. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Woolly Jersey Rabbit – Feeding and Grooming

Feeding

The digestive system of most rabbits is a lesson in finesse, but with a few considerations, you can hedge your bets against common and often dangerous digestive disorders.

Rabbits depend on the good bacteria in their stomachs to aid in the digestion of their food. Frequently changing your diet or adding new foods too quickly can upset this delicate balance and cause serious problems. Add new foods over the course of a week or more. If you want or need to change your brand of food, combine the new with the old in increasing proportions over the same period of time.

Jersey Wooly Power Requirements

As a dwarf breed, mature Woolies only need about 1 ounce of food for every 1 pound of weight, per day. However, if you have a pregnant or nursing female, or a baby less than four months old, allow her as much as she can eat. This will provide the additional calories and nutrients they need.

Domestic rabbits do very well with a meal that contains between 16% and 18% protein, at least 16% fiber, and 2-3% fat. Take the time to check the labels and find a suitable brand, and only buy what will be consumed in four to five weeks. The high moisture content in rabbit food means that it can get moldy and spoiled, making your bunny sick.

Water

In addition to quality food, your bunny’s main diet will consist of a constant supply of fresh water, which rabbits cannot absorb from their food, and a constant supply of timothy hay. Woolen garments are more prone to a life-threatening condition known as wool block; a blockage of hair in the digestive tract. A constant supply of fresh hay helps reduce this possibility and allows for all-day nibbling.

Candies

Special treats can be used to reinforce cooperative training, supplement a daily diet, or simply say, “I love you.” Kitchen scraps work great here, but food that’s about to go bad is better for the compost pile than it is for your bunny’s belly. Make sure to remove any bones or seeds.

Don’t feed your rabbit lettuce. Lettuce contains lactucarium, which can cause dangerously severe diarrhea. Diarrhea can kill a rabbit. You should also avoid cabbage, kohlrabi, parsnip, potato tops, and tomato leaves.

Cleanliness

Jersey Woolies was born as a cross between Netherland Dwarf and French Angora. However, Wooly’s fur has a higher ratio of protective hairs, which makes it much easier to maintain than an Angora, and it can still be used as a textile.

Cleaning

Regularly clean their enclosures to keep them free of excrement. This goes a long way in facilitating grooming. Urine stains, also called “hutch stains,” are sometimes unavoidable. Some home remedies include lemon juice and water, vinegar and water, or baking soda and water. These solutions should only be used directly on stains. Never immerse your rabbit in water, as this can shock him.

Grooming sessions

Start your grooming sessions with a high-powered hair dryer set to “cool” or a small, clean shop vacuum set to “blow.” This will remove dirt and dust and fluff up the coat. Use the blower only for short periods to start, giving your bunny treats for their cooperation. Be careful not to blow directly into the ears, eyes, nose, or mouth. Start at the rump and work your way up the back and sides.

Using a more polished brush below will remove the mats, pull out loose fur, stimulate the fur, and add shine to your rabbit’s fur. The most polished brushes come in many sizes and styles. Look for one designed specifically for bunnies. Again, start at the tail. You can flip your bunny on your lap to make his bottom.

Health checks

While gently handling your rabbit, check his eyes, ears, and bottom for signs of irritation. Also check the nails and teeth, which can grow too large and require trimming. If left untreated, overgrown teeth, known as malocclusion, can cause your rabbit to stop eating.

Maturity and molt

As your Wooly matures, it will go through several stages of shedding, starting around the eyes, the nose, and the base of the ears. Some rabbits go completely bald, resulting in what is called a ‘hairless Michigan’. Shed coats can be mixed with other fibers and made into felt or yarn for use in crafts. With Jersey Woolies, you can literally have your bunny and wear it too. New coats usually arrive fairly quickly.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *