Dare to grow rabbits, novice farmers try to choose a breed that would meet high food characteristics, be fertile and adapt well to breeding conditions. Rabbits of the California breed correspond to all these indicators. These undemanding large animals of the broiler variety were bred precisely in order to master the basics of rabbit breeding in the process of caring for them
Origin of the breed
As you can understand from the name, the first representatives of the breed appeared in California.
At the beginning of the 20th century, farmer George West tried to breed meat rabbits that differed in the quality of fur. For these purposes, he crossed New Zealand rabbits with representatives of the ermine breed.
The result exceeded all expectations. Californians not only acquired good weight characteristics, but also got the ability to perfectly adapt to the conditions of keeping.
Although at first breeders were very wary of this breed, which is now considered a hybrid. But over time, California rabbits have become popular with farmers around the world.
Peculiarities of the breed
The Californian is a large, weighing up to 5.5 kg, rabbit with a characteristic color. His body is white. Ears, paws and tail are dark. There must be a clearly defined spot of a certain size on the nose.
It is interesting that baby rabbits are born completely white or smoky, spots appear after a couple of months, and their color depends on the ambient temperature. In cold conditions, the color darkens, in hot conditions it becomes lighter.
The following are also characteristic features of the breed: short legs, a massive neck, a wide chest, a small head, small upright ears, red or pink eyes, a nose with a hump.
The animal’s fur is short, but soft, fluffy, fluffy. The lifespan of a California rabbit is up to 10 years.
Conditions of detention
This is one of the undemanding breeds. Californians perfectly adapt to different climatic conditions and do not require special maintenance.
You can breed rabbits both in cages and in specially equipped pits. The main thing is to avoid drafts and direct sunlight. The animal’s housing must be dry and cleaned regularly.
Optimal conditions for keeping a California rabbit:
- temperature: + 12-18 degrees;
- humidity 60-70%;
- availability of ventilation.
Keeping in cages
Cages for rabbits should be high. So that the animal could calmly rise on its hind legs. The area is calculated on the basis of 3 square meters per adult, 4 square meters per rabbit with cubs. The pallet is lined with sawdust.
Ideal cage sizes for one rabbit:
- length – 130 cm,
- width – 70 cm,
- height – 60 cm.
For a female with offspring (not including the queen):
- length – 170 cm,
- width – 100 cm,
- height – 60 cm.
For ease of care, it is advisable to place cages with animals of the same age next to each other.
Holding in a pit
If rabbits are bred for meat, it is important to provide them with conditions as close as possible to nature. Special pits can be arranged for these purposes. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to the condition of the soil, the level of surface water.
Arrangement of the pit must meet the following requirements:
- The minimum size of the pit: length – 200 cm, width – 200 cm, height – 100 cm.
- The walls are reinforced with hard material (slate, mesh, concrete).
- The floor has a hard surface (mesh, sand, boards).
- The territory is protected by a fence.
- Drinkers are placed low.
- A mesh roof with a window for feeding is being installed.
- A canopy from rain and sun is built over the feeders.
Pits are suitable for raising a large number of animals for slaughter. However, if you are going to breed the breed, it is better to abandon this method of keeping rabbits.
Caring for Californians
Despite the unpretentiousness to living conditions, the California rabbit requires certain care.
The tray should be changed daily. And every two weeks, disinfect the cage with boiling water or a 1% formalin solution.
Particular attention should be paid to cleaning feeders and drinking bowls. Moreover, both in a cage or pit, and in an aviary for a walk.
Organization of the walk
California rabbits need free range. This has a positive effect on animal health and weight gain.
Aviary with an area of 20 square meters. m is suitable for 5 females with 30 rabbits or 25 young animals.
When arranging the territory, the following recommendations apply:
- It is advisable to choose a place for a walk on a hill so that puddles do not form.
- The aviary is protected by a meter-long chain-link net with a fraction size of no more than 5 cm;
- The net should be dug deep. This will not allow the rabbits to make a dig.
- To protect from predators from above, the place for walking must also be covered with a net.
- The floor is covered with boards or concreted.
- A canopy for protection from rain and sun, under which feeders and a drinking bowl are placed, is mandatory.
Hygiene
The basic hygiene rules for Californians include care for fur, claws, ears, eyes, and skin.
- Rabbits’ ears and eyes are examined regularly. If there is plaque or secretions, they are carefully removed with a gauze napkin.
- The skin of the animal should not have spots, bald spots, or peeling.
- Claws are trimmed very carefully so as not to touch the pulp.
- The fur is periodically combed and, if necessary, the collars are cut.
What to feed rabbits
Although Californians are undemanding to food, the breed is carnivorous. Therefore, special attention is paid to the balanced nutrition of animals.
Adults are fed 3 times a day, young – 5 times.
The diet of California rabbits consists of:
- Green fodder (clover, dandelion, burdock, plantain, etc.). They are given to animals both fresh and dry.
- Juicy foods (vegetables, melons: cabbage, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin).
- Rough fodder (straw, hay, young tree branches).
- Concentrated feeds (bran, cake, legumes).
The main rule when preparing the diet is to correctly alternate feed and not to forget about the constant availability of water in the drinking bowl.
Features of breeding California rabbits
California rabbits are distinguished by rapid maturation and fertility. Males are ready for mating from six months, females from five. Moreover, one rabbit has from 5 to 10 queens. Any season is suitable for mating. One pair has 4-5 molts per year.
Principles of selection for reproduction
However, to get healthy offspring, you should follow several rules.
- Rabbits should not be related. Therefore, when purchasing, you should choose animals from different nests.
- Only healthy, vaccinated animals are allowed to mate.
- It is not recommended to cross the California rabbit with individuals of other breeds.
How long is pregnancy in rabbits
A female’s pregnancy lasts from 28 to 35 days. Its duration directly depends on the age, state of health of the rabbit, and the number of cubs.
Before hatching, the animal begins to build a nest, tearing out fur from its abdomen, and to arrange a brood chamber.
The owner can help the female in preparing housing for the cubs. For this, a brood box is placed in the cage, in extreme cases it can be a cardboard box or a box made of plywood.
Standard dimensions of the brood box: length – 60 cm, width – 35 cm, height – 30 cm.
Childbirth and care of young
A rabbit gives birth to 8 to 12 cubs in one litter. Moreover, the male has enough milk to feed them all. Rabbits are born blind, weighing about 45 grams.
The number of cubs during feeding can be controlled. Breeders have a practice of transferring rabbits from one female to another. At the same time, rabbits accept the “receiver” well.
From 14 days, supplementary feed is introduced into the diet of young animals. 45 days after birth, the female is taken away from the offspring. And in order for babies to get used to adult food faster, chamomile and St. John’s wort are added to the food, and vitamin B is added to the water.
Productive qualities
One of the important indicators for breeding is the productivity index of the breed. In California rabbits, it is 65%.
The main criteria are considered to be:
- rapid weight gain (a two-month-old rabbit already weighs 2.5 kg);
- ratio of meat (80%) and fat (2.5%);
- fertility (up to 15 rabbits in a brood);
- quick recovery of the female (a rabbit can give birth to up to 35 cubs in a year).
All these characteristics make California rabbits one of the most profitable breeds for breeding on an industrial scale.
When to score on meat
Features of Californians are the precocity of young animals, as well as the low cost of meat.
The optimal age for slaughter is 5 months. Until now, rabbits weigh about 3.5 kg, their meat has bright taste qualities, and the cost of 1 kg is the lowest. Then the intensity of the animal’s growth decreases sharply.
How to choose a California rabbit breed
It should be noted that you should buy a Californian at an early age, as mature individuals are very timid, can endure a painful relocation and even die.
It is best to buy a Californian in a nursery or specialized farm.
When buying, you need to carefully examine the animal, paying attention to:
- compliance with the breed standard (color, body proportions, weight, length and position of ears);
- external signs of a healthy animal (clean eyes, ears, shiny coat, good appetite);
- behavior characteristics (the child must be mobile, active, inquisitive);
- the state of health of the rabbit’s parents;
- high-quality housing conditions (cell cleanliness, balanced diet, established drinking regime).
When moving, it is desirable to create conditions for the animal as close as possible to the kennel. In this case, the adaptation will be more gentle. The rabbit completely gets used to the new living conditions in one month.
Advantages and disadvantages
Undisputed advantages include:
- prematurity and milkiness of females;
- high productivity;
- genetic stability of the breed;
- good adaptability to living conditions;
- unpretentiousness in feeding;
- survival of young.
Cons can be considered that:
- representatives of this breed are not able to show significant gains in fattening;
- due to a weak skeleton, animals are not too adapted to life in a pit;
- are not giants, therefore, inferior in weight to rabbits of other breeds.
Vaccination for a rabbit
You can vaccinate animals in veterinary clinics or independently. The main thing is to monitor the quality and storage rules of drugs, as well as strictly follow the vaccination schedule.
- On the 28th day of vaccination against myxomatosis.
- On the 45th day – from viral hemorrhagic disease of rabbits (VHDV).
- In 3 months – prevention of coccidiosis.
- At 4 months (and then every 6 months) – myxomatosis revaccination.
- At 5 months (and then every 6 months) – HBV revaccination.
Prospects for breeding California rabbits
Californians are one of the most convenient breeds for breeding. In addition, from a commercial point of view, ease of care, precocity, high adaptability and fertility make these rabbits clear favorites.
Despite the many positive characteristics for industrial breeding, California rabbits are often bred at home. These cute, friendly animals quickly adapt to the conditions of the apartment, get along well with cats or dogs and become full members of the family. Therefore, when choosing a large decorative rabbit, pay attention to representatives of the California breed.