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O bunny belier it has a wide range of names such as Mini Lop or the droopy-eared rabbit, as its drooping ears make it a unique and distinguished specimen. its scientific name is Oryctolagus cuniculus.
There are two theories about the origin of this rabbit. Some people claim they are descended from Flanders rabbits, while others point to a French origin mentioned in 19th century rabbit breeding books.
Source- Europe
- France
physical appearance
The Belier rabbit has a voluminous, broad head, famous for its long ears that fall down on both sides. Early in life, the ears are erect, falling slowly as the rabbit grows. It is a medium-sized rabbit, weighing between 5 and 7 kg.
In addition to being slightly smaller, females have cheeks that do not exist in the case of males.
We can find rabbits in a wide range of colors including white, gray or brown, for example. In addition, and depending on the country of creation, they may have slightly different physical characteristics, thus composing various types of bunny Belier:
- French Belier - It stands out for its weight and span and its ears are especially large.
- Belier Inglês - The ears of this Belier strain are very large in proportion to its body, measuring between 55 and 64 cm.
- Dutch Belier - It is quite small and usually not exceeding 2 kg.
- Belier or German Lop - Slightly larger than the Dutch Belier, although it is a small rabbit.
- Belier or Kashmir Lop - Its fur is particularly soft and a little long.
- Belier or Lion Lop - Very furry and exotic.
Behavior
We usually speak of a lagomorph sweet and quiet. Unlike other rabbit breeds, this one is a particularly sweet and gentle specimen. It is suitable for homes where there is harmony and tranquility, as the Belier rabbit loves rest and comfort, even inside an apartment or house.
If you have other pets in your house, pay special attention to avoid conflicts. You can try to promote a good environment and, for that, you can find articles about the coexistence of cats and rabbits that will be very useful.
care
Rabbit care is essential for proper development. The Belier rabbit must have a large cage, as well as a big space to run and play, being very important that you exercise your muscles. Don't forget to watch the rabbit whenever it is on the ground, as it may gnaw on a cable or dangerous object.
Place wood chips or sawdust, materials that absorb urine well. You should also have something to gnaw on to prevent abnormal growth of your teeth, feeder, drinker and a nest to hide at night. Provide a temperate climate environment without sudden changes in temperature. Find out about the specific care of the Belier rabbit.
Although frequency depends on the breed, the Belier rabbit needs regular grooming to keep its coat free of tangles, dirt and dead hair. It is not necessary to bathe him, as they do his own hygiene. If you find dirt, you can wipe the area with a baby wipe.
If your rabbit doesn't get enough exercise, it can suffer from the growth of its nails, which should be clipped from time to time. If you don't know how, ask your vet to explain how you can do this at home.
Finally, you should know that the rabbit cage cleaning It is very important, as staying with the urine for too long can increase the risk of infections or fungus.
food
Belier rabbits love to eat. For this reason, it is essential to correctly calculate the quality of food necessary to prevent obesity (you can do this by checking the indications on the packaging). This amount should also be divided into three meals a day, which favors digestion.
You should also have, of course, plenty of clean, fresh water at your fingertips that is available throughout the day. We recommend the typical cage drinkers for large lagomorph rodents, as the bowls are easy to turn and get dirty more quickly.
Stay informed about the rabbit's diet to know what it needs at each specific stage of its life.
Health
The Belier rabbit generally lives an average of between 8 and 10 years. However, the life expectancy of a rabbit depends on several factors such as food, care or absence of disease.
We recommend that you prevent all kinds of illnesses by consulting your veterinarian and administering the necessary vaccines to create immunity against certain viruses. Even if your rabbit doesn't leave the house, it can be infected with bacteria or debris present on your clothes, for example. Below, we identify the most common diseases that can affect your Belier rabbit:
- Scabies: It consists of a type of mite that directly attacks your pet's skin. It is difficult for a rabbit to develop scabies if it resides indoors, so go to your vet if you notice any symptoms for the animal to be dewormed.
- red urine: It is usually caused by a deficit in food. Try to see if he eats fruits and vegetables. If he eats, he may have developed a urinary tract infection.
- coccidiosis: It is caused by microorganisms called Coccides, a parasite that is easily infected through infected feces. Causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. Go to your veterinarian as you can treat the problem if you act quickly.
- Pneumonia: It usually appears at cold times of the year. It can also appear if your pet is exposed to drafts. If you don't provide extra care, the rabbit can get worse.
- Calluses: They are produced by the physical sedentary lifestyle of the rabbit. It's particularly common when you spend too much time inside the cage, especially on your hind legs.
- Abnormal tooth growth: It is common when the rabbit does not have access to forage or other elements that it can bite, as it would in the wild.
Don't forget that if you've decided to adopt a rabbit, it's very important that you give it a good name.