According to the Rabbit Producers Association, a Netherland Dwarf should receive approximately:
- One-eighth cup per pound of body weight
- Unlimited fresh Timothy hay
- Unlimited fresh water
- Limited amounts of fresh vegetables
What do Netherland Dwarf rabbits eat?
Younger rabbits will need alfalfa hay because this is rich in calcium needed for growing bones. Meanwhile, adult Netherland Dwarf Rabbits will eat legume hay because it is nutritious and ideal for senior rabbits. Netherland Dwarf Rabbits are lovable pets, but this temperament can only be developed if you train it well.
How do you take care of a Netherland Dwarf rabbit?
How do I care for a Netherland Dwarf? While proper nutrition is a must-have for all rabbits, the Netherland Dwarfs tend to have a more sensitive digestive system than most other breeds. They should not be “free-fed”, but should be limited to about 1/8th cup per pound of body weight of high quality pellets daily, plus hay and unlimited water.
What should I Feed my dwarf rabbit for diarrhea?
This is because some specifics food can ferment in the digestive tract and cause diarrhea. Therefore, we recommend feeding your dwarf rabbit food high in cellulose and low in: sugar, starch and fat. How to feed a baby dwarf rabbit?
Is it hard to feed a dwarf rabbit?
However, feeding rabbits, specifically dwarf rabbits, is actually a little more complicated than a simple two ingredient diet. These rabbits require a specific diet in order to grow properly and healthil. If you want to know how to feed your dwarf rabbit, keep reading this AnimalWised article for more.
What are dwarf bunnies favorite food?
Give your rabbit fresh fruits and vegetables. Two cups (72 grams) a day of greens should be fed to your rabbit. A piece of carrot, apple (without seeds), banana, or strawberry are a great treat for your dwarf rabbit.
Do dwarf rabbits need special food?
Food and Drink Dwarf rabbits require unlimited access to clean timothy or brome hay. You can use the hay as bedding, but make sure there's always unsoiled hay for munching elevated on a low rack attached to the side of the cage.
Can Netherland Dwarf rabbits eat cucumber?
Yes, cucumber is safe for rabbits and is a tasty treat that many will happily munch on (wild bunnies included). You should ensure that the cucumber (and any fresh vegetable you feed your pet bunny) has not been sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals, as these may be toxic to your bunny.
Can Netherland Dwarf rabbits eat grass?
Rabbits can eat grass and hay. Grass should never replace hay unless strictly necessary, though.
What veggies can Netherland Dwarf rabbits eat?
Safe vegetables and greens include, but are not limited to:Beet tops.Bell peppers.Broccoli.Carrots and carrot tops.Chinese pea pods (the flat kind)Endive.Kale.Mint.More items...
Can Netherland Dwarf rabbits eat banana?
Banana peels are safe for rabbit consumption but, like bananas, they're also dense in sugar and starch. Therefore, they should only be offered in tiny amounts as treats.
Can dwarf bunnies eat carrots?
Vegetables and plants to give sparingly (one or two times a week) to a bunny: Broccoli (stems and leaves only) Carrots.
Do Netherland Dwarf rabbits like to be held?
Because wild rabbits made such a large and recent contribution to the breed's genetics, Netherland Dwarfs tend to be skittish. They generally don't like to be picked up or held, and they're quick to bite and scratch when frightened. This is not only bad for the child.
How often should you feed a dwarf bunny?
Regarding the feed, choose one with a higher fiber content and little protein, little calcium and no fat. Feeding an adult dwarf rabbit should add up to 30 grams a day. We recommend only feeding your rabbit fruit between two and three times a week, as it contains a high sugar content.
What do dwarf lop rabbits eat?
Hay, Kibble, Greens 85% fresh hay. 10% rabbit-safe greens. 5% kibble or nuggets.
What should I put in my dwarf rabbit cage?
5:219:39My Dwarf Rabbit Cage and Room Tour - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor some reason we just have some hay toys. And this is the newest addition that. I got for pinky onMoreFor some reason we just have some hay toys. And this is the newest addition that. I got for pinky on Christmas. And it's actually for rats. And hamsters. So they can like go inside of it.
What pellets are best for dwarf rabbits?
Our Best Hay Pellet For Adult RabbitsSherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food Timothy Pellet. ... Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food – Alfalfa/Timothy Blend. ... Small Pet Select Rabbit Food Pellets. ... Science Selective Adult Rabbit Food. ... Oxbow Animal Essentials Adult Rabbit Pet Food. ... Kaytee Timothy Complete Rabbit Food.More items...•
Do Netherland Dwarf rabbits like to be held?
Yes, they do.
What do Netherland Dwarf rabbits like?
Netherland Dwarf rabbits are a type of rabbit that like to dig. They like to dig in their litter box, and they also dig tunnels under the fence aro...
What veggies can Netherland Dwarf rabbits eat?
Netherland Dwarf rabbits can eat most veggies, but the ones they cannot are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale.
How much pellets should a dwarf rabbit eat?
They do not need many pellets to stay healthy! But instead should be eating 70-80% hay throughout the day. We feed our rabbits a mixture of Oxbow brand and Small Pet Select pellets and have been very happy with the quality and consistency.
What do rabbits eat in the Netherlands?
Netherlands do best when fed a diet of fresh greens, vegetables, a high quality pellet rabbit food, and copious amounts of hay . Here is a chart that shows how much a rabbit should eat each day by type of food, determined by their weight.
What are some good treats for rabbits?
Now we get to the fun part of rabbit nutrition, treats! The easiest treats are simply fresh fruit. Try bananas, berries, and sliced apples or pear. Remember that Netherlands are especially small and have sensitive systems. Start with tiny amounts to make sure it does not upset your rabbit’s digestion.
Why do dwarf rabbits eat?
A dwarf rabbit needs to eat food consistently throughout the day. They are quite glutenous little animals. This rabbit needs small food portions which are administered continuously. The reason for this is due to the way that it digests food, which is classified as "passive".
What do 1 month old dwarf rabbits eat?
Before it is 3 months old, it is recommended that the rabbit consumes hay rich in fiber. This high fiber intake will aid it in regulating digestion and keeping its teeth healthy.
How big can a dwarf rabbit get?
The dwarf rabbit can reach a maximum of 1.5 kilos and measures between 30 and 50 centimeters. It is a distrustful and fearful little rabbit, therefore it is necessary to have a lot of patience with it. Its diet is very important in order to avoid disorders such as; diarrhea, obesity and poisoning (consumption of toxic plants).
How much water should a rabbit drink a day?
In addition, a healthy rabbit should consumed between 80 and 150 milliliters of water a day. Rabbits can spend a large part of their day just eating, so if you're not at home, leave a lot of hay and its daily portion of feed in its cage with some fresh vegetables.
Why is it important to feed a dwarf rabbit?
Its diet is very important in order to avoid disorders such as; diarrhea, obesity and poisoning (consumption of toxic plant s). Keep reading to find out more about how to feed a dwarf rabbit.
Where did the dwarf rabbit originate?
The dwarf rabbit, also known as toy rabbit, originated in Holland in the 20th century. Its origin was derived from cross breeding of small rabbits, both domestic and wild. Dwarf rabbits are a product of the mutation of a recessive gene that causes dwarfism. The dwarf rabbit can reach a maximum of 1.5 kilos and measures between 30 and 50 centimeters.
Can you feed a baby dwarf rabbit?
It is also very important that it always has a container of fresh water to drink from. Do not offer your baby dwarf rabbit its next portion of hay until its first one is done. This is recommended to prevent rotting. You can also feed your baby dwarf commercial feed, high in fiber and low in fat.
What is the breed of rabbit that has long ears?
The Netherland dwarf breed is recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association or ARBA and the British Rabbit Council or BRC. This breed is always mistaken with the Polish rabbit, but the Netherland dwarf has longer ears and is leaner. The most prominent feature of the Netherland dwarf is its eyes. It is very large with respect ...
What is a dwarf rabbit?
Image Source. The Netherland dwarf rabbit is a breed of domesticated rabbits that was developed in the Netherlands. These rabbits are small, weighing only 1.1 to 2.5 pounds. This is one of the smallest rabbit breeds and is very popular in pet shows and contests. x.
What do rabbits chew on?
If these rabbits are kept indoors, these will chew on anything made of wood, such as wooden walls, fixtures, and furniture.
What is the most interesting thing about the Netherland rabbit?
But the most interesting thing about this breed is that it retains a baby-like appearance, features, and size even in its adult years. Experts say that this is dwarfism and not due to any kind of disease or genetic trait.
How often do rabbits molt?
This rabbit molts, and this means that its fur will shed excessively. Molting happens once a year, usually during the spring . There are a variety of coat colors for the Netherland dwarf.
How big are Polish rabbits?
Polish rabbits are also dwarf size weighing only 2.5 to 3.5 pounds. This has a lifespan of up to 6 years and has a compact body shape. But compared to the Netherland dwarf rabbit, it has a docile, friendly, and calm nature.
What are the signs of a rabbit's illness?
You must check your rabbit for any signs of illness like poor appetite, nasal and eye discharges, loose stools, constipation, and vomiting. Also , an unsteady gait, restlessness, grating of the teeth, and sleeping for longer hours could indicate a serious condition. Take your pet to the vet if you see these symptoms.
What is a dwarf rabbit?
Learn more about Netherland Dwarf Rabbits! Netherland Dwarfs are one of the smallest breeds of domestic rabbits in existence. They were originally created by crossing Polish to small, wild rabbits which produced small offspring in a wide variety of color. They were first imported into the UK in 1948, then later brought into the USA in ...
Why do bunnies need more space?
Additionally, as noted above, these bunnies absolutely require a larger amount of space than a lot of the other smaller breeds require; this is due to their high levels of energy, requiring more intense levels of activity and exercise.
What is the body of a young dwarf?
Young Netherland Dwarfs! BODY: compact & short, well-rounded, with deep, wide shoulders which are equal to the width of the hindquarter. Topline of shoulder is to be deep and carried through to hindquarter which is equally as well-rounded. Legs are to be short & have medium to medium-heavy bone density.
How big should a rabbit cage be?
Cage Size. Although Netherland Dwarf rabbits are one of the smallest breeds of rabbits, they still need plenty of room to live. Many pet experts recommend a minimum of 18x24 inches with 14 inches high, though many rabbit enthusiasts suggest a larger cage size of 4 x 2 x 2 feet (or more), which offers more room for exercise.
How long should rabbits eat hay?
Rabbits should have access to fresh hay all the time, and they'll nibble on it all day. There's no "every six hours" rule. Just make sure to leave enough in the hay rack to keep the bunny supplied all day long, as well as fresh water, and it will be fine. see more. Show more replies.
What to feed a 7-month-old oat hay?
Around seven months old, the loose alfalfa portion of the diet should be slowly replaced with hay. Oxbow Animal Health particularly recommends timothy hay/grass as a good source of roughage and nutrients, but oat hay and brome are also good choices and provide variety as well.
How old is a baby frog when he eats alfalfa?
By 4 weeks old, he can begin nibbling small amounts of alfalfa pellets, as well as a bit of loose alfalfa. By about seven weeks of age, he will wean from his mother and be able to survive on pellets, loose alfalfa, and water until his digestive system has matured enough to begin introducing vegetables and greens.
How far apart should wire hutches be?
The spacing on a wire bottom should be no more than 1/4 inch between bars. Outdoor hutches typically provide a completely enclosed area where the rabbit can enjoy the grass, as well as a raised house where the rabbit can go inside for more protection.
What is the best feeder for a crock?
The best feeder is one that attaches to the cage wall so the food won't be tipped over into the bedding. Water bottles are preferable to open crocks because they prevent the water from becoming spilled or fouled with bedding or droppings.
Can rabbits get myxomatosis?
This disease is not very common in the United States, and there is no vaccine approved for use in this country as of 2014. However a vaccine against myxomatosis does exist and is used in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
What do dwarf rabbits eat?
They also love apples and bananas and veggies. Pregnant bunnies love granola cereals that have raspberries in them. Raspberries help with milk production.
What diseases do rabbits have?
Some of these diseases include viral hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis. VHD is highly contagious as well as deadly. Myxomatosis is spread by lice, mosquitoes, and ticks.
How to care for a doe when it is too big to deliver?
In the reverse scenario, the doe may conceive a baby too large to deliver naturally. The best way to care for them is to have them in different cages side by side. When the doe is ready for breeding, she will show the signs.
Why do people keep both sexes in the Netherlands?
The female is always more territorial than her male counterpart. One of the reasons is because the doe has been almost always older than the buck. The doe and the buck should never stay together except during mating, which lasts only a few minutes.
How to keep a hutch feeder from spilling water?
In caring for them, it is important to have a continuous supply of clean water. Using water bottles instead of open crocks prevents it from spilling. It also keeps droppings from contaminating the water. The feeder also should be attached to the wall of the hutch to keep it from spilling onto the beddings.
Do rabbits eat raspberries?
Raspberries help with milk production. However, this breed of rabbits has a very sensitive stomach. Hence are not free eaters. If overfed or fed the wrong food, they will experience diarrhea to death. They are allergic to all nuts, cabbages, and lettuce as well.
Can dwarfs be litter trained?
Litter training. Netherland dwarfs have a higher level of intelligence compared to other breeds. The high intelligence makes it easy to litter train them. They can also recognize simple commands. Because of the possibility of litter training them, most people prefer letting them roam freely in the home.
What Is a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit?
Netherland Dwarf rabbit colors are classified into the following categories by the American Rabbit Breeders Association: self, shaded, agouti, tan, and any other variety. Black, blue, chocolate, lilac, silver marten, and steel are among the more than twenty colors available among these groups.
Health Issues in Netherland Dwarfs
Regular veterinary care for your Netherland should help you identify and address any health concerns before they go out of hand. Rabbits, like cats and dogs, should get yearly examinations.
Vaccinations
Pet rabbits in the United States do not require vaccinations. However, in other countries, such as Europe and the United Kingdom, rabbits must be vaccinated against a few dangerous illnesses.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Dental Care
Netherland Dwarf Rabbits, like other rabbits, not only enjoy chewing, but they also need to chew since their teeth are continuously growing. Their teeth might grow out of control if they don’t chew regularly. Your pet’s pellet and hay diet should keep his tooth growth under control, but he’ll also love little chewable toys and fruit tree branches.
Respiratory Tract Disorders
Unfortunately, respiratory tract diseases are pretty frequent in Netherland Dwarfs. This is because the roots of their upper teeth lie immediately under their sinuses. If your rabbit develops inflamed or infected gums, this can spread and lead to a sinus infection, which can be quite painful for the rabbit.
Gastrointestinal Stasis
Rabbits’ gastrointestinal systems are incredibly delicate. When they are worried or upset, they are also known to lose their appetite altogether. The problem is that Netherland Dwarfs are a naturally anxious breed, so they are more prone to lose their appetite when they are agitated.
Uterine Cancer
Uterine cancer is unfortunately widespread in female rabbits. In this situation, the best therapy is prevention. This is why most veterinarians will advise spaying.
Are Netherland Dwarf Rabbits Good Pets?
All rabbits are different and the way a rabbit reacts to you as an owner will be a reflection of the care and kindness you give it.
Do Netherland Dwarf Rabbits Make Good Pets for Children?
One of the common mistakes that parents make is purchasing a Netherland dwarf for their child, thinking that a small breed will be suitable for a small person. However, this is not the case.
Are Netherland Dwarf Rabbits Friendly?
We see frequent reports that Netherland Dwarf rabbits make excellent pets. In my experience, they are perfectly suited to being kept in captivity and love human interaction, particularly gentle head strokes (as seen below with my own Netherland Dwarf rabbit, Princess).
Do Netherland Dwarf Rabbits Like To Cuddle?
Though rabbits are not keen on being handled, this doesn’t mean that the pet will not appreciate regular fuss.
Can Netherland Dwarf Rabbits Live Alone?
You will often see rabbits living in groups, or at the very least, in pairs. Netherland dwarf rabbits are no different. While they may be shy creatures, they are very social and love to interact with other rabbits.
What Do Netherland Dwarf Rabbits Like?
The Netherland dwarf rabbit loves to play and once they have built up trust with their owners, you will likely have a lot of fun with your pet.
Wrap Up
Netherland Dwarf rabbits make rewarding little companions for the right owners. They are known to thrive well in quiet homes and will display a gentle nature to those who treat them with proper care.
