Weaned young rabbits are hard to keep
Youth Biotech CO,. Ltd. , https://www.youtherb.com
Many rabbit farmers report that weaned young rabbits are hard to keep and often die. Why is this happening? The period from weaning to three months of age is a critical time for rabbits. These young animals have a strong appetite and tend to eat a lot, but their ability to adapt to new environments is weak, making them prone to illness. One of the main issues is their sensitive gastrointestinal system. When inflammation occurs in the digestive tract, the intestinal lining becomes more permeable, allowing harmful substances to be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can lead to poisoning and even death in severe cases.
To improve the survival rate of young rabbits, several important measures should be taken:
1. **Timely Weaning**: Under good management conditions, rabbits should be weaned when they are between 28 to 42 days old and weigh over 750 grams. Weaning too early can hinder their growth, while delaying it too long can affect the mother's recovery and impact her next breeding cycle. The ideal weaning time depends on the breed, growth status, and the health of the doe. For example, meat breeds are typically weaned at 28–35 days, while other breeds may be weaned at 35–42 days.
2. **Enhance Nutrition**: After weaning, young rabbits need a diet rich in nutrients and easy to digest. Pellets with high protein content (16%–18%) are recommended. It's best to feed them small, frequent meals—around 4–5 times a day. Avoid feeding too much wet or green feed, as this can upset their digestion.
3. **Prevent Coccidiosis**: Coccidiosis is a major threat to young rabbits, especially before and after weaning until they reach three months of age. The mortality rate can be as high as 80%, so prevention is crucial. Anticoccidial agents such as Diclazuril, Amprolium, or Olaquindox should be included in their feed during this period. These drugs help prevent disease and promote healthy growth.
In addition to these steps, maintaining clean living conditions, ensuring proper ventilation, and monitoring the health of each rabbit regularly are also essential. By focusing on nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention, farmers can significantly increase the survival rate of weaned young rabbits and ensure better overall productivity.