My Cutie Bunny

How To Care For Your New Rabbit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:42:00 +0000

Planning on adding a furry new friend to your family? Here are some tips and guidelines to care for your new rabbit.

It is hard to resist something as cute as a bunny. Their little twitching noses, their long whiskers, and their huge furry feet are enough to make the hardest of hearts admit the bunny's natural charm. Interestingly enough, many people do not realize that bunnies are a lot like puppies. Like small puppies, they require an abundance of attention and nurturing. If you are planning on acquiring a bunny for yourself or a loved one, here are some basic guidelines to help you prepare for your bunny's arrival.

One of the first things you must realize aboutrabbits is that their average lifespan is anywhere from seven to ten years, so if you choose to get one, you will need to be sure you are committed to that timeframe. Rabbits are a breed of animal that lives in small packs for their lifetime, so some people choose to get at least two rabbits so the rabbits always have company and companionship; however, if you choose only to get one rabbit, you must understand that the rabbit will come to depend on frequent human interaction, so you must also be committed to that.

When purchasing your rabbit, speak to arabbit breeder or consult a reference book to read up on signs of healthy bunnies. Be sure that you purchase a rabbit that is at least older than six weeks to be sure they are properly weaned. Finally, you will want to acquire your new furry friend from a reputable pet store that has a lot of experience with rabbits and not simply the pet store chain because it will be cheaper.

Before the arrival of your new rabbit, you will want to prepare his living space, or hutch. If he is going to be an outside rabbit, be surethat his hutch is protected from natural elements (direct sunlight, high winds or rain) and from other animals that may want to attack him (dogs, cats, etc.). If he is going to be an indoors rabbit, his hutch will need to be in a room that is both quiet and away from direct sunlight. The hutch should be divided into two distinct "rooms." One room should be covered for your rabbit to sleep. The other room should be open and be the spot where his food, water and toys are kept. The hutch should be high enough that your bunny can completely stretch and wide (or long) enough so that he can hop around. The bottom of the hutch will need to be lined with newspaper that is covered with something like hay or wood shavings. Once your rabbit is living in his hutch, you will want to clean out his droppings at least once a day and then change the entire lining at least once a week. After all, rabbits are extremely clean creatures, so you will want his living quarters to be clean, as well. Other than his hutch, your rabbit will also need some time every day to exercise and "stretch his legs" so to speak, so let him run around the yard in a secure spot as often as you can.

Your rabbit will need fresh food and water every single day. Talk to your local pet store or veterinarian, but most rabbits will eat hay and store-bought rabbit food. Since rabbits love to chew, provide plenty of chew toys, as well. In addition to regularly brushing your rabbit's fur, you will need to take your rabbit to the vet at least once a year to check his teeth and nails.

Be gentle when handling your rabbit. When he first arrives home, give him a day or two to get acclimated to his new hutch before you start picking him up and playing with him. However, be sure to talk to him, so that he gets to learn your voice. Despite what you

may have seen on television or cartoons, a bunny should never be picked up by his ears. Rather, you can pick him up by the scruff of his neck, and then you will want to hold him close to your chest supporting his underside. With these tips, you and your rabbit should have a long, fun and healthy relationship for many years.

TYPES OF RABBIT DISEASE

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 02:19:00 +0000

Enteritis

This disease usually attacks the digestive system of rabbits and the cause of death in rabbits in the farm. they often attack children, especially the lactating rabbit. among farmers, the disease is known as diarrhea, flatulence or bloat.

The main causes of bloating is a condition of moist air, wet or exposed to cold at night, direct and abrupt climate change.

In addition, dietary factors are not balanced in the composition of the supplied nutrients such as protein, fiber and fat are not accurate.

Inflatable signs shown by the rabbit is always standing in a bent position and the foot forward, ears drooping down, gloomy eyes, and mouth movements seem to endure pain. except that the rabbit is always thirsty, drink water frequently and always drinking, he will enter the front legs into the water container.

Faeces produced dark green, foul-smelling, slimy and often attached to the anus.

sweet action 15 days old

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 13:57:00 +0000

House proofing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 06:51:00 +0000

A house rabbit needs at least two hours daily out of his cage to run and explore. He is provided an area where he is free to roam in which hazards (to house or bunny) have been mitigated. For example, to prevent electrocution, an owner will hide electrical cords or cover them with flexible clear tubing (slit lengthwise), such as that purchased in the plumbing section of a home store. Also of concern is rabbits' tendency to chew some types of woodwork and carpet edges. This problem is mitigated by providing something in the room that will attract the rabbit to chew instead, such as an old phone book, large pieces of paper, or a toilet paper roll.

Despite the hazards, a house does provide an inherent shelter. House rabbit owners do not leave their rabbits outside unattended, since predators may attack, or there may be pesticides that can harm the rabbit.

Feeding

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 May 2009 08:44:00 +0000

House rabbits are provided an unlimited amount of timothy hay—roughage that reduces the chance of blockages and malocclusion while providing indigestible fiber necessary to keep the gut moving. They are typically given about two cups chopped dark, green, leafy vegetables per 6 pounds of body weight and up to two tablespoons of fruit or carrots per six pounds body weight daily. House rabbit owners commonly provide treats, although in very limited quantities, which can include a few pellets, a slice of strawberry, or other healthy foods. Advertised treats in the pet stores are occasionally used, although even more sparingly, since they typically have very high sugar and starch content.

Some of the vegetables that rabbits enjoy are romaine lettuce, escarole, turnips, collard, kale, parsley, thyme, cilantro, dandelion, and basil. The green, leafy tops of radishes and carrots also are excellent sources of nutrients—more than the vegetable itself. New vegetables are introduced slowly since rabbits have delicate digestive systems. Cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage are avoided because they cause gas and can lead to gastrointestinal stasis, which can be fatal. Starchy vegetables such as potatoes and corn are also avoided.

Pellets made from timothy grass supplement a house rabbit's diet. This differs from commercial rabbits, where pellets account for a much larger portion. Pellet amounts are determined by the weight of the rabbit and are listed on the back of the manufacturer’s packaging. Unlike pellets for rodents, rabbit pellets do not contain nuts, which contain more fat than rabbits can easily metabolize and can cause health problems such as fatty liver. If fresh grass or hay is not available, a high quality pellet is sometimes used as a fallback instead of hay as the staple food.

House rabbits are provided an unlimited amount of fresh water, usually in a water crock, tip-proof ceramic pet dish, or hanging water bottle. Rabbits on a consistent dietary regimen of fresh vegetables will drink less water, sourcing it instead through their greens.

Young rabbits have special dietary needs. They benefit from legume hays and pellets such as alfalfa, which are higher in protein, calories, and calcium than grasses. They are introduced to vegetables at 12 weeks old and fruit at 7 months. Also at 7 months, they begin transitioning from legumes to grass.

Litter training

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 20 May 2009 04:29:00 +0000

A house rabbit is easily trained to use a litter box, especially if spayed or neutered. When placed in a new area, it is common for a rabbit to mark the area with his droppings. After he gets acquainted to the area, he naturally starts favoring a certain location. A litter box filled with about one inch of non-toxic litter is placed there. Cat litter boxes are commonly used; additionally, pet stores sell small animal litter boxes marketed toward small rabbits and ferrets.

Most pet stores carry safe litter that is easy to handle, clean, and absorbent. Wood pellets, Carefresh, and Yesterday’s News are popular. Aspen, hay, straw, and folded towels can also be used. Experts recommend not using litter made from pine or cedar because inhaling the aromatic oils in them may cause liver damage to the rabbit.

Placing hay close to the litter box can speed up the training, since rabbits like to defecate and eat at the same time. It can also be helpful during training to limit the space available to the rabbit. Starting at adolescence, rabbits that are not spayed or neutered may begin displaying territorial marking, which can frustrate efforts to litter train.

Housing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 May 2009 01:27:00 +0000

Rabbits need an enclosure that is at least 4 times the length of the rabbit. Typical enclosures are x-pens, multiple-level condos, large dog cages, a room, and even a whole house.

A puppy training folding fence 26 or more inches tall serves as a simple pen, called an exercise pen or x-pen. It provides more free space and is easier to clean than some traditional cages. Multiple x-pens can be joined to enlarge the enclosed area. An x-pen’s portability is useful for travel with rabbits and for introduction and bonding.

A customizable pen is a multiple-level condo. The rabbit condo can be made by using cable ties and storage cubes available at home supply stores (sample building instructions). Corrugated plastic and carpet remnants are commonly used as flooring. A multiple-level condo provides the rabbit plenty of jumping options and variety. The owner chooses the dimensions and layout.

Another type of pen is a large dog cage. House rabbit organizations caution against using a grid floor, as this will cause sore hocks (sores on the bottom of the rabbit’s back feet). Carpet or linoleum can be added to a cage that has a grid floor to protect the rabbit’s feet, or sometimes the grid can be removed.

A rabbit-proofed room outfitted with a litter box, toys, and food can also serve as an enclosure. Rooms shared with humans, such as a bedroom or a kitchen, are typical. Where it is practical to rabbit-proof an entire house, a house rabbit can freely roam the house as cats and dogs do. Depending on the rabbit, this could require additional litter boxes, possibly one per room or per floor.

Within its enclosure, a house rabbit is provided a small shelter to hide and rest in. Cardboard boxes work well both as shelters and chew toys so long as they do not provide sufficient elevation that the rabbit could jump out of a pen.

House rabbit - (1)SOSIALIZATION

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 May 2009 06:07:00 +0000

A house rabbit is a domestic rabbit kept as a pet for companionship, who lives inside the home with his owners. House rabbits usually have an indoor pen and a rabbit-safe place to run and exercise, such as a living or family room. They are easily trained to use a litter box and can learn to come when called. Their diets typically consist of unlimited timothy hay, a small helping of pellets, and some fresh vegetables and fruits. House rabbits are very quiet pets. They are not well suited for families with unsupervised small children, due to the likelihood of frightening or harming these timid creatures by loud sounds or mishandling.

Socialization

Rabbits are very social animals. House rabbits become part of the family, just as cats, dogs, and birds do, and often get along well with these other animals. It is not uncommon to see a house rabbit grooming the cat or dog or another rabbit. Socialization takes time, especially between two rabbits, where the process is called bonding. Until two rabbits are bonded, they tend to be territorial and can be a danger to each other.

A rabbit needs at least two hours per day of out-of-cage time in a safe environment (see house proofing below). The strong muscles in his back legs will weaken if he is not given opportunities to run, jump, and play. When a rabbit plays, he will often do a binky, which is a happy dance where he will jump into the air, turn around, and take off running. This is the equivalent of a dog's tail wagging or a cat meowing. When calm and being petted on the head, he will gently grind his teeth with contentment. Rabbits enjoy gentle, quiet attention from their human counterparts, although most do not like to be cuddled, which takes them too far from their natural comfort zone as prey animals. A house rabbit typically learns his name and comes when called. Other tricks include begging and jumping hurdles.

House rabbit organizations warn that a rabbit does not make a good pet for small children because they do not know how to stay quiet, calm, and gentle around the rabbit. As prey animals, rabbits are alert, timid creatures that startle easily. They have fragile bones, especially in their backs, that require support on the belly and bottom when picked up. Children nine years old and older usually have the maturity required to care for a rabbit.

It is recommended that dogs and cats generally not be left alone with rabbits as their predatory instincts (or overenthusiastic play) can lead to the dog or cat attacking the rabbit spontaneously. Many owners have found, however, that after careful introduction their dog or cat does get along well with their rabbit.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:56:00 +0000

The Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), also known as the Desert Hare, is a common hare of the western United States and Mexico, where it is found at elevations from sea level to up to 10,000 feet (3000 m).

Like other jackrabbits, the Blacktail has distinctive long ears, and the long, powerful rear legs characteristic of hares. Reaching a length of about two feet (60 cm), and a weight from three to six pounds (1.5 to 3 kg), the Black-tailed Jackrabbit is the third largest North American hare, second only to the Antelope Jackrabbit and the White-tailed Jackrabbit. The Black-tailed Jackrabbit's dorsal fur is agouti (dark buff peppered with black), and its undersides and the insides of its legs are creamy white. The ears are black-tipped on the outer surface, and unpigmented inside. The ventral surface of the tail is grey to white, and the black dorsal surface of the tail continues up the spine for a few inches to form a short, black stripe.

The Black-tailed Jackrabbit is a natural denizen of desert, prairie and chaparral communities, though it also commonly feeds in cultivated pastures and lawns. It may be seen during the day, though it is predominantly crepuscular and nocturnal in its habits. Diet includes cactus, sagebrush, mesquite, juniper berries, grasses, and crop plants such as clover and alfalfa. The hares drink very little, deriving most of their water from their food. Like most hares, Black-tailed Jackrabbits do not use burrows, but rest during the day in a shallow scrape, called a "form," dug into the soil and usually under the cover of available vegetation.

Black-tailed Jackrabbits rely on their acute hearing and speed and to evade predators. They can reach speeds of up to 40–45 mph (64–72 km/h), and can leap 19 feet (6 m) in a single bound. Their natural predators include Red-tailed Hawks, Ferruginous Hawks, and eagles, as well as mammalian carnivores such as coyotes, foxes, and bobcats.

Although they are generally solitary animals, Blacktails often forage and rest in groups, each individual relying on the eyes and ears of the others to detect predators. Like some other lagomorphs, such as the European Rabbit, jackrabbits will thump the ground with their hind legs as an alarm signal as they sprint away from perceived danger.

Breeding can occur year-round in the southern regions of the species' range. In the wild, females (does) rarely breed before the age of one year, although they are fertile before that age. A healthy doe may produce four to five litters per year, with one to eight young per litter. Wild leverets usually weigh between 80–100 grams (2–3 ounces) at birth, although healthy, well-fed captive individuals are known to have given birth to young as large as 155 grams (5.5 ounces). A doe usually gives birth to her offspring in a form or close to thick brush, and if there are multiple leverets in a litter, she will usually not leave them in a single location. This may be an evolutionary adaptation that prevents a predator from devouring an entire litter. Gestation lasts 45 days, and although the young are precocial, (i.e., active and relatively independent from birth), the mother hare will nurse her babies for a full 12 weeks before weaning them.

Black-tailed Jackrabbit populations may undergo "boom-bust" cycles which can be quite localized: the animals may be plentiful in one valley and almost absent from an adjacent valley. Population crashes occur mostly in response to disease (especially Tularemia), although environmental factors such as food availability also can affect population structure. These cycles may contribute to similar fluctuations in mammalian predator populations, such as coyotes, and may affect the numbers of transient migratory avian predators. Because Black-tailed Jackrabbits reproduce relatively rapidly, the population usually recovers quickly after a crash, given suitable environmental conditions.

The high prevalence of disease and parasites in wild jackrabbits also affects human predation. Many hunters will not collect the jackrabbits they shoot, and those that do are well-advised to wear gloves while handling carcasses and to cook the meat thoroughly to avoid contracting Tularemia. Most hunting of jackrabbits is done for "pest" control or sport.

Mountain HARE

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 May 2009 00:29:00 +0000

The Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus), also known as Blue Hare, Tundra Hare, Variable Hare, White Hare, Alpine Hare and Irish Hare, is a hare, which is largely adapted to polar and mountainous habitats. It is distributed from Fennoscandia to eastern Siberia; in addition there are isolated populations in the Alps, Ireland, Poland, the United Kingdom and Hokkaidō. It has also been introduced to Shetland and the Faroe Islands.

In Summer, for all populations of mountain hares, the coat is various shades of brown. In preparation for winter most populations moult into a white (or largely white) pelage. The subspecies Irish Mountain Hare (Lepus timidus hibernicus) stays brown all year and only rarely do individuals develop a white coat. The Irish race may also have a dark/grey upper surface to the tail, which in other populations always remains white. This tail color combined with it's large size (in comparison to most other populations of mountain hare) and the various shades of brown that the Irish hare may display, could lead an unexperienced observer to misidentifying an Irish mountain hare as a brown hare (Lepus europaeus).

Studies have shown that the diet of the mountain hare varies from region to region. It seems to be somewhat dependent on the particular habitat that the population under study lives in. For example, in northern Scandinavia where snow may blanket the ground for many months, the hares may graze on twigs and bark. In areas where snowfall is rare, such as Ireland, grass may form the bulk of the diet. Given a choice, mountain hares (in Scotland and Ireland at least)seem to prefer feeding on grasses. One study looking at mountain hares on a coastal grassland environment in Ireland found that grasses constituted over 90% of the diet. This was higher than the percentage of grass in the diet of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that inhabited the same environment.

The Mountain Hare is the provincial animal of Medelpad in Sweden.

In northern parts of Finland and Sweden, the Mountain Hare and the European Hare compete for habitat. The European Hare, being larger, is usually able to drive away the Mountain Hare but is less adapted for living in snowy regions: its feet are smaller and its winter fur is a mixture of white and brown. While this winter fur is actually a very good camouflage in the coastal regions of Finland where the snow covers the shrubs but for a short time, the Mountain Hare is better adapted for the snowier conditions of the inland areas.

The Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus) was once considered a subspecies of the Mountain Hare, but it is now regarded as a separate species. Similarly, some scientists believe that the Irish Hare should be regarded as a separate species.

About Arctic Hare

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 May 2009 08:54:00 +0000

The Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus) is a hare which is largely adapted to polar and mountainous habitats. It was once considered a subspecies of the Mountain Hare, but it is now regarded as a separate species.

It is distributed over the tundra regions of Greenland and the northernmost parts of Canada as well as Alaska. In the far north, the hare becomes white during the winter to blend with the snow, similar to the ptarmigan and turns a gray-brown color during the summer months to blend with the mud and rock.

It is an average of 55–70 cm (22–28 in) long, and it weighs about 4–5.5 kg (9–12 lb). It has small ears to reduce its surface area to volume ratio.

The Arctic Hare mainly eats woody plants. It eats buds, berries, leaves and grass.^[3] It has a keen sense of smell and may dig for willow twigs under the snow.

The Volcano Rabbit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 05 May 2009 12:06:00 +0000

The Volcano Rabbit also known as teporingo or zacatuche (Romerolagus diazi) is a small rabbit that resides in the mountains of Mexico. It is the world's second smallest rabbit, second only to the Pygmy Rabbit. It has small rounded ears, short legs, and short, thick fur. The Volcano Rabbit lives in groups of 2 to 5 animals in burrows. Unlike many species of rabbits (and similar to pikas), the Volcano Rabbit utters very high-pitched sounds instead of thumping its feet on the ground to warn other rabbits of danger. It is nocturnal and is highly active during twilight, dawn and all times in between. The Volcano Rabbit weighs approximately 390–600 g (14–21 oz). As of 1969, there were 1000 to 1200 in the wild.

The Volcano Rabbit lives in Mexico. The rabbit has been pushed into areas on the slopes of the Iztaccíhuatl, Pelado, Popocatepetl, and Tlaloc volcanoes. The Volcano Rabbit is generally found between elevations of 2800 m and 4250 m in pine forests with a dense undergrowth of bunch grass and rocky terrain called the transverse neovolcanic axis.

The Volcano Rabbit feeds on green leaves in zacaton grasses, the undeveloped leaves of spiny herbs and the bark of alder trees. During the rainy season, it will also eat oats and corn from crops.

The most serious threats to the Volcano Rabbit are habitat degradation and target shooting.

The Pygmy Rabbit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:36:00 +0000

The Pygmy Rabbit, Brachylagus idahoensis is a North American rabbit, and is one of only two rabbit species in America to dig its own burrow. The Pygmy Rabbit differs significantly from species within either the Lepus or Sylvilagus genera and is generally considered to be within the monotypic genus Brachylagus. Although it is listed as an endangered species in the Columbia Basin of the United States, the IUCN lists the species as lower risk. This is because the Columbia Basin population is a genetically distinct isolated relict population well on its way to evolving into a distinct subspecies, whereas the IUCN only considers species as a whole.

The Pygmy Rabbit is the smallest leporid in North America, with mean adult weights from 375 to about 500 grams (0.8 to 1.1 pounds), and a body length from 23.5 to 29.5 centimeters (9¼ to 11½ inches); females are slightly larger than males. The pygmy rabbit is distinguishable from other leporids by its small size, short ears, gray color, small hind legs, and lack of white fur on the tail.

The Pygmy Rabbit is typically found in areas of tall, dense sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) cover, and are highly dependent on sagebrush to provide both food and shelter throughout the year. The historic distribution of the Pygmy Rabbit included much of the semi-arid, shrub steppe region of the Great Basin and adjacent intermountain zones of the conterminous western United States, and included portions of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington.

The last male purebred Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit, found only in Douglas County, Washington, died March 30, 2006, at the Oregon Zoo in Portland. The last purebred female died in 2008.^[3] A crossbreeding program conducted by the Oregon Zoo, Washington State University and Northwest Trek is attempting to preserve the genetic line by breeding surviving females with the Idaho Pygmy Rabbit.

The European Rabbit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 01:33:00 +0000

The 'European Rabbit' (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a species of rabbit native to south west Europe (Spain and Portugal). It has been widely introduced elsewhere often with devastating effects on local biodiversity. However, its decline in its native range (caused by the diseases myxomatosis and rabbit calicivirus as well as over-hunting and habitat loss) has caused the decline of its highly dependent predators, the Iberian Lynx and the Spanish Imperial Eagle. It is known as an invasive species for the fact it has been introduced to countries on all continents with the exception of Antarctica and Asia, and caused many problems within the environment and ecosystems as well. Australia has the most problems with European Rabbits, since there is lack of predators to these animals there.

The European Rabbit is well-known for digging networks of burrows called warrens, where it spends most of its time when not feeding. Unlike the related hares (Lepus), rabbits are altricial, the young being born blind and furless, in a fur-lined nest in the warren, and they are totally dependent upon their mother.

The European Rabbit is a small, grey-brown mammal ranging from 34-45 cm (13-18 inches) in length, and is approximately 1.3-2.2 kg (3-5 lb) in weight. As a lagomorph, it has four sharp incisors (two on top, two on bottom) that grow continuously throughout its life, and two peg teeth on the top behind the incisors, dissimilar to those of rodents (which have only 2 each, top and bottom). Rabbits have long ears, large hind legs, and short, fluffy tails. Rabbits move by hopping, using their long and powerful hind legs. To facilitate quick movement, a rabbit's hind feet have a thick padding of fur to dampen the shock of rapid hopping. Their toes are long, and are webbed to keep from spreading apart as the animal jumps.

The European Rabbit has been introduced as an exotic species into a number of environments, with baleful results to vegetation and local wildlife. Locations include the British Isles (from 1066 with the Norman invasion; as of November 2004 there were about 40 million European Rabbits in Britain), Laysan Island (1903) and Lisianski Island in the Hawaiian Islands; Macquarie Island; Smith Island, San Juan Island (around 1900) later spreading to the other San Juan Islands; Australia and New Zealand.

The cottontail rabbits

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 23:56:00 +0000

The Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is a New World cottontail rabbit, a member of the family Leporidae. It is one of the most common rabbit species in North America.
The cottontail rabbits are the 16 lagomorph species in the genus Sylvilagus, found in the Americas.

In appearance most cottontail rabbits closely resemble the wild European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Most members of the genus have a stub tail with a white underside that shows when they are retreating, giving them their name "cottontails." However, this feature is not present in all cottontails (for example, the underside of the Brush Rabbit's tail is grey), nor is it unique to the genus (for example, the European Rabbit also has a white scut).

The genus is widely distributed across North America, Central America, and South America, though most species are confined to particular regions. Most (though not all) species live in nests called forms, and all have altricial young.

Cottontail rabbits show a greater resistance to myxomatosis than European rabbits

The Eastern Cottontail is chunky red-brown or gray-brown in appearance with large hind feet, long ears and a short fluffy white tail. Its underside fur is white. There is a rusty patch on the tail.
Its appearance differs from that of a hare in that it has a brownish-gray coloring around the head and neck. The body is lighter color with a white underside on the tail. It has large brown eyes and large ears to see and listen for danger. In winter the cottontail's pelage is more gray than brown. The kittens develop the same coloring after a few weeks, but they also have a white blaze that goes down their forehead; this marking eventually disappears. The average adult weighs about 2-4 pounds; however the female tends to be heavier.

The Eastern Cottontail can be found in meadows and shrubby areas in the eastern and south-central United States, southern Canada, eastern Mexico, Central America and northernmost South America. It is abundant in Midwest North America, and has been found in New Mexico and Arizona. Its range expanded north as forests were cleared by settlers. Originally, it was not found in New England, but it has been introduced there and now competes for habitat there with the native New England Cottontail.

The Eastern Cottontail eats green vegetation such as grasses and clover in summer and bark, buds and twigs in winter. Its diet includes grasses, fruits, and vegetables in the spring and summer, and twigs, bark, dogwoods and maple trees in the winter. This animal is active at night; it does not hibernate in winter. People also hunt it for food in many parts of its range; its fur is also used for clothing. On farms and in gardens, the Eastern Cottontail is usually considered a pest and is often trapped or shot to protect plants.

Mating occurs from February to September. Males will mate with more than one female. Female rabbits have 2 to 4 large litters of up to 9 young^{[citation needed]}, called kits or kittens, in a year. The female builds a nest in the ground lined with grass and fur. After the female has given birth to her offspring, she can mate again immediately thereafter. The kittens are weaned after 3 weeks and leave the nest after seven weeks. The kittens then reach mating age after three months.

Hunting and predation prevent the rabbit population from growing out of control. Only about 20-25% of young rabbits remain alive within a year after birth and 85% of adults or young are killed every year by predators (including humans)^{[citation needed]}. Regular predators include hawks (especially red-tailed hawks), eagles, owls (especially great horned owls), red foxes, coyotes, bobcats, canadian lynxes and weasels.

The Eastern Cottontail is a very territorial animal. It is nocturnal and is also active during early dawn and late dusk. When running, it can jump from 15 feet, which can aid in avoiding predators^{[citation needed]}. When chased, it runs in a zigzag pattern so the animal chasing it will lose its scent and so the rabbit is harder to follow. It can run up to 18 miles per hour^{[citation needed]}. The cottontail prefers an area where it can hide quickly but be out in the open. Forests, swamps, thickets, bushes or open areas where it can dig a burrow are optimal habitation sites for this species.

Swamp Rabbit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:47:00 +0000

The Swamp Rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) is a large cottontail rabbit found in the swamps and wetlands of the Southern United States. S. aquaticus is similar in appearance to other cottontails, although it is among the largest members of the genus. It is generally brown, with the bottom of its stubby tail colored white. Adult male and female specimens of this species weigh between three and six pounds (1.5 - 2.7 kg). It is uncommon in rabbits for the female to weigh as much as the male.

The swamp rabbit eats reeds, plants, and grasses native to its marshy habitat. The swamp rabbit nests above ground in small dens made of dead plants and lined with its shed fur. When fleeing a predator, the swamp rabbit can run over 45 miles per hour, usually in an evasive zig-zag pattern.

S. aquaticus is a skilled swimmer, often crossing streams, ponds and rivers. The semi-aquatic cottontail will occasionally hide from natural enemies by sitting still in shallow water, exposing only its nose to the air to breathe.

"Amami rabbit"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 02:09:00 +0000

Amami rabbit or in the name of Englishman "Amami rabbit" of the family Leporidae, in the name of science Pentalagus furnessi.The Amami Rabbit or Amami no Kuro Usagi,also known as the Ryukyu Rabbit, is a primitive dark-furred rabbit which is only found in Amami Ōshima and Toku-no-Shima, two small islands between southern Kyūshū and Okinawa in Kagoshima Prefecture (but actually closer to Okinawa) in Japan. Often called a living fossil, the Amami Rabbit is a living remnant of ancient rabbits that once lived on the Asian mainland, where they died out, remaining only on the two small islands where they survive today.

The Amami Rabbit has short legs, a somewhat bulky body, rather large and curved claws, and is active at night. Its ears are also significantly smaller than those of other rabbits or hares. A forest-dweller, it apparently only has one (or sometimes two) young at once, which the mother digs a hole in the ground for them to hide in during the day. At night, the mother opens the entrance to the hole, while watching for predators (like venomous snakes), and then nurses its young, after which it closes the hole with dirt and plant material by thumping on it with its front paws. Amami Rabbits sleep during the day in hidden places, such as caves. Amami Rabbits are also noted for making calling noises, which sound something like the call of a pika; this makes them unique as most rabbits cannot make calling noises.

The Amami Rabbit is endangered, because of hunting, which ended when Japan gave the rabbit legal protection in 1921, but also because of deforestation and killings by dogs, cats, and other animals introduced by humans, which continue today. In particular, mongooses released by island residents to kill poisonous snakes have killed a large number of Amami Rabbits. Deforestation is also very harmful to the rabbits, especially as they are asleep during daylight, and will often be killed without being able to flee.

Rabbit "black lipid pika"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 09:52:00 +0000

Pikas, cousins of rabbits, are small chinchilla-like animals, with short limbs, rounded ears, and short tails. The name pika (archaically spelled pica) is used for any member of the Ochotonidae, a family within the order of lagomorphs, which also includes the Leporidae (rabbits and hares). One genus, Ochotona, is recognised within the family, and it includes 30 species. Pikas are also called rock rabbits or coneys. It is also known as the "whistling hare" due to its high-pitched alarm call when diving into its burrow. The name "pika" appears to be derived from the Tungus "piika", or perhaps from the Russian "pikat", to squeak. In English the pronunciation of the name is usually anglicised.
Pikas are native to cold climates, mostly in Asia, North America and parts of eastern Europe. Most species live on rocky mountain sides, where there are numerous crevices to shelter in, although some also construct crude burrows. A few burrowing species are instead native to open steppe land. In the mountains of Eurasia, pikas often share their burrows with snowfinches, which build their nests there.

Pikas are small hamster-like animals, with short limbs, rounded ears, and short tails. They are about 18-20 cm in body length, with a tail less than 2 cm long, and weigh between 75 and 290 grams, depending on species. Like rabbits, after eating they initially produce soft green feces, which they eat again to extract further nutrition, before producing the final, solid, fecal pellets.

These animals are herbivores, and feed on a wide variety of plant matter. Because of their native habitat, they primarily eat grasses, sedges, shrub twigs, moss, and lichen.

Distribution, habitat and behavior american pika rabbit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:49:00 +0000

The American Pika can be found throughout western North America, spanning from central British Columbia in Canada to the US states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California and New Mexico.^[5]

They generally reside in mountainous, rocky areas, within elevations of 2,400-4,000 meters (8,000-13,000 feet), or above the tree line. They make their homes in the cracks between piles of rocks. Although they live in groups, American Pikas are territorial and will guard their area from others.

The American Pika is diurnal, or active throughout the day. They devote most of the day to searching for food, guarding their territory, and watching for predators, which includes: eagles, hawks, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and weasels.

As the pika is a vocal animal, they can use both calls and songs to communicate among themselves. A call is used to warn when a predator is lurking near, and a song is during the breeding season (males only), and during autumn (both males and females).[

about 'american pika' rabbit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:41:00 +0000

The American Pika (Ochotona princeps) is a diurnal species of pika that is found in the mountains of western North America, usually in boulder fields at or above tree line. They are flower-gathering animals, which are the smallest of the rabbit group. The American Pika has a small, round, egg-shaped body, which is covered with brown fur. They have large and round ears, and no visible tail. Their body length ranges from 162 to 216 millimeters (6-8 inches). Their hind feet range from 25 to 35 mm (1-1½ in).^[4] They usually weigh about 170 grams (6 ounces).

rabbit categories

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 13:33:00 +0000

Arnab between species that are in this world are: --

1. North American pika, or the name Inggeris "North American pika" Ochotonidae from the family, the name sainsnya Ochonotona princeps
2. Pika black lips or Inggeris "Black-lipped pika" Ochotonidae from the family, the name sainsnya Ochonotona curzoniae
3. Amami rabbit or Inggeris "Amami rabbit" of the family Leporidae, the name sains Pentalagus furnessi
4. Paya rabbit or Inggeris "Swamp rabbit" of the family Leporidae, the name sains Brachylagus aquaticus
5. Arnab Ekor East Cotton or Inggeris "Eastern cottontail" of the family Leporidae, the name sains Brachylagus floridanus
6. Pygmy rabbit, or the name Inggeris "Pygmy rabbit" of the family Leporidae, the name sains Brachylagus idahoensis
7. Arnab Inggeris Europe or the name "European rabbit" of the family Leporidae, the name sains Orytolagus cuniculus
8. Volcano rabbit, or the name Inggeris "Volcano rabbit" of the family Leporidae, the name sains Romerolagus diazi
9. Arnab War, or the name Inggeris "Brown rabbit" of the family Leporidae, the name sains Lepus europaeus
10. Arnab Artik or Inggeris "Arctic Hare" from the family Leporidae, the name sains Lepus arcticus
11. Arnab Mount or Inggeris "Mountain Hare" from the family Leporidae, the name sains Lepus timidus
12. Arnab Ekor Jack Black or Inggeris name "Black-tailed Jackrabbit" of the family Leporidae, the name sains Lepus californicus

introducing of rabbit

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:35:00 +0000

Arnab or in English known as the Rabbit is the kind of dainty small mammals. Is the scientific name of rabbit Oryctolagus spp.

Rabbit object is a living from natural animal filum kordata in the classroom in order lagomorpha mammals. Rabbit is maun animal is the main food plants. The distinction between the rabbit is a rabbit with the mouse has two cutting teeth (incisors) part maxilla. Structure of rabbit skull is lighter, has a hole shaped hole aft nose, and tails that short and rounded.

Rabbit often be hunted by animal carnivore, by the rabbit has advantages multiply quickly. As the animal mammals, warm-blooded rabbit, flourish with the birth of children. Rabbit and keep feeding the child.

Rabbit ears that have long acted as penyisih Haba, and also hearing a strong sense to help rabbit scan enemy. In addition, to escape from the animal carnivore, rabbit able to move with the rate jump. rabbit be found in the various regions and climates, from the tundra, a simple temperature, tropics, and also in the wilderness.