Dwarf rabbit , technically called Oryctolagus cuniculus , belongs to the order of Logomorpha and is a very sweet and docile animal that lives on average from 4 to 7 years. Its character is accommodating but also its shape is rounded and compact . It is soft and does not cost much, its price is a few dozen euros although it depends on the breed.
Dwarf Rabbit: Appearance
The dwarf rabbit is obviously an animal of modest size, very manageable at home. It has a fine coat that can vary in color and length depending on the breed, the eyes are lively and round, normally red if the fur is white.
In general, the dwarf rabbit sees better in low light and far away, has a small tail and short, thin legs, and very developed incisors. To distinguish a male dwarf rabbit from a female, it is necessary to observe the distance between the genital organ and the anus. In the case of the male, the distance is double.
Dwarf Rabbit: Character
The dwarf rabbit easily becomes attached to humans : it is an animal that cannot fail to win over. It is good, very docile, loves to play and be in company. The dwarf rabbit also loves to stick its nose around the house, if you let it wander, it is friendly and quite outgoing, but it can also appear shy and hesitant. It is not cheeky and always has a way of doing things that, humanized, would be said to be kind.
While it has no problem with humans, the dwarf rabbit is unmanageable if two males live together. You can keep more females instead, without any particular worries, while a male and a female dwarf rabbit could always mate, so, cohabitation is fine, but it is better to be careful about too much promiscuity. The two males end up arguing, almost 100%.
Dwarf Rabbit: Care
The teeth of the dwarf rabbit , especially the continuously growing incisors, require attention: they must be kept in good shape by letting them gnaw here and there, possibly not on electrical cables, furniture or plants. The dwarf rabbit is also an animal that must be interpreted, it is often afraid.
If he drums with his hind legs it means he is about to run away, it is a warning signal. Even ears flattened backwards are not an element of serenity: the dwarf rabbit keeps them like this if he fears a possible aggression, when he is calm on the contrary he gives tender licks.
Dwarf Rabbit: Cage
For those who decide to get a dwarf rabbit , the cage is an important element. It usually develops in width and the ideal measurements for a “single suite” are 40cm x 60cm. Attention: the bars must be made of iron, to prevent them from being gnawed, and the bottom must be made of plastic, covered with a layer of sawdust.
To make our dwarf rabbits feel protected , you can insert a little house, a shelter, then you also need some bowls and a “bottle” drinker to avoid the water getting dirty. We talked about teeth to keep regulated and for this there are some small pieces of wood that can be inserted as furniture.
The dwarf rabbit is a predominantly herbivorous animal , it can be fed using special hay packages integrated with mixed seeds: a spoonful a day. Without exaggerating. To complete the diet, fruit and vegetables (apple, lettuce, pear, carrot, clover, etc.) can occasionally enter the dwarf rabbit ‘s plate but never too often because they can cause diarrhea. To be avoided without any excess, sweets, candies and biscuits.
The dwarf rabbit tends to get fat easily so the only thing you can overdo is hay. Some cubes of mineral salts that are on sale can be placed in the cage and are very convenient and suitable for a healthy dwarf rabbit, as well as a multivitamin to dissolve in water weekly.
Dwarf Rabbit: Price
The price of dwarf rabbits depends mainly on the breed but in general it can range from 20 to 50 euros. For a “Lion Head” specimen you need a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 35 euros. This dwarf rabbit is called this way for its particular mane that makes it look like a miniature lion. It is a very docile breed but needs a period of adaptation , then it turns out to be an excellent pet.
Another breed that is in great demand, perhaps the most requested, is the dwarf lop rabbit , which can be purchased for around 30 euros. This dwarf rabbit is suitable for apartment living and does not require special care, just a fairly large cage in a quiet place, sheltered from air and humidity. Then there are other breeds of dwarf rabbits, for example the angora, so called for its long and soft fur.
Dwarf Rabbits: Breeds
In addition to the lionhead and lop-eared dwarf rabbits , there are also the angora dwarf rabbit and the chinchilla. The first has a very long coat, up to 8 cm, so much so that it looks like a ball of yarn. It has a very affectionate character and is able to establish very strong emotional bonds with its owner throughout its life, which, in its case, lasts up to a maximum of 10 years. A lively and cheerful character is instead the distinctive feature of the chinchilla, with a chinchilla coat, the real one, and a great desire to live.
Dwarf Rabbit: Adoption
Price aside, there is the possibility of adopting dwarf rabbits , to understand how just contact the many associations of amateur and passionate breeders who often give space to bulletin boards with announcements of already sterilized and domesticated puppies. As a gift.
Internet is a good way to search for dwarf rabbits as gifts but it is always necessary to check who is selling it to us and who is the animal we are taking home. There are many blogs and sites about dwarf rabbits , to adopt even if they have been abandoned. Or with too many siblings so much so that there is no room for a single owner.