I0 PET RABBITS, CAVIES, AND MICE. 



thought or labour on a rabbitry or hutches, because it 

 must tend to the comfort of the animals, which we love. 

 Some fanciers favour conditions of semi-darkness for 

 rabbits, as they say that certain varieties can only be got 

 to perfection under such conditions. Be that as it may, 

 we prefer cheerful conditions, with light and air. Who 

 is it that thinks a rabbit does not enjoy the sunshine ? 

 Let them watch a litter of young rabbits basking in it. 

 No doubt sun, in its fierceness, does bleach the colour, 

 but the rabbit keeper can provide light and cheerfulness 

 without allowing the full glare of the sun to play on the 

 rabbits. 



FEEDING. 



The rural and primitive way of feeding rabbits was 

 very simple. In our boyhood it used to be bran and 

 oats and green food, with a little hay. The same role 

 can be pursued now with equal safety and success in 

 the case of a pet rabbit. But with exhibition stock the 

 procedure is altered. And even then systems differ 

 widely, so that it will be well if we just let a few of the 

 breeders of different varieties speak for themselves on the 

 subject. It will do no harm, and will not destroy the 

 idea, if we give our own in brief. It is as follows: 

 Morning feed, green food. Cauliflower leaves (if ob- 

 tainable) ; failing these, and always when procurable, 

 tares, veitches, or clover, green, but dry. All green food 

 must be given dry to ensure safety to the rabbits. We 

 emphasize tares, vetches, and clover, because they are 

 so valuable. Our young stock always thrive twice as 

 well when this green food is plentiful. Men bring it 

 round, in London, in carts, and sell it at about 2d. a 

 bundle. Failing either cauliflower leaves, tares, 

 veitches, or clover, we give carrots or swedes; or, if 

 obtainable, chicory or a little dandelion occasionally. 

 Cabbage leaves we try and avoid, if possible. They are 

 coarse and often purging. We have used water in 

 preference. Some people use water regularly in the hot 

 weather. Milk is a good thing to use in a rabbitry, but it 

 is best to sterilize it first by boiling, as there can be no 

 doubt this process destroys all risk of disease, or the 

 introduction of parasites, such as worms. Generally, 

 for exhibition stock, milk is a good conditioner and 

 materially improves the gloss on the coat. In feeding 



