Heatstroke Prevention
During summer, rabbit houses can become excessively hot, humid, and poorly ventilated, especially when the stocking density is too high. Heatstroke can occur due to long-distance transportation, lack of water supply, or exposure to direct sunlight. Common symptoms of heatstroke include general weakness, loss of appetite, body temperature rising above 42°C, red or flushed eyes, cyanosis, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and even collapsing on the ground. To prevent this, it's essential to keep the rabbit house cool and shaded. You can plant climbing plants like grapes or pumpkins, or tall sunflowers and corns around the house to provide natural shade. In high temperatures, misting the area with cool water or hanging curtains can help lower the temperature. Also, ensure that Rex rabbits have access to fresh, clean groundwater at all times.
If a rabbit shows signs of heatstroke, move it immediately to a cool, well-ventilated area. Spray cool water on its head, limbs, and body. You can also administer 5–8 ml of water into its mouth, or inject 0.2 ml of sodium caffeine to help stabilize its condition.
Disinfection
Daily cleaning of the rabbit house is crucial. Remove feces, dirt, and trash regularly to prevent dampness. Use sawdust or white ash to absorb moisture on the floor. Wash feeding bowls and basins daily, and spray a 0.5% disinfectant solution on the ground once a week. Regularly sterilize cages, houses, waste passages, and septic tanks using 20% lime milk or 3% caustic soda. Spraying cages with 0.5% peroxyacetic acid is highly effective against bacteria, mold, mycoplasma, and viruses. Maintaining cleanliness is key to preventing disease outbreaks.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is critical in rabbit houses during the hot season. It helps regulate internal and external temperatures and removes harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. Good airflow prevents respiratory diseases and ensures a healthier environment for the rabbits.
Management
During summer, daytime temperatures often exceed 30°C, which reduces the appetite of Rex rabbits. At night, when it's cooler, their eating habits improve. Ensure they receive concentrated feed first, followed by sufficient roughage. If feeding grass, rinse it thoroughly, remove excess moisture, and then offer it to the rabbits. Moldy feed is dangerous in hot and humid weather, as it can lead to poisoning. Once an outbreak occurs, the mortality rate is very high. Always provide clean, cold water to the rabbits to maintain hydration and health.
Reproduction
It’s generally not advisable to breed Rex rabbits during the hot season. If breeding is necessary, choose cooler nighttime hours. When mating, place the female in a separate cage to avoid stress. Avoid bloodline breeding in high temperatures, as it weakens the rabbits and can lead to poor growth and development in offspring.
Disease Prevention
Summer is a peak season for coccidiosis, particularly in weaned young rabbits, which are most vulnerable. The mortality rate after infection can be as high as 90–100%, making prevention vital. Pay close attention to the care of weaned rabbits, avoiding sudden changes in diet, and ensuring clean water and feed. Regularly clean and disinfect cages, preferably using flame treatment. For prevention, you can mix chlorophenylhydrazine into the feed at a dose of 10 ml per kilogram of body weight for five consecutive days. Alternatively, combine sulfamethazine with trimethoprim (TMP) in a 5:1 ratio, at 30 mg/kg body weight, twice daily for seven days. Vaccinate kits between 20–28 days old with E. coli vaccine, and administer vaccines for C. welchii, Pasteurella, and Borrelia every 5–7 days starting from day 5. Don’t forget to vaccinate against rabbit lice. Additionally, monitor for common issues like foot dermatitis and diarrhea to maintain overall health.
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