Raising Young Otters: Essential Tips for Care & Feeding

Section 1: Raising Young Rabbits

1. Feeding Techniques: Begin introducing a small amount of fresh, highquality, easily digestible, and absorbable green feed to the young rabbits one week before weaning. It's crucial to feed them sparingly at this stage. As the rabbits grow older and better adapt to the feed, gradually increase the feeding amount. After weaning, rabbits should be fed solely on weaning pellets. The gradual transition from a mix of feed to weaning pellets helps them adapt more easily. Young rabbits typically require feeding twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. It's important for the owner to control the feeding portion to ensure the rabbits are only 80% full.

2. The mortality rate among young rabbits is quite high, often due to stress, feed quality, cage conditions, and vaccination reactions. Additionally, their low resistance to diseases makes them more susceptible to illness. Poor management, high population density, damp living conditions, lowquality or expired feed can also significantly impact their survival rates. To improve the survival rate of young rabbits, follow these guidelines:

1. Group young rabbits after weaning. Separate them based on age, strength, and gender. Generally, a cage can house 45 rabbits. For indoor pens, a group of 2030 rabbits is ideal, though this is more suitable for commercial rabbit production.

2. Enhance exercise for young rabbits. Since they grow rapidly, it's essential to provide them with physical activity. Encourage them to bask in the sun to promote bone growth and digestive motility, which aids in their metabolism. It's advisable to start exercising young rabbits after 60 days of age. During spring, summer, and autumn, let them roam in the exercise area all day, except on rainy days. Ensure the area has grass shelters, feeders, and water troughs for their convenience.

3. Prevent diseases in young rabbits. Monitor their eating habits, mood, and fecal consistency daily to assess their health. If any signs of reduced appetite, lack of energy, or abnormal feces are observed, isolate the affected rabbits, identify the cause, and take timely, targeted treatment measures.

4. Maintain cleanliness in the cages. Regularly clean and disinfect the cages, ensuring they remain clean, dry, and wellventilated. If the cages are damp, replace the wet bedding promptly.

5. Select and cull inferior young rabbits. Based on their growth, development, and physical condition, rigorously select the best and remove the weakest from the herd. Retain rabbits that meet breed standards for breeding purposes. Dispose of rabbits with significant defects or those not meeting breeding standards, and treat any sick rabbits promptly.

That concludes our guide on raising young rabbits from Oxygen Pet Doctor. We hope this information proves helpful!