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Dutch Rabbit Care Sheet

Dutch Rabbit Care Sheet

Scientific Facts

Common Name:Dutch Rabbit
Scientific Name:Oryctolagus cuniculus
Life Span:5 to 8 years
Size (Adult):Small to medium
Weight (Adult)4 pounds
Habitat:Forests and meadows
Body Shape:Compact
Country of Origin:England

Physical Description

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The Dutch rabbit is also known as the Hollander and Brabander and is easily distinguished because of its characteristic color pattern. This breed was once very popular, but lately, bolder and more interesting colors and patterns have made it to the top list. Also, the popularity of dwarf rabbits also made the Dutch rabbit less likely to be picked as a pet. But despite this, it still holds strong as one of the ten top popular rabbit breeds all over the world. 

As the name suggests, the Dutch rabbit came from the Netherlands, but it was developed in the UK. In the 1830s, rabbits were imported to the UK from Ostend, Belgium, to be used as food. It is said that one of these rabbits was a breed known only as of the Petit Brabancon since it was from Brabant, Flanders. 

The Petit Brabancon is said to be in artworks dated in the fifteenth century. This could mean that the Dutch rabbit may have ancestors from the 15th century. The Dutch rabbit obviously has markings that are similar to the Petit Brabancon. Breeders from England have chosen specimens with these markings and fixed these on the breed, and this is what we know the Dutch rabbit looks today.

Dutch rabbit appearance according to the ARBA

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The American Rabbit Breeders Association has created a standard for the Dutch rabbit. It states that the Dutch rabbit is a small to medium breed and is a 4-class breed. Junior Bucks and does are rabbits that are under 6 months of age and have a minimum weight of 1.75 pounds. Senior bucks are 6 months of age and more, and these weigh from 3.5 to 5.5 pounds and have an ideal weight of 4.5 pounds. The ARBA also states that it has a compact and well-rounded body, a round head, is short and stocky with well-furred ears. The fur is short and glossy with flyback strands. There are six colors that are recognized for the show. Take note that the coat color has equivalent eye color. 

Black

The coat is dense with glossy black color and a state blue coat undercolor. For black coats, the eyes must be lovely dark brown. 

Blue

The coat is a medium blue-gray and has a slate blue undercover. For this coat, the eyes must be blue-gray.

Chinchilla

This is the newest coat color variety added by the ARBA, and this is an agouti color with streaks of pearl white and black and a slate blue under color. For this coat color, the ears must have a distinct black lacing and brown eyes. 

Chocolate

A coat that’s rich chocolate brown should have a dove-gray undercolor. For this coat color, the eyes should be brown and have a ruby cast.

Gray

This coat has an agouti color that is the same as the American cottontail. It has streaks of color along the hair shaft that creates a ring effect when you blow through the fur. The streaks of color must be light tan with a thin charcoal line and a darker tan over the slate blue under color. For this color, the eyes must be dark brown in color.

Steel 

This coat is the black color with strips in off-white to the hairshaft in some hairs. The undercolor is slate blue and comes with dark brown eyes.  

Tortoise

For this coat, this is bright, with orange and slate blue shades on some of the hairs. You’ll find these colors along with the ears, whiskers, and hindquarters. It has a dark cream undercolor and dark brown eyes. 

Yellow and pale grey is also available in the UK and is recognized for show. There are also new varieties that are being developed in the US, like the Harlequin, which is a tri-colored Dutch rabbit and the Chinchilla. 

And despite the popularity, this breed has not changed over the years, with the most striking is its body marking patterns. You may find the term “blaze” in some standards of Dutch Rabbits. The blaze is described as an even white wedge that can be found up the face. This is shaped by the rabbit’s cheek, which is rounded circles on either side of the face.

The neck mark is another white wedge along the back of the head. Meanwhile, the saddle is the line that starts from the back of the shoulders and runs through underneath the rabbit to the undercut that moves across the belly.

On the other hand, the stops are located on the rear feet, which must be white, starting on the toes to the are one third the length of the foot. Therefore, the ARBA allots 50 to the total 100 points to the fur markings, 25 points to the general type, 10 points to the fur, 10 to the color, and 5 to the condition of the rabbit.

Dutch rabbit appearance according to the BRC and UKDRC

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The BRC and the UKDRC have formulated their specific standards on rating a Dutch Rabbit as well. Here are the following factors under the two groups:

Ears 10

The Dutch Rabbit ears are short yet strong. These must not be pointed and should be broad at the base.

Eyes 5

The eyes of a Dutch Rabbit are bold and bright and are fairly large. 

Blaze

The blaze should be wedge-shaped, which tapers to a point just between the ears.

Cheeks 15 with Blaze

The cheeks are round and should be near the whiskers without touching them. The cheeks must be covering the jawbone.

Neck 10

The neck must be clean or free from any colored fur immediately behind the ears.

Saddle 10

The saddle is the point between the white and the colored fur on the back of the rabbit. This line will continue around the rabbit in a straight line.

Undercut 10

The undercut is the continuation of the saddle, and it has to be near to the front legs without touching the part.

Stops 15

The stops are white marks found on the hind feet that are around 1 ¼ inches long. This mark cuts around the foot in the same way as the saddle and the undercut. 

Color

  • Black
  • Blue 
  • Steel Grey
  • Brown Grey
  • Pale Grey
  • Tortoiseshell
  • Chocolate
  • Yellow w
  • Shape 15

The body must be compact, rounded, and cobby. The shape or the type of the body is a part of this assessment with the weight and the condition having a bearing to the shape. The ideal weight of this breed is 4.5 to 5 pounds, has a hard or firm flesh, and a back covered with a nice and firm flesh. The skin is a tight, glossy coat, lovely bright eyes, and has an alert and lively disposition.

Disqualifications include eyes with the wrong color as the coat, discolored eyes, specked eyes, and colored fur found on the white area or having white patches on the top of colored areas. Any flesh markings, trimming, and mutilated teeth or malocclusion.

Coat and Colors

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The Dutch Rabbit is available in a variety of colors according to standards set by the BRC and the ARBA. Dutch Rabbits may be black, blue, steel grey, pale grey, tortoiseshell, chocolate, and yellow.  And of all the fantastic colors available, the black and white color is the most popular. You can find toys, stuffed toys, figurines, portraits, and other works of art. Dutch Rabbit lovers also agree that the black and white color combination is the most popular and even the trademark color of this breed.  

History of the Breed

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The Dutch rabbit was originally from the Netherlands, but the breed was developed in the UK. In the 1830s, rabbits were imported to the UK from Belgium. Rabbits way back then were used as food. It is said that one of these rabbits was a breed known only as of the Petit Brabancon, which was from Brabant, Flanders. 

The Petit Brabancon was discovered to be in artwork in the fifteenth century, which could mean that the Dutch rabbit may originate from the 15th century. The Dutch rabbit has marks that were the same as the Petit Brabancon. 

Meanwhile, breeders from England have chosen specimens with these markings and fixed these on the breed. This is what we know the Dutch rabbit looks today.

Fast Facts 

The Dutch Rabbit is one of the most lovable pets. It is small, cute, and has a lot of appeal to children and adults. It has irresistible eyes, large ears, and a soft nose. The body is soft and is perfect for cuddling, which is why many children choose the Dutch Rabbit than other rabbit breeds. 

The appearance of the Dutch Rabbit maybe a cute rabbit appearance that each one of us has in mind. It is the rabbit in storybooks, cartoons, and illustrations, which is why most have an endearing heart to adopt or buy this rabbit. 

Temperament and Behavior

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The Dutch Rabbit is a popular rabbit pet because it is a very friendly rabbit. It will socialize well inside its cage if there are other Dutch rabbits inside the enclosure. It is also very curious and will do all it can to check out every inch of the rabbit cage. Because of this, you must monitor your pet and to follow it closely to prevent accidents. Rabbit-proof your home and yard and make sure that your pet stays out of dangerous areas like the basement, cabinet drawers, utility cabinets, and the kitchen.

This rabbit is gentle. Once it is able to warm up to you, it will come back and smoother you with affection. It will bite you and lick you in an effort to groom you, which is one way for a rabbit to show its gratitude.

To practice handling your pet and trusting you, sit in front of it and allow it to come to you and get the treat from your hand. Give the treat to reward it for coming close. Do this again, and still give your pet some treats. You will soon notice that it will automatically come to you when you sit near or when you reach out your hand afterward. 

Play with your Dutch Rabbit. This is a playful breed, and sure enough, your rabbit will love to play all kinds of games. Play chase, jumping, and offer some toys that it can bite and chew on. Use cardboard toys, paper mache toys, and other safe playthings. Never offer plastic toys and wooden toys because these can only injure your pet.

Fun Facts

The Dutch Rabbit is a friendly rabbit that you can count on being the perfect pet for any family. It is a calm and easy-going attitude that will surely melt your heart. You will surely find yourself gravitating towards this cute pet, just like so many around the world. 

Care

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Dutch Rabbit requires the same care as with other rabbit breeds. This means providing the correct diet, the best rabbit housing, and companionship. 

The main diet of Dutch Rabbits is hay. This is the bulk of their diet despite giving commercially-prepared rabbit pellets, vegetables, and fruits. You may also offer rabbit treats, especially when you’re training your rabbit, but not too much since this can encourage obesity.  

Make sure that it has unlimited fresh water daily and hay to chew on as much as they want. Hay is very helpful in keeping rabbit digestion healthy and regular. Quality rabbit pellets are also needed for additional nutrients not found in natural food, but water and hay are essentials. 

Dutch Rabbits are the best pets for both children and adults and a good companion for seniors as well. It is recommended for owners to monitor their rabbits closely for any possible signs of illness. Visit a vet for proper medical care. 

It is also as important to interact with your pets daily. Spend time with your pet by interacting and playing with them to develop a trusting relationship. Most rabbits thrive long and healthy as they interact regularly with their handlers or owners.

Spaying or Neutering

This can be done while your rabbits are still at a young age. However, most veterinarians wait until their pets reach six months of age in order to observe the safest practice on spaying. Even though bucks can generally be neutered at a young age, even as young as three months, in order to make them less aggressive, the truth is, they are naturally unaggressive. This means that neutering the bucks is not really needed. 

Supplies and Cages

Consider selecting a good, strong home for a Dutch Rabbit. It should be a wire enclosure with a plastic bottom. The floor of the cage should have soft bedding to make your pets comfortable. Use newspaper or paper towels to line cages of young rabbits, so it’s easy to clean and maintain. You can add rabbit hay feeders by attaching these to the sides of the enclosure. This way, your rabbit can pull hay out and chew when they feel hungry. 

For bedding, you may use aspen or wood pellets since these materials can absorb urine and smells better than other bedding materials. The cage must be cleaned either with a safety cage cleaner or white vinegar to remove smells, as well. Avoid using a bathroom cleaner or ordinary home cleaners since these may contain dangerous chemicals that can affect your rabbit’s health.

Everyday spot cleaning is essential to remove feces, dirt, and leftover food. You must replace the bedding at least every week. This is important if you want to keep your rabbit healthy and it’s home, fresh and clean. Cleaning and maintenance also remove tough odors, especially when you keep the rabbit cage indoors.

Dutch Rabbits are like regular rabbits because they are very clean. They will groom themselves, and other rabbits inside the enclosure. Rabbits are also crepuscular, which means that they act in daytime and evening, and because of this, it’s best to give their food in the evening. 

Rabbits sleep at an average of 8 hours a day. These love living in groups; therefore, you must consider taking care of more than one or two Dutch Rabbits so your pet can maintain a social and happy life even in captivity. 

Indoor vs. Outdoor Cage

You can also decide whether to place the cage of the rabbits indoors or outdoors. There are advantages and disadvantages to placing the cage indoors or out. Consider that rabbits that live in indoor enclosures usually have longer lives, and are healthier and happier. 

On the other hand, rabbits that live outdoors receive less attention from their owners and thus are skittish and vulnerable to weather changes, temperature, pests, predators, and other outdoor environmental factors.

If you don’t have any space indoors, you can prepare an outdoor cage where your rabbits can live, play, and run around. Take note that outdoor cages are easier to clean and have plenty of room for your rabbits to play and socialize. 

An outdoor cage should be kept away from direct sunlight and moist areas. The cage should be well- protected against rabbit’s regular predators, including other pets such as cats and dogs. The cage should be protected, and the door shut tight to prevent the rabbits from escaping.

Health Concerns

Dutch Rabbits are prone to all common types of rabbit diseases. With this in mind, you must check for possible signs of illnesses. You must take it to the vet to get standard vaccinations and for de-worming. 

Some rabbits have sensitive digestive systems; therefore, are more susceptible to digestive problems. Baby rabbits should be checked for enteritis, bloat, and stasis when these are less than 8 weeks old. Aside from this, check for ear or fur parasites. Check for mites, fleas, and ticks. These conditions may be avoided with good hygiene, proper husbandry, and animal management. 

You should learn to tell if your rabbit is showing signs that it is very ill. Symptoms like lack of appetite, dehydration, nasal and eye discharges, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, poor gait, restlessness, and other symptoms should never be overlooked. Consider taking your pet to the vet if you spot any of these symptoms. 

De-worming is also recommended, and this is a major concern to be completed in the spring and fall. For this, use a pea-sized amount of de-worming paste. All you need to do is to place this paste on your rabbit’s mouth so it will lick it and eat it. This is a technique that you can also use to provide medicines and multivitamins to your pet.

Teeth

Rabbit teeth are large and strong, but this should be kept shorter to avoid complications. A part of taking care of Dutch Rabbits’ health involves regular dental checkups. This makes sure that their teeth do not overgrow and cause pain on the mouth and jaws. 

With this in mind, a diet high in hay is recommended as it files down the rabbit’s teeth as naturally as possible while the rabbit chews. By keeping an eye on your rabbit’s teeth, you can save yourself from the expensive vet and dental bills. Dentists usually file or cut the teeth that have overgrown while your pet is heavily sedated.

Grooming

Dutch Rabbits have thick fur and thus need regular, thorough grooming, at least once or twice a week. You must groom theses rabbits more during the molting period. This will prevent wool blocks, where the rabbits may ingest fur. When the fur accumulates, their digestive system may be affected and cause blockages, constipation, severe pain, and other complications. 

Never bathe your rabbits as it stresses them. Use a damp towel to spot clean the rabbit if they are dirty. Trim their nails using a regular trimmer or take this to the vet every month. Take this time to check for overgrowth teeth. Consider spacious cages, both indoors and outdoors. This should be spacious enough to let the rabbits play, hop, and stretch. 

Breeding

Dutch Rabbits should be sexually mature before they breed. This should be at least 6 months before they can start mating. The bucks can breed as young as 4.5 months, though it is best to wait until 6 months until you are sure that they are ready. And for male rabbits, it is important to make sure that their testicles have dropped for successful breeding. 

The gestation period usually lasts 28 to 33 days, while most females deliver on days 30-31. So, before starting to breed, choose a date that you want for birth. This can make sure that you are at home to provide the doe her nesting box and to care for her and her babies. It is also recommended to plan ahead to ensure that you will available in the two months when the babies need to be with their mother, prevent any issues from arising before these are weaned from their mothers. 

Rabbits can conceive and give birth no matter what time or season, but it’s best to plan ahead if you want a stress-free and successful birth. Consider that during the hot months of summer, the mother could become very uncomfortable; however, it is also dangerous for babies to be born during the cold wintertime. Babies are born hairless and may likely freeze to death. Therefore, spring and autumn are the best times to become pregnant and deliver babies. 

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Organizations and Clubs

The Dutch Rabbit is one of the most popular rabbit breeds; therefore, a number of organizations and clubs composed of Dutch Rabbit lovers have been set up. This includes the American Rabbit Breeders’ Association ARBA and the British Rabbit Council or BRC.

Other Notes

Dutch Rabbits are just like regular rabbits that love chewing on anything they can lay their paws on. They will chew on wooden furniture, wooden fixtures of your home, books, and even exposed electrical wiring. To avoid these mishaps and accidents, give your pet hay or chew toys as well as their food. 

Rabbit proof your home and yard if you want your rabbits to roam about. Also, make sure that everything that they eat has not been sprayed with herbicide or pesticides because these can affect your rabbit’s health. 

Consider that younger rabbits should be fed alfalfa hay as it gives them enough calcium for growing bones. The adult rabbits can eat legume hay. Don’t just offer regular yard clippings to your pets but be meticulous and careful.

These rabbits should be kept in pairs or more for the reason of companionship. It has been observed that being with another rabbit contributes to the overall health and happiness of a rabbit. A healthy and happy rabbit will live longer as studies show. In the wild, these rabbits are extremely social, so it’s important to consider this when keeping your rabbits in captivity.

Availability – Where to Get One

The price range of getting a Dutch Rabbit depends on whether you are buying one from a breeder or just a regular rabbit retailer. The price may also depend on whether you are getting a rabbit for a show or for a pet. You can expect online buying more expensive as you need to consider shipping and handling costs. 

Searching for a reliable breeder is very important to make sure that you are only getting a rabbit that is healthy and not one with genetic disorders. Reliable breeders will breed good traits selectively, so it’s best to purchase from reputable breeders. And if you want your Dutch Rabbit for a show, you would want to have a purebred variety with no genetic problems. 

How to Care for a Dutch Rabbit

Dutch Rabbits need the same level of care as with other rabbit breeds. This means you must provide the correct diet, the best housing, and companionship. You must also consider taking your pet to a reputable vet that specializes in rabbit diseases and care.  

Always stick to the rabbit’s main diet of hay. This is the bulk of their diet, so despite giving commercially-prepared rabbit pellets, vegetables, and fruits, hay should never be absent from their daily diets. You may also offer rabbit treats if you’re training your pet, otherwise, keep the treats to a minimum to avoid being overweight or obese.

Your rabbit must have unlimited fresh water daily and hay to chew on. Give water and change its water twice daily, especially during hot summer months. Hay is very helpful in keeping rabbit digestion healthy and regular, so don’t take it for granted. Also, offer quality rabbit pellets for additional nutrients not found in natural food. 

Owners must monitor their rabbits closely for any possible signs of illness. Visit a vet for proper medical care. Remember the most common signs of illness like diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, poor energy, restlessness, bloating, constipation, etc. 

It is also as important to interact with your pets regularly. Spend time with your pet by interacting and playing to develop a trusting relationship, a tight bond between owners and pets. Most rabbits thrive long and healthy due to proper care, nutrition, and regular interaction with their owners.

FAQs

What size are Dutch rabbits?

The smallest Dutch rabbit is a medium breed of rabbit that weighs only 4 pounds compared to the Dwarf Lop, which is a medium breed that weighs even less. The size and the compactness of a Dutch rabbit have made it a very popular breed all over the world. 

How to know if a Dutch Rabbit is happy?

A Dutch rabbit is happy when it will come to you or when you offer it food. You can tell it’s happy when it’s eating well and when it plays with its companions. 

How to know if a Dutch rabbit is in pain?

If you pick up a Dutch rabbit and it emits a weird sound like pain or makes a scratchy noise from its throat, then this is in pain. Take your pet immediately to a vet for diagnosis and treatment. 

Will my Dutch rabbit stay small forever?

Yes, these rabbits are small and will remain small. However, overfeeding can lead to an obese rabbit and may also cause health issues related to weight and being obese.

How long do Dutch rabbits live?

The Dutch will live up to 10 years in captivity. Dutch Rabbits that live this long receive good care, proper nutrition, and a lot of attention from their owners. 

What are the best toys for a Dutch rabbit?

Dutch can easily get bored and may need constant stimulation. But instead of letting it sit and chew on hay, you can offer toys like small bouncy balls, cardboard boxes, rolled paper, and many more.

Do Dutch rabbits shed their fur?

Dutch Rabbits can shed their fur, and this usually starts from the tip of the head, down to the neck, and to the body and limbs. Shedding is expected during the warm months, so use a brush to collect hair and to stop the rabbit from eating his own hair. 

How do you tame a Dutch rabbit?

Sit right in front of the bunny and let it come to you. Offer some treats and repeat. Let it explore your smell and warmth and reward it every time it moves towards you.  

How fast can a Dutch rabbit multiply?

A female Dutch rabbit can become pregnant twice a year and can have up to five or more babies. In the right conditions, Dutch can have ten or more babies in a year, with each one reaching full maturity in just a few months!

Can a rabbit die of loneliness?

Some breeders say that it’s better to house rabbits as a pair to avoid feelings of loneliness. Dutch rabbits are social animals and having no companion can make them lonely, but these feelings are not enough to kill them

Can Dutch Rabbits eat fruit?

Yes, a Dutch rabbit will eat fruit and vegetables. Make sure to give only organic fruits and vegetables since these don’t have pesticides and herbicides that can affect your pet’s health.

Why give Dutch rabbit hay?

Hay is a staple food for rabbits. This is important in maintaining regular bowel movements and will make the rabbit teeth short by grinding on the hay. The grinding action of its teeth as it chews on hay helps keep teeth healthy and trim. 

How large does a cage of a Dutch rabbit should be?

The cage for a single Dutch Rabbit must be at least 4 x 4 x 4 inches. This may be enough space for one Dutch Rabbit to play, eat, and active.  

How much does a Dutch rabbit cost?

A Dutch rabbit costs around $50 to $100 depending on the gender, size, color, patterns, and the purpose (for pet or for show). You will find that it is more expensive to buy a Dutch rabbit from an online store than from a local dealer because of the price of shipment and delivery fees. 

Can you feed Dutch Rabbits meat?

No, Dutch rabbits will only eat fruits and vegetables and will not eat meat. You may also feed it commercially-prepared rabbit food instead of just fruits and vegetables. 

How do Dutch Rabbits sleep?

Dutch Rabbits naturally stay in their dens to rest and sleep. These dens are made out of hay or ground soil. But in captivity, provide a proper den made of cardboard or any material to accommodate your pet. 

Can you place two or more Dutch rabbits in one cage?

Yes, you can place two or more rabbits in a cage. This breed is sociable and would enjoy the company; these rabbits are not territorial and are not aggressive towards other individuals. 

Can you place varieties or breeds of rabbits in one cage?

Yes, you can place different breeds of rabbits in a cage, but you’ll find it easier to place rabbits of the same breed in one cage so you can care for them better. Remember, different rabbit breeds have different characteristics, so you must consider these if you want to house two or three breeds in one cage.  

Will rabbits eat their own poop?

Yes, rabbits will eat their own poop. You can avoid this by removing poop as soon as you see it and by giving your rabbit enough food inside their cages.

Will Dutch rabbits eat their own babies?

Some females may eat their own babies, especially newborns. It’s best to remove the mother from the cage if you notice this band to never allow the female to breed again. 

When do Dutch rabbits give birth?

Dutch rabbits can give birth any time in a year, so there is no breeding period for these rabbits. If you plan to breed rabbits, the Dutch Rabbit breed is the best choice.

How long can a Dutch rabbit survive without food?

A Dutch rabbit is always hungry and will not survive without food for 12 hours. But if you plan to leave your bunny alone for 24 hours, have someone feed them or else these will go hungry and could become stressed. 

Can you sleep with your bunny near you or inside your room?

Yes, as long as you are not allergic to fur, then you can have your bunny stay with you inside your room and near you in your bed. Make sure that your bedroom has been rabbit-proofed so you can protect it from any dangers. 

Can rabbits get stressed?

Yes, rabbits can get stressed, and it can’t tell you that it’s suffering. But you can tell by symptoms like by not eating, not drinking and just remaining still. Stress is something that can kill your rabbit, so never stress it at all costs. 

Can you touch or handle newborn rabbits?

Yes, you can handle newborns without fear that the mother rabbit will eat these. Mother rabbits are not as protective of her babies like other mammals, and sometimes these will abandon her newborns right after giving birth to them.

Is it dangerous to get bitten by a rabbit?

Yes, rabbit bites and scratches can be fatal because their nails can be dirty and thus transmit diseases as well. 

How to rabbit-proof your home?

To rabbit-proof your home, cover any openings on walls and on floors, remove anything that it can reach and destroy. Use a pet fence to cordon off places that your pet is not allowed to enter. You can also reverse the technique and just use the fence to surround your bunny so it will stay in this outdoor or indoor area only. 

How to know if your rabbit wants your attention?

Your rabbit will look at your eye to eye. It will stare continuously to attract your attention and will allow itself to be picked up from its enclosure. Sometimes it will remain motionless and just stare at you as if it’s trying to communicate to you via brain signals.  

Why do rabbits stomp their feet?

Rabbits like the Dutch rabbit will stomp their feet, specifically their hind feet, to tell you that it is upset or they don’t like what you’re doing. Some rabbits may stomp their hind legs because of being impatient. 

Are Dutch rabbits aggressive with the same rabbit breed?

Dutch rabbits are not aggressive with the same or different rabbit breeds. They will remain contented stay in a cage with other breeds, but it’s best to house your Dutch Rabbits together for the best care and attention.

Are Dutch rabbits friendly?

Dutch rabbits will start aloof and cautious, but once you handle it daily and allow it to explore its surroundings, it will become friendly, outgoing and may even want to play and train with you.

What do Dutch rabbits eat?

Dutch Rabbits will only eat plants. Its diet includes fruits, vegetables, and seeds. It needs hay which is nibbled by the rabbit all day and night to improve digestion and prevent teeth overgrowth 

Why do rabbits lick their owners?

Rabbits lick their owners if they are happy and contented. It is a grooming behavior telling you that they are grateful to your kindness, and it wants to return the favor. 

How do you handle Dutch Rabbits?

You can pick up a Dutch rabbit by holding its body and raising it a few inches from the ground. Don’t raise it too high because this can stress it a lot. 

Written by Here Bunny

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