Effective Winter Management Tips for Rabbit Farming

Enhanced Management Measures for Winter Care of Fennec Rabbits

Section 1: Focus on Cold Protection and Improved Living Conditions

1. Temperature Control: Fennec rabbits thrive in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. However, during the winter months, when temperatures plummet, it's crucial for owners to ensure that the rabbit's living quarters are kept above 10°C to support their normal growth and breeding. It's important to note that temperatures below 5°C can be lifethreatening to rabbits.

2. Humidity Management: High humidity can significantly increase the risk of skin diseases in rabbits. Therefore, owners should implement appropriate moisture control measures to keep the living space dry and clean.

3. Ventilation: While maintaining a stable temperature is essential, it's equally important to ensure good ventilation in the rabbitry. This keeps the air fresh and prevents ammonia levels from becoming too high, which can harm the rabbits and promote the growth of Pasteurella multocida.

4. Lighting: Rabbits require a certain amount of light for growth and reproduction. In winter, when daylight hours are shorter, artificial lighting becomes necessary to ensure the rabbits receive adequate light.

5. Breeding Support: During winter, when female rabbits give birth, it's important to use appropriate warming equipment. After the mother rabbit has given birth, the kits should be placed in a warming box or near a heat source. Around the 12th day, the kits can be returned to the nest box, which can significantly increase their survival rates in winter.

Section 2: Nutritional Supplementation and Scientific Feeding Practices

Fennec rabbits have increased energy demands in cold weather, necessitating a higher intake of nutrients to compensate for internal energy loss. If rabbits are fed the same amount as in warmer months, they can become undernourished, leading to weakened health, reduced semen quality in males, irregular estrus in females, and slow growth or anemia in young rabbits. Here are some specific measures to prevent malnutrition:

1. EnergyRich Feed: Increase the proportion of energyrich feed in the rabbit diet. For winter feed, aim to keep the energy feed ratio between 23% and 25%, while reducing the proportion of roughage.

2. Diversify Feed: Since fresh green forage is scarce in winter, it's important to provide a variety of feed to prevent vitamin deficiencies and potential deaths in young rabbits. Owners can supplement with carrots, greens, and other fresh forages.

3. Adjust Feeding Times: Feed 60% of the daily ration at night. However, during rainy or snowy days, it's advisable to control the amount of nighttime feeding to prevent overeating and subsequent gastrointestinal issues.

These are some winter management tips for raising fennec rabbits shared by Oxygen Pet Doctor, hoping they will be helpful to you.