Page:Care and Management of Rabbits.djvu/47

Rh The domesticated rabbit compares well with sheep as to its likes and dislikes. It eats about the same ration, loves quiet and freedom from disturbance. It does not, however, require a large run or pasturage, and the green element in the ration should be considerably less than generally supposed. In fact, most successful breeders feed very sparingly of green food and give it only as a sort of tonic to the heavy grain and hay ration.

The domesticated rabbit is a very clean animal, if given the opportunity to express its natural desires. It does not thrive in filth and likes to have a clean hutch, sweet air to breathe and good clean food to eat.

It is not the puny animal that many people suppose. It is subject to many diseases, all of which are traced either to poor housing conditions or to improper feeding. I do not know of a single other disease that can be traced to any other quarter. The domesticated rabbit is naturally a hardy fellow if he is bred right. It will thrive equally well in the coldest climate.