CHAPTER III. 

 THE DISEASES OF RABBITS. 



WE shall commence this chapter with a reference to 

 one of the ills or indispositions of the rabbit family 

 which, although not an actual disease, is a very trouble- 

 some affliction to which one and all are periodically 

 subject. To escape it means death. We refer to 



THE MOULTING TIME. 



Of all the periods in the existence of the rabbit 

 covered by immunity from actual disease, the most 

 troublesome is the period during which it is shedding 

 its old coat and putting on a new one. There is a dull- 

 ness and listlessness about the animal which awakens 

 sympathy. Much depends upon the rapidity with 

 which the moulting process proceeds. Some moult 

 quickly and easily the fur seems to come off in pro- 

 fusion ; others moult steadily and stubbornly, and take 

 a very long time in getting through. We favour a 

 daily and continual assistance in the shape of grooming 

 out the old fur, the administration of judicious aperients 

 to keep the system clear, such as fluid magnesia in milk, 

 and nourishing food. If ever soft food (i.e., mashes) 

 are useful it is at this period. And the hutches shou j d 

 be kept scrupulously clean. We have found it wise to 

 groom the rabbit's old coat out by the- aid of a very 

 small portion of glycerine on the hands. Warm 

 bedding is essential, and quietude. Never breed from 

 or exhibit a rabbit at this period ; watch carefully the 

 quality of the green food or roots given ; and don't shift 

 a rabbit from one hutch to another during moult. 



Of the diseases proper to which rabbits are subject 



DIARRHOEA, OR SCOURS, 



is very prevalent. It is a deadly enemy to young stock, 

 for when once set up it often causes the rabbit to be in 

 such a miserable condition that it cannot be prevailed 

 upon either to eat or drink. One of the most pitiable 



