10 Critical Facts about Caring For Netherland Dwarf Rabbits

Proper Care, Diet, Play time and lots of Love

Rabbits, like any other pet, require proper care if they are to remain healthy and live longer. The Netherlands Dwarf Rabbits are easy to look after.

Below are the ten care tips which keep the Netherlands breed healthy and happy.

1. Proper Housing

Netherland dwarfs can be housed in cages or be left to run freely in the home. Unlike other bunnies, Netherlands dwarfs are playful. They have high energy levels and are consequently very active. As a result, they require more space than most of the other small-sized breeds. Their cages should have many toys to play with and places to climb.

The cage should be cleaned often and scrubbed at least once in a week.

2. Litter training

Netherland dwarfs have a higher level of intelligence compared to other breeds. The high intelligence makes it easy to litter train them. They can also recognize simple commands.

Because of the possibility of litter training them, most people prefer letting them roam freely in the home.

3. No Free eaters

Netherland dwarf rabbits are cheap to feed. Half a cup of food is enough to keep them healthy and nourished for the whole day. They also love apples and bananas and veggies. Pregnant bunnies love granola cereals that have raspberries in them. Raspberries help with milk production.

However, this breed of rabbits has a very sensitive stomach. Hence are not free eaters. If overfed or fed the wrong food, they will experience diarrhea to death. They are allergic to all nuts, cabbages, and lettuce as well.

4. Plenty of water

Netherland dwarfs drink a lot of water. Water keeps them hydrated and healthy. In caring for them, it is important to have a continuous supply of clean water. Using water bottles instead of open crocks prevents it from spilling. It also keeps droppings from contaminating the water.

The feeder also should be attached to the wall of the hutch to keep it from spilling onto the beddings.

5. Locating Cages

Small breeds such as the Netherlands should not live on the outside. Otherwise, the cage should be enclosed to protect it from drafts. The cage should have a lot of hay to keep it warm.

The cages should as well be shaded from direct sunlight. Heat strokes can kill these bunnies. On hot days, having frozen water in the cage will help in cooling the environment.

6. Territorial Doe

Some people prefer keeping both sexes of the Netherlands. The female is always more territorial than her male counterpart. One of the reasons is because the doe has been almost always older than the buck. The doe and the buck should never stay together except during mating, which lasts only a few minutes.

She is also larger in size compared to him. The disparity in size is necessary. In the reverse scenario, the doe may conceive a baby too large to deliver naturally. The best way to care for them is to have them in different cages side by side. When the doe is ready for breeding, she will show the signs.

7. Vaccination

Pet rabbits do not need any vaccinations, especially in the USA. However, there are severe diseases in other parts of the world against which rabbits should require protection. Some of these diseases include viral hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis. VHD is highly contagious as well as deadly. Myxomatosis is spread by lice, mosquitoes, and ticks.

The pet vet can advise accordingly on the necessary vaccine and the intervals of vaccinations.

8. Parasite control and deworming

Like all other pets, Netherland dwarfs need protection against mites, tick, and fleas. Internal worms also affect the nutrition of these bunnies. Deworming them very six months will aid in keeping them healthy.

A rabbit veterinarian is invaluable in determining safe parasite control and deworming products for the pet.

9. Teeth trimming and grooming

Netherland dwarf rabbits are prone to malocclusion. As a result, their bottom and upper incisors are misaligned. The problem can be controlled by having a vet trim the teeth.

The Netherlands does not require much grooming. But using a soft brush, one can help them shed excess fur. Besides, routine grooming provides an opportunity to check for parasites.

10. Breeding

If one wants Netherlands dwarfs just for pets, the rabbits should be neutered. Breeding of these rabbits is a complicated affair. But it is possible. To successfully breed them requires extensive research, planning, patience, and discipline.

Netherland Dwarf Rabbits of some kinds do not breed well with others resulting in severe disease and death. Simply put, a careful choice of the breeding stock regarding type, size and temperament is necessary.