Lion-headed rabbit: description, maintenance and care at home. Decorative rabbits

The lion-headed rabbit attracts the attention of others with its unusual, exotic appearance. Therefore, today an increasing number of people choose representatives of this relatively new breed as pets. After reading today's article, you will learn how these decorative animals look and how to look after them.

A bit of history

Despite the fact that this breed was bred relatively recently, specialists do not have accurate information about their origin. According to one version, these animals were obtained by crossing smooth-haired and long-haired rabbits. According to another, no less common theory, they are the consequence of some kind of mutation. The only thing you can talk about with absolute certainty is the dominance of the genes that determine the development of the mane.

Despite the fact that the first lion-headed rabbit appeared on the territory of Belgium, the generally accepted standard, which applies to all the representatives of this breed, was developed in the USA. In Russia, these fluffy animals with exotic appearance were imported in the early 2000s and immediately gained unprecedented popularity.

Description of the breed

These are small animals with a truncated trunk, a broad chest and well-developed croup. On the small head are widely planted eyes and fluffy ears, the length of which does not exceed nine centimeters. Rounded cheeks of small animals smoothly pass into a short neck, almost invisible behind a thick mane.

The adult lion-headed rabbit, whose size amazes with its miniature, has strong, moderately long hind legs. Babies who have not reached the age of six months have a body weight of not more than 700 grams. An adult, sexually mature specimen weighs between 1.5-1.7 kg.

With regard to color, the standard allowed about 60 possible variations. The most common is lilac, chocolate, sable, black and white fur. The most interesting are decorative rabbits with chinchilla, opal, blue and orange fur.

Characteristics of character

These are very calm and peaceful animals. They differ in complaisant character. Representatives of this breed are quite active and energetic. If desired, they can be taught some simple tricks.

Lionhead dwarf rabbit is very timid. Once in a noisy and unfavorable environment, he can be very frightened and show aggression. With gentle treatment, the animal quickly develops and manifests itself from the best side.

These friendly animals get on well with both children and adults. But they do not tolerate sharp movements and will not tolerate touching their ears, which are full of nerve endings.

Lionheaded rabbits: care

These animals need a fairly spacious cage in which there is a drinking bowl, a feeder, a bed and a toilet tray. The rabbit's home can not be put on drafts and in the immediate vicinity of heating devices. Also, the cell should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It is undesirable to allow loud sounds in a room where a shy lion-headed rabbit inhabits.

How many live these animals? In many ways, the terms depend on the conditions of detention. Under favorable circumstances fuzzy will please owners until 11 years old. To reduce the likelihood of problems with the spine, strengthen the back muscles and prevent the development of obesity, the pet needs to provide regular physical loads. Three times a week, a pet needs to brush his teeth. The coat of the animal requires special care. To ensure that it does not stray into coils and has an aesthetic appearance, it should be combed daily. Once a month the animal is recommended to prune its claws.

Food

Miniature decorative rabbits eat the same thing as their standard kindred. The basis of their diet should be hay. They can also be given raw fruits and vegetables, including apples, pears, cauliflower, lettuce, turnip, pumpkin and carrots. From time to time, it is desirable to supplement the menu of animals with fresh dandelions and branches of trees. In addition, they periodically need to give special pellets with the maximum fiber content and reduced protein levels.

From the diet of lion-headed rabbit it is important to completely exclude white cabbage, walnuts, cookies, sweets, beets, potatoes and bakery products. All these products are categorically not suitable for feeding miniature animals and are not digested in their bodies.

Health

The lion-headed rabbit is susceptible to various viral and infectious diseases. Because many of the ailments that these animals suffer are difficult to treat, they are easier to prevent. These fluffy miniature animals with exotic appearance are prone to myxomatosis, pneumonia, infectious rhinitis, stomatitis and conjunctivitis. All these diseases are transmitted from infected individuals to healthy individuals.

Also rabbits often suffer from pododermatitis, scabies and ringworm. The weak side of all types of decorative rabbits is the gastrointestinal tract. They are prone to constipation and bloating.

To protect your pet from the most dangerous ailments, it is important to carry out a timely vaccination. Veterinarians advise making complex preventive vaccinations at least once a year.

Choosing a rabbit and the most common content errors

Acquisition of a small pet is a kind of lottery. After all, no self-respecting breeder can guarantee that a particular rabbit will necessarily grow an exhibition animal representing tribal value. Therefore, those who want to buy a small animal, corresponding to generally accepted standards and suitable for breeding, should be selected from adult specimens.

For those who just need a pet, you can buy a little rabbit. When choosing, it is desirable to give preference to active individuals with a clearly visible mane. Have a pet you like should be clean ears, nose and eyes. A healthy baby has a soft and pleasant to the touch wool.

Many inexperienced owners unknowingly believe that the lion-headed rabbit needs regular bathing. In fact, despite the fluffy and long coat, it can not be washed. Hygienic water procedures are a strong stress for the animal, so they must be avoided. Zverek is able to clean his own fur coat on his own.

Some people, buying a fluffy pet, forget to ask the breeder what he fed the baby. Therefore, upon arrival in a new home, they begin to give the animal unsuitable and unfamiliar products. Such rash actions are fraught with serious problems with the digestive system. To avoid possible troubles, find out in advance what the rabbit bought by you was eating.