Breeding rabbits is very profitable. After all, these animals actually breed very quickly. However, in order to get a good offspring of animals, one should, of course, know how to distinguish a female from a male rabbit a. This is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance.
Buying Rabbits: General Tips
Rabbits should be purchased for the household at the age of at least 1-1.5 months. In younger individuals, the body is poorly adapted to ordinary food. Little rabbits need breast milk. When buying kids, you should also look at their equipment. Too thin rabbits are not worth buying, of course. They may be sick. The eyes of the babies should be clean, and the hair should be smooth and shiny. All these rules must be observed when buying both domestic and decorative rabbits.
What difficulties may arise
Rabbits purchased for breeding for meat or for skins should be inspected especially carefully. Unfortunately, there are not too conscientious sellers trying to “palm off” a male inexperienced farmer instead of a female. The fact is that rabbits usually give birth to approximately the same number of “boys” and “girls”. Small females are usually more in demand among buyers than males. Indeed, for breeding rabbits , it is enough for beginners and experienced farmers to have one male on several queens.
It is also worth a closer look when buying those people who decide to become breeders of decorative rabbits. The reason for the fraud on the part of the seller in this case may be the same.
External signs
So, how to distinguish a female from a male rabbit? At first glance, it seems that all the animals in the herd look exactly the same . And indeed, outwardly, the females of these animals are very similar to males. However, if you look closely, you can still distinguish a rabbit from a future uterus. First, you need to look at the head of the animal. In rabbits, it is more powerful and larger than in females. The boy’s head is square in shape. In a female, she is lighter. The shape of the head of the uterus is a little pointed.
You should also examine the pelvis of the animal. In rabbits, it is noticeably wider than in males. Such a structure of the uterine body is “conceived” by nature itself. Indeed, with a wide basin, giving birth to rabbits is much easier for a female.
You can distinguish a rabbit from the uterus by the constitution of the body. Females look more fragile and elegant. It is also worth looking at the behavior of animals. Rabbits are much more active than females. However, both uterus and males can mark their territory in these animals. So on this basis, animals cannot be distinguished.
More accurate way
It is possible to distinguish a rabbit from a uterus by external signs mainly only if they are already adults. For small rabbits, this method cannot be used. These rabbits are really very similar to each other. The only thing is, boys up to the age of about 2 months are smaller than girls. But in any case, to distinguish the male from the female in rabbits, as in any other animals, the easiest way is to examine their genitals. For this:
- The rabbit is placed on its knees on its back with its head towards itself. Next, hind legs are raised to its sides. This should be done as carefully as possible. Bones in rabbits are quite fragile.
- Inspect the place under the tail of the animal.
In a more or less adult female, you will notice a pronounced "cone" starting from the tail itself. The little "girl" instead has a narrow gap.
In male rabbits, the genitals are located quite far from the tail. In small individuals, a small round hole-tube is clearly visible. In large rabbits, when pressed, it will be possible to see the curved penis itself. In young individuals it has a white color, in adults - pink. Also, males older than 5 months already have two reddish or gray oval testicles. They are large in size and it will be simply impossible not to notice them.
Useful Tips
Thus, we found out how to distinguish a male rabbit from a female. If you have never bought these animals and do not yet have an idea of how the genitals of the uterus and rabbit look, examine several babies at once . The difference in structure will be immediately noticeable. If the seller does not allow this, it is better to refuse the purchase. Perhaps only males remained in the litter for sale. Sometimes it happens that the seller himself shows the buyer a place under the tail of the rabbit. At the same time, it does it so fast that almost nothing can be noticed. Do not fall for this bait. But usually sellers are still quite willing to allow buyers to inspect their pets.
What you must do after purchase
The answer to the question of how to understand a rabbit - female or male, is thus simple. By selecting the required number of queens and males, it will be possible to quickly increase the herd of rabbits on the farm. However, successful breeding of these animals will only be possible provided that the owner takes care of their health in advance. Unfortunately, rabbits get sick more often than most other farm animals.
Acquired individuals, before they are allowed to enter the main herd, must be quarantined for several days. Also rabbits need to be vaccinated. There are many diseases affecting these animals. Of course, it will not work to get vaccinations from everyone. But protecting animals from the most common is still worth it.
Most often, rabbits - both domestic and decorative - suffer from myxomatosis and HBV. The mortality of animals in both of these cases can be from 70 to 100%. Therefore, vaccinations against these diseases should be done. For this, a veterinarian should be invited to a large farm. You can take the decorative rabbit to the clinic yourself. Dwarf domestic animals should also be vaccinated against rabies.
At what age are rabbits vaccinated?
In the first days of life, substances that stimulate the production of immunity, babies receive with mother's milk. Therefore, purchased rabbits should be kept on the farm for some time unvaccinated. The body of the kids must adapt to new food and develop their own protective mechanisms. The first vaccination of rabbits is done no earlier than at the age of about 1.5-2 months. By this time, the kids should already reach a weight of at least 500 grams. Adult rabbits are vaccinated 2 times a year.