Among rabbits the very popular new Zealand breed. New Zealand animals can be purchased in almost any country. Breeders prefer to breed this breed because of the rapid development of individuals and simplicity of care.
The origin story of the new Zealand rabbits
Many erroneously believe that the birthplace of these animals is New Zealand, but it is not. The breed formed in the United States in 1910. While there is speculation that breeding varieties were used Belgian hares and rabbits silver champagne. After crossing animals turned red, the new Zealand form with all the necessary features expected by scientists.
A little later in litters began appearing rabbits are albinos. Such individuals are immediately deposited from neighbors to bring the second subspecies of the new Zealand breed, but with a white color.
In Europe representatives of a new species spread in 10 years and quickly became popular. In 1936, the new Zealanders were registered as a breed standard. In Russia new Zealand rabbits were imported towards the end of the XX century and almost immediately became divorced farmers, industrial farms.
Along with the red and white types today there is the new Zealand subspecies with a black color. Maybe for new rabbits used Angora breed.
General description of the breed
New Zealand rabbits are characterized by their large size. Body length can reach 0.5 m; weight ranges from 4-5 kg. the Animals have a strong and large hind legs. The meatiness of the back allows the use of animals in the rabbit breeding business for meat and fur. They have a thick coat and a short neck. Lugs with rare hair reach 10-12 cm in length.
More popular the rabbits are new Zealand white rabbits (or GSZ), whose qualitative characteristics are slightly better than in individuals with red coloring.
White rabbits
White new Zealand rabbits have strong bones and developed muscles. The body has a wide rump and a rounded croup. Head small, ears short, symmetrical. Animals are short and slightly hook-nosed muzzle with a broad profile. Females look more gently and humbly. Animals have a strong and thick legs. The size and weight of new Zealand white rabbits are superior to the Reds.
The fur of the characteristic snow-white color. Rabbits GSZ is characterized by a small red eyes, which confirm the signs of albinism in this species. The claws on the feet have a white or flesh tint.
Individuals GSZ have high stamina and good health, so very rarely get sick. Animals have a balanced disposition and are not afraid of a variety of sound factors.
New Zealand rabbits differ in maturity: females mate at the age of 4 months. Prolific individuals carrying 8-10 rabbits. Female rabbits produce a lot of milk, which is enough for all future litters. Newborn rabbits weigh 50 g If the cubs receive the necessary amount of food, then after a month they reach 2 lbs. In one year a female rabbit can bring more than 30 cubs.
Leather and fur the production of particularly valued fur of this breed. Coats easily dyed with various dyes in different shades. From the skins to make fur coats and coats. Lower quality material is used to produce gloves and headwear.
Deficiencies in individuals are:
- The lugs are too long (more than 12 cm);
- Drop ears;
- Rare fur;
- Protruding double chin;
- Excess weight (over 5 kg).
Red rabbits
Purebred new Zealand red rabbits covered with a beautiful coat of red-brown color. The hair around the eyes, mouth and abdomen a little lighter than the base tone. Animals characteristic dark brown eyes.
Red new Zealand rabbits have a small head and short neck. The dense body has a cylindrical shape. Rounded ears leptopogon forms grow up to 11 cm Animals are well muscled and broad chest.
The average weight of red new Zealand species is in the range of 4-4. 5 kg. In length animals grow up to 45 cm; with a well organized diet can reach 50 cm.
Animals bred at the age of 4,5–5 months. Prolific rabbit bring 6-8 kids. As females of white new Zealanders, red individuals also milk and can feed the whole litter. If food for rabbits was well organized, then they reach a weight of 2 kg already two months old.
The choice of the rabbit
When choosing new Zealand breed it is necessary to consider some nuances. If the animals purchased for breeding in large numbers, then the best options are sturdy and strong rabbits aged 3 months. A baby who is less than 2 months, have a weak immune system and often die at an early age in terms of breeding. For the production of fur products must carefully inspect the pelts of animals. Most popular are considered white rabbits, although some prefer individuals with red or black color.
If the animal is purchased as a pet, then you need to choose a active, but balanced animal. You should also check the animal for signs of defects. The crust in the ears, suppurating eyes, swollen eyelids, wet the face, a rash on the genital organs indicate disease. Sluggish animal, hanging in the hands of and sedentary, may also have a certain disease. Healthy rabbits are always sniffing everything and exploring around.
The keeping of rabbits for commercial production
Before purchasing animals for mass rearing it is necessary to prepare for them a room that should be equipped with cells. Representatives of this breed is a smart move on the mesh floors, but housing for them should be spacious. The cells have tiers and each is equipped with a feeder and drinker. Rabbits should be seated by age. The optimum temperature for the animals will be 17-20 degrees. The room must be arranged, good ventilation, but without drafts.
In the preventive purposes are regularly conducted check-UPS and vaccinations by a veterinarian.
Especially in the care and maintenance of domestic new Zealand rabbits
Very often as Pets of rabbits choose representatives of the new Zealand breed, as they do not require complex care. Before buying you should ask the seller about vaccinations and diet of the animal.
New Zealand red rabbits are very friendly animals. They have the ability to quickly bond with people that care about them. Animals love to play with children and always show them a good attitude. You can take them in hands, put on his knees and carefully keep on my shoulder.
Diet for Pets must be complete and varied.
Specimens of this species fed:
- Seasonal herbs;
- Twig feed;
- Legumes;
- Root vegetables;
- Hay;
- Dry feed.
Pets should be fed not more than 2 times a day. You must make sure that pet food is not horrible poisonous plants. Experts do not recommend add to diet lettuce: this product from new Zealanders often have diarrhea, which is difficult to cure. Also not advised to feed the animal, cabbage, parsnips and tomato leaves.
Water animal serves fresh and clean but not boiled, since it contains virtually no minerals and oxygen. Cage for rabbit can be equipped with vacuum troughs to which the pet quickly adapts.
With a variety of food a pet is gaining weight well and rarely sick. With properly organized care, the rabbit will develop well and live a long life.
