Netherland Dwarf Rabbit-Feeding and Housing

The Netherlands Dwarf is the smallest of the 45 varieties recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association and weighs only 2 pounds when fully grown.

Feeding

The Netherland Dwarf digestive system is sensitive even by bunny standards. A constant supply of fresh water is essential. Rabbits cannot absorb water from their food. Gravity water bottles mounted inside the cage prevent spills and contamination. Also, the constant supply of Timothy hay provides a great source of fiber and allows you to chew all day long. Alfalfa can also be used, but it is high in calcium and protein and low in fiber. Too much calcium can cause serious problems with the kidneys and bladder. For a mature Netherland Dwarf, about 250 mg daily is sufficient.

Rabbit food should be limited to approximately 1 ounce per pound of body weight per day, unless there are pregnant or lactating bitch or infants <4 months old. Only purchase one month's worth of feed at a time, as pellets can rot and mold and cause illness. They can also lose nutrients that are important to the physical well-being of your rabbit. Pet rabbits work well with pellets of 18-20% fiber, 14-15% protein, and 2-3% fat. If you find a good brand, protect it. Frequent food changes can cause dangerous digestive problems.

For rabbits older than 6 months, about one glass of raw fruit and vegetables can be supplemented with a basic diet at a time. Introduce new foods over the course of several weeks to give time to adapt to the system. Garbage works well here, but near-rot foods are better suited for piles of compost than rabbit bellies.

Good choices are apples, grapes, pears, oranges, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, parsley, pineapples, melons, mangoes, peaches, tomatoes, pea, beans, kale, carrot tops, mustard greens, tanpopo greens, tensai, Parsnip, parsley and potato skin. Be careful to remove the seeds and holes first.

Never eat bunny lettuce. Lettuce contains lactucarium and can cause severe diarrhea. Diarrhea can kill rabbits. Romaine lettuce has the lowest amount of lactucarium among common cultivars. Other foods to avoid include cabbage, parsnips and tomato leaves.

housing

Every rabbit has its own personality, but rabbits and their owners can enjoy hours of interaction through play and physical contact. If the Netherland Dwarf determines that you are a bunny, preparing the right habitat is the first step in its overall care.

The Netherlands Dwarf is the smallest of the 45 varieties recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association and weighs only 2 pounds when fully grown. However, they are strong little companions and are very well housed both inside and outside, even in winter.

The dwarf cage should be at least 3 square feet, but the larger it is, the better. Creating multiple levels connected to the ramp is an easy way to increase the overall size of the enclosure without sacrificing floor space.

Outdoor homes need to provide protection from the rain and cold of winter and the heat of summer. A hatch made of heavy wood with wire sides and a waterproof roof is ideally lifted from the ground. Your rabbit is safe in its hut, but can still be deadly scared by menacing predators. It provides a place to hide or get out of the weather when the bunny is scared, including the area enclosed inside the hatch. Bedding material should be provided in the form of wood shavings and / or clean straw. Indoor homes don’t have to be practical, but you still have to provide your pet with a safe, secure and comfortable home.

Traditionally, wire bottom enclosures have been used to allow feces to be dropped onto trays for easier cleaning. However, the wire cage can strain the bunny’s feet and should provide a solid area for a comfortable rest. Alternatively, the rabbit can be trained in the bathroom. Never use a cat litter box or cedar chips. Both can be harmful if taken. Food, hay and water containers should be attached to the cage to prevent spills and contamination.

However, no matter how luxurious the accommodation is, bunny needs space to roam and roam outside the cage. Care must be taken to ensure the safety of the rabbit wherever it is allowed to run. The internal space must be bunny proof. The outdoor space should be properly enclosed.