Although its name seems to indicate otherwise, the Dutch rabbit does not come from the Netherlands but originated in 1830 in England, from crosses of petits brabaçons, his predecessors imported from Belgium for the food industry. Currently, due to his affable and calm character, he is one of the most popular and typical rabbit breeds in homes around the world. We get to know him better with the help of the experts at the Aragó veterinary hospital.
How is the dutch rabbit
Also Known As Dutch, Hollander or Brabander rabbitIt is a medium-sized breed with a weight that varies between 1.78 and 2.3 kilograms. His extremely adorable appearance is due to a fur is short, always white as a base and mixed with another color. But, above all, to a compact and small body in proportion to its large and round head. In addition, the hind legs are noticeably longer than the front ones and it has very cute upright ears that end in points.
That appearance of stuffed meat and bone is in keeping, on the other hand, with a character that is usually sociable, affectionate and calmwhich makes it fit to live with children, as well as with other rabbits. From the Aragó clinic they say that he adapts very well to living with human beings, “with whom he can establish a strong bond”. In addition, his intelligence allows him to learn tricks such as lying down, coming when called, etc. We will only need to give him fruit as a reward, just as it happens with dogs.
Another advantage is that It is not a particularly delicate or sickly breedalthough, like all rabbits, it tends to bone fractures due to blows or overexertion. In general, they usually have a life between 5 and 8 years. Of course, she does not tolerate loneliness very well and needs time to be dedicated to her daily to play and interact with him.
Basic care of the Dutch rabbit
Before your arrival home, we will need a cage that is wide enough, strong, free of sharp objects and easy to clean. Ideally, the cage should have a top opening to get the rabbit out without problems and a side opening so it can get out on its own. Also it is advised that this is not grid and that the floor is well covered with substrate (pressed paper shavings or sawdust, straw but not kitty litter or paper). This substrate will have to be changed almost every day.
In addition, inside the cage you have to put a rabbit house that serves as a burrow and that can hide if it feels threatened. For feeders, experts advise installing feeders that do not tip over easily and drip drinker. On the other hand, rabbits love to explore the outside, run, play and suffer if they live constantly locked in a cage.
A good habit is brush them daily, especially during the moulting season. And you also have to remember to vaccinate them annually against two viral diseases: myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease.
Lastly, andhe rabbit is herbivorous and its food must be very rich in fiber. The diet of rabbits in the wild consists mainly of grass, leaves, and shoots. So, in captivity, good quality hay (which should always be available in the feeder) or fresh grass and vegetables is the best option.
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