Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

Do domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) show individual consistency in their response to being handled?

Ellis, C., McCormick, W. D., Tinarwo, A. and Holt, C. P. (2016) Do domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) show individual consistency in their response to being handled? Seminar Presentation presented to: 5th Postgraduate Research Symposium, Moulton College, Northampton, 15 December 2016.

9308:18286
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Abstract:
Handling is a common rabbit husbandry activity required for moving the animal, grooming, and checking the animal’s health. It has been suggested that as a prey species they may experience fear as a result of interacting with humans. However, there has been relatively little research exploring any potential negative implications for handling companion rabbits. The present data was collected as part of a larger study exploring individual differences in behavioural expression of domestic rabbits. Behavioural responses to being approached, being picked up and being held were recorded in 22 domestic rabbits, using a subjective rating scale. Rabbits were scored by three raters at each of six handling sessions to look for consistencies over time. Raters were generally consistent in their scoring of rabbit reactions. The results also indicate that the rabbits were consistent over time for some of the measures observed, and individual rabbit scores for being approached and being picked up were correlated (February observations p<0.001, rho 0.710, n=18 and October observations p=0.026, rho 0.537, n=17). There is further work to be done to identify sensitive and reliable measures of individual consistencies in rabbit behaviour.
Subjects:
S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF411 Pets > SF451 Rabbits and hares
Creators:
Ellis, C., McCormick, W. D., Tinarwo, A. and Holt, C. P.
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Moulton College
Date:
15 December 2016
Date Type:
Publication
Event Title:
5th Postgraduate Research Symposium
Event Dates:
15 December 2016
Event Location:
Moulton College, Northampton
Event Type:
Conference
Language:
English
Status:
Published / Disseminated
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