20 MAMMALS 



pend on conditions. If the room is light and free from 

 draught, the cage may be covered with half -inch mesh wire. 

 On the other hand, if the position is exposed, all sides but 

 one should be tightly boxed in. 



Hutches for breeding does must contain a snug box 

 in one corner, or at one side, where the family may have 

 perfect privacy. This is formed conveniently by the use 

 of a slide, running from front to back, as described for 

 cavies. A door of solid wood should be placed at the front 

 of the nest box, and another opening into the cage proper. 



The floor of the hutch should at all times be well covered 

 with clean sawdust. A handful or two of Sanitas will be 

 found very efficient in keeping down the odor, although, 

 fortunately, rabbits are not particularly offensive in this 

 respect. The sawdust should be renewed at least two or 

 three times weekly. 



During cold weather, hay or straw may be strewn over 

 the sawdust, as an added protection. Straw only should be 

 used for Angoras, as hay mats the hair. If a nesting box 

 is in use, this also may be furnished with hay or straw. 



Hay, oats and greens are the staple food of rabbits. 

 The hay should be soft, clean and free from mildew, that 

 containing a large percentage of clover being the most 

 relished. Carrots, beets, turnips and mangels are the vege- 

 tables most in favor, particularly during the winter months. 

 When obtainable, lettuce, celery, cauliflower, dandelion, plan- 

 tain, clover and fresh grass are much relished. Cabbage is 

 always to be had, and rabbits eat it readily enough. How- 

 ever, it is a coarse food, and should be avoided when sub- 

 stitutes can be secured. There need be no fear of giving 

 adult rabbits plenty of green food, when they are accustomed 

 to having it. Animals which for some time have been 

 deprived of this item may be attacked by colic if suddenly 

 allowed to gorge themselves. Green foods should be neither 



