When you talk about Dwarf breeds of rabbits you will inevitably hear the word "PEANUT". Peanut is the term most breeders use when referring to a kit that has gotten a double dwarf gene. This combination of double dwarf genes always results in fatality.

These tiny peanut babies are usually about half the size of normal dwarf babies. You can tell a peanut from a normal dwarf by looking at its body size and shape. Peanuts have a bulge or swelled looking head. Their hips and backside seem caved in and emaciated.

Left photo: Two kits, one is false dwarf (white) and one is true dwarf (black). Right photo: Fatal Peanut baby

It is hopeless to try to save these peanut babies, as they never live more than about three days. Some feel the reason for this is that they are born without the ability to process food, but no one really knows for sure. It is best to check your nestboxes early and remove and dispose of any peanuts immediately.

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