Breeding Rabbits
For those of you who are experienced rabbit breeders or a novice just learning about raising rabbits...here are some very good reference articles and websites full of helpful information. Peace, Love & Bunnies!
rabbit_birthing.pdf | |
File Size: | 467 kb |
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Click on PDF icon link above to download Welsh's Honey Buns article.
palpation.pdf | |
File Size: | 42 kb |
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Click on PDF icon link above to download Palpation article.
Bunny colors are a challenge for the new breeder! Here are some of our favorite websites for Kit Color guides and genetic info.
Click on the images below to go to website info page:
The Nature's Trail:
Rabbit Genetics For The "Dwarf Gene"
True Dwarfs, False Dwarfs & Peanuts:
Challenges of the Dw Gene in Rabbits
"True Dwarfs, False Dwarfs, Peanuts, and the Challenges of the Dw Gene in Rabbits There is no doubt that Holland Lops (and American Fuzzy Lops) are challenging to breed. Among the challenges–slow maturation, wide variety of quality in resulting kits, multiple characteristics to manipulate–is the dwarf gene. The following information on the dwarf gene applies to other types of dwarf rabbits as well as Holland Lops, but it is important that any breeder thoroughly understand the dwarf gene.
The breeds that carry the dwarf gene are the Holland Lop, Netherland Dwarf, Mini Rex, Mini Satin, Dwarf Hotot, Polish, Britannia Petite, American Fuzzy Lop, and Jersey Wooly.
With regard to the dwarf gene, each of these rabbits carry one of these three types: true dwarfs, false dwarfs, and peanuts. Peanuts do not grow and always die, usually within a few days, but occasionally last a week or two. False dwarfs are also called “normals” and can make good brood animals. Show rabbits are typically true dwarfs.
False dwarfs are more likely to be long, have longer ears and back feet, and often exceed four pounds in adulthood. These are tendencies and not absolute proof of being a false dwarf.
The rabbits that most often do well on the show table are true dwarfs. They tend to be truer to type–shorter, with shorter ears and back feet, more balanced, and more likely to fall within the allowable show weight range of two to four pounds."
The rabbit on the left is a true dwarf. It has a much rounder head and shorter body type.
It weighs under 4 pounds. The rabbit on the right is a false dwarf. Due to its large size (over 4 pounds) and lengthy body type, it will not win at shows, but it will also not produce peanuts.
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If you would like to learn more about the dwarf gene, click on the title above and it will take you to Nature's Trail very informative website. Special Thanks to Nature's Trail! :)
It weighs under 4 pounds. The rabbit on the right is a false dwarf. Due to its large size (over 4 pounds) and lengthy body type, it will not win at shows, but it will also not produce peanuts.
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If you would like to learn more about the dwarf gene, click on the title above and it will take you to Nature's Trail very informative website. Special Thanks to Nature's Trail! :)
Below are some websites with very good information on breeding rabbits.
We've also included a downloadable PDF on Breeding Rabbits.
We've also included a downloadable PDF on Breeding Rabbits.
4H Breeding Your Market Rabbits
DebMark Rabbit Education Resource
AZ Rabbits.com - Breeding
breeding_rabbits.pdf | |
File Size: | 1295 kb |
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