ZooLab Fact File



	Common Name(s): Dutch Rabbit

	Latin Name: Oryctolagus cuniculus

	Description: White with another colour (usually black), fairly small and compact with long ears that stand erect

	Range: The European rabbit, which is the ancestor of all domestic rabbits is native to Western europe

	Habitat: Primarily, they live in burrows in open meadows, grassland, woodland and even sand dunes

	Diet: Herbivore. Grasses and herbaceous plants

	Care in Captivity: Rabbits can be housed indoors and outdoors, although indoors is recommended for ease of care and the opportunity for the rabbit to be 'part of the family’. The rabbits hutch must be appropriate for the size and breed of the rabbit, but no smaller than 4 foot long by 3 foot wide by 2 foot high. One end of the enclosure should be boarded in for a sleeping compartment. Provide fresh straw or coarse shavings for bedding at all times and clean out thoroughly when bedding becomes soiled. Provide commercial rabbit food combined with a variety of fresh food including celery, spinach, carrots, apples, pears, dandelion leaves or corn. Do not feed cabbages, lettuce or beans, potatoes and rhubarb can be toxic. Provide fresh water daily. Rabbits teeth grow continually so chew items, such as hay, bread crusts, birch/willow branches and firm vegetables such as carrots, turnips or broccoli stems, must be provided to wear the teeth down. The rabbit needs daily exercise. Ensure that any items that could harm the rabbit are out of the way, including poisonous plants. Rabbits can chew through electrical cords and furniture.

	Fact: Rabbits don’t get all of the nutrition from their food the first time round so have to eat their faeces to obtain the remaining nutrition. This process is called COPROPHAGY