California rabbits are a beautiful and unpretentious breed. Growing them allows you to build a profitable business. Animals perfectly adapt to new living conditions. They can live both in the south and in the north. Rabbits are growing rapidly, giving not only tasty meat, but also high-quality fur.
Origin story
The birthplace of this type of rabbit is California in the United States. Initially, the animals were hybrids, which were bred by crossing several breeds - New Zealand White, Soviet chinchillas, Russian ermine.
The main goal of the work was to obtain a unique species capable of rapid growth, and the owner of high quality fur. Scientists have deduced the California look, which gives tasty, high-quality and tender meat. In 1928, this species was recognized as independent, and animals were no longer considered hybrids.
In the 70s the described breed was introduced into the territory of our country. The animals easily adapted to living in the conditions of central Russia. Today they are actively bred both on large farms for industrial purposes and on small farms. Such actions had a direct impact on the rapid spread of this species throughout the entire globe.
Today, Californians took second place among the popular meat species.
External features
The main features by which the described breed can be determined are:
- body shape is cylindrical;
- outwardly it seems that the animal does not have the largest forms;
- paws of medium length, slightly thick;
- dense and dense fur, printed;
- small neck;
- ears are not very long;
- small head, not heavy;
- red eyes;
- the coat is almost completely white, but the legs with nose and tail are dark brown in color.
Rarely can you find smoky blue or chocolate colored animals. Breeders who do not have sufficient experience may confuse this species with rabbits of the breed Butterfly. In order not to confuse these two similar breeds, special attention is paid to the muzzle - the eyes of butterflies are dark, on the nose there is a small spot that looks like a moth that has spread its wings.
Spotting is not immediately apparent in young individuals. Often there are rabbits at a young age with a light or lilac-blue color, but over time, the characteristic features of the breed are more clearly manifested.
Buy young only from experienced breeders who will not be fooled.
Characteristics of the breed
The California breed is considered industrial, but it is possible to keep such rabbits on private farms. Of course, animals can grow more slowly, but if they are not raised for meat, this indicator does not play a special role. Representatives of the described breed will become excellent pets.
Nature and behavior
Californians have a calm and docile nature. Even in an unfamiliar place, they remain calm and practically do not experience stress. However, animals are very active and inquisitive, so they cannot be called apathetic.
The character is soft, quickly attached to a person. Very playful, so often Californians become pets. They have high intelligence, but they have one feature - the animals love to gnaw everything. Therefore, you need to take care in advance that animals do not spoil furniture or expensive things in the apartment. While walking around the apartment, you need to constantly monitor the rabbit.
Females become caring mothers who can take care of young animals on their own. No additional human assistance is required. They can also enclose other people's rabbits, which the females begin to actively take care of if they are in the same cage.
Productive qualities
Californians have excellent productivity, so professional farmers often choose the breed. The weight of a mature individual is approximately 5.8-6 kg. An intensive growth takes place and already at the age of 5-6 months the animals can be sent for slaughter. The rabbit weighs about 50 g, but after 2 months reaches a mass of 2 kg. The significant age is considered 7 months and is the finishing one, since active growth stops.
The ratio of fat to meat is at a good level, which makes this species more beneficial for development. You can get about 80% quality meat and about 2% fat.
One female brings about 8-14 young rabbits. They have a maternal instinct at a high level, also excellent milkness. All this contributes to the rapid growth of young stock. Throughout the year, one rabbit will bring no more than 35 babies.
There is a downsizing index, according to which the productivity of the breed is assessed. For California rabbits, this figure is approximately 60%. This is the maximum for meat species.
To grow this breed, minimal financial and time investments are required, but productivity is at the highest level.
Californian rabbit weight chart for months
Depending on the age of the rabbit, its weight will also change. Below is an example table of how the weight of an animal increases as it grows:
Rabbit age | Weight, kg |
Newborn bunny | 0,6 |
One month | 0,9-1,1 |
Two month | 1,5-1,8 |
Three months | 1,8-2,6 |
Four months | 2,6-3,5 |
Five months | 3,5-3,7 |
Six months | 3,9-4,2 |
Seven months | 4,5-6 |
Pros and cons
The described breed has a lot of advantages, which include:
- from 5 months, the animals are ready for breeding;
- females are characterized by excellent milkiness and good maternal instinct;
- minimum time is required for the rabbit to reach maximum weight;
- high fecundity - one female per year can bring up to 35 rabbits;
- high genetic stability.
The main disadvantage of Californians is their sensitivity to diet and forage. Therefore, animals are not always suitable for home breeding.
In the video below, you can see an overview of the California rabbit breed:
How to choose rabbits?
Farmers, when buying rabbits, recommend taking into account the following nuances:
- take animals from small broods;
- conduct a thorough inspection of each individual;
- if the animal is healthy - it is well-fed, the fur shines, thick and clean;
- eyes are clean and clear;
- if you are going to take a pair of females, choose them from several nests;
- do not take individuals with a stomach that is greatly swollen and dull hair;
- clean nose, no visible discharge;
- examine the ears - there should be no discharge or inflammation;
- the animal must behave actively and be in a good mood.
Healthy individuals show curiosity and friendliness, are not afraid of contact with a stranger. Animals should not be passive or too shy.
Signs of pure blood
Purebred are considered individuals that have the following characteristics:
- eyes are red;
- a hump is visible on the nose;
- coat color - dark spots on a light background, located on the tips of the paws, tail and ears, spots may also appear under the eyes over time;
- spots should be only black, brown shades are extremely rare.
Permissible deviations from the norm
Minor deviations are allowed:
- elongated head;
- the physique is not harmonious;
- ears are set weakly and not very apart;
- not silky coat;
- pronounced chin.
Even with all these data, rabbits are purebred and there is no doubt about the conformity of the breed.
Growing and caring at home
Representatives of this species are so popular due to their ability to quickly adapt to a new habitat. They easily adapt, begin to rapidly gain weight and develop. It is required to maintain the necessary minimum for the comfortable life of the animals.
Housing requirements for maintenance
Rabbits feel comfortable in the cage. It is important that its height is sufficient, allowing an adult animal to stand on its hind legs and move quietly. Be sure to equip a compact shelter inside the cage, in which the animal can hide from people and sleep.
There should always be access to drinking bowls and feeders, as Californians should not be restricted either in drinking or in food.
Hay can be used as a filler. Change the litter regularly, as it absorbs the odor and collects food residues. Place the cages with animals in the area where penumbra is present, and there are no drafts, but it is regularly ventilated. Try not to overheat or hypothermia animals.
For females, be sure to equip the mother queen in which they will give birth and nursing the young. After the animals get stronger, they are transferred to the cage. The brood not only protects from the cold, but also allows the female to feel quite comfortable and safe.
Feeding troughs and drinking bowls
Rabbits are very active, therefore simple drinking bowls with feeders are categorically not suitable, because they will constantly climb into their paws and put dirt into the feed. This can cause an upset stomach or cause a dangerous infection.
Use special nipple drinkers, but you can also make your own from simple plastic bottles. From this article you will learn how to make a drinker yourself.
Opt for bunker feeders. This type of feeders looks like a trough with a closed compartment. The aft compartment is fixed outside, and only the lower part remains inside the cage. These feeders do not allow dirt to enter the feed and are very convenient to use.
Organization of walking
Rabbits are very active, they jump with pleasure, so they need regular walks in the fresh air. To organize a walk, arrange the territory by fencing it with a net:
- Use a metal mesh (fraction not more than 5 cm).
- Bury the net into the ground at least 0.5 m deep, as the animals have a habit of digging holes.
- The net will provide the animals with reliable protection against predators, as well as other animals that can be carriers of infections.
- Cover the aviary with a net and top.
- Cover the floor with boards or fill with cement.
- No more than 5 adults and 25 rabbits should be per 20 square meters. m.
- Make an aviary at least 1 m high.
- It is desirable that one of the walls be completely continuous, which will provide protection to the animals from the wind.
- Set up an open-air cage on a low elevation so that melted snow and rain cannot flood it.
- Rabbits need protection from the sun and bad weather, so build a small canopy on top, under which place feeders with drinking bowls.
Free range allows you to enhance the health of the animal. A more active weight gain begins, the rabbits take care of their offspring, since being in the aviary they have the same smell.
Feeding ration
Taking into account how thoughtful and balanced the nutrition of animals will be, the degree of their productivity is also determined. It has a direct impact on the activity and health of the animals. Remember, Californian menus vary with the time of year.
We recommend reading the article on when and what to feed rabbits.
Things to consider:
- The animals develop and grow very actively, so their body needs food containing large quantities of proteins. Every day, give fishmeal, meat is also suitable, dairy products with proteins are required.
- Classic types of feed are also suitable - for example, branches, special compound feed, fresh herbs, various root crops with hay. Drinkers must be filled with fresh water. In the hot season, give more water, and warm in winter before giving animals.
- Taking into account the age of the animals, the frequency of feed feed changes. For adults, it is enough to give food 2-3 times a day. Baby rabbits who were recently weaned from a female rabbit should be fed at least 5-6 times. When and how to plant rabbits - read here.
- Californians are not capricious and eat almost everything. Add clover, fresh dandelions, sainfoin and burdocks periodically. Plantain and tansy will do.
The quality and balance of the diet are important. Animals need to regularly receive a complex of vitamins and valuable trace elements.
- In winter, use silage as an alternative to green grasses. Californians enjoy eating cabbage with zucchini, carrots and pumpkin. For a more varied and healthy diet, add bananas with parsley. However, add such joys to the menu carefully and in small quantities, because they can provoke an allergic reaction or a serious gastrointestinal upset.
- Oats should be on the menu, as well as barley, bran corn and beans. Coarse types of food are also beneficial - for example, ash or aspen branches, maple and linden trees.
Care and hygiene
Care for the claws, ears, eyes, hair and skin of animals is important. Perform a thorough inspection of each individual approximately every 7-10 days. This approach will allow you to detect the existing problem in time and quickly fix it.
Basic care recommendations:
- Pay close attention to the condition of the coat. Pay attention so that the tundra does not form, but if they have already formed, carefully cut. Be careful not to injure the animal. Brush the coat regularly using a special brush. Try to use brushes that are made from natural fibers. Perform this procedure approximately every 7-10 days.
- The skin should always be clean and perfectly smooth. Make sure that scabs and acne, damage or spots do not appear. Such symptoms indicate that a malfunction occurred in the body - for example, severe stress was transferred or hormonal imbalance is present.
- Monitor the condition of the auricles by keeping them perfectly clean. Clean them periodically - at least every 30 days and if they become dirty.
- Every day, carefully examine the condition of the animal's eyes. The eyes may begin to watery due to a trapped speck or injury. If mucus or dry discharge appears, gently remove it with a cotton pad moistened with warm water. If both eyes begin to watery or fester, it means that inflammation has begun and you need to immediately show the rabbit to the veterinarian, and then start treatment.
Features of keeping Californians for commercial purposes
Unpretentiousness and simplicity in leaving allows to keep Californians both in cells, and in holes. However, it is required to know some subtleties and recommendations for arranging a home for rabbits so that they get maximum comfort.
In the cells
Cages should be made of mesh or natural wood. Inside the cells where the females live, equip the uterine house, where she can grow offspring.
Terms
In cells with an area of 0.5 square meters. m can be no more than 5 individuals. Be sure to cover the bottom with litter (sawdust or straw), place drinking bowls with feeders so that they are always accessible to animals. If you give greens, add small amounts to the cage so that rabbits receive vitamins.
Cell disinfection
Without fail, a cell disinfection procedure should be carried out regularly. It can be done in several ways:
- Physical techniques - treat with a bactericidal lamp, burn with a blowtorch.You can simply dry the cells in the sun on warm days, which allows you to destroy the eggs of worms, harmful bacteria with viruses.
- Biological agents - Use enzymes to treat certain types of bacteria. Use this method as little as possible.
- Combined methods - use both chemical and physical techniques at the same time.
- Chemical methods - use special chemicals.
In the pits
Pits can also be used to keep Californians. This allows you to create the most natural conditions for animals, especially in the case of industrial cultivation.
How to equip a pit?
You can make such a pit yourself, adhering to the following sequence of actions:
- dig a hole about 2x2x1 m in size;
- using slate, strengthen the walls;
- cover the floor with boards or mesh;
- cover the top of the pit with a roof and install a fence around.
Terms
The use of pits is quite popular, since it takes less time and energy to care for animals. Rabbits can independently dig holes, mate and breed offspring. Be sure to provide sufficient water and systematic nutrition.
Care
Periodically clean the pit, regularly remove leftover food and hay. This is necessary in order to prevent the disease of animals and the deterioration of their appearance. Remove animals from the pit and ventilate it periodically while cleaning.
How to breed rabbits correctly?
Already at 5 months of age, rabbits are ready to mate and give birth. The average life expectancy of breeding individuals is 9-11 years. Most importantly, to maintain high productivity, you need to monitor the nutrition and health of the animals.
Selection Principles for Reproduction
To obtain offspring, both male and female, choose very carefully. The physique, weight and physical activity of individuals require special attention. If the animal is too large or small, they are completely unsuitable for continuing the herd. Individuals must fully comply with the standard.
Okrol and care of young growth
On average, one female can produce offspring 4-5 times a year. Do not cross animals too often, as this will shorten their lifespan. At the age of 5 months, the female's body is completely ready for mating and pregnancy. In females, hunting takes place every 8 days and takes 3-4 days.
The rabbit carries offspring 29-31 days, at a time it can lead 8-11 rabbits. In most cases, childbirth does not cause special difficulties; the female has enough milk to feed all offspring.
Feeding the young
The weight of the newborn rabbit is approximately 40 g, the mass is gaining rapidly and at 2 months already weighs almost 1.5 kg. By 5 months of age, they weigh 3.5 kg, after which growth begins to decline. Babies are born blind, eyes open for about 10-12 days. At this time, their diet consists exclusively of breast milk. The rabbit can independently feed offspring for up to 2 months.
On reaching the 20th day after birth, babies begin to try adult food. From one month of age, you can gradually increase complementary foods. Separate the young from the female no earlier than 45 days after birth. Add vitamin B to the water regularly, enrich the feed with chamomile and St. John's wort. Thanks to this, the young body will quickly get used to a new diet.
Give curdled milk in small quantities, which helps the unstable body to digest the new type of food easier. After reaching 2 months of age, introduce vegetables into the diet.
Do not overfeed rabbits, as overweight females cannot be used for further breeding.
Vaccination
Timely vaccinate:
- at 28 days - against myxomatosis;
- at 45 days - against viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits;
- re-vaccination is performed every 90 days;
- in the future, vaccinations are carried out every six months.
Purchase preparations for vaccination exclusively in veterinary pharmacies. Carefully study the attached instructions for storage and use of the product.
When to slaughter meat?
At 5 months, animals can be sent for slaughter, since after this period weight gain decreases. The average weight of one rabbit is approximately 3.5 kg. At this age, meat has the best taste, in contrast to older individuals. Slaughter for meat can be started at 3 months.
Breeding prospects
The described breed is not only versatile, but also the most comfortable among other meat types of domestic animals. No special conditions or knowledge is required to start your own rabbit breeding business. It is enough to purchase one male and several females and in six months you will have a full-fledged herd.
Where and how best to buy a California rabbit?
It is better to acquire representatives of the described breed from a professional farmer who raises exactly Californians. This approach will allow you to get an animal, with growth, development and reproduction of which there will be no problems. Before buying, pay attention to how animals are kept, in what condition are young and adult animals.
Why don't rabbits grow on fattening?
The growth factors of Californians are directly affected by the following factors that can slow down weight gain:
- the diet of young animals is based on hay in combination with combined feed;
- in the room where animals are kept, the temperature indicators are not normal;
- quality fattening is influenced by the temperature of the water, which should be approximately + 18-20 degrees Celsius;
- for each individual, at least 300 ml of water is required, since a good weight gain cannot be achieved without a sufficient amount of water;
- a large amount of vegetables is given to rabbits;
- low weight gain can be caused by the presence of latent infections.
Breed Reviews
Oleg, 45 years old, lawyer, Moscow. Keeping Californians is a pleasure. They tolerate cold well, kept in cells right on the street. Ideal breed if you plan to breed for meat. No special care or maintenance is required. In the morning I give hay or fresh grass. In the afternoon I feed with carrots or cabbage, I also give peas with corn. I change the water at least three times a day so that it is always fresh.
Anna, 40 years old, teacher, Voronezh. For me this breed has become just perfect, since I do not have a lot of time that I could devote to caring for them. Animals eat everything in a row, do not be capricious at all. In the summer, I try to give as much fresh greens as possible, green dandelions eat well.
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California rabbits are unique in all their characteristics. Six months later, the animals reach a good weight and can be sent for slaughter, if grown for meat. At a good level, meat productivity. No special conditions of detention or special diet are required.