In the sweltering and humid summer climate, conditions are ideal for the proliferation of bacteria and parasites, making Rex rabbits particularly vulnerable to digestive and parasitic diseases. Their underdeveloped sweat glands limit their ability to regulate body temperature effectively. Rex rabbits mainly rely on the tiny blood vessels on their ears to release heat, which makes it difficult for them to dissipate excess body moisture. As a result, their thermoregulation is very weak. If environmental conditions are not controlled, rabbits can easily suffer from heatstroke, which can be fatal.
To ensure the safety of rabbits during the summer, the following measures should be taken:
1. **Cool and Dry Environment**: Keep the rabbit house shaded by closing it and avoiding direct sunlight. Cover the roof with black mesh or branches, and plant large trees around the area to provide shade and improve airflow. Ensure doors and windows are open for ventilation. On sunny days, spray cold water on walls and floors. During rainy days, keep lime, grass, and wood ash dry, and prevent rain from reaching the rabbits and litter. Reduce stocking density to avoid overcrowding.
2. **Cleanliness and Disinfection**: Install screens and screen doors in the rabbit house to keep out flies and mosquitoes. Clean cages and the floor daily, removing waste promptly to prevent odors and fecal accumulation. Wash food containers every day and avoid leftover feed that could spoil. Regularly clean the bottom plates and boxes, brush the feeding bowls daily, and expose them to sunlight. Disinfect the rabbit house weekly using a broad-spectrum, high-efficiency, and low-toxicity disinfectant.
3. **Smart Feeding Practices**: Adjust the feed composition by reducing energy-rich feeds and increasing protein content. In summer, there is plenty of green feed, so more can be provided, but avoid high-moisture green material during heavy rain and humidity. Offer dry roughage instead. Wet feed should be adjusted to prevent spoilage. Avoid feeding grass contaminated with mud, manure, pesticides, or plastic. After rain, dry the grass before feeding. Store feed in a dry, well-ventilated area and avoid spoiled feed. Add garlic or chopped garlic to the feed to help prevent diarrhea and toxin buildup from moldy feed. Feed in the morning and evening, possibly offering 1–2 small meals at night to allow free access. Provide clean drinking water with 1% salt added for free consumption. Use wild chrysanthemum decoction in feed or water to help prevent heat stress-related issues like diarrhea, loss of appetite, and heatstroke. Regular use of 1% wild chrysanthemum as an additive can also help control infectious rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and mastitis in rabbits.
4. **Disease Prevention and Breeding Care**: Prevent coccidiosis by adding chlorpheniramine and globule powder to the feed, and include 0.01% potassium permanganate or 0.02% furazolidone in drinking water to reduce the risk of diarrhea. Rabbits are highly sensitive to heat, and temperatures above 30°C can decrease appetite, reduce semen quality in males, and cause complications in pregnant females, such as Pasteurella infection or heatstroke. High temperatures may even lead to postpartum hemorrhage in females, resulting in death. Pup survival rates are also low in hot weather. Therefore, effective management techniques are essential for successful summer breeding.
5. **Intensive Care for Young Rabbits**: Heat is especially dangerous for young pups. Strengthen care by ensuring they nurse colostrum immediately after birth. Introduce small amounts of nutritious and easily digestible feed, such as soy milk, bean curd residue, or finely chopped young grass and leaves, starting at 15 days old. At 20 days, gradually introduce cereals, bran, corn flour, and small amounts of charcoal powder, vitamins, and minerals like garlic and onions to boost their immunity. Feed frequently in small portions—five to six times a day. By 30 days, transition to regular feed and prepare for weaning. Separate the pups from the mother after feeding to reduce contact with her feces and prevent mite infestations. Avoid overfeeding with high-water-content green feed, as this can cause diarrhea, bloating, and even death.
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