Coelho Nova Zelândia

Health

It is important to point out that correct management is essential to prevent a number of diseases and provide a good quality of life. Therefore, when acquiring a rabbit, it is recommended, in addition to prior knowledge about the species and breed, to carry out an initial consultation with a veterinarian specialized in non-conventional pets. in order to obtain information on how to properly care for this pet. Females of medium and giant breeds are more susceptible to the development of wet dermatitis in the double chin (“wet dewlap”), especially during the warmer times of the year. It is believed that one of the factors is the greater search for water during the hottest periods, leaving the region more humid or even wet, predisposing to the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the place. In this way, it is recommended to keep the neck area and other parts of the pet's body always dry and clean, in addition to giving preference to "nipple" type drinkers instead of open water pots. There are reports in the veterinary medical literature of rabbits of the red and white variations of the New Zealand breed presenting “splay leg”, a condition known in dogs as swimming dog syndrome. In it, the animal has problems of musculoskeletal origin, making it unable to support its own body and walk normally.

Curiosities

New Zealand rabbits are considered precocious, that is, they can weigh from 1.8 to 2 kg at just eight or 10 weeks of age. Females are quite prolific, which means that many pups are born per litter, and it is relatively common to see between 10 and 12 puppies, in addition to being considered good mothers. The breeding of this animal is legal in Brazil and it is possible to find breeders in different regions of the country, mainly close to large urban centers.

Intelligence

Generally speaking, rabbits are quite intelligent and easy to train.

Temperament

They tend to be more reserved, but they are quite docile and quiet, being suitable for families with children. Correct training and constant, close contact with humans can make them more sociable. They are rabbits that adapt with some ease to other animals as long as the introduction is carried out in an appropriate and gradual way.

Lifetime

Life expectancy can range from five to 10 years. Larger breeds tend to have a longer lifespan compared to small breeds.