Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Breed Information, Facts, Photos and Care
True Netherland Dwarfs have compact bodies, small ears, shiny coats and weigh only 2-2.5 lbs.
Netherland Dwarf rabbits are one of the most widely bred rabbit breeds in the world, especially in the United States. Of all the rabbit breeds, the Netherland Dwarf is the smallest rabbit breed. Due to extensive breeding, the quality of these bunnies range widely. Generally, they have a tiny furry body with a large head which makes them lovely and great to play with.
Here are 8 facts and care information about the Netherland Dwarf rabbit breed which all bunny lovers need to know.
Dwarfism
Netherland Dwarf rabbits stand out because of their small body size. The quality of the breed is partially dependent on the dwarfing gene. Rabbits with only one part of the gene are round and small, a perfect quality. Those without any dwarf gene have longer ears and are larger. The ones with two copies of the gene are the smallest, but they usually do not live beyond a few weeks because they have severe digestion disorders.
Breeding two quality Netherland Dwarf breed rabbits can produce any of the three types.
Great Pets
Dwarf rabbits are the third most popular pets in the world. They are easy to care for and are pleasurable to play with. These bunnies are also more intelligent than most people think. Because of their intelligence, it is easy to litter box train them. They can also recognize their names and understand simple commands.
Netherland Dwarf rabbits come in a variety of colors including chocolate, tan, grey, orange, and chestnut among others.
Inexpensive to feed
Netherland Dwarf bunnies are the cheapest rabbits to feed. They eat only one-half of a cup of food per day. The dry rabbit food sold in pet stores is sufficient to keep them healthy. These rabbits also love bananas and apples. They need a constant supply of fresh water to remain hydrated. The water bowl can be inside the cage or they can drink from a water bottle attached to the side of the cage.
Because Netherland Dwarf rabbits have sensitive stomachs, a lot of care should be taken when feeding them. They are intolerant of all types of nuts. Overfeeding also can cause severe diarrhea and even death. Cabbages and lettuce should be avoided too, for they damage the sensitive stomachs of dwarf rabbits.
Caging
Due to their small size, this breed of rabbit only requires a small size cage. The cage should, however, be, spacious enough to allow roaming. It should be filled with wood chips at the bottom to allow droppings to go in, or a grate bottom to allow dropping to fall through. The chips also protect the feet of the rabbit from the wires of the cage. The cage should be cleaned at least once a week.
Since they can be litter trained, Netherland Dwarf rabbits make great indoor pets. Many people prefer letting their bunny run freely in the home.
Exercise
Like all rabbits, Netherland Dwarfs need lots of exercise to keep healthy. They should be provided with a lot of toys to play with. Empty toilet paper rolls and empty boxes are good inexpensive toys. Ramps and other things to climb on are helpful too.
They are also chewers, so the things they can chew should also be available. Chewing keeps their teeth healthy.
Breeding
Netherland Dwarf rabbits can begin breeding when they are between five to six months old. But they should breed for the first time before they are a year old or they will not be able to breed because their pelvic bone will have fused together. Normally, a rabbit stops breeding at the age of three years. The litter size of Netherland Dwarfs ranges between two and four kits.
Breeding Netherland Dwarfs should be done only after extensive research. In some cases, breeding the wrong rabbits together can cause several diseases. Diseased rabbits die within a few a days because there is often little remedy available.
Preparations before Purchase
Proper preparation is necessary to ensure the comfort of the pet before it arrives home. If they are not going to be caged, be sure to research on litter training and how it should be carried out. If your bunny will be caged, the cage should be ready and well furnished. Above all, it is not advisable to purchase a bunny before the cage, food and water dishes and the toys are available. The bunny’s home and playground should be well equipped for its comfort.
All the things needed to prepare for the new pet can found in most major pet stores and retail stores.
Purchasing Netherlands Dwarfs
There are many breeders selling rabbit pets as “Netherland Dwarfs” which are actually of mixed or unknown pedigree. There is also a vast quality range. It is, therefore, necessary to find a reputable breeder whose bunnies are healthy and of greater quality.
True Netherland Dwarfs should not be hard to find; look for the above qualities in a healthy rabbit and purchase only from a authentic Netherland Dwarf rabbit breeders.
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