My mini rex doe is pregnant, when will she deliver? (Only answer if you now about rabbits)?
They generally give birth after about 28 days from the time they are bred. I know because I have a Mini Rex. Make sure she has plenty of timothy hay in her cage. She will generally start pulling out a lot of her fur about three days before she gives birth. However, if she is a first time mother she may not. A majority of the time, every single kit is born dead when a Mini Rex gives birth. That's normal, although sad. To help, make sure she drinks plenty of water and a lot of food. Also know that Mini Rex's are either the best or worst mothers when it comes to rabbits. Some are horrible mothers and will ignore their kits. If that is the case, you'll have to raise the kits on your own. Buy kitten formula at the pet store, and a small bottle for them. Place the milk in the bottle and leave the bottle in hot water for it to warm up. Dispose of any milk left in the bottle, and you can refrigerate the milk in the can for up to 48 hours after you opened it. I hand raised every single one of my rabbits kits, although I left them inside the cage with her at night. This made them very affectionate towards people, and were much easier to adopt when they grew up. By 10 days of age, they'll be extremely hyper. They will jump and run everywhere they can.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a rabbit?
There is sooo much to know about rabbits, and they are very different from other small animals. It can be a little overwhelming at first, but is endlessly rewarding and heartwarming...I can really just give you enough info to get started. Rabbits do poop a lot, but can be litter box-trained. They should be kept indoors as hutches do not keep them safe from predators (which can jump fences) and the elements. They are social and territorial creatures, as in the wild they live in warrens with other rabbits. Rabbits eat mostly hay, also pellets and fresh veggies. They should only have fruits in very small amounts (if at all) as they have highly-sensitive digestive systems. Your home must be bunny-proofed by covering all electrical cords with PVC/tubing and keeping plants off the floor. One of the most frustrating bunny behaviors is that they like to dig and chew, especially carpet and wood molding. You can get a product called "bitter apple" to deter this, as well as giving them cardboard or seagrass to play with. They like to play with hard plastic baby toys, jump in the air, and race around. They show affection by licking and nudging their face against you. Characteristics differ by breed, generally the smaller they are (i.e. dwarfs) the less social and more feisty. The same is true of females, regardless of the breed. So if you want an affectionate lap rabbit, your best bet is a male medium to large one (NOT the white ones, which can be aggressive). Keep in mind as well that these are general guidelines and will vary based on the animal. My first bunn was a male Dutch and was the sweetest ever. A Dutch or American would make a good first rabbit. Check out these sites, they are the most complete you will find online for info on rabbits. Become very well-educated on rabbits BEFORE you decide to get one, as they have requirements and challenges unlike those of any other animal. One of the most crucial things I can tell you is that rabbits, if well-cared for, live from 7-10 years, contrary to popular misconception...so they are definately a long-term commitment. Good luck and God bless. http://www.rabbit.org/ http://www.adoptarabbit.com/
Is it legal to have a pet pig in the Denver-Metro area?
um ... you might think twice before you keep a pet pig in the house. we kept Heidi Nottachop in the house but when she got to be a bigger pig she literally rooted up the carpeting and pieces of the floor and broke every door frame in the house trying to get or out of whatever room she was closed in or out of. i love my pig but when i had her in the house she was very destructive and noisy, not squealing or oinking but lots of lip smacking, grunting and man! can that pig snore! she's a happier pig outside. she roots around and digs all she wants with no one yelling "No Heidi! Stop that!" at her all the time.
How smart are rabbits, wild and domesticated?
A lot smarter than most people think, and certainly comparable to most dogs and cats I’ve met.They’re easily litter trained, they know their names and basic commands. They’re awesome with time; every rabbit I’ve owned learned my schedule. My first rabbit would sit in his box under the bed when I got up and when I went to bed, waiting for me and keeping me company. In the morning he’d come running in 15 minutes before my alarm went off, and in the evenings he stayed there for about 15 minutes after the lights went out. They all know food times - my current rabbit will remind you when it’s time for food or lettuce.They can be sly. Cole the cranky beast bun uses his adorableness to get extra meals. He’ll dance around and act as though he hasn’t eaten until I feed him (again), but now that we’re onto him he’s stopped trying since it no longer works. Other rabbits I've had will stop doing things they know they’re not allowed to when they know you’re looking at them and even try to distract you from the forbidden activity by running up to you or somewhere else.They’re sweet. Godiva left me carrots every day, because she thought she was supposed to take care of me. Maybe not so bright since I was the one who gave her the carrots, but I was impressed that she communicated to her bond mate that those carrots were for me and not to be eaten. They always left me 2 baby carrots. (She did this with more than one bond mate, so I know it was her.)They learn quickly and can generally figure things out and will surprise you with their games and thoughtfulness.