Editing Wire Cages
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===Scoliosis, lordosis and kyphosis in breeding rabbits=== | ===Scoliosis, lordosis and kyphosis in breeding rabbits=== | ||
The oft-quoted 1996 Drescher study ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8767192 ) that supposedly proves that keeping rabbits in cages causes spinal deformities is not actually a good source for evaluating the effects of caging in general. | |||
The oft-quoted 1996 Drescher study | |||
( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8767192 ) that supposedly proves that keeping rabbits in cages causes spinal deformities is not actually a good source for evaluating the effects of caging in general. | |||
It turns out the cages in the study where rabbits had issues were only 60 x 40 x 32 cm, which is 23.6 inches by 15.7 inches by 12.6 inches--far smaller than what most people keep even dwarf-sized rabbits in. This particular study really doesn't seem relevant to keeping rabbits in standard-sized cages that allow for a normal range of movement. It's equivalent to raising rabbits for their entire lives in travel-sized carrying cages--the long-term extreme limitation of movement that disallowed a normal posture would be the cause of skeletal problems in such a case, not the fact that the rabbits were on wire. | It turns out the cages in the study where rabbits had issues were only 60 x 40 x 32 cm, which is 23.6 inches by 15.7 inches by 12.6 inches--far smaller than what most people keep even dwarf-sized rabbits in. This particular study really doesn't seem relevant to keeping rabbits in standard-sized cages that allow for a normal range of movement. It's equivalent to raising rabbits for their entire lives in travel-sized carrying cages--the long-term extreme limitation of movement that disallowed a normal posture would be the cause of skeletal problems in such a case, not the fact that the rabbits were on wire. | ||
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Most | Most species of Rabbits should be kept on one of three types of wire mesh floors. The wire circumference sizes can be 12 gauge Galvanized after weld, 14 gauge galvanized after weld or 16 gauge galvanized after weld. | ||
The Wire Spacing should be one inch by half inch, to allow for the best traction, comfort and support of a rabbit floor while allowing waste to fall through to drop pans or the floor below and away from the rabbit. | The Wire Spacing should be one inch by half inch, to allow for the best traction, comfort and support of a rabbit floor while allowing waste to fall through to drop pans or the floor below and away from the rabbit. | ||
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==Rabbit housing preferences of the rabbit== | ==Rabbit housing preferences of the rabbit== | ||
==Climate and Control== | |||
Rabbits withstand Colder temperatures better then heat. Rabbits should be kept below 85 degree F. Warmer temps can cause Heat sterility in males. | |||
****Something about Apple cider vinegar or something that was found to prevent or reverse heat sterility... I can not remember.......*** | |||
Royal jelly counteracts bucks' "summer infertility" | |||
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20538419/ | |||
==When Wire Shouldn't Be Used.== | ==When Wire Shouldn't Be Used.== | ||
Cases where Wire should not be used or used in conjunction with Solid floors. Rex Coated Breeds have no Guard hairs in their coats so it is a higher chance that they will not have enough fur covering to fully protect their feet. This can be bred out but it is advised that rex coated breeds get extra foot protection in there enclosures. Thin or narrow footed rabbits, have a genetic predisposition to getting sore hocks becuse they have a narrow foot pad and weight isn't as well distributed. Very Large Breeds like Continental Giants, Flemish Giant and Giant Chinchilla do better on heavier solid floors, or at least 12 gauge wire grids with resting matts, other floor types that can support the giant breeds and provide a sturdy footing are Rubber or dipped Vet flooring with thick grids able to support the full foot or Plastic mesh. | Cases where Wire should not be used or used in conjunction with Solid floors. Rex Coated Breeds have no Guard hairs in their coats so it is a higher chance that they will not have enough fur covering to fully protect their feet. This can be bred out but it is advised that rex coated breeds get extra foot protection in there enclosures. Thin or narrow footed rabbits, have a genetic predisposition to getting sore hocks becuse they have a narrow foot pad and weight isn't as well distributed. Very Large Breeds like Continental Giants, Flemish Giant and Giant Chinchilla do better on heavier solid floors, or at least 12 gauge wire grids with resting matts, other floor types that can support the giant breeds and provide a sturdy footing are Rubber or dipped Vet flooring with thick grids able to support the full foot or Plastic mesh. | ||