Hi Steemians, Im here again to bring to us my post in the fur-friends Community. I hope it help and guide us as we read through.

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INTRODUCTION

Lionhead Rabbits are the very distinctive willy mane with cute appearance, just like the Lions facial looks. They make popular small pets for man and his environs. It goes with the scientific name Oryctolagus cuniculus with an adult size of between 8 to 10 inches in length and body mass of 2.5 to 3.75 lbs. It is seen to have a life expectancy between ages of 7-9 years.

They are known to be friendly and playful with the right handling given to them. Before acquiring one, it is expected we know that they are Timid kind of pets that needs well balanced diets and appropriate spacing for energy dissipation and enrichment.

LIONHEAD RABBIT BEHAVIOR AND TEMPERAMENT

Lionhead Rabbits generally make popular pets, with their show of friendliness which is top-notch. They are generally smart and playful as well as also timid. They are seen as one of the most timid in the pet categories which ordinarily makes them frightened and subsequently lead to aggressive behavior. This makes it not too palatable for first-time pet owners with children.

It is expected as a pet owner, to build up contact with this specie by not necessarily always going after it. You're to allow the pet come to you at her own terms which allows them to build confidence. This maybe spedup by always having a sweet reward each time they come around. And always endeavor not to be in haste to pick or carry them up, and when you do, do not restraint their exit from you by grabbing them tightly.

They also have this characteristics of always needing a quiet and stress free environment (bearing in mind how spacious it is to enable them burne down energy buildup). This free space is to avoid boredom from setting in. This enables them to continue with their natural digging and chewing behaviors to avoid PICA. There should be a wide selection of rabbit chewing toys are available,to engage them while they get busy.

HOUSING THE LIONHEAD RABBIT

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Though the Lionhead Rabbit specie are small in size, but they require enough running around space due to its active nature. They are sociable pets that require the company of another bunny around, hence the need to make housing arrangements for bunnies and above (A hutch size of 6ft x 2ft should be the minimum requirement for this.

Housing them in a sub standard hutch only inhibits their natural display of behaviour and endanger them to health hazards. Also, locations with extreme temperatures should be considered since they are susceptible to overheating. Location for housing shouldn't exceed 21⁰C or 70⁰F as the case may be.

During colder periods, their hutch should be stocked with more hay for warmth, and should be more protected from direct rain, snow or wind effects. But then, this hutch needs to be cleaned atleast once every week. There should be a thorough and deep cleaning of the water and feeding troughs to avoid any form of fungi and bacterial build up which may be inimical to their health.

FOOD AND WATER

Pet owners especially the Lionhead Rabbit specie should understand and take the nutritional requirement of it's pet very seriously. They are susceptible to any form of malnutrition which may cause some health challenges including; digestive problems and problems particularly with their teeth.

Their teeth are seen to grow rapidly, hence the need to be conscious on their diets which naturally help to file down their teeth geared towards avoiding overgrowth. Moreso, they should be given high quality fibres and fresh leafy grass like kale, along with water.

Sugary fruits and commercially made pellets should be avoided from our pets. If we must give them, let it be an occasional treat or done in moderation. But for best practices, high quality hay mixtures are preferable to balance their diets.

COMMON HEALTH PROBLEMS

Lionhead Rabbit are known to have DENTAL problem specifically caused by overgrown teeth. Other likely health problems also include;

RESPIRATORY ISSUES: Lionhead Rabbits are prone to have respiratory disorders especially if those with a flat face. Brachycephalic features in Lionhead Rabbits are becoming more pronounced with the mis-thinking that this looks adds to the cuteness of the pet. Brachycephalic feature, is a pathological condition affecting short nosed pets which can lead to severe respiratory distress.

Because of this condition in our pets, it makes it more difficulty to breathe in situation where they run around or exercise. This condition makes them unable to take deep breaths and fast enough breaths to blow CO2. This invariably threatens their life by increasing it's respiratory and heart rate, a vicious cycle that can lead to death. They're more likely to overheat more easily too, which is not good for them.

EYE PROBLEMS: Due to the flatter face condition seen in the Lionhead Rabbit specie unlike what is obtainable in other normal Rabbit species, they are more prone to eye defects with their tear ducts. This translates to eye infections and vision difficulties but can be managed by cleaning the eyes with warm water regularly. But a Continuous eye boogers, tearing, or inflammation should be referred to a veterinary doctor immediately.

Litter Training

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Lionhead rabbits are very smart and seem to respond more swiftly in litter training than the other species. Providing a designated place for toilets would go along way go clean up their hutch. So this particular training is better for both the owner and pet as it affects the health of the bunny.

Using a clear marker like a Clicker, followed by a tasty reward is an effective way to pass the message of their doing things right. This same trainings are also done for cats and dogs.

Spraying or neutering your rabbit when they're mature enough can also help to minimize any spraying in less appropriate areas. It's also important if you have two rabbits of different sexes being housed together.

Best Grooming Practices

Lionhead rabbits are blessed with greater amount of hair compared to the other bunny species. This is to say, they will need more attention and grooming on them atleast few times a week to keep their hairs in shape. This will limit uncomfortable knots and matting from developing.

For the double Mane Lionhead Rabbits with thicker mane/hair, this requires a daily grooming/brushing especially during their annual molt. Double-mane have hairs.on their hips, tail and hindquarters while the single-mane only have thicker hair around their head, ears and chest.

This grooming is very necessary to limit the way they will want to groom themselves. During grooming themselves, they might likely ingest more of this fur whichay pose as a trait to them. Ingested fur seen in Lionhead Rabbits causesnwool-block, which can make them seriously sick and pose a health challenge to them.

Thank you all for reading through my article. Many people underestimate the needs of rabbits, but there's need to embrace this smart and playful pet to our homes.

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