Body Parts of a Rabbit

Rabbits come in a variety of different sizes, colors and breeds, from the Netherland Dwarf to the Argente Bleu, but they all have the particular features that make them rabbits. Rabbits are prey animals and are built to look out for danger and to escape predators in the wild. It is important for rabbit keepers to be able to identify the different body parts of a rabbit in order to have a better understanding of the animal. A rabbit is a delicate animal with a slight skeletal frame that only makes up for 8 percent of the rabbit's weight.

Instructions

1. Begin by looking at the rabbit's head. The rabbit is known for its long ears that provide it with excellent hearing (even lop-eared rabbits have acute hearing). Rabbits also use their ears to let out heat because they cannot sweat. The large eyes are positioned on the sides of the head, giving the rabbit a visual range of 190 degrees. The rabbit's nose and mouth are close together forming a small muzzle. Rabbits also have open-rooted incisors that grow continuously. Watch the rabbit rub its chin on inanimate objects to mark its territory. The scent glands are positioned under the chin.
2. Look at the skin around the neck. In female rabbits this is loose and is referred to as the dewlap. The rabbits small chest area is located in the front of the body running from below the neck to just above the forelegs. The forelegs are small limbs in comparison to the powerful hind legs. The hocks are located at the heel of each foot.
3. Look at the body of the rabbit. The stomach is located along the underneath of the rabbit's body. The body is slimmer around the chest area and thicker around the hind quarters where the spine curves. This part of the back is called the saddle. Locate the rabbit's flanks by looking for the area in front of the knee when the rabbit is in a sitting position.
4. Identify a male rabbit from a female by locating the two scrotal sacks, which are positioned in front of the penis rather than behind. These are usually simple to find as they are the only hairless part of the rabbit's body.

Source: ehow
Author: Suzanna Hulmes