Heatstroke Prevention
During the summer, rabbit houses can become hot, humid, and poorly ventilated, especially when the stocking density is too high. Heatstroke can occur due to long-distance transportation, lack of water, or exposure to direct sunlight. Common symptoms of heatstroke in rabbits include weakness, loss of appetite, body temperature rising above 42°C, red or flushed eyes, cyanosis, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and collapsing. To prevent this, it's crucial to keep the rabbit house cool and shaded. Planting climbing plants like grapes or pumpkins, or tall sunflowers and corns around the house can provide natural shade. On extremely hot days, spraying cool water or hanging curtains can help lower the temperature. Ensure that rex rabbits have access to fresh, clean groundwater at all times. In case of heatstroke, immediately move the affected rabbit to a cool, well-ventilated area. Cool its head and limbs with water, and you can also administer 5–8 ml of water into its mouth, or give a 0.2 ml injection of sodium caffeine.
Disinfection
Daily cleaning of the rabbit house is essential to maintain hygiene. Remove feces, dirt, and waste regularly to prevent dampness. Use sawdust or white ash to absorb moisture on the floor. Wash feeding bowls and water basins daily, and spray a 0.5% disinfectant solution on the ground once a week. Disinfect cages, houses, and areas where waste accumulates using 20% lime milk or 3% caustic soda. Spraying cages with 0.5% peroxyacetic acid is highly effective against bacteria, mold, mycoplasma, and viruses. Regular cleaning and disinfection are vital for preventing disease outbreaks.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is critical in rabbit houses during hot weather. It helps regulate indoor and outdoor temperatures and removes harmful gases such as carbon dioxide, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. Good air circulation reduces the risk of respiratory diseases and improves overall health and comfort for the rabbits.
Management
During the summer, temperatures often exceed 30°C during the day, which can reduce the appetite of rex rabbits. However, their appetite tends to be better at night. Adjust feeding schedules accordingly—offer concentrated feed first, followed by sufficient roughage. If feeding grass, rinse it thoroughly, dry it slightly, and then feed it to the rabbits. High humidity and heat can cause feed to mold quickly, and eating moldy feed can lead to poisoning in rabbits, with a very high mortality rate. Therefore, always ensure that feed is fresh and not contaminated. Provide clean, cold water at all times to keep the rabbits hydrated.
Reproduction
It is generally advisable to avoid breeding rex rabbits during the hot season. If necessary, consider breeding at night when temperatures are cooler. When mating, place the female in a separate cage. Avoid bloodline breeding during extreme heat, as it weakens the rabbits and can result in poor growth and development. Breeding under stressful conditions can negatively impact both the parents and the offspring.
Disease Prevention
Summer is a peak season for coccidiosis in rabbits, particularly in young rabbits before and after weaning. This disease has a mortality rate of up to 100%, making it extremely dangerous. Special care should be taken in raising weaned rabbits to avoid sudden changes in diet and to ensure clean water and feed. Regularly clean and disinfect cages, preferably using flame. For prevention, chlorophenylhydrazine can be mixed into the feed at a dose of 10 ml per kilogram of body weight for five consecutive days. Alternatively, a combination of sulfamethazine and trimethoprim (TMP) in a 5:1 ratio, at 30 mg/kg body weight, can be given twice daily for seven days. At 20–28 days old, inject the kits with an E. coli vaccine. From day 5 onward, vaccinate them every 5–7 days against C. welchii, Pasteurella, and Borrelia. Also, don’t forget to vaccinate against rabbit lice. Prevent common diseases such as foot dermatitis and diarrhea through proper hygiene and management practices.
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