Rabbit

Author: Geng Zhongcheng / et al.
Editor-in-Chief: Jiang Junqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-05-01
Features:
Section: Chapter 2 Biological Characteristics of Rabbits
Rabbits are domesticated from wild European rabbits. The ancestors of domestic rabbits, due to their small size and lack of defense capabilities, were often preyed upon by other beasts or eliminated due to poor environmental adaptation. "Survival of the fittest" is the law of natural selection, so modern rabbits still retain certain habits and biological characteristics of their primitive ancestors to varying degrees. For example, their body structure is adapted for escape, burrowing, herbivorous diet, and nocturnal behavior.
1. Lifestyle Habits of Rabbits
1. Nocturnal and Drowsy Nature
Wild European rabbits are weak and lack defense capabilities. Under long-term ecological conditions, they have developed a nocturnal habit to survive. During the day, they live in burrows, and at night, they roam and forage. In rabbit farms, we often observe that rabbits are highly active at night but very quiet during the day, often closing their eyes to sleep, except during feeding times. Additionally, rabbits forage frequently at night. Based on this habit, we should arrange feeding schedules reasonably, providing sufficient night grass and feed at night; during the day, we should avoid disturbing their rest and sleep as much as possible.
2. Timidity and Fear of Disturbances
Rabbit ears are long and large, with acute hearing. They often stand their ears up to detect sounds for escape and avoiding predators. Rabbits are timid animals. When encountering predators, they use their sharp hearing and flexible spine to flee quickly. In domestic settings, sudden noises, strangers, and unfamiliar animals can cause rabbits to panic, leading them to run back and forth and bump against their cages. Rabbits are generally quiet during the day, so in feeding and management operations, actions should be steady, and noises that could easily startle the herd should be avoided. Additionally, strangers and pets like cats and dogs should be kept out of rabbit enclosures.
3. Preference for Dryness and Dislike of Moisture
Rabbits are weak and have poor disease resistance. A dry and clean environment helps maintain their health, while damp and unhygienic conditions often lead to illness. Damp and dirty environments are conducive to the growth of infectious and invasive pathogens, and once rabbits fall ill, it can cause significant losses. Therefore, we should adhere to the principles of cleanliness and dryness, ensuring proper rabbit farm design and management.
4. Poor Socialization
Rabbits do not socialize well in groups. Adult rabbits of the same sex, regardless of gender, often fight and bite each other, especially males or in newly formed groups, where fighting and injuries are more severe. Special attention should be paid to management in such cases.
5. Burrowing and Cave-Dwelling Behavior
Rabbits generally have a habit of digging burrows. This behavior must be closely monitored by management personnel, especially for free-range rabbits. Under free-range conditions, enclosures should be built with walls, foundations, and stone masonry, and fences should be installed on the walls to prevent rabbits from digging and escaping.
6. Chewing Behavior
Rabbits exhibit chewing behavior similar to rodents. To maintain the proper length of their incisors, branches or wooden sticks can be placed in their cages for them to chew. Additionally, when designing rabbit cages, flat surfaces should be considered, with no sharp edges, and wooden cages should be avoided if possible to prevent chewing and potential economic losses.