RABBIT FARMING

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21198, 23 June 1934, Page 7

RABBIT FARMING

WRONGFUL HANDLING t [By Rex.] i ( It certainly pays to handle rabbits 1 as much as possible, as those which t are handled freely from babyhood 1 gain a confidence in their owner ( which is an advantage in many ways. s Angoras, for instance, that are used to ] the touch of the human hand, sit quietly to be clipped and harvesting ( can be accomplished in far less time . than is the cage with those that are ' left severely alone between clips and ' are, therefore, nervous and fidgety when handled. Exhibition rabbits, too, of any breed should be handled often and taught to sit quietly in order that they may not give trouble on the J Judging table. Large Rabbitries On a large farm where the number of stock run 9 into hundreds, constant handling of all rabbits is naturally out r of the question, but the many small breeders should try to handle their stock as often as possible from the time the litters begin to run about. This frequent handling should be \ continued on into adult life and the . consequent tameness will be found a ■ distinct advantage when the does come to be bred from. A doe that has full 1 confidence in her attendant will not become upset when her nest is examined. Remember, however, that it is most inadvisable for a stranger to interfere with a doe's nest, however tame she may be. Rabbits recognise those with whom they come in contact almost entirely by their very highly developed sense of smell, and a strange smell introduced into her hutch \yhen she has a nest full of babies is more likely than anything to upset a doe and cause her to neglect or maltreat her young. < Another advantage to be gained by frequent handling of rabbits is that those dealt with are most unlikely to develop "bad temper," provided, of course, that they are not handled roughly or in such a way as to cause them pain or discomfort. Bad temper and spitefulness in a healthy rabbit are almost always due to nervousness, and this in its turn can more often than not be traced to one of two causes, these being insufficient handling or incorrect handling. Many rabbits unused to being handled are frightened by the, to them, strange human smell and accordingly they try to bite and stretch when approached. Much may be done with these nervous individuals by firm but gentle handling, the attendant wearing gloves if necessary. This "cure" may take some time, but in the majority of cases it is successful and lasting. Incorrect handling includes the common practice of picking up rabbits by their ears and a rabbit, partlcu- j larly if it is a large and heavy one. may show fight at the idea of being handled in this way because it knows it will hurt. If the ears are used as the sole means of lifting a rabbit, i the animal will certainly suffer more ■ or less pain and there is also a risk • that the small muscles at the base of ! the ear may be broken, giving rise to a [ drooping or "lop" ear, which may be i incurable. Even if additional support i be given by resting the rump on the ! free hand, sore or inflamed ears may i result from constant handling in this , way.

Correct Way The best way of picking up a rabibt is by means of the loose skin at the scruff of the neck. This is not painful to the rabbit, and, held in this way, it is well under control, and unable to bite if so disposed. A doe in kindle should always be supported additionally under the rump. Breeders of exhibition Angoras usually pick up rabbits in full show coat by placing one hand on either side of the body in order not to risk pulling out the wool. When picking up a rabbit in this way, however, particularly a youngster, be careful not to squeeze the body tightly between the hands. To do so is to risk broken ribs or serious injury to internal organs. Linseed and Cod Liver Oil Linseed is a splendid food to give to rabbits when preparing them for show. It puts a bloom on to their coats, and 1 is particularly good for keeping them in good condition. It actually lubricates the intestines, and, therefore, is s. splendid natural laxative. Linseed is very rich in protein, and contains from 20 to 30 per cent, of oil, so breeders must be extremely careful tip feed | it very sparingly, and also not in the regular daily diet. Cod liver oil also reacts on the coat of animals, and experiments have proved it very beneficial in promoting the growth and density of Angora wool. This should be fed very sparingly, a few drops in the daily portion of mash being quite sufficient. Linseed and cod liver oil should not be given to rabbits at the same time.

Breeders are reminded of the Cooperative Rabbit Breeders' Association field afternoon which is to be held to-day at the rabbitry of Mr H. C. Stevens, Newbury street, Opawa, During the afternoon Mr

Stevens Will deliver an address on "Top-dressing and the Colony "System," and also the opportunity will be taken to give a demonstration of a new collapsible colony pen. All interested in rabbit farming are invited to be present. A successful social evening was held in the Fanciers' Hall, Colombo street, on Wednesday evening. There was a large attendance of members and their friends. The evening was spent pleasantly in games, competitions, and dancing. The winners of the various competitions were Mesdames R. Lindsay and M. Clark, and Messrs R. G. Lindsay and E. Bigwood. The president, Mr R. G. Lindsay, moved a vote of thanks to Mrs M. Clark for her assistance at the piano. The next social will be held on July 4. All members and their friends are invited.