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The dwarf angora rabbits are one of the breeds most characteristic of this type of animal. Their fur, which is especially long, silky, and dense, is one of the most demanded within the textile and fur industry, as it shelters more than other fibers and fabrics. Experts in Turkey locate the origin of the . However, in Europe, this breed's development and evolution began, driven by economic interests, especially in France and England in the 18th century. Regarding its name, it can be said that it takes it from Angora cats due to its great physical resemblance. Next, we discover everything you need to keep in mind if you want to have an Angora dwarf rabbit as a pet.
ANGORA DWARF RABBIT CHARACTERISTICS
Angora Rabbit
It is a type of small lagomorph, whose adult weight ranges between 2 and 3.5 kilos. There are up to four varieties of the Angora dwarf rabbit according to their morphological characteristics: English, French, giant, and satin. The most striking thing about these animals is their extremely long hair, which can come in different shades, the most common being gray, white, and cinnamon. It covers the entire body except for the ears, something that would make it impossible for these specimens to live in freedom since if they were not cared for and clean, they could not move easily and would suffer frequent infections.
Regarding the temperament of these animals, we must highlight their docility. They are very tame and calm rabbits, possibly due to the abundant fur they have, which limits their movement. In addition, their longevity can reach 10 years. Their soft character makes this breed the most ideal for leaning towards when choosing a pet, especially in small children at home.
However, Angora dwarf rabbits are very territorial in their coexistence with other specimens, even fighting. So you should ask yourself if it is a good idea to have more than one of these animals at home. Regarding the breeding of this type of rabbits, the incubation period lasts a month. Still, the female does not show symptoms of being in heat, so it will be necessary to encourage unions between a couple throughout the year.
BASIC CARE OF THE DWARFANGORA RABBIT
Angora Rabbit
To keep an Angora dwarf rabbit in the best conditions, the diet it follows must be adapted to what all rabbits usually eat, regardless of the breed to which they belong. They are herbivorous animals that feed mainly on forages, so vegetables and hay also contribute to a healthy and balanced diet. In contrast, fruits and vegetables should be limited to a maximum of three times a week. However, feed prepared specially for dwarf rabbits, which you can easily find on the market, is the base diet for these animals.
But for the well-being of the rabbit, other essential points must also be taken into account. Being a lagomorph and similar to what happens with rodents, they need to have something that they can nibble on to control their teeth' continuous growth. For this reason, you can place a calcium block in its cage, which will benefit it in this regard, but it will also take it as a toy and serve as a food supplement. Also, blocks of an untreated wood (always other than cedar, which is toxic to rabbits) allow them to wear down teeth. They are excellent because they help them avoid the development of dental diseases such as dental malocclusion, which consists of the disproportionate growth of the rabbit's dentition.
Rabbit hygiene
Angora Rabbit
Regarding the hygiene of the Angora dwarf rabbit, its fur must be kept in reasonable condition because, being so long, it could end up causing respiratory and digestive problems. Daily brushing is the best option to undo possible knots and remove the dirt that they may have caught. However, baths should be avoided at all costs. Rabbits know how to clean themselves, through their paws and their mouths, and the water would only weaken the protective layer of their skin.
On the other hand, cleaning the cage is essential so that its hair also stays clean. Likewise, the cage's size must be considered since the dwarf Angora rabbit is bulkier than the usual rabbits due to its voluminous fur. Thus, the animal has its movement space and can do the exercise it needs. Also, at least once a day, you should let the animal out of the cage so that it can exercise freely, and you have to dedicate part of your time to entertaining and playing with it. You should also carefully monitor the temperature of the environment, which should not be less than 10ºC or higher than 30ºC, as their fur protects them from the cold to some extent, but the heat can cause serious problems.
Ventilation is also essential since the waste of rabbits can generate bad odors. An excellent alternative to prevent the rodent from getting dirty with its urine is to place straw on the ground to absorb the liquid. The water in your drinking fountain can also harm the animal's hygiene if a container is placed at ground level. The best option is to place one between the bars of the cage, one whose mechanism is activated through contact with the animal's tongue, which allows it to waste as little water as possible and keep it always clean.
Angora Rabbit
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Finally, you must control the shedding of hair in the rabbit, which is usually rapid and frequent. As these animals groom themselves, as with cats, hairballs can form in their stomachs, so you have to make sure that this does not happen. You should also be aware of the length of the nails, which by not wearing out, can cause scratches and tangles when grooming. As with other pets, do not forget to make the relevant veterinary consultations or deworm it when convenient.
