New Zealand rabbits: breeding, photos and reviews. White New Zealand rabbit

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Do you know the New Zealand rabbit breed? If not, then this article is for you. From it you will learn that there is not only a New Zealand red rabbit, but also a white one. We will also give some tips on breeding these animals.

Description

New Zealand rabbits are domesticated small animals with short fur. These animals are the object of the meat and skin direction. For the first time, representatives of the breed were bred in America in 1910. Then they first appeared at the exhibition. They have been bred in Europe since 1919. New Zealand rabbits have a strong constitution, easily adapt to different climatic conditions, and are unpretentious in food. Females are prolific - in one litter, on average, 7 rabbits. Due to the high milk content, the rabbits feed the cubs without any problems, which, in turn, quickly gain weight and grow. Such animals are valued for their short fur. It is thick and tough, but durable.

Red Standard

This rabbit's muzzle and neck are short, wide,long ears (twelve centimeters) of a scapular shape with rounded tips. The eyes of the representatives are dark brown. The body is cylindrical, compact, and the muscles are strong. The chest is wide, the lumbosacral region is well developed. Paws straight massive. The fur is short, thick, the length of the villi is about three centimeters.

Rabbits of this breed are completely covered with golden red hair. The areas of the abdomen, eyes, mouth and tail are lighter. The body length is about 48 cm. The average New Zealand red rabbit weighs 5 kg. Note that this breed has more females than males.

New Zealand white rabbit

It is very similar to red. The only difference is coat color and eye color. The body is also cylindrical, the chest is wide. The coat is white, the color is uniform. The eyes are red. There should be no fringing on the muzzle, tail or tips of the ears - such a phenomenon is considered a marriage.

Choose a good individual

You need to buy a rabbit at the age of three months. During this period, it is easiest to detect defects, if any. Before buying, you need to inspect the animal. He althy New Zealand rabbits are active, well-fed, mobile. The muzzle is dry, there is no discharge. Ears are clean, without crusts. The eyes are clear, not swollen. Fur - elastic, shiny. External genitalia without rash or deformity.

Festering eyes, wet muzzle, lethargy, dirt under the tail, swollen eyelids are clear signs of the disease. If you notice these symptoms, then it is better to purchase animals from another seller. Immediately after the purchase, a sharp change in diet should not be allowed.

Contents

In order for New Zealand rabbits to breed well, the cubs grow quickly, you need to properly place them, feed them, and also keep the cages clean.

It is better that in the summer the animals are in the fresh air. For these purposes, you can use light portable cages without a bottom. They are lowered onto the grass, after which the eared ones eat the greens with pleasure. When there is no more grass left, the cages can be moved to a new location. It is especially useful for young animals to eat such grass.

In winter, rabbits are kept in multi-tiered cages. Note that animals of different ages should be kept in different sections. In the room where the rabbits are, there should be a good ventilation system. The optimum temperature is about twenty degrees.

Feeding

It should be uninterrupted and complete. Food is used only high class. The daily diet includes:

• compound feed;
• hay;
• branch feed;
• root crops;
• seasonal food.

You need to make sure that New Zealand rabbits do not eat swamp or poisonous plants.

Care

It is essential that veterinary examinations be carried out in a systematic manner. If you keep rabbits according to the method of Mikhailov (a well-known academician), then do not use vaccinations and medicines. The scientist believes that animals have good immunity, which will protect them from diseases, subject to the presence of moderate heat, cleanliness and around the clockaccess to (fresh) water as well as quality feed.

When caring for New Zealand rabbits, you need to remember that they do not like bright lights, loud noises, as well as sudden movements, etc. Such actions can cause animals to become depressed or even sick if such actions irritants will act on them constantly.

New Zealand rabbits' coats are easy to care for, as they are rough and short. It needs to be combed and smoothed with a brush and comb. To remove felted wool, use a mat cutter. If the owners have a desire, you can buy special conditioners for rabbits that prevent the formation of tangles.

What to do when the big-eared one gets dirty? Of course, it needs to be washed, but after that it is necessary to ensure that the animal does not fall under the draft. This is dangerous for rabbits, even those with dry fur.

Breeding and reproduction

Because these rabbits are precocious, that is, they grow quickly and gain weight, they are excellent for breeding for meat, as well as skins. At the age of five months, rabbits can begin to breed. You need to buy three to four-month-old rabbits for future offspring. Note that it is not necessary to take less by age, since the animals have not yet formed immunity, and they may die.

If you plan to breed rabbits, it is important to remember that you need to take young animals from unrelated lines. The best way to do this is to contact the farm. Bunniesthis breed is fertile. They take great care of their offspring. There can be from seven to twelve rabbits in one litter. The cubs are growing fast. Already at two months they weigh about two kilograms.

Reviews

People say the New Zealand rabbit breed is great in every way. The meat is very tasty, while the skins also turn out good, although they are a secondary product. Those who breed such rabbits note that they are very prolific.

Now you know what New Zealand rabbits are. Breeding them is a rather difficult process, but with the right approach, you will succeed. Good luck!