or just a very small version of another breed the question is always asked if caring for a dwarf bun is any different than for other breeds.

Netherland Dwarf Rabbit - 4 Reasons Why it is the Favorite Pet Rabbit Breed

The Netherland dwarf rabbit is probably the most popular rabbit breed when choosing a pet rabbit.There are a few reasons why people prefer them among other breeds.But like any others, they need good care to enjoy a healthy,happy lives.

* The Size

The Netherland dwarf rabbit is the smallest breed of rabbits.Their weight do not exceed 2 to 3 pounds.So of course they can have a smaller cage than the larger breeds.But they need just as much space to run and exercise on a daily basis.

Netherland Dwarf Rabbits - Understanding Your Little Friend

Netherland dwarf rabbits have become by far the most popular breed of the pet rabbit world. Their size smaller than other rabbits is attracting to people who want a house pet. Understanding their personality is crucial to enjoying them as your new friend. Netherland dwarf rabbits do come from the Netherlands.They are basically the result of a breed of polish rabbit and wild rabbit. They have become very popular among breeders for their small size and their great variety of colors. They have a more shy,nervous and independent temper than bigger rabbits in general. So they may not be the ideal pet for young children who may squeeze them to hard or even step on them.

Once they reach mating age, some may display territorial and aggressive behavior. It is good advice to have your pet spayed or neutered if you want to keep him for a long time.Fixed rabbits will also live a much longer, happier life and will be so much easier to be litter trained successfully.

Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Care - Breeding and Play Places

Breeding

The Netherland Dwarf is the smallest of the 45 breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), weighing an average of 2 lbs when fully grown. Their tiny size makes them a popular pet breed, but also poses some unique breeding challenges. If you decide to breed Netherland Dwarfs, do your homework first; read books, talk to other breeders, attend a rabbit show. Very few breeders make a living breeding rabbits. Most do it out of love.

Small-breed rabbits can reach sexual maturity as early as three months, but do not breed them before six months of age. Dwarf litters produce only two to three kits at a time, compared to the six to twelve kits of larger breeds. Genetically, when two true dwarfs are bred, 50% of their offspring will also be true dwarfs, 25% will be "false dwarfs," which will grow to be proportionately larger, longer and heavier than their true dwarf parents, and 25% will be "peanuts." Sadly, none of these latter offspring live past three weeks of age. Many breeders euthanize peanuts, which are easily distinguished by their severely pinched hind quarters and bulbous heads, at birth.

To Bathe or Not to Bathe Your Rabbit - That Is the Question

Did you know that if you bathe your rabbit, she could catch cold, become chilled and die in a matter of hours? Most people will tell you rabbits do not need to be bathed as they often groom themselves; however, there are those who bathe their rabbits regularly and have not had a problem yet. But from personal experience, I bathed my rabbit who suddenly started shivering uncontrollably, and two hours later, sadly I found her dead in her cage. To decide whether baths should be given to rabbits, the goal would be to make sure the rabbit stays as clean as possible so that numerous baths are not necessary, thus preventing the death of your rabbit.

Rabbit Hutch Plans - Things ALL Rabbit Hutches Should Have

All pet rabbits need a place to call home. This allows them to rule their own territory - this is in their nature and make up to do so. But where should we keep them?

Indoor or Outdoor?

Before you decide to keep a rabbit as a pet, the first decision you will have to make is: whether or not you will keep it inside or outside. Some people nowadays choose to let their rabbits live indoors, but most people decide to keep their rabbit in an outdoor

rabbit hutch.