Springtime Kindling

Survival of the species with rabbits is successful. Every 28 to 31 days, five to 10 blind, pink, slightly velvety and squirmy rabbit kits are kindled, or born. If unregulated breeding occurs, one pair can add 120 rabbits to their habitat in a year.

Female rabbits, called does, are able to be bred at five months. Reproduction is ensured by the evolutionary trait of ovulating while pregnant. Usually lactation slows or prevents ovulation in some mammals.

According to Eastgate Veterinary in Missoula, smaller mammals like rabbits, cats and most rodent species ovulate after giving birth and during nursing for propagation of the species.

The males are called bucks. They mature around three months for breeding or when their testes descend.

Domestic rabbits are lagomorphs, which include 87 species of 'hare-like' small mammals counting pika, hares and rabbits with a shared ancestor of rodents.

Wild rabbits are classified as rodents. According to Potomac resident and 10 year 4-H rabbit project member Sydney McDaniel, this makes them a different species from domestic rabbits.

The two species are unable to breed together.

Rabbits can be neutered or spayed, although it is hard on the rabbit. Does can live together while the bucks can become territorial and fight.

When the rabbits have matured, they will try to breed littermates and parents. Sibling breeding is not good for the rabbits but is okay with the parents, said McDaniel. The more closely-related the animal, the greater chance of unhealthy offspring.

Before a doe has a litter, she finds a nesting place and pulls out her soft neck hair to make the nest soft and warm. Sometimes she will eat her first litter if stressed. This can be caused by birthing inexperience or instinct.

After the kits are born, the doe will nurse them usually twice a day until they are nibbling other foods and are weaned.

Domestic rabbits are usually weaned between six and 10 weeks, while wild rabbits are weaned at five weeks.

Home care for domestic rabbits include having fresh water available and offering grassy alfalfa hay and commercial rabbit chow. Leave the carrots and lettuce for treats because of low nutritional value and high sugar content.

Pinworms are common in rabbits, therefore, they need to be dewormed. Rabbits can be kept in a shelter free from wind and sun but with room and fresh air for exercise.

McDaniel uses her rabbits for 4-H showing. "If you want them to be cuddly and good for showmanship, keep them enclosed with two square feet per pound for the rabbit most of the time." Cage size is dependent on the size and breed of the full-grown rabbit, giving it room to stretch out and still have eating and bathroom corners.

Constant handling helps the owner become familiar with their rabbit's health and maintains the relationship.

Rabbits have 28 teeth including incisors, peg teeth and cheek teeth. Their teeth are aradicular hypsodontal, like beavers and squirrels, and have the ability to continually grow. Rabbits may gnaw pinecones, play in bark, chew on logs and make tunnels through haystacks which can keep their teeth worn down.

Some outside-living domestic rabbits in Potomac have been seen stretched out with barn cats and nibbling hay with mules.

Rabbits can get along with other animals like dogs and chickens and have been known to make great house pets. They are tidy animals and designate one area for their bathroom needs.

Domestic rabbits can be trained to come by voice as well as perform tricks like competitive rabbit jumping. When rabbits are happy they are known to jump in the air and spin around.

Whether domestic or wild, these small mammals prove their survival.