In the hot and humid summer climate, conditions are ideal for the growth of bacteria and parasites, making Rex rabbits particularly vulnerable to digestive and parasitic diseases. Their underdeveloped sweat glands make it difficult for them to regulate body temperature effectively. Rex rabbits mainly rely on the blood vessels on their ears to dissipate heat, which is not sufficient for cooling in high temperatures. This weak thermoregulation ability makes them prone to heatstroke, which can be fatal if not properly managed.
To ensure the health and survival of rabbits during the summer, several key measures should be taken:
1. **Control Temperature and Maintain Dryness**
Keep the rabbit hutch cool by shading the roof with black mesh or branches. Planting trees around the area provides natural shade while improving airflow. Ensure doors and windows are open for ventilation. On sunny days, spray water on walls and floors to lower the temperature. Keep lime, grass, and wood ash dry on rainy days, and protect the rabbits and bedding from rain. Reduce stocking density to prevent overcrowding, which can worsen heat stress.
2. **Maintain Cleanliness and Disinfection**
Install screens on the hutches to keep out insects. Clean cages and floors daily, removing waste promptly to avoid odors and fecal buildup. Wash food containers daily and ensure no leftover feed remains. Regularly clean the bottom boards and litter boxes. Soak and expose feeding bowls to sunlight daily. Use a broad-spectrum, low-toxicity disinfectant weekly to maintain hygiene and reduce disease risk.
3. **Feed Wisely and Adjust Diet**
Reduce energy-rich feeds and increase protein content in the diet. In summer, green feeds are abundant, so you can offer more, but avoid wet, high-moisture vegetation during heavy rain. Provide dry roughage instead. Adjust wet powder feed to prevent spoilage. Avoid feeding grass contaminated with mud, manure, pesticides, or plastic. After rain, cut and dry the grass before feeding. Store feed in a dry, well-ventilated area. Add garlic or chopped garlic to the feed to help prevent diarrhea and mold-related toxins. Feed small amounts frequently—morning and evening, with one or two meals at night. Provide clean drinking water, and add 1% salt to help with hydration. Using wild chrysanthemum decoction in feed or water can help prevent heat stress-related issues like diarrhea, loss of appetite, and heatstroke. Regular use of 1% wild chrysanthemum can also help control infectious rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and mastitis.
4. **Prevent Diseases and Manage Breeding**
Prevent coccidiosis by adding chlorpheniramine or globule powder to feed, and provide 0.01% potassium permanganate or 0.02% furazolidone in drinking water to prevent diarrhea. High temperatures above 30°C can reduce appetite, lower semen quality in males, and cause complications in pregnant females, such as Pasteurella infections or heatstroke. Female rabbits may suffer from postpartum hemorrhage, leading to death, and the survival rate of newborns can be very low. Proper techniques must be applied to ensure successful breeding during summer.
5. **Care for Young Rabbits**
Heat is especially dangerous for young pups. Ensure they nurse colostrum immediately after birth. Introduce small amounts of easily digestible feed like soy milk, bean curd residue, or chopped young leaves at 15 days old. At 20 days, introduce a mix of cereals, bran, corn flour, charcoal powder, vitamins, and garlic to strengthen their immunity. Feed small portions multiple times a day. By 30 days, gradually transition to regular feed and wean them. Separate the pups from the mother to reduce exposure to feces and mites. Avoid overfeeding high-water-content greens to prevent diarrhea and bloating.
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