Mary Allen
Origin and Breed History
The ram rabbits have their origin in France. The classic ram is a large breed of rabbit that can weigh up to 9 kg. The breeds developed from this, such as the cute dwarf ram, come to a large extent from the Netherlands. The dwarf ram is similar to the colored dwarf, but, unlike the latter, has drooping ears.
Description
The smaller dwarf rams should not weigh more than 2 kg. They have a short body, large hind legs, and a somewhat stocky head. This makes the drooping ears appear even larger. All colors are possible. The color of the eyes is also variable. From black to red to light blue, everything can be possible with a sensible pairing. Particularly noticeable and cute are the snub noses (also called Ramsnasen by breeders) and of course the name-giving floppy ears. At a young age, these still stand upright, only later do they tip over.
Depending on the mating, the floppy ears can be shorter, longer, or larger. Sometimes it also happens that only one of the ears is tilted downwards, while the other continues to point upwards merrily. In most cases, however, this subsides as the rabbit gets older and both ears soon droop. The fur of wild-colored dwarf rabbits gets a new color during the change of coat, which is why it can shimmer reddish. In breeding, one speaks here of a “satin bearer”.
Temperament and Essence
Dwarf rams are extremely social animals. Therefore, you should never hold her alone. But they don’t just get along very well with fellow dogs. They are very trusting towards people and are therefore ideally suited as pets, also for families with children.
Attitude
Dwarf rams are well suited to be kept outdoors. Dwarf rabbits that were previously housed in the house should be carefully introduced to the outdoor housing. They also have to get used to the associated change in diet. Then they prove to be robust and are also equipped with the appropriate fur. They are also happy to have access to fresh grass. Make sure, however, that no poisonous plants are within reach of the animals. There should also always be enough hay available. It is best to put it in a rack so that it always stays clean. It is the same with water. You should offer this in a nipple drinker protected from dirt. Please think of frost protection in winter.
The animals love digging and digging, which is why an enclosure should be appropriately secured. The little rams have large hind legs that are padded with a lot of fur on the soles. That is why they can also run well on supposedly “hard” surfaces, such as bark mulch. You can also equip the enclosure with commercially available small animal litter. Additional digging boxes with changing contents can be made available to keep the active animals busy. A sheltered house with at least two entrances and exits should be available as a place of retreat. You should fill this up with a straw. In summer it helps the rabbit to regulate its body temperature and in winter it keeps it nice and warm. Depending on the size of the enclosure, stone paving slabs can also be laid out. The rabbits can linger on these in a shady spot in summer.
Care and Health
Due to the drooping ears and the thus covered ear canals, contamination and diseases of the ears in this breed are not immediately obvious. Therefore, you should check the floppy ears daily. If necessary, they can be carefully cleaned with a cotton pad and suitable care products for the ears. The partner animal usually does this cleaning. The fur is very soft and easy to care for. However, weekly grooming is advisable. This is best done with a special brush. With the combed-out undercoat, you can then equip the rabbit’s nest.
Tip: Alternatively, they can also be used great for personal do-it-yourself products. For example, for small felt balls that you can sew onto your winter hat.
The claws and teeth should be examined daily and cared for as necessary. In the enclosure or during the run, the animal can wear its claws on its forelegs extremely well by digging and digging. Then these only have to be cut in individual cases. The stable needs to be cleaned regularly. This ensures better air quality and clean lying areas in the barn. If the stall hygiene is inadequate, these rabbits, like other rabbits, tend to have the soles of their feet sore from urine or excrement residues. If the pads are no longer sufficiently covered with fur, fatty creams can help with the healing process. Care should be taken to ensure that only creams are used that are not toxic to the animal when licked off.
If kept outside, rabbits can also be attacked by mites, fleas, and ticks. You should check this every day. Fleas can be identified using a flea comb. The excrement of the fleas then collects in it, which turns reddish in color when moistened with water. A veterinarian can help out with medication. You should never use commercially available products for cats and dogs for the little rams without consulting your vet! But not only fleas are annoying: great caution is also advised against flying maggots! They can even become life-threatening. Therefore, a rabbit should be examined daily on the anus, especially in warmer weather conditions and outside the housing. Rabbits are very clean animals and often go to the same place to dispose of feces and urine.
When you sit on the spot again, the discarded fly maggots can stick to the rear part and cause considerable damage from there. It, therefore, makes sense to clean the toilet area daily. This should be done especially at higher temperatures, as countless flies gather there in the heat. In winter, if the enclosure is well equipped, a rabbit can live comfortably at temperatures down to minus 15 degrees. Sufficient shade must be provided in summer. You should set aside at least an hour a day for your rabbit. Depending on the type of husbandry, it takes at least half an hour to run out every day. A dwarf ram can live to be around 12 years old with good care.
Nutrition / Feed
The basis of the rabbit diet is always the hay. It is available in good quality in every season and should always be available. In addition, the dwarf rams can get grass, salads such as lamb’s lettuce and rocket, and vegetables. Dwarf rams are little gourmets and also like to eat a small piece of banana or other fruit. You should therefore be careful with the planting of the garden, especially when it is outdoors. The little rascals like to use every opportunity to help themselves here to get a treat.
If kept outside in winter, you can support the dwarf rams with high-calorie feed in dry form to build up sufficient fat reserves for wintering. Even then, such grain feed or pellets should be used in moderation. It is advisable to use amounts of around one tablespoon per animal per day. This feed should be reduced again in spring, as the rabbit then needs less energy in the food and should eat more grass and herbs again. These can also be fed in dried form.
Adopt the Dwarf Ram
Rabbits should never live alone. Couples or animals kept in groups can also become very tame. Dwarf rams are perfect for keeping outdoors or in a room enclosure. Due to their friendly nature, they are ideally suited for families with children and relatively easy-care companions. You can watch them for hours or teach them little tricks with the right snacks. For pet owners with little space, they can be a good alternative to keeping cats or dogs. Nevertheless, dwarf rabbits need a lot of attention every day, which you should plan for.