About Netherland Dwarf Rabbits

At least from what we at *~*Night~Dream~Rabbitry*~* read and experienced….

Netherland Dwarfs make ideal pets. They are small, usually gentle, quiet, and really really cute! They weigh less than two pounds! However, even though their temperament makes them ideal for small children, their tiny size and easy-to-break bones do not. Please, before buying a Netherland Dwarf for a small child, consider how the treat other animals. Dwarfs are very "jumpy" and can fly out of your arms in a snap…. and over your back, on the floor, and end up with a broken back, and then die. Can your six-year-old handle a scratching, wiggling rabbit? In most cases, no. I would recommend the child be at least 10 years old before buying him or her a delicate Netherland Dwarf. Consider a larger, or sturdier, pet for small children.
However, for those ready to take on a Dwarf, these are truly great pets. Because of the small size, their cages don’t have to be to big, they eat very little and are easy to control if you have a strong hold! The short, silky coat needs little to be done with it; an occasional brushing with a soft-bristle slicker brush is almost more then enough! There are many products on the market, like dry shampoos that you sprinkle on like powder and wipe off. "NethDwarfs" spend a great deal of time cleaning and I doubt purchasing such a product would be much more then a waste of money. Then again, I could be wrong; I’ll eventually try it! Check your pet’s teeth on a regular basis; a tooth deformity or over-grown tooth can be fatal! If the tooth is over-grown, go to your vet IMIDEATLY! He or she can cut the tooth down enough so the rabbit can close its mouth to chew. You must have the vet/breeder trim the nails once a month or so…they get pretty sharp.However, I suggest learning to trim them yourself becasue that vet bill can get high.

As for feeding NethDwarfs, you should not feed a diet of more then 17% protein. They also need fresh water ALL THE TIME and enjoy cereal (Cheerio’s or Corn Flakes), rolled oats, and fresh hay too. Maybe once a week is good. As for the water, I personally recommend water bottles. This will prevent food and droppings from spilling into food…and especially and curious young bunnies from drowning. Make sure it is well within reach of your rabbit but not soaking an bedding it has!

In the heat of summer, it is VERY easy for rabbits - not just Netherland Dwarfs - to become over-heated. They can withstand cold much better then hot. A few tips to keeping them cool…

Fill a water bottle with water and freeze it overnight, then wrap it in a paper towel (no ink to it's OK if they chew it) and place it in the cage. This way if the bunnies get hot they just lay next to the bottle and cool down.

If your bunny has a water crock, put a few ice cubes in there to keep water extra cold and give bunnies something to do (you can use cubes in bottles, too!). Or, you could mist the crock and freeze it to the outside is cold.

Use a plug-in fan to cool the entire hutch (if they're in a barn or other room) or in some type of tiled room that resists heat (if in the house). If you use a fan, be sure to keep the breeze away from all th cages.

 

More to Come!

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