The twenty-seventh issue of the "Hairy Children Those Things" popular science series is here~
In this issue, we focus on more unique habits and care tips for rabbits, featuring Dr. Zhang Yongjun, Trainer of Veterinary Care Without Borders China in Action Asia, and Dr. Narelle Price, a foreign expert in Veterinary Care Without Borders.
Dr. Zhang Yongjun
Technical Director and Trainer of Action Asia Veterinary Care Without Borders China Program. China licensed veterinarian, president of Beijing Xiangyun Animal Hospital, technical consultant/chief trainer of medical technology department of Ruipai pet hospital chain institution, supervisor of Beijing Small Animal Diagnosis and Treatment Industry Association, president of Beijing Small Animal Diagnosis and Treatment Industry Association, director of Pet Diagnosis and Treatment Branch of China Veterinary Association. He graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine of China Agricultural University in 1994, completed the master's program of animal clinical specialty of China Agricultural University in 2004, won the 10th "Outstanding Young Veterinary Award" of Beijing Small Animal Diagnosis and Treatment Industry Association, "Excellent Lecturer" of the 8th Seminar of Small Animal Medicine Branch of China Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Association, "Special Lecturer" of the 5th South China Small Animal Physician Conference, and lecturer of Merck "Pet Physician Institute".
Dr. Narelle Price
Dr Narelle Price studied veterinary science at the University of Melbourne and graduated as a veterinarian in 1996. She initially worked in general animal clinics in Australia and the UK, then turned her interest to treating small herbivores. Since 2005, Narelle has specialized in veterinary specialist work in rabbits and guinea pigs. Narelle has a keen interest in promoting rabbit health and care and organises talks for veterinary students, veterinarians and other animal industry professionals in Australia and overseas.
Shovel Officer:
Excuse me, doctor, can rabbits really reproduce that fast?
Dr. Cheung:
This is not a myth, rabbits reproduce very quickly. Regular rabbits reach sexual maturity at three to eight months of age, and they don't have a "estrus" cycle, so they're basically ready to mate.
Generally, the gestation period in rabbits is about 30 days. This means that technically, a rabbit can give birth to 12 litters a year.
Shovel Officer:
Excuse me, doctor, do rabbits have different personalities?
Dr. Cheung:
Many rabbit owners will notice that their pets have their own personalities, and there are certainly differences between rabbits when it comes to behavior and preferences.
The breed has the greatest influence on the character of the rabbit, and the larger the rabbit, the more laid-back it appears. Male rabbits tend to be more relaxed than female rabbits, and non-neutered or castrated rabbits may have a high libido.
Shovel Officer:
Doctor, do you need to cut the toenails of the rabbit?
Dr. Cheung:
If you're pruning a rabbit's toenails, be sure to do some research and use a special toenail knife.
Hares are so active that their toenails are usually shortened by wear, but the vast majority of rabbits require a veterinarian or owner to regularly trim their toenails with a special toenail knife.
Most rabbits need to cut their toenails every two to three months, which prevents them from growing very long toenails and injuring their feet. Many other rabbits may need to trim their toenails more often, so it's wise to keep an eye on your pet's toenails.