How to Care for Your Angora Dwarf Rabbits

Because of how easy they are to tame and care for, angora dwarf rabbits make the perfect pets. Plus, they are small, cute and have a great temperament... Exactly what you need if you have small children or you live in a city apartment.
How to Care for Your Angora Dwarf Rabbits

Last update: 23 April, 2019

With their long, silky fur, Angora dwarf rabbits are one of the most popular domestic pets, especially among those who live in small apartments. In this article, we’ll tell you how to look after them properly, so that you can be the perfect owner to these little animals.

 Angora dwarf rabbits: characteristics

First things first, you need to learn a bit about this breed of domestic rabbit, which is famous for its thick and luxurious fur. Though you might think that this is a “modern” breed, the Angora dwarf rabbit, whose scientific name is Oryctolagus cuniculus, first became a popular domestic pet in 18th Century France.

While there are several different varieties, they all look very similar. They have long fur and light-colored coats, and weigh approximately 8.8 lbs. It’s also worth noting that rabbits can reproduce all year round. Female rabbits don’t come into season at a particular time of year like other animals.

These animals are docile and calm, and have a lifespan of around 7-9 years. They are very easy to tame, which is why they are one of the most popular children’s pets.

An angora dwarf rabbit sitting in the grass.

How to care for your Angora dwarf rabbits

To take good care of your Angora dwarf rabbits, there are some basic things you need to do. This will help your rabbits live better for longer:

1. Companionship

The first thing you should know about rabbits is that they should never be kept alone. Rabbits live in large communities in the wild, and can quickly become bored, lonely and depressed if kept alone. It’s best to keep them in pairs, ideally made up of a neutered male and a neutered female.

2. Grooming

Grooming is an important part of caring for dwarf Angora rabbits. Because it is so long, it’s particularly easy for loose hair to build up. If your rabbits ingest too much hair, it can be extremely dangerous for their health.

Plus, grooming your rabbits two or three times a week will stop them from shedding all over your house or leaving mountains of fur all around their hutch.

3. Diet

Rabbits are herbivores, and need to eat hay, grass and small quantities of fruit and vegetables. They need to eat large quantities of hay and grass every day, as well as dark leafy vegetables (such as kale). If you want, you can also feed them small quantities of a high-quality pellet feed, which you can buy in most pet stores.

Rabbits need to eat almost constantly throughout the day, and should always have access to food. When it comes to fruit and veg, you should only give them very small quantities at a time. That way, if they don’t eat all of it, there’s less chance of it going rotten and making their hutch smell bad.

You can offer your rabbits different pieces of fruit and veg to find out which they like best. They should only be given fruit very occasionally. Consult with a vet on how often you can give them these treats.

4. Housing Angora dwarf rabbits

Your Angora dwarf rabbits’ home should be large and comfortable. While they might not be as large as other species, they will grow significantly when they’re young. If you buy your rabbits as babies, remember that you’ll need to buy a hutch that will be big enough for them as adults as well.

Angora dwarf rabbits don’t do well in extremes of temperature, and shouldn’t be kept in conditions that are too hot (over 86°F) or too cold (under 50°F). They need to be kept somewhere that is well-ventilated, where they have plenty of space to move around and play whenever they want.

An angora rabbit.

5. Dental care

One of the interesting things about rabbits is that their teeth grow constantly throughout their lives. Their high-fiber diet allows them to wear down their teeth, and keep them from growing too long. If they don’t have the right diet, however, they can quickly suffer from dental malocclusion, which can lead to a whole range of health problems.

To avoid any dental issues, it’s important to give them plenty of rough, fibrous foods such as hay and grass. You can also give them wooden chews to gnaw on, which you can find in most pet stores. Get regular dental check-ups at the vet to make sure your rabbits’ teeth stay in great condition.

6. Hygiene

It’s important to keep your rabbits’ hutch clean at all times. It’s easy for dirt and bacteria to build up, making the hutch smell bad, and increasing the chances that your rabbits will get sick. Remove any droppings or old food every day, and don’t forget to give them fresh water on a daily basis.

It’s also important that your animals themselves stay clean. While rabbits are very good at grooming themselves, if they do get dirty, you can simply use a damp cloth to get rid of any dirt. We would also recommend trimming their nails from time to time, so that they don’t get too long.

Looking after Angora dwarf rabbits isn’t too complicated, but they do require a certain amount of time and dedication to keep them happy and healthy.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.