02 Selecting a Breed
Raising Rabbits Master Class
Module 2: Selecting a Breed Tiffany Simpson
•Agenda or Summary Layout A second line of text could go here Qualities
What are you looking for in a rabbit?
Breeds
A look at 20 rabbit breeds, well suited for meat breeding
Where
How do you find a rabbit breeder?
What
Things to look for from a rabbit breeder
•Things to Consider •
•
• •
•
How quickly do you want to start breeding? What sort of personality do you want your rabbits to have? What about coat color? How much meat do you want to harvest at once? What size rabbits will be optimal for the space you have?
•Rabbit Breeds to Consider Breed
Rating
Ideal Weight Range pounds
kilos
10-20
4.5-9
Altex
American
9-12
4-5.4
American Chinchilla
9-12
4-5.4
American Sable
8-10
3.6-4.75
Beveren
8-11
3.6-5
Californian
7-10
3.5-4.75
Champagne D'Argent
10-15
4.75-6.8
Creme D'Argent
8-11
3.6-5
Cinnamon
8.5-11
3.9-5
Florida White
4-6
1.8-2.7
Varieties
Blue, White
Black, Blue, White
•More Rabbit Breeds to Consider Breed
Rating
Weight Range pounds
kilos 5.4+
Varieties
French Lop
12+
Solid, Broken
Harlequin Hotot or Blanc d'Hotot
7-9
7-10.5
New Zealand
8-12
Palomino Rex
8-11 8-9
Satin
8.5-12
Silver Fox
9-12
Silver Marten
6-9.5
2.7-4.3 Black, Blue, Chocolate, Sable
Tan
4-6
1.8-2.7 Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac
2.7-3.6 Japanese, Magpie 2.7-4.8 3.6-5.4 Black, Red, White 3.6-5 3.6-4
Golden, Lynx
4-5.4
Black, Blue
Black, Blue, Broken, California, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Lilac, Lynx, Opel, Otter, Red, Sable, Seal, White 3.9-5.4 Black, Blue, Californian, Chinchilla, Chocholate, Copper, Red, Siamese, White
•Altex Large-sized breed
Pros Cons
• Breed developed for meat • Create faster weight gain with crosses • Bring great boost in size to breeding line
• Need to be cross-bred for best results • Pure bred matings usually only 67 kits
© The Rabbit Research Program of TAMUK
•American Large-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Threatened
Breeders of the American Rabbit N.S.C. (Breeders Club): http://www.americanrabbits.org/ Yahoo Group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericanRabbits/
Pros Cons
• • • • •
Very hardy breed Docile Large litters & good mothers Gain weight quickly Easily kept on wire cages
• Very rare in America but known as German Blue Vienna outside the US • On endangered list
•American Chinchilla Large-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Critical
American Chinchilla Rabbit Breeders Association – http://americanchinchillarabbitbreedersassociation.com
Pros Cons
• Soft, beautiful coat • No regular grooming needed • 7-10 kits on average • Stocky, well-built rabbit • Friendly & intelligent
• Endangered so very difficult to get breeding stock
DO NOT confuse it with the tailed rodent at the back!
•American Sable Medium-sized breed
American Sable Rabbit Society -- http://www.americansables.webs.com/
Pros Cons
• Derives from the Chinchilla rabbit – differs only in color • Very affectionate, like attention • Very soft, beautiful fur • 8-10 kits per litter • Usually good mothers
• • • •
Coat color doesn‘t breed true Medium-length coat – needs brushing Can be moody May be difficult to get stock – not very common
•Beveren Medium-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Watch
American Beveren Rabbit Club -- http://www.freewebs.com/beverens/ Beveren Yahoo Group -- pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/beverens/
Pros Cons
• • • • •
Several color options available Well-tempered, clean, smart Young grow quickly Does docile & good mothers Large litters – 7-10 kits
• Very rare in the US – originated in Belgium
•Californian Large-sized breed
Californian Rabbit Specialty Club - http://www.californianrabbitspecialtyclub.com/
Pros Cons
• • • • • •
2nd most popular meat breed in world Bred for meat & fur breeding Litters of 8-12 kits Birth to fryer size in 8-12 weeks Lifespan 5-6 years Usually non-aggressive, mild-mannered
• Can be difficult to handle
•Champage D‘Argent Large-sized breed
Pros
• One of the oldest known breeds • Average litter 7-10 kits • Generally docile & good natured • Beautiful fur, changes color as they grow
Cons
• Fairly rare in the US • Prone to sore hocks on wire cages
•Creme D‘Argent Large-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Threatened
Pros
• • • •
Usually docile Lovely creamy-orange coats Good mothers Litters 5-8 kits
Cons
• • • •
Slightly smaller than Champagnes Rare breed in US Can be aggressive (especially does) Don‘t put on weight as fast as other breeds
•Cinnamon Large-sized breed
Pros Cons
• • • • •
Calm, easy going Live 5-8 years Easy to care for Originally bred for meat Beautiful, uniform fur
• Need to be brushed weekly • Rather rare
©Cinnamon Rabbit Breeders Association
•Flemish Giant Giant-sized breed
National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders - http://www.nffgrb.net/
Pros Cons
• Good for crossbreeding • Large litters (5-12 kits) • Very docile
• Low meat-to-bone ratio • Poor growth rates • Late breeding age (9-12mo) • Hard to handle
•Florida White Small-sized breed
Florida White Rabbit Breeders Association – http://www.fwrba.net
Pros Cons
• Needs very litlte space • Great fur density & texture • Mature quickly (breed at 3-5 months old) • Long lifespan (8+ years) • Consume small amounts of feed • Practical for just one person
• Average litter (3-7 kits) • Can be difficult to find breeding stock
•French Lop Giant-sized breed
National French & Dwarf Lop Club - http://www.nfdlc.com
Pros
• • • •
Long list of coat color options Dense, soft fur Large litter of 5-12 kits Usually good natured
Cons
• • • •
Can‘t be bred until 9 months old Finished breeding at about 3 years old Need lots of space Not ideal for kids
•Harlequin Medium-sized breed
American Harlequin Rabbit Club - http://www.nfdlc.com
Pros
• Beautiful pelts (Japanese & Magpie) • Usually docile, calm • Good mothers, can foster well • Start breeding at 5-6 months old
Cons
• Typically 3-5 kits (sometimes up to 9)
•Hotot or Blanc d‘Hotot Medium-sized breed
Conservation Priority (ALBC): Threatened
Hotot Rabbit Breeders International - http://www.hrbi.org/
Pros Cons
• Beautiful pelts with distinct "spectacle" coloring • Good mothers, produce plenty milk • Start breeding at 5-6 months old • Litters of 9-11 kits • Long, stocky build
• Can be hard to find
•New Zealand Large-sized breed
American Federation of New Zealand Rabbit Breeders - http://www.newzealandrabbitclub.net/
Pros Cons
• The most popular meat rabbit breed in the US • Mature to fryer-size at just 2 months old • Large litter of 8-10 kits • Good natured, outgoing, social, get along with other pets, like to be handled • Three pelt colors • About 50% meat-to-bone ratio
•Palomino Large-sized breed
Palomino Rabbit Co-Breeders Association – http://www.palominorabbit.com
Pros Cons
• • • •
Very good meat-to-bone ratio (ca. 50%) Litter size from 6-12 kits Two color varieties Friendly, docile, like people
• Grow slower than other meat rabbits
•Rex Medium-sized breed
National Rex Rabbit Club -- http://nationalrexrc.org/
Pros Cons
• • • •
Good mothers, good fosters Available in many colors Start breeding at 4-6 months old Can house them in pairs
• Smaller than most meat rabbits • Lower meat-to-bone ratio • Fine, velvety hair = more susceptible to sore hocks
•Satin Large-sized breed
American Satin Rabbit Breeders Assoc – http://www.asrba.org
Pros Cons
• • • •
Variety of color options Great meat-to-bone ratio Great mothers Easy to breed
©American Satin Rabbit Breeders Association
•Silver Fox
Large-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Threatened
National Silver Fox Rabbit Club – http://www.nsfrc.com/
Pros Cons
• • • •
65% dress-out rate, small boned carcass Great mothers, lots of milk Gentle, easy to handle, like attention Beautiful, long fur like an Arctic fox
©Meghan Murphy – Smithsonian‘s National Zoo
• Endangered breed • Not known outside the US
•Silver Marten Medium-sized breed
Silver Marten Rabbit Club – http://www.silvermarten.com/
Pros
• Soft, beautiful fur in 4 dark varieties • Timid but playful • Derived from Chinchilla
Cons
• Low meat-to-bone ratio • Critically endangered breed
•Tan Small-sized breed
American Tan Rabbit Specialty Club - http://www.atrsc.org/
Pros
• • • •
Compact, lean body Easy to raise Great mothers Black pelts stay black
Cons
• Small litters (4-6 kits) • Breeding stock may be hard to find
•Where do I find a breeder? •
Ultimate List of Breeders +
www.RabbitBreed ersDirectory.com
Craigslist & Local Classifieds • Farm supply •
4H • ARBA Shows, • Other Shows •
•How do I know it‘s a good breeder? •
• •
•
•
Clean equipment. Housing is well maintained Rabbits look healthy Fresh food and water in clean containers No strange or unpleasant odors No fly infestations
•What do I need to start? • • •
2 does & 1-2 bucks Pick 1-2 breeds Age options • • • •
Weaned bunny 4-12 months old Mature breeders Could already be pregnant
•Questions to ask about the rabbit parents •
•
• • • • •
Is there any history of disease (malocclusion, sore hocks, splay leg, ataxia)? Have there been any outbreaks of infection at the rabbitry lately? How often is the doe bred? Does the doe produce in the winter? Has the doe ever rejected any litters? Have there been problems with stillbirths or premature births? If it‘s a mature rabbit, why are they getting rid of it?
Next time…
Module 3: Breeding & Mating
Module 2: Selecting a Breed Tiffany Simpson
•Agenda or Summary Layout A second line of text could go here Qualities
What are you looking for in a rabbit?
Breeds
A look at 20 rabbit breeds, well suited for meat breeding
Where
How do you find a rabbit breeder?
What
Things to look for from a rabbit breeder
•Things to Consider •
•
• •
•
How quickly do you want to start breeding? What sort of personality do you want your rabbits to have? What about coat color? How much meat do you want to harvest at once? What size rabbits will be optimal for the space you have?
•Rabbit Breeds to Consider Breed
Rating
Ideal Weight Range pounds
kilos
10-20
4.5-9
Altex
American
9-12
4-5.4
American Chinchilla
9-12
4-5.4
American Sable
8-10
3.6-4.75
Beveren
8-11
3.6-5
Californian
7-10
3.5-4.75
Champagne D'Argent
10-15
4.75-6.8
Creme D'Argent
8-11
3.6-5
Cinnamon
8.5-11
3.9-5
Florida White
4-6
1.8-2.7
Varieties
Blue, White
Black, Blue, White
•More Rabbit Breeds to Consider Breed
Rating
Weight Range pounds
kilos 5.4+
Varieties
French Lop
12+
Solid, Broken
Harlequin Hotot or Blanc d'Hotot
7-9
7-10.5
New Zealand
8-12
Palomino Rex
8-11 8-9
Satin
8.5-12
Silver Fox
9-12
Silver Marten
6-9.5
2.7-4.3 Black, Blue, Chocolate, Sable
Tan
4-6
1.8-2.7 Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac
2.7-3.6 Japanese, Magpie 2.7-4.8 3.6-5.4 Black, Red, White 3.6-5 3.6-4
Golden, Lynx
4-5.4
Black, Blue
Black, Blue, Broken, California, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Lilac, Lynx, Opel, Otter, Red, Sable, Seal, White 3.9-5.4 Black, Blue, Californian, Chinchilla, Chocholate, Copper, Red, Siamese, White
•Altex Large-sized breed
Pros Cons
• Breed developed for meat • Create faster weight gain with crosses • Bring great boost in size to breeding line
• Need to be cross-bred for best results • Pure bred matings usually only 67 kits
© The Rabbit Research Program of TAMUK
•American Large-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Threatened
Breeders of the American Rabbit N.S.C. (Breeders Club): http://www.americanrabbits.org/ Yahoo Group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/AmericanRabbits/
Pros Cons
• • • • •
Very hardy breed Docile Large litters & good mothers Gain weight quickly Easily kept on wire cages
• Very rare in America but known as German Blue Vienna outside the US • On endangered list
•American Chinchilla Large-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Critical
American Chinchilla Rabbit Breeders Association – http://americanchinchillarabbitbreedersassociation.com
Pros Cons
• Soft, beautiful coat • No regular grooming needed • 7-10 kits on average • Stocky, well-built rabbit • Friendly & intelligent
• Endangered so very difficult to get breeding stock
DO NOT confuse it with the tailed rodent at the back!
•American Sable Medium-sized breed
American Sable Rabbit Society -- http://www.americansables.webs.com/
Pros Cons
• Derives from the Chinchilla rabbit – differs only in color • Very affectionate, like attention • Very soft, beautiful fur • 8-10 kits per litter • Usually good mothers
• • • •
Coat color doesn‘t breed true Medium-length coat – needs brushing Can be moody May be difficult to get stock – not very common
•Beveren Medium-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Watch
American Beveren Rabbit Club -- http://www.freewebs.com/beverens/ Beveren Yahoo Group -- pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/beverens/
Pros Cons
• • • • •
Several color options available Well-tempered, clean, smart Young grow quickly Does docile & good mothers Large litters – 7-10 kits
• Very rare in the US – originated in Belgium
•Californian Large-sized breed
Californian Rabbit Specialty Club - http://www.californianrabbitspecialtyclub.com/
Pros Cons
• • • • • •
2nd most popular meat breed in world Bred for meat & fur breeding Litters of 8-12 kits Birth to fryer size in 8-12 weeks Lifespan 5-6 years Usually non-aggressive, mild-mannered
• Can be difficult to handle
•Champage D‘Argent Large-sized breed
Pros
• One of the oldest known breeds • Average litter 7-10 kits • Generally docile & good natured • Beautiful fur, changes color as they grow
Cons
• Fairly rare in the US • Prone to sore hocks on wire cages
•Creme D‘Argent Large-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Threatened
Pros
• • • •
Usually docile Lovely creamy-orange coats Good mothers Litters 5-8 kits
Cons
• • • •
Slightly smaller than Champagnes Rare breed in US Can be aggressive (especially does) Don‘t put on weight as fast as other breeds
•Cinnamon Large-sized breed
Pros Cons
• • • • •
Calm, easy going Live 5-8 years Easy to care for Originally bred for meat Beautiful, uniform fur
• Need to be brushed weekly • Rather rare
©Cinnamon Rabbit Breeders Association
•Flemish Giant Giant-sized breed
National Federation of Flemish Giant Rabbit Breeders - http://www.nffgrb.net/
Pros Cons
• Good for crossbreeding • Large litters (5-12 kits) • Very docile
• Low meat-to-bone ratio • Poor growth rates • Late breeding age (9-12mo) • Hard to handle
•Florida White Small-sized breed
Florida White Rabbit Breeders Association – http://www.fwrba.net
Pros Cons
• Needs very litlte space • Great fur density & texture • Mature quickly (breed at 3-5 months old) • Long lifespan (8+ years) • Consume small amounts of feed • Practical for just one person
• Average litter (3-7 kits) • Can be difficult to find breeding stock
•French Lop Giant-sized breed
National French & Dwarf Lop Club - http://www.nfdlc.com
Pros
• • • •
Long list of coat color options Dense, soft fur Large litter of 5-12 kits Usually good natured
Cons
• • • •
Can‘t be bred until 9 months old Finished breeding at about 3 years old Need lots of space Not ideal for kids
•Harlequin Medium-sized breed
American Harlequin Rabbit Club - http://www.nfdlc.com
Pros
• Beautiful pelts (Japanese & Magpie) • Usually docile, calm • Good mothers, can foster well • Start breeding at 5-6 months old
Cons
• Typically 3-5 kits (sometimes up to 9)
•Hotot or Blanc d‘Hotot Medium-sized breed
Conservation Priority (ALBC): Threatened
Hotot Rabbit Breeders International - http://www.hrbi.org/
Pros Cons
• Beautiful pelts with distinct "spectacle" coloring • Good mothers, produce plenty milk • Start breeding at 5-6 months old • Litters of 9-11 kits • Long, stocky build
• Can be hard to find
•New Zealand Large-sized breed
American Federation of New Zealand Rabbit Breeders - http://www.newzealandrabbitclub.net/
Pros Cons
• The most popular meat rabbit breed in the US • Mature to fryer-size at just 2 months old • Large litter of 8-10 kits • Good natured, outgoing, social, get along with other pets, like to be handled • Three pelt colors • About 50% meat-to-bone ratio
•Palomino Large-sized breed
Palomino Rabbit Co-Breeders Association – http://www.palominorabbit.com
Pros Cons
• • • •
Very good meat-to-bone ratio (ca. 50%) Litter size from 6-12 kits Two color varieties Friendly, docile, like people
• Grow slower than other meat rabbits
•Rex Medium-sized breed
National Rex Rabbit Club -- http://nationalrexrc.org/
Pros Cons
• • • •
Good mothers, good fosters Available in many colors Start breeding at 4-6 months old Can house them in pairs
• Smaller than most meat rabbits • Lower meat-to-bone ratio • Fine, velvety hair = more susceptible to sore hocks
•Satin Large-sized breed
American Satin Rabbit Breeders Assoc – http://www.asrba.org
Pros Cons
• • • •
Variety of color options Great meat-to-bone ratio Great mothers Easy to breed
©American Satin Rabbit Breeders Association
•Silver Fox
Large-sized breed Conservation Priority (ALBC): Threatened
National Silver Fox Rabbit Club – http://www.nsfrc.com/
Pros Cons
• • • •
65% dress-out rate, small boned carcass Great mothers, lots of milk Gentle, easy to handle, like attention Beautiful, long fur like an Arctic fox
©Meghan Murphy – Smithsonian‘s National Zoo
• Endangered breed • Not known outside the US
•Silver Marten Medium-sized breed
Silver Marten Rabbit Club – http://www.silvermarten.com/
Pros
• Soft, beautiful fur in 4 dark varieties • Timid but playful • Derived from Chinchilla
Cons
• Low meat-to-bone ratio • Critically endangered breed
•Tan Small-sized breed
American Tan Rabbit Specialty Club - http://www.atrsc.org/
Pros
• • • •
Compact, lean body Easy to raise Great mothers Black pelts stay black
Cons
• Small litters (4-6 kits) • Breeding stock may be hard to find
•Where do I find a breeder? •
Ultimate List of Breeders +
www.RabbitBreed ersDirectory.com
Craigslist & Local Classifieds • Farm supply •
4H • ARBA Shows, • Other Shows •
•How do I know it‘s a good breeder? •
• •
•
•
Clean equipment. Housing is well maintained Rabbits look healthy Fresh food and water in clean containers No strange or unpleasant odors No fly infestations
•What do I need to start? • • •
2 does & 1-2 bucks Pick 1-2 breeds Age options • • • •
Weaned bunny 4-12 months old Mature breeders Could already be pregnant
•Questions to ask about the rabbit parents •
•
• • • • •
Is there any history of disease (malocclusion, sore hocks, splay leg, ataxia)? Have there been any outbreaks of infection at the rabbitry lately? How often is the doe bred? Does the doe produce in the winter? Has the doe ever rejected any litters? Have there been problems with stillbirths or premature births? If it‘s a mature rabbit, why are they getting rid of it?
Next time…
Module 3: Breeding & Mating
