New Zealand rabbits are a popular breed known for their large size, friendly nature, and versatility. Originating from the United States, they are often chosen as pets, show animals, and for commercial purposes. Understanding the comprehensive care needs of New Zealand rabbits will ensure they thrive.
History & Breed Origin
Contrary to their name, New Zealand rabbits did not originate from New Zealand but were developed in California in the early 1900s. Breeders aimed to create a rabbit breed that would be ideal for meat and fur production. Breeders mixed Flemish Giants, Golden Fawns, and Belgian Hares to make a good meat rabbit. The resulting large and quick-growing New Zealand became a popular meat rabbit.
The New Zealand White, with its distinctive albino coat, quickly gained popularity due to its rapid growth rate and docile temperament. Some New Zealand rabbits have albinism that gives them white fur and pink eyes. The fur industry uses these New Zealand white rabbits for their easy-to-dye pelts and researchers use them for laboratory testing.
Over time, the breed expanded to include New Zealand Red rabbits, which are equally cherished for their rich, red fur and robust build. Other New Zealand rabbits have black, bluish-gray, reddish-orange, or mixed-colored fur, and most have dark eyes.
New Zealand rabbits were officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1916. They have since become one of the most versatile and widely bred rabbits, appreciated not only for their commercial value but also for their suitability as family pets.
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Appearance and Size
The average New Zealand rabbit size ranges from 9 to 12 pounds, making them a larger breed that needs more space than other bunny breeds. Your bunny’s house should be at least four times the rabbit’s stretched-out length, and multiple levels are appreciated to allow even more living space. The bigger the habitat, the better. Additionally, New Zealand rabbits need lots of time outside the cage for exercise and mental stimulation.
Types and Color Varieties
New Zealand rabbits come in several varieties, primarily categorized by their coat color. The most common types are:
- New Zealand White Rabbits: The most prevalent variety, featuring a pure white coat and red eyes, a result of albinism.
- New Zealand Red: Known for their rich, reddish-brown fur, these rabbits have dark eyes and a striking appearance.
- New Zealand Black: Although less common, these rabbits have a sleek, black coat that is equally appealing.
Temperament and Personality
New Zealand rabbits are known to be friendly and social, and their outgoing personalities make them overall easier to handle than the smaller, more skittish rabbit breeds. They are known for their calm and gentle demeanor and are sociable animals that enjoy interaction with their human companions and other rabbits. This breed is generally a good choice for families with children because they are laid-back and tolerant.
Because of their high social needs, New Zealand rabbits thrive best with lots of attention from their families or sometimes with the company of another rabbit. When a rabbit's social needs are not met, they may act out by struggling, biting, or scratching. New Zealand rabbits are intelligent and can learn to play games, come when their name is called, and be trained to use a litter box.
Care and Feeding
Diet and Nutritional Needs
Rabbits are herbivores, which means that they need a plant-based, high-fibre diet. A balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of New Zealand rabbits. Their diet should primarily consist of high-quality hay, such as timothy hay or alfalfa hay for younger rabbits.
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Hay and grass should form the basis (85%) of your rabbits’ diet. Good quality hay is the most important part of your rabbits’ diet. Providing your rabbit with high-quality hay is enriching due to longer feeding times, reduces wounding of cage mates, excessive grooming, and fur-chewing, and reduces chewing on other objects such as bedding. Providing your rabbit hay is important for their health as it ensures good gut health, reduces the risk of obesity, and promotes urinary tract health through association with increased water intake.
Rabbits love grass, dandelion leaves, thistle/puha and plantain leaves. Rabbits love fresh herbs which provide health benefits. Avoid giving your rabbits grass from outdoors if wild rabbits are in your area.
Fresh vegetables and a limited amount of rabbit pellets should also be included to provide essential nutrients. Ensure they have access to fresh water at all times. Feeding a variety of fresh vegetables provides essential nutrients. While many fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruit are suitable for your rabbit, there are some foods that should be fed in only very small amounts and some that must be avoided altogether. Some fruit tree branches and leaves are suitable for rabbits to eat, but not all. When introducing any new food, always do so slowly over a few weeks to avoid digestive upsets. Rabbits under 12 weeks old have particularly sensitive stomachs, so new foods should not be introduced before this age.
Recommended Foods
- Hay: High-fiber hay should make up at least 80% of a pet rabbit’s daily food intake. Rabbits need an unlimited supply, so offer a pile of fresh hay several times a day. You can use timothy hay or various mixed grass hays. Don’t feed your adult rabbit alfalfa hay.
- Leafy Green Vegetables: Rabbits appreciate variety in their diet, so rotate the dark leafy greens you offer. Ensure that all vegetables are rinsed well and free of any pesticides or chemicals. On average, a pet rabbit should eat about 1 cup of dark leafy greens per 2-3 pounds of body weight daily. Provide your rabbit with fresh leafy vegetables every day. Give at least one-fourth cup of veggies for every 1 pound of body weight. Some good vegetables for rabbits include bok choy, carrots tops, dandelion greens, green and red lettuce, radish tops, and romaine lettuce. You can also feed your New Zealand rabbit herbs like basil, cilantro, mint, and parsley.
- Non-leafy Vegetables: Fresh vegetables like Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, and zucchini can be offered daily, but favorites like carrots and broccoli should only be offered one to two times a week. This is because carrots are high in carbohydrates and can lead to digestive upset, including gastrointestinal (GI) stasis and diarrhea. Broccoli is rich in calcium, which can sometimes contribute to the formation of bladder stones in rabbits.
- Pellets: Pellets are an important supplemental part of a rabbit's diet. High-quality fortified pellets provide minerals and nutrients that a pet rabbit needs to stay healthy. You can supplement your New Zealand rabbit’s diet with store-bought pellets. For an adult rabbit, use a timothy pellet with at least 18% fiber content. Pellets should be a small part of your rabbit’s diet. Give no more than the amount listed on the pellets’ packaging.
- Fruit: Fruit should be offered sparingly, as it is high in natural sugars. New Zealand rabbits can eat small amounts of fruits like apples, berries, melon, and pears. Don’t give more than 1 tablespoon per 3 pounds of body weight.
- Treats: New Zealand rabbits always like treats, but small animal treats often contain fat and sugar, as well as artificial flavors and dyes. Look for high fiber, low fat, more natural treat options, instead.
- Water: Rabbits need fresh water every day. Some rabbits prefer to drink from a bowl, while others prefer a water bottle.
Exercise Requirements
New Zealand rabbits are active creatures that require ample space to hop, run, and explore. Providing a spacious hutch or rabbit cages with an attached exercise area will allow them to stay physically fit. Regular supervised playtime outside their enclosure is also beneficial. Let your rabbit out of the pen for at least five hours a day to exercise. You can keep your rabbit in a room without a pen or let them roam your entire home.
Make sure to rabbit-proof any spaces your rabbit has access to. New Zealand rabbits have a natural instinct to chew and dig. This can lead them to damage things like carpet, cords, curtains, furniture, or rugs.
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Housing
Keeping your New Zealand rabbit indoors protects them from predators and extreme weather. Avoid housing your rabbit in areas you rarely visit, like a basement or garage.
The ideal housing for New Zealand rabbits is a spacious hutch or a large rabbit cage. Commercial rabbit cages are too small for New Zealand rabbits. You can use a variety of materials, like dog playpens, to give your rabbit a larger space. Try to use a pen that's at least four times your rabbit’s stretched out length.
The enclosure should be well-ventilated, secure, and provide enough room for the rabbit to move freely. Include bedding material, hiding spots, and enrichment toys to keep them mentally stimulated.
Grooming
As a shorter-haired rabbit breed, New Zealand bunnies have low-maintenance grooming needs. Regular grooming is essential to keep your New Zealand rabbit’s coat in good condition. Brush your New Zealand rabbit’s hair weekly. This helps remove extra fur that can cause digestive problems. Brush several times a week during your rabbit’s seasonal shedding cycles. Regular grooming sessions also provide an opportunity to bond with your rabbit.
New Zealand rabbits don’t need baths. They groom themselves to keep their fur clean.
Spaying and Neutering
Spaying or neutering your New Zealand rabbit can prevent unwanted litters and reduce aggressive behavior. New Zealand rabbits can act territorial if they’re not neutered or spayed. It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian experienced in rabbit care to discuss the appropriate age and benefits of the procedure.
Enrichment
Store-bought or homemade toys give New Zealand rabbits exercise, mental enrichment, and deter them from destructive behavior. New Zealand rabbits enjoy homemade toys like cardboard boxes, paper bags, and toilet paper rolls. They may like wicker baskets, cotton towels, and rabbit-safe wood.
You can provide your New Zealand rabbit with foraging games to mimic natural behavior. Hide pellets or other food in toys, on a ruffled blanket, or across your rabbit’s enclosure or play space.
Nail Trimming
Cut your New Zealand rabbit’s nails every 6 to 8 weeks. Long nails can feel painful to your rabbit. Your vet can show you how to safely trim them. Regular nail trimming is essential to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Use a rabbit-safe nail trimmer and be cautious not to cut the quick, which can cause bleeding.
Health and Common Issues
New Zealand rabbits are generally healthy animals, but they do need veterinary care. The average New Zealand rabbit’s lifespan is usually 5 to 8 years (or longer if spayed/neutered and housed indoors). As a larger breed, New Zealand rabbits need more space than other bunny breeds.
New Zealand rabbits easily gain weight, as they were bred to grow quickly. As a result, they tend to gain weight easily. Monitoring their food intake is important to prevent obesity. Check your rabbit for signs of obesity.
New Zealand rabbits’ teeth constantly grow. They can become overgrown if not regularly worn down. Give your rabbit safe chew toys and unlimited hay to keep their teeth healthy. All rabbits tend to develop dental problems, and the New Zealand rabbit is no exception. Dental issues occur in part because a rabbit's teeth grow continuously throughout their lives at a rate of 3-4 inches per year. Malocclusion can lead to sharp points on the teeth that may cause wounds in the mouth, such as lacerations to the tongue and ulcers on the inside of the cheeks. Dental malocclusion can cause your New Zealand rabbit to stop eating, drool, and paw at the mouth. A veterinarian can treat dental malocclusion by sedating the rabbit and trimming or filing down the overgrown teeth. To ensure your rabbit does not develop dental malocclusion, always provide plenty of hay and chew toys to help keep the teeth ground down.
Schedule regular exams with a veterinarian who specializes in rabbits. It is important your rabbit have routine visits to a veterinarian.
Common Health Issues and Remedies
- Gastrointestinal Stasis (GI Stasis): New Zealand rabbits can suffer from a digestive disorder called gastrointestinal (GI) stasis. A rabbit's digestive system contains beneficial bacteria that keep the digestive tract moving continuously. When there is an alteration in this normal bacterial population, the digestive tract can stop moving, a condition called GI stasis. A rabbit with GI Stasis may not eat, drink, or poop. GI stasis is a potentially life-threatening condition and requires immediate and often intensive veterinary treatment. Treatments can include hydration, medication, or surgery. Ensure your rabbit has a high-fiber diet with plenty of hay. Fresh vegetables and constant access to water are crucial. If symptoms persist, seek immediate help from a rabbit vet.
- Ear Mites: Ear mites and flystrike can harm New Zealand rabbits. Keeping your rabbit inside can help prevent these. Ear mites are microscopic parasites that can infect a rabbit's ears, often causing copious ear discharge and crusting or flaking at the tips of the ears. This condition is very itchy, and the rabbit may cause injury to themselves as they scratch. Ear mites need to be identified by a veterinarian, who will examine a sample of the ear debris under a microscope. Consult with a rabbit vet for appropriate ear mite treatments, which may include topical medications. Regularly check and clean your rabbit’s ears to prevent infestations.
- Cheyletiella: Also known as “walking dandruff,” Cheyletiella mites live on the rabbit’s skin. These mites can cause intense itching all over the rabbit's body, often resulting in infected sores or hair loss. Cheyletiella mites are identified microscopically and usually treated with a prescription topical anti-parasitic medication. Subsequent skin infections can be treated as well with oral antibiotics.
- Encephalazoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi): This is an intracellular parasite that can be very dangerous for a rabbit. It causes severe neurological issues and kidney damage. Signs of an E. Treatment often involves hospitalization with fluid therapy injections, supplemental feedings, anti-inflammatory medications, and prescription dewormers.
- Sore Hocks (Pododermatitis): As one of the larger and heavier rabbit breeds, New Zealand bunnies can develop pododermatitis. These are pressure sores that can develop in cages with wire floors or in unsanitary conditions. Ensure your rabbit’s cage has a soft, clean floor. Use soft bedding and regularly clean the hutch. If sores develop, consult a rabbit vet for proper treatment, which may include antibiotics and special bandaging.
- Parasites: Regularly check for and promptly treat any parasites. Keep living areas clean and use appropriate treatments as prescribed by a rabbit vet.
- Uterine Cancer: Spaying female rabbits can significantly reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Consult with a rabbit vet for advice on the best time to spay your rabbit.
- Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD): This disease spreads from contact with infected rabbits and often leads to death. In 2020, this disease spreads from contact with infected rabbits and often leads to death. Your vet can vaccinate your rabbit to protect against this disease.
Allergies
A protein found in rabbit saliva can trigger allergies in some people. Rabbits spread their saliva on their fur while grooming. Shedding allows the allergens to spread further. Owning a New Zealand rabbit means handling hay. Many types of hay are common allergens.
Caecotrophs
Check your rabbit’s caecotrophs each day to ensure they are round, fibrous ‘pills’ and appear in ‘grape-like’ bunches. Your rabbit should consume these caecotrophs to maintain their gut flora. If caecotrophs are not consumed or soft, then this can be linked to their diet. Failure to consume caecotrophs can also indicate pain with ingestion, physical inability to reach their back end to groom their bottoms, stress, or change in routine.
Body Condition
Ensure your rabbit is in good body condition, one where they are not too thin or overweight. This requires a hands on check of their ribs, backbone, pelvis, and abdomen. You should be able to feel their ribs and muscles and a light fat coating. They should not have protruding spine or pelvic bones.
How to Choose a New Zealand Rabbit
When selecting a New Zealand rabbit, whether for breeding or as a pet, look for rabbits that are alert, active, and have clear eyes and a healthy coat. Avoid rabbits that show signs of illness or distress.
What to Look for in a Breeder
Choosing a reputable breeder is crucial. Look for breeders who are members of the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) and have a good reputation. A responsible breeder will provide health records and allow you to see the living conditions of their rabbits.
Questions to Ask the Breeder
- How long have you been breeding New Zealand rabbits?
- Can I see the health records of the parents?
- What type of diet and care do you provide for your rabbits?
- Are the rabbits socialized and accustomed to handling?
- How do you raise New Zealand rabbits as meat rabbit?
Bringing Home Your New Zealand Rabbit
Preparing the Home
Before bringing home your New Zealand rabbit, ensure you have a suitable enclosure, bedding, food, and water supplies ready. Rabbit-proof your home by covering electrical cords and removing any hazardous items.
Introducing the New Rabbit
Introduce your new rabbit to their home gradually. Allow them to explore their new environment at their own pace. Provide a quiet, stress-free space for them to settle in.
Bonding with Your Rabbit
Spend time interacting with your rabbit daily to build trust and form a strong bond. Gentle petting, feeding treats, and playing with toys are great ways to connect with your rabbit.
Training and Handling New Zealand Rabbits
Litter Training
New Zealand rabbits can be litter trained with patience and consistency. Place a litter box in their enclosure and reward them when they use it. Clean the litter box regularly to maintain hygiene.
Teaching Tricks
These intelligent rabbits can learn simple tricks, such as coming when called or jumping through hoops. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage desired behaviors.
Showing New Zealand Rabbits
Participating in rabbit shows can be a rewarding experience for both you and your New Zealand rabbit. Ensure your rabbit meets the breed standards set by ARBA and is well-groomed and healthy. Practice handling your rabbit to prepare them for the show environment.
Conclusion
Caring for New Zealand rabbits can be a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. By providing proper nutrition, a safe and stimulating environment, and regular health care, you can ensure your rabbit lives a happy and healthy life. They have minimal grooming needs, but the cost of food, litter, and toys can be higher because they are larger. New Zealand rabbits also need plenty of space and lots of attention to thrive and be happy. They are easygoing and docile, which generally makes them great family pets and are very cuddly!