10 Ways to Know a Sick Rabbit

Rabbit is one of the micro livestock; its meat is regarded as the best as a result of its low cholesterol. Rabbit farming is one of the lucrative agribusinesses; it is easy to rear and have a good return, provided the market is readily available. One of the factors that affect a livestock farm is the status of the animals’ health. 

The difference between a successful farm and a dwindling farm is the health status of the flock; the health status is a function of the management of the farm. A poorly managed farm is more or less like a waste of resources and time. If you are planning of having a farm, spend more time on planning the management structure.

Sickness or disease condition in any farm does not come up suddenly, it has stages before it gets to an economic damage level. This level is a very dreadful one because it can lead a profitable farm to the point of moribund. Any change in a livestock behavior should be treated as cogent as possible. Rabbits are meek livestock, they are mild and easy to handle; detecting any chances in their wellbeing is very easy. 

When you know how to know or identify a sick rabbit, it will be very easy to know how to treat a sick rabbit. Naturally, rabbits are animated livestock; they are full of activities. So when you see your rabbit lethargic, you should know their something wrong. If your animal display any of these expressions; you should know a threat beacons, thus, drastic attention is needed to resuscitate the flock. These are things you should observe in your rabbits:

• The rabbit eyes:

The rabbit eyes are the primary indicator of the rabbit health status; a healthy rabbit has shinny and bright eyes. If the rabbit eyes are weepy or discharging, it means the rabbit is having some health issues. Further diagnosis should be made to ascertain the imminent health threat.

• The condition of the fur:

The fur is the covering of the rabbit, just like how hairs cover human. As a good farmer, you should be familiar with the nature of your rabbits fur; if you notice the rabbit is loosing clumps of hair or a reddish appearance skin. This is one of the symptoms of health issues like ring worm.

• Loud tooth grinding:

Tooth grinding is a habitual character of rabbits, but when it becomes loud and obvious; it means the rabbit is under a duress, inflicting huge pains.

• The ears:

Your rabbit ears can indicate the health status of the rabbit; usually, rabbits regulate their body temperature by radiating heat through their ears. If the ears are very cold or hot, it means the rabbit is sick.

• Wet chin: 

When the chin of a rabbit is wet as a result of drooling, it indicates a dental problem. To ascertain this, the rabbit finds it difficult to close its mouth; also, you observe a decrease in feed consumption.

• Excessive itching:

Like other animals, rabbits are vulnerable to infection from pests like: mites, fleas, etc.; that can cause scratching and itching. Once observed, proper medication should be employed to control these pests.

• Watch the rabbit sneeze:

It’s normal a rabbit sneeze, especially when dust evades their vicinity. However, if your rabbits sneeze incessantly, it’s an indication of a disease condition.

• Observe your rabbit droppings:

Rabbits excrete round and even droppings in a normal health condition. However, if you observe an irregular shaped droppings or runny droppings (Diarrhea) with fur embedded in it; it indicates a disease condition.

• Lethargic rabbit not eating or loss of appetite:

If you notice your rabbit doesn’t eat as it used to eat, without any change in the feed; it means the rabbit is sick.

• Loss of balance or head tilt:

Rabbits are agile livestock; they are always on their feet, if you observe any dull or torpid appearance, it means the rabbit is sick and needs medical attention.

Knowing all these is like knowing how to save a rabbit from dying; they require close observation. If any of these is observed or a change in the behavioral pattern of the rabbit is noticed, always contact a vet doctor for prescription and medication. Above all, a clean environment deters pests and any disease causing agent. Ensure your farm is clean always to maintain a healthy farm, thus, increasing your productivity.

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