The silver rabbit is highly regarded for its attractive appearance, high quality fur and delicious dietary meat. This type refers to both meat and fur direction. All this became possible thanks to the rapid growth of animals, high productivity and the yield of a fairly large percentage of meat.
The origin story of the Silver Rabbit
The first representatives of this breed were brought from India to Europe by Spanish sailors. Then the active breeding of Silver rabbits began. The name of the breed today also uses such a term as "silver", which is a recognition of the fundamental principle of the species.
Over time, the breed has become very popular in the French province of Champagne. It is from here that its popular species of French champagne rabbits, which have the common name "Silver", originates.
Representatives of the breed entered the territory of Russia in the 19th century. Breeders from Poltava in 1952 bred the breed based on the French one. The new species was called “Poltava silver”, and such a name as “Soviet silver” can also be found.
Differences of the breed
The main difference of this breed is the thick fur of an interesting silver hue and high quality meat. The breed is very popular among farmers, because the animals do not require special care, but they grow quickly and already at 4 months you can carry out slaughter.
Appearance
Adult animals are quite large in size and can weigh about 5 kg. There are individuals whose mass reaches 7-7.5 kg. They have a harmonious and strong physique. The body is proportional, about 55 cm long, with a wide sacrum and a deep chest. The chest girth reaches 35 cm.
A neat head, not large, the muzzle tapers slightly closer to the nose. Straight and long ears (about 10 cm), brown and large eyes. The back is straight and even, the muscles are pronounced, strong and correctly spaced paws. Sexual maturity occurs at about 4 months of age.
Fur features
The main distinguishing feature of this species is incredibly beautiful fur. Light axial hair, almost completely white. The hair guide is black, light blue underplugs. Thanks to the combination of these shades, a noble and very interesting silver shade is formed. The fur on the nose, ears, paws and tail is slightly darker.
Features of mating and breeding
For breeding Silver rabbits it is recommended to select a male of a different breed. It is very important that the color of the male's fur is not too light. If you neglect this advice, during breeding, the noble silvery shade of the coat is lost, for which this breed is valued.
Maintenance and care
Silver rabbits have an excellent ability to quickly adapt to a new place and easily get used to humans. They have thick coat, which makes them not only attractive in appearance, but also allows them to survive even at sub-zero temperatures.
The room where the rabbits will be kept should be free from drafts and dampness, including too much heating, since they do not tolerate heat well. For large animals, it is better to select spacious enclosures or cages in which the conditions are as close to natural as possible.
If rabbits live in very cramped cages or enclosures, productivity begins to decline. Not demanding in care, but do not forget to regularly clean the cells. In the cold season, you can lay a layer of straw at the bottom of the cell and periodically change it to fresh.
The survival of the herd depends on the conditions in which the animals live.
Feeding features
The ration should be based on green fodder in the summer, and high-quality and fresh hay in the winter. Grain is best given in the form of goodies or just before the planned mating. It is also useful for fawn rabbits and females who feed their offspring with milk.
With too frequent use of grain, animals begin to rapidly gain weight and obesity develops. Consequently, muscle gain is slowed down.
The composition of hay and grass are coarse fibers, thanks to which the full work of the stomach of animals is ensured. Regular consumption of roughage ensures natural and proper grinding of rabbit teeth.
In spring, animals from hay need to be transferred to green grass. But the transition must be gradual. You can not give fresh herbs, at first it should lie down for several days. With a sharp change in the type of feed, there is a chance of a serious digestive upset and other problems associated with the condition and functioning of the digestive tract. Root crops should also be present in the diet.
The rabbits of this breed become the most active in the evening, so it is better to give the main feed in the afternoon. Feeders and drinkers must always be perfectly clean. Change the water regularly - several times a day. It is better to give warm water during the cold season.
Read how to make a do-it-yourself water bowl for rabbits here.
Breeding conditions
Having reached the age of 4 months, individuals become sexually mature and at this time mating can begin. The female's weight must be at least 2.5 kg or slightly more. Not recommended for breeding very thin or fat animals.
When planning to breed rabbits, you should consider the following recommendations:
- During the hunt in females, the duration of estrus is 5 days. Then a short break for 8 days begins and everything repeats again.
- In a group of 6-7 females, add one male, but a different breed. Leave the animals and try not to disturb them.
- One female in one year can produce about 5 offspring.
- The duration of pregnancy is one month. At one time, the female leads 7-9 babies.
- The weight of newborn rabbits ranges from 75 g.
- After okrola, after about a day, the female starts estrus again and she is completely ready for a new mating.
Newborn rabbits have black hair, after about 30-40 days, silvery stripes become noticeable:
- on the belly and tail;
- on the back, ears, head;
- chest;
- at the age of 4 months, the rabbit's body becomes completely silver.
With a normal and complete diet, rabbits grow quickly and gain weight.
Experienced breeders advise to select males of a different breed, but the color of their fur should not be too light. An ideal choice would be to take parents with different colors. This allows you to minimize the likelihood of the appearance of light parents, the same light offspring.
For rabbits, you do not need to create any special or greenhouse conditions. They have a fairly warm and dense fur, so they can easily tolerate small cold. Can be kept in open cells even at temperatures of -17 ... -22 degrees Celsius.
When keeping outdoors, it should be borne in mind that animals do not tolerate heat well. Therefore, it is required to additionally install an awning under which they can hide in the shade.
We bring to your attention a video in which the author will show you what silver rabbits look like (they are also "Poltava Silver") - from seven-day-old rabbits to adults:
Profitability of the breed
A distinctive feature is high milkiness and fertility. Females take great care of the offspring. They constantly monitor and care for the rabbits, feed them, and protect them from strangers very aggressively. At one time, the female can bring 7-8 babies, each weighing about 70 g.
It is not recommended to cross with rabbits of light silver color, otherwise the offspring will lose the shade inherent in the breed.
Rabbits grow quickly, each month the body weight increases by about 1 kg. Having reached the age of 4 months, they can weigh about 4 kg. If you plan to breed rabbits for sale, it should be borne in mind that about 3 kg of feed units will be needed for 1 kg of weight gain.
At the exit after slaughter remains about 60% of high-quality and tender meat. A really high quality product. The meat is tender and juicy, looks very attractive in appearance.
You can also prepare fur for sale, as it is highly appreciated. The skins are quite wide, the color is uniform, and are widely used in the light industry. They are used in production without additional staining.
That is why the breeding of representatives of the described breed is becoming quite profitable and promising. This type is suitable for both large farms and small farms.
Breeding as a pet
Rabbits of the described breed are of the meat-skin type, are rather large in size, but can also be kept at home. Animals are obedient and soft, playful and active, almost never behave aggressively, especially in relation to humans.
Easily get used to the new owner. In a short time, they can become the main pet. Because of their playful temperament and increased activity, rabbits move a lot. That is why you need to prepare a large enough space for your pet to walk.
Caring for Silver Rabbits is inexpensive.
Advantages and disadvantages of Silver Rabbit
The main advantages of this species are:
- high endurance;
- large and regular offspring;
- rapid weight gain and accelerated growth;
- easily tolerate low temperatures, so it can be kept in open cages;
- precocity
- undemanding in the choice of food;
- high quality fur that has a high cost.
The disadvantages of the breed include:
- do not tolerate hot climate;
- breeding requires the construction of a full-fledged farm.
Reviews
Alena, 30 years old, seller, Moscow. Recently decided to have a baby pet, and the choice fell on the Silver Bunny. Outwardly, the animal looks very beautiful, does not require special care, and plays with children with pleasure.
Igor, 40 years old, farmer, Yalta. For several years now they have been breeding rabbits of this breed and are very pleased with the result. Animal fur is thick and beautiful, if properly cared for, fur can be sold as a secondary product. But the most profitable is tender and tasty meat.
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A silver rabbit can be both a wonderful pet and a source for good income. Representatives of this species do not require special care, are unpretentious in food, live peacefully in cages and do not bring any special problems.