A House Rabbit Primer

Dr. Lucile C. Moore

Dr. Moore is a strong force in the House Rabbit Movement. She has her Ph.D. in Biology and has served as a county rabbit superintendent. She has eight house rabbits in her home in Arizona. The second half of this book is especially helpful in the area of health and treating disease in pet rabbits.

Since Rabbit World View has already covered most of what is presented in the “care and behavior” section of A House Rabbit Primer, I will list for your edification some of the things you will learn that are not on this web site.

In the 1970’s, three lop breeds were introduced to the USA (French, Mini, & Holland) whose puppy-like appearances inspired owners to keep them as house rabbits.

Rabbits overtook hamsters as the third most popular small companion pets in 1996, and has widened the gap ever since.

Steve McQueen had a companion rabbit.

18th century poet, William Cowper kept three hares as pets in his house.

When a house rabbit initiates you petting them, they are being dominant.

A rabbit’s underbelly, as well as under the chin, are vulnerable and ticklish.

Teaching rabbits tricks is fine as long as the rabbit is enjoying it.

Mean rabbits can bite through the finger, bone and all. They may attack ankles.

Children’s aspirin can be used to tread rabbits with arthritis.

Cancer is not common in rabbits (except uterine cancer).

Strokes are rare in rabbits. There is no treatment for them.
Diapers can be used for incontinent house rabbits.

Cat and dog food is unhealthy for rabbits, especially dry food.

Before surgery, do not withhold food or water.

Have a back up vet, and know who is the emergency vet.

Isoflurane gas used for surgery has increased the survival rate.

A rabbit in shock can be spotted through the gums (will be too bright pink, grayish or white).

Artificial respiration is done by holding the rabbit up horizontally by the feet and rocking back and forth. Mouth to mouth every 5 seconds works also.

Broken limbs can mend successfully, and amputees can lead happy lives.

Gastro-intestinal problems will probably happen some time in a rabbit’s life.

A House Rabbit Primer has a short section on rabbit history. For our article on the subject go to Rabbit History. Also, Chapter Seven “Communicating With Your Rabbit” is very interesting as Lucile Moore describes the many postures rabbits make and what they are saying to us.

A House Rabbit Primer is a good book to have on hand for health issues. In Dr. Moore’s work as a county rabbit superintendent she was responsible for the health of over 300 rabbits of more than 20 breeds. Let us take advantage of her expertise.