RABBIT FARMING FOR PROFIT.
(BY “LAPIN.”) ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. A. —lt is not advisable for a novice to practise in-breeding. However, as you do not wish to purchase another buck or a mating from another rabbitry, I would prefer father to daughter or mother to son, rather than brother to sister. It is quite a 'good idea to cross dark and light-coloured Chinchillas. The general plan for mating stock, is to see that the animals do not have the same failings on both sides. B. —The rabbit is a recessive and of no commercial value. However, if it
Js a doe it would be quite useful as a foster mother. New Cure for Snuffles. A great deal has been written on the pernicious disease of infectious catarrh, commonly known among rabbit-keepers as snuffles. It is undoubtedly one of the most difficult diseases to stamp out from a rabbitry once it has become firmly established. This is not remarkable, seeing that the victims are constantly sneezing and thus distributing infection far and wide. There is also the fact that everything coming in contact with the victim, such as bedding, food vessels and the hutch itself, must of necessity be laden with the germs of the disease, which can in this way be carried to other rabbits on the hands of the attendant. It will be seen from this that a rabbit suffering from snuffles is a perpetual source of danger to the other inhabitants of the rabbitry, and if a cure is to be attempted the first sufferer USt be the isolation of the Many experienced breeders believe that no cure is possible and that the only means of prevention lies in the immediate extermination of anv rabbit developing snuffles. On the other hand, there are others who believe that the disease is curable, and the writer is inclined to agree with them, provided that it is recognised in its very early stages, and the victim isolated at once. It is possible that a cure may be brought about by persistent application of suitable remedies coupled with the prac-
tice of good feeding and scrupulous attention to hygienic conditions. Cases of snuffles, taken early enough, have good prospect of cure by simple treatment with eucalyptus oil. The affected rabbit must be kept in a thoroughly dry hutch, out of draughts and given plenty of bedding. This bedding, which may be either straw or hay should be sprinkled with eucalyptus oil and the front of the hutch partly covby a piece of sacking which has also been sprinkled with the oil. In this way, the fumes of eucalyptus are constantly being inhaled and exercise a soothing and healing effect on the inflamed membrane of the respiratory organs. The cure may be hastened if a little of the oil is dropped into each nostril twice daily by means of a foun-tain-pen filler. Food and water vessels should be cleansed daily in hot water containing some non-poisonous disinfectant. Jt is well, in the diet of snuffles patients, to knock off the corn or dry mash ration for a time, giving bread and milk or a wet mash in its place. This should be supplemented by good hay and as much green food or roots as is eaten readily It is understood that the latest cure for snuffles comes from America. It requires special apparatus and entails a certain amount of trouble, but excellent results are claimed for it. A box with a closely-fitting door and two compartments, each just large enough to hold a rabbit comfortably, one above the other, is made, a slatted floor forming the division between the upper and the lower compartment. An enamel plate is heated, and on to this is poured a quantity of a preparation of pine tar; (his is placed in the lower compartment. The rabbit to be treated is then placed in the upper compartment, the door is shut, and the fumes of the pine tar ascend through the slats and are inhaled by the animal. This treatment is said to effect a complete and permanent cure in a few days if carried out regularly three or four times daily during that period. Under no circumstances must the rabbit be. allowed to remain in the box for , longer than five minutes at a time. If kept there for a longer period than that there may be danger of the animal dying from suffocation. ITotes. In connection with the C.R.B.A. marketing scheme, breeders having Chinchilla pelts to dispose of are asked to c Sr! Tl ? r ’ un * cate 'with the association’s official representative for the marketing of pelts and carcases. Breeders are reminded that the entries for the rabbit section of the North Canterbury Poultry Show, to bo held at Itangiora, close to-day. Very attractive classes have been provided, and a large number of entries is anticipated. When purchasing Angora or Chinchilla rabbits, in order to safeguard yourself, ascertain first whether the stock you purchase is to be the progeny of registered stock, carrying the C.R.B.A.’s pedigree and guarantee. Book for the red seal in every rabbi try you visit, indicating the number of registered stock maintained.
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Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 145, 20 June 1931, Page 34 (Supplement)
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860RABBIT FARMING FOR PROFIT. Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 145, 20 June 1931, Page 34 (Supplement)
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