Decorative rabbits are touching and miniature creatures that are specially designed for keeping in an apartment. They are becoming more and more popular as pets. But not everyone knows how they differ from ordinary rabbits common in agriculture. How not to make a mistake when purchasing a small animal? What should be considered when choosing it?
Instructions
Step 1
It is advisable to purchase a decorative rabbit from professional breeders who can provide the pedigree of the animal and all the necessary documents, or, alternatively, at a pet store. If you are offered a rabbit by someone you know, or if cute animals on the market have attracted your attention, you should pay attention to which variety they belong to. Otherwise, you risk becoming the owner of an ordinary meat rabbit.
Step 2
The main difference between a decorative rabbit and a meat rabbit is its small size. An ordinary decorative rabbit, even in adulthood, weighs no more than 2.5 kg, while a meat rabbit is able to grow and gain weight up to 8 kg. There are also decorative dwarf rabbits, they are very small - no more than 1.5 kg. The weight of an ordinary decorative rabbit at two months is about 300 grams, and the weight of a dwarf one is half that.
Step 3
The small decorative bunny can be distinguished from the usual one by the length of the ears. In decorative rabbits, ears are short - 1-3 cm, and in adult rabbits, ears grow up to 5 cm. The ears of a meat rabbit are much longer.
Step 4
In addition, decorative rabbits can be distinguished by the characteristic features inherent in their various breeds. One of the most popular varieties of decorative rabbits is called "ram". Their ears are distinguished by the fact that at the age of one to two months they become drooping. Sometimes the ears of "rams" for the first time fall off asymmetrically: one falls, while the other continues to stand upright. But this is a temporary age-related phenomenon. In an adult rabbit, a protruding ear indicates insufficient purity of the breed. "Ram" is one of the most unpretentious varieties of decorative rabbits.
Step 5
Representatives of the "Rex" breed are quite different from other rabbits. They have a very short coat that feels like plush. This unusual feature makes such rabbits more susceptible to fungal and infectious diseases - after all, the protective function of the skin in them is reduced. But in dwarf rabbits of the Angora and fox breeds, the wool, on the contrary, is much longer than that of ordinary ones. They also feature spectacular ear tassels. When choosing such a rabbit, remember that its long coat will require careful daily grooming.
