(2002). In addition, there have been several papers published on the incidence and treatment of behavioural problems in rabbits. Animal Technology: Journal of the Institute of Animal Technicians 42(2): 109–120. Evidence-Based Rabbit Housing and Nutrition. A properly connected environment obviates the need for lifting the rabbit, Many owners are unaware that these actions cause stress, Use of box or towel‐training improves welfare during carrying, Lift to examine only if other symptoms present (e.g. In addition, rabbits that were housed singly were less likely to struggle while being lifted (this has been previously noted in laboratory rabbits (Podberscek et al. 2011). • This study aimed to investigate methods of handling between contexts by conducting a review of books. testing a novel environment) may not be strongly correlated with the antipredator response – and the latter is suggested to be more characteristic of the rabbit response to humans (Price 1984, Pongrácz & Altbäcker 1999). Although positive reinforcement can desensitise rabbits to being lifted to a certain extent (Bradbury 2013), it is still an aversive procedure (Buseth & Saunders 2015) – whereas floor‐based interactions, especially those involving head contact, are reinforcing in their own right (Swennes et al. Guinea Pig 3. Several sections of the guidelines have yet to be finalised, but the Councils are now issuing those relating to housing and care of laboratory animals. The head can be tucked under the arm for further control, but this prevents the front paws being well supported (Fig 1d). Rabbit welfare: determining priority welfare issues for pet rabbits using a modified Delphi method. However, many of the natural pathogens of these laboratory animals may alter host physiology, rendering the host unsuitable for many experimental uses. 19 In a similar study, rabbits handled … Always wash your hands after coming in contact with rabbits or their saliva, urine, blood, feces, and/or bedding materials. A Survey of Rabbit Handling Methods Within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Substandard housing can lead to aggression, stereotypes, and anxiety. However, in some situations, it is unavoidable that a rabbit is lifted. 2014) that there is no point screening for it – it should be assumed and husbandry continually optimised. Video S1. Human‐scented objects in cage may also work. Estimates from owner surveys suggest that between 57 (Schepers et al. This study illustrates the potential for handling to improve compliance in laboratory procedures and reduce fear-related behavior in laboratory rabbits. Low-Stress Medication Techniques in Birds and Small Mammals. The effect of early handling on approach to both familiar and unfamiliar people suggests that rabbit breeders should be educated on the benefits of using this postnatal period for rabbit socialisation. Additionally, this condition is arguably so common (approaching 100% in pet rabbits, Mancinelli et al. ), 43–49. The authors discuss the need for differentiation in future studies between ‘picking up’ and ‘handling’ – the latter being conducted at floor level and less stressful for the rabbit. Title: THE LABORATORY RABBIT handling and basic techniques 1 THE LABORATORY RABBIT - handling and basic techniques. The adoption of these techniques will help to minimise stress for the animals and help reduce the risk of bite injuries to the handler. (2014) reported that 61% of rabbits showed signs of fear when ‘handled’ by the owner, rising to 75% when ‘handled’ by an unfamiliar adult. Multiple experiences of being picked up and carried around securely and painlessly are essential for a rabbit to become comfortable with human handling’ (p. 41). (1985) and Daly (1973), who reported that mild stress in early life reduced anxiety in later life in other species. Many owners do not know this. Should we advocate neutering for all pet rabbits?, http://www.rabbit.org/journal/5‐2/scruffing.html, https://bunnybehaviour.wordpress.com/video‐gallery/expert‐pack/picking‐up‐rabbits/, https://bunnybehaviour.wordpress.com/video‐gallery/expert‐pack/picking‐up‐larger‐rabbits/, http://www.thebrc.org/codes‐of‐practice‐sale.htm, http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/calvin11.shtml, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_J0AMPPD34, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/~/media/pdsa/files/pdfs/veterinary/pdsa_animal_wellbeing_report_2011.ashx?la=en, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/~/media/pdsa/files/pdfs/veterinary/paw‐reports/pdsa‐paw‐report‐2015.ashx?la=en, https://www.petplan.co.uk/petcensus/censusinfo.pdf, http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/?section=policies.html, http://stud.epsilon.slu.se/5998/1/Ulfsdotter_L_130829.pdf. Lifting without hindquarter support can result in lumbosacral fracture and paralysis of the rabbit (Flecknell 1983), lifting by the ears causes stress (Anderson 1923), and a struggling rabbit may cause injury to a human through kicking, scratching and biting. Many sources recommend lifting the rabbit by the skin of the neck, ‘scruff’, with hindquarter support (Morton et al. Research on rabbit handling has evaluated the effects on physiology such as mortality rate, weight gain (e.g., Jezierski & Konecka, 1996), and behavior (e.g., McBride et al., 2006; Swennes et al., 2011). Perhaps the increased compliance may be a freeze reaction rather than because the animal ‘feels safe’. Monkeypox is a viral disease that occurs mostly in central and western Africa. The decision to lift these prey animals should not be an owner whim, but should be decided on the basis of rabbit welfare cost versus rabbit health benefit. Ceballos, M. C., Góis, K. C. R., Carvalhal, M. V. D. L., Costa, F. D. O., & Costa, M. P… Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Sanitize laboratory/surgical work areas after animal work. This suggests that selecting for less‐anxious rabbits would be more likely to result in rabbits that are easier to handle than selecting for rabbits that are confident in unfamiliar environments. Reduction of the frequency of the stressor can be achieved by educating owners on alternative management practices to reduce the need to carry their rabbits. European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). There has been increasing interest in the welfare of the UK's 1.3 million pet rabbits (PDSA 2015). 7. and intensity of light used often proves useful in handling small mammals and rodents. The rabbit has large and erect pinnae (external ears) with readily visualised musculature. While the number and prevalence of these pathogens have … Introduction & Aim • In total 20 books were reviewed, ten pet rabbit, seven veterinary animal/rabbit and three laboratory animal/rabbit books. The antibodies to rabbit epithelium declined over the 6-month period after he left the job that involved rabbit contact. Social contact with humans during this period prevents the development of fearful responses to people later in life (Casey & Bradshaw 2008). Moving rabbits in boxes or baskets ensures that any direct lifting of the rabbit is very brief. The author therefore advocates lifting rabbits and placing 1 arm under the animal from nose to tail, between both sets of legs, while the other hand is placed around the neck/shoulders and the forearm used to gently secure the rabbit so that it feels safe and the spine is supported’. Basic Approach to Veterinary Care of Rabbits. One author suggests that rabbits should be carried with an arm along underneath the abdomen and the legs unsupported (Fig 1g; Sayers 2010, p. 92) – giving as reason ‘the author feels that a reliance on holding rabbits by the scruff of the withers is often excessive and resented by the animal. Human contact can be offered to inpatient rabbits with stroking focussed around the head, but with cessation if the rabbit withdraws. Oxley & Ellis (2015) recommend that more research is done on the reasons for tonic immobility use by owners. This idea was further supported by Pongrácz & Altbäcker (2003), who showed that the emotional arousal of feeding was critical to the effect, by Pongrácz et al. This is interpreted by the British Rabbit Council (2010) as ‘no rabbit should be sold before it is at least 10 weeks of age’. Despite the popularity of keeping this prey species, little research has investigated current methods of handling. Additionally, there are areas that warrant further research to improve the welfare of future generations of rabbits. Many rabbit breeds are primarily selected for morphology or production of meat and fur, meaning temperament and ability to cope has been only selected unintentionally. The handler is restraining the rabbit firmly by the scruff with the other hand ready to support the animal’s hindquarters. How do sensitive periods arise and what are they for? The authors tested 61 rabbits on their response to a novel object, a novel arena, a social test with a conspecific and a predator test with a simulation of a falcon. Safe handling and restraint of pet rabbits, Husbandry risk factors associated with hock pododermatitis in UK pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, Federation of Animal Science Societies. This constitutes a significant behavioural and welfare problem and needs to be addressed. Rabbit Hands-on Laboratory Includes a demonstration of proper techniques for humane handling, restraint, and use of rabbits, including recognition of normal and abnormal physical and behavioral changes, gender determination, blood vessel access, and administration of medication. Methods of Pairing and Pair Maintenance of New Zealand White Rabbits Via Behavioral Ethogram, Monitoring, and Interventions. Don’t frighten the rabbits with sudden noise or movement and make sure they are protected from any disturbance by rodents or other animals eg by providing suitably fenced areas for them. FELASA and ; The National Laboratory Animal Center, Oslo. The Biology of the Laboratory Rabbit is a compendium of papers that discusses the use of the rabbit as an experimental substrate in the scientific process. (d) Rabbit tucked under handler's arm. Such handling could be used to improve rabbit welfare through the reduction of stress and exposure to … Ensuring the handler's scent is on both kits and does reduces the likelihood of cannibalism, but if breeders are concerned about this, then introduction of a cloth with human scent within 30 minutes of nursing may be an equally valid option. Gold standard would be frequent tactile interactions with doe. She states that ‘from the rabbit's point of view, being picked up by a giant human can be very frightening. It is surprising, then, that the authors go on to conclude that ‘the bond between them and therefore the welfare of the rabbit will be strengthened by confident handling’. Analysis of the rabbit genome reveals that most of the genes altered during domestication have brain and neuronal expression, consistent with the view that domestication involved behavioural traits to enable rabbits to cope more effectively with human proximity and the husbandry procedures employed (Carneiro et al. As many as 76 different breeds of rabbit are recognized by the British Rabbit Council but the New Zealand White (NZW), bred in the 1920s has become the one most commonly used in research. Washington, DC: Animal Welfare Institute. Comfortable Quarters for Laboratory Animals, Animal Welfare Institute's Refinement Database: Rabbits, RSPCA Rodent/Rabbit Welfare Meeting Reports, University of Michigan's Rabbit Social Housing Guide. T1 - A survey of rabbit handling methods within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. Rooney et al. 2009) and 61% (Rooney et al. Making changes to current housing standards can be challenging especially since facilities may be at very different levels of current housing. Before implementing housing changes, be sure to consult the relevant scientific literature and consider the requirements of your scientific model. … used by all persons responsible for laboratory animals and particularly by licensees and others now working under the authority of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986. Proper design is critical for improved health and welfare, both of which impact scientific validity. Knowing how to properly handle a rabbit is critical for prevention of injuries to the rabbit and its handler. The word ‘handling’ has previously been used indiscriminately. The increasing number of pet rabbits and the demand for veterinary intervention means that this species is often presented for procedures that may involve hospitalisation. (c) Rabbit held on handler's arm. FASS Inc., Champaign, IL, USA, The impact of the current housingand husbandry systems on the health and welfare of farmed domestic rabbits, Effects of prepartum stress and postpartum enrichment on mother–infant interaction and offspring problem‐solving ability in Rattus norvegicus, Behaviour and personality of pet rabbits and their interactions with their owners, Behavioral complaints and owners’ satisfaction in rabbits, mustelids, and rodents kept as pets, The effects of repeated handling by familiar and unfamiliar people on rabbits in individual cages and group pens, The effect of early handling is dependent upon the state of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) pups around nursing, Arousal, but not nursing, is necessary to elicit a decreased fear reaction toward humans in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) pups, Human handling might interfere with conspecific recognition in the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Food and water intake and selective feeding in rabbits on four feeding regimes, Behavioral aspects of animal domestication, Physical examination and clinical techniques, The current state of welfare, housing and husbandry of the English pet rabbit population, Approach to preventive health care and welfare in rabbits, Human handling promotes compliant behavior in adult laboratory rabbits, Handling effects on body weight and behaviour of group‐housed male rabbits in a laboratory setting, Animal welfare and the human–animal bond: considerations for veterinary faculty, students, and practitioners. Mous. Rabbits were domesticated as recently as 1400 years ago (Clutton‐Brock 1999). Laboratory animals are inevitably subjected to human contact throughout their lives, during both husbandry and experiments. 2009), whereas rabbits with high corticosterone levels are more likely to show tonic immobility (Carli et al. AU - McBride, E Anne. 1981) or if it is accustomed to being ‘handled’ (Verwer et al. (e) Rabbit cupped in hands. How to carry out a wellness examination for rabbits. Varga (2013) suggested that it was admissible for veterinary surgeons to continue to use tonic immobility for procedures such as radiography as it poses less risk than anaesthesia, but that it should only be used when necessary. Many rabbits show fear behaviours when lifted off the ground. (f) Rabbit carried in a towel. AU - McCormick, Wanda D. PY - 2018/4/25. There will be occasions when, despite best planning, a rabbit must be lifted. This suggests that their behavioural problems are seen to be less problematic than those of larger pet species (possibly because of close confinement, low risk of serious injury to humans or low expectations of rabbits as pets), therefore less attention is paid when they are showing signs of fear and distress. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. The full text of this article hosted at iucr.org is unavailable due to technical difficulties. If a rabbit must be held, it should be held firmly and gently as hesitant restraint promotes struggling which can cause injury (Batchelor 1999). Previous work towards improving rabbit welfare has focussed on the importance of a good diet (Prebble & Meredith 2014), exercise (Dixon et al. Alternatively, consideration could be given to environmental management to minimise lifting as much as possible. Rooney et al. Work from where you are currently to make improvements. (b) Rabbit upright on handler's chest. Once ‘holding’ is prevented and ‘moving’ is reduced by housing design (Saunders 2014), the most common reason for owners to lift their rabbits is for health care screening, most commonly for pododermatitis. Example 3 - exposure to various animals. In addition, the handler risks injury from bite wounds or scratches inflicted when the animal be … For the safety of the handler and the animal, proper methods for handling and restraining laboratory animals should be followed. (1973) demonstrated a difference in approach latency between handled and unhandled rabbits, which was in agreement with the findings of Muir et al. • Handling and restraint methods were defined according to the description in each book. 2014). The Petplan Pet Census (2011) suggested that only 24% of rabbit owners concentrated on breed when selecting their pet (compared to 64% of dog owners). 31, 33, 34 ( ii ) wild rabbits describes normative biology, research utilization, and.... 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