EUROPEAN RABBIT 2014

European Rabbit
(Oryctolagus cuniculus)

European Rabbit originates from Pyrenean Peninsula and North Africa. In the Middle Ages their taming and successful breeding was began in France, wherefrom they were spread throughout the world. By cross breeding and selection many breeds were obtained that mainly differ in length and colour of fur. Only the ox-like rabbit has long, hanging ears and is somewhat taller than the rest (it weights up to two kilograms). The most common European rabbit breeds are dwarf rabbits (hermelin), the so called lionhead rabbit and the longhaired European rabbit (angora). What they all have in common are small ears, weight from 1.2 to 1.4 kg and their gentle and very amiable nature. With right feeding their life span is about ten years. It is practically no difference if we take for a pet a male or female but it is essential that the whole family agrees to the acquisition. The European rabbit still requires a kind of care which it will return by its attachment and wish to be cuddled. European Rabbits are sociable animals and it is innate to them to live in groups so that family makes it up for them. If we can not dedicate time to play with them, a good idea is to get a pair, but it should in advance be taken care that they are castrated i.e. sterilised to prevent possible unwilling offspring.
There should be no problem to feed the European rabbit because they adore plant foods and their major food is hay which they always must have in plenitude for good digestion. Besides, they need to be given mixture for European rabbits - vegetables (with the exception of brassicas and legumes), hard fruit sorts; a titbit and a necessity for them are twigs of fruit and other trees (lime and willow etc.). Actually, the teeth of European Rabbit grow constantly and they need to wear them. Fresh water is a must, and they also love green grass, dandelion and the like.
European rabbit is not like a dog that needs to be to taken for a walk, nor is it obstinate like a cat, but it is a wonderful pet to all who love contact with animals because it literally asks for cuddling and play.


Boris Cebović
Small animal breeder