This month marks the arrival of late autumn, when the weather starts to cool down, and the temperature difference between day and night becomes more pronounced. The daylight hours are significantly shorter, which influences rabbit behavior and management practices. Proper feeding and care during this time are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of your rabbits.
1. **Breeding Management**
Late autumn is a favorable period for rabbit breeding, but there are several key points to consider. First, female rabbits may not show clear signs of estrus due to reduced natural light. To compensate, it's recommended to provide artificial lighting for 14 to 16 hours daily. Second, this is also the time when adult rabbits shed their fur. If nutrition is inadequate, the molting process can be prolonged, which may negatively affect breeding performance. Adjust the diet based on the shedding condition, ensuring sufficient intake of sulfur-containing amino acids and high-quality protein to support both fur renewal and reproductive health.
2. **Harvesting and Storing Roughage**
This season is ideal for collecting and storing crop stalks and leaves, which serve as excellent roughage for rabbits throughout the year. However, the harvesting window is short, so it’s crucial to act quickly. Depending on local resources, gather, dry, and store the materials promptly. Be cautious with high-moisture plants like sweet potato vines, as they take longer to dry and are prone to mold if not handled properly. Also, inspect fruit leaves carefully before feeding to avoid potential poisoning from accumulated toxins.
3. **Rabbit Skin Harvesting**
As the season progresses, the demand for rabbit pelts increases. Fattening rabbits that reach 5 to 6 months of age are typically ready for slaughter. For adult rabbits being culled, check the quality of the fur, especially whether the undercoat has fully regrown. A clear boundary (called “gadderâ€) at the junction of moulting and non-moulting areas can reduce the value of the pelt, so ensure complete fur replacement before selling.
4. **Managing Temperature Fluctuations**
Temperature changes are common during this time, especially sudden drops, which can lead to respiratory issues such as infectious rhinitis and diarrhea. Monitor the weather forecast closely and prepare for cold snaps. If you’re raising rabbits in plastic greenhouses during winter, make sure to stock up on necessary supplies in advance to maintain a stable environment.
5. **Disease Prevention**
Rabbits are susceptible to diseases year-round, but the transition from autumn to winter and spring creates conditions that favor outbreaks. Vaccinate all rabbits regularly, ideally using single vaccines rather than multi-component ones, as mixing vaccines can sometimes interfere with immune responses. Additionally, watch out for other common diseases like respiratory infections, coccidiosis, rickets, and fungal skin infections. Maintain clean living conditions and monitor your rabbits closely for any signs of illness.
By paying attention to these key aspects, you can ensure your rabbits remain healthy and productive through the colder months.
Guangzhou Fuerle Health Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.fuerlegroup.com