Downy rabbits: popular breeds, rules for keeping and care, how to choose

To obtain high-quality textiles, felt, knitted knitwear, along with angora, cashmere and alpaca wool, humanity also uses the wool of downy rabbits. They give thin long fluff, have practically no outer hair and have an attractive appearance, due to which they are bred not only for industrial, but also for decorative purposes.

Features of direction

Those downy rabbits that we are used to did not exist in nature. All currently grown breeds are obtained by long-term multi-stage selection. Animals were selected on the basis of productivity, quality, length and softness of down, early maturity and other important indicators.It is difficult to breed downy rabbits, because they need to be carefully looked after, properly fed, create special living conditions, and monitor the condition of the coat. At the moment, the main rabbit farms for the production of valuable down are located in several countries of Western Europe and in China.

Males are involved in breeding for down, but the products themselves are collected only from females, since the down fibers of males are thicker and tougher. Females give warm, soft and light material.

Popular breeds of downy rabbits

At the moment, the following breeds of downy rabbits are actively bred:

1. Angora rabbit. This is one of the oldest breeds, derived from ancestors imported from Turkey in the 18th century. Initially, such animals served as pets for the nobility, and only after almost two centuries they began to be used in industrial breeding. This breed has a peculiarity: it can be used not only as downy, but also as meat and decorative.Body weight - up to 4 kilograms, down length - up to 25 centimeters. Animals are famous for their docile and good-natured nature. At the moment, there are several varieties of angora rabbits:

• English angora;
• French angora rabbit;
• German Angora rabbit;
• angora giant;
• pygmy angora rabbit.

2. White downy rabbit. This breed was bred in the Soviet Union on the basis of Angora rabbits and basic local producers - a white giant and a silver rabbit. It began to be considered a full-fledged breed in 1957. As a result of crossing, large, strong animals with a massive physique, rounded head, and straight ears were obtained. Weight reaches 4.5 kilograms, the color of purebred specimens is pure white, and in hybrids it can be white, gray, blue, black.White downy rabbits are red-eyed, the rest have dark eyes.

In a year, representatives of the white downy breed give from 300 to 500 grams of the finest warm down, and the best samples - from 750 grams to 1 kilogram. To obtain quality products, animals need to provide excellent living conditions and good nutrition.

Rules of maintenance and care

For downy rabbits, hygiene and balanced feeds are of the utmost importance. Since animals have long, fine hair, they should live in clean, frequently cleaned, ventilated rooms, in a dry and warm place, without drafts and dampness.

These rabbits take valuable fluff, so it is best to keep them in cages.So they will not be able to harm each other, and the coat will remain in perfect condition. Young animals are kept 3-4 in one cage, adult downy rabbits - one by one. Cage floors are mesh or slatted for waste disposal. In cold weather, straw bedding is used, as other types of coating such as shavings or sawdust clog into the wool, spoil the fluff, and cause tangles.

An important part of care is combing, which is carried out 1-2 times in 7 days. Down is removed at least once a quarter.

Feed and water downy rabbits in the same way as other breeds. The menu includes animal feed, vegetables, fruits, fresh grass, hay, branches and leaves of trees, mineral supplements and vitamins. Be sure to have clean drinking water. In order for rabbits to give excellent quality fluff, their nutrition must be balanced and complete.

How to choose a good rabbit

When choosing a manufacturer, they are guided by purebred. To do this, the purchase is made from a professional breeding breed strictly according to the standard. Documents and a veterinary passport serve as confirmation of quality.

Decorative pets are also undesirable to buy from the hands. It is better to do this with breeders or in specialized rabbit breeding clubs, where the pet will also receive a passport and vaccinations that ensure he alth and the absence of diseases. When choosing, they are guided by the behavior and appearance of the rabbit. It should be active, but not aggressive, clean, with a shiny, glossy coat without tangles and parasites, clear eyes. The absence of odors and secretions is important.

A he althy pet is calm, does not refuse water and food. He has no signs of disease and external defects.

Collection and storage of fluff

The following methods are used to obtain products:

1. Haircut.
2. Plucking.
3. Combing out.

First time, fluff is obtained from two-month-old rabbits by shearing, then they are sheared twice more - at 4.5 months and at six months. After that, the animals are plucked once a month. In the cold, this is done carefully so that the rabbits do not freeze.

Down is not taken from recently hatched or pregnant females, sick animals. The procedure is carried out delicately, without frightening the rabbits. When properly processed, it does not cause any pain or discomfort. Against. Proper removal of fluff stimulates dormant follicles, and new hairs grow back quickly. Mature fluff comes off effortlessly and without blood.

Haircut allows you to get more fluff at a time. In the removed mass of wool, coarser guard hairs and a short undercoat remain. This negatively affects the quality of the product.

Combing is laborious, stressful for the rabbit and at risk of injury to humans.It is not used on farms, but it is vital for decorative fluffies. Down bunnies are cute and useful animals that provide light and warm material for making clothes, as well as serving as pets.

Recommended