Updates 12/04/2010
 
Some updates on the last post.

The little doe is a strong one--she eventually had two dead babies and is doing very well. A few days of rest and relaxation, and she'll be just fine. I won't try to breed her again, so those of you that were interested in her as a pet--first come first serve. She has an amazing personality. Please, however, do not plan to breed her again. I don't want to hear of her going through an ordeal such as this again.  

The little buck is doing okay. His first treatment of Ivermectine has stabilized his condition. He just needs to make it to the second treatment, next friday, and he will likely be fine. 
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Breeding rabbits is not for the faint of heart. As I write this, there is in the barn, one doe desperately trying to have her litter and a little buck desperately trying to live. And people think this is all fun and games.

Today's post is only to give you a realistic look at what's involved in running a real rabbitry.

Even in the cleanest of environments--and many of you know that I'm obsessed with keeping the rabbitry surgically clean--rabbits get sick. This morning I woke up to find that one of my bucks had developed an acute case of wry neck. In this disease, the rabbit's head tilts to such a degree the animal loses balance. In Taylor's incidence, his head isn't actually tilted, but he can't stand up. There are many explanations for this disease, everything from a severe ear infection to an infestation of the E. Cunicula (and protozoa). I don't pretend to know what it actually is and what is actually causing Taylor's situation--what I do know is that this is the first time in 20 years I've even had to deal with it.

10 am this morning, I'm in Tractor Supply buying injectable Ivermectin, which I administered orally at 1/10cc per pound, and the rest of the day I spent forcing liquids down his throat. By this evening he's moving better, trying to clean himself and peeing. He may live!

At the same time, one of my pregnant does has been in labor since 5 am this morning. 13 hours later she finally passed one baby, and then another. The second had clearly died in utero. She'll live, but the litter won't.

Which brings us too the crux of today's posts. Rabbits don't actually breed "like rabbits". If you're considering getting into rabbit raising, understand that this is not going to be easy peasy, but it will be a test of your will and stomach strength. 

One pet rabbit is bad enough. It's a 10 year commitment to an animal, but most rabbit breeders have more than 100. (In comparison, I have only 40) Breeders see and experience rabbit illness and injuries at a rate of 100 times higher than a pet owner--and not all those injuries and illnesses are great fun for the human.

If you have questions on diseases or injuries your rabbit may have--do ask. I'm not a vet, but in 22 years, I've seen enough to be able to give you at least first aid tips.
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