Breeds of rabbits

Rabbits are generally classified according to size, weight and type of pelt. Small rabbits weigh about 3-4 pounds at maturity, medium breeds 9-12 pounds, and large breeds 14-16 pounds. The two most popular breeds for meat production are the New Zealand and the Californian. These breeds are most popular because they combine white fur (preferred by processors) and good growth characteristics. New Zealand rabbits are slightly larger than the Californian, 9-13 pounds versus 8-10 pounds. The New Zealand rabbit has a completely white, red or black body, whereas the Californian is white with colored nose, ears and feet.

The two most popular rabbits for fur production are the Rex and the American Chinchilla. The Rex is slightly smaller than the American Chinchilla, 7 pounds versus 10 pounds. Fur from the Rex rabbit is unique in that guard hairs and underfur are the same length. The markets for rabbit fur tend to be unstable, so be sure there is a sufficient demand to allow fur to be marketed in a reasonable amount of time



Recommended Space Requirements for Rabbits

Size of Rabbit   Space Requirement
     lbs.      Sq. inches
     3-5 180
     6-8 360
     9-11 540
  12 or more    720 (24"x30")

Recommended Space Requirements for
Nursing Does

Size of Rabbit   Space Requirement
     lbs.      Sq. inches
     3-5 576
     6-8 720
     9-11 864
  12 or more   1,080 (30"x36")



Rabbits are active, playful and social. Entertaining to watch, a rabbit can be a very rewarding pet. Their popularity as a pet is growing. They are quiet and do not demand a lot of attention. Properly socialized rabbits are relatively calm and enjoy being around their people. They will allow you to hold them but lots of times they would rather not be held. Rabbits can be litter box trained. Indoor rabbits will love to hop around your house, however rabbits like to chew. If you allow your rabbit to roam free in your house or outside for that matter, be sure to keep things you do not wish the rabbit to chew out of his reach. Rabbits will chew things such as furniture, curtains, and wires. You may want to look into cord protectors, found in most mail order pet supply catalogs. Chewed wires is dangerous for the rabbit and can also be a fire hazard for you. A rabbit must be provided with things it is allowed to chew such as a block of wood. Because most rabbits do not like to be held and cuddled, a rabbit may not be a good choice of a pet for very active children who may not be careful when picking them up or playing around them. Rabbits can be destructive if deprived of attention and appropriate toys. Rabbits are crepuscular, which means they are more active during twilight hours (around 10pm). They sleep most of the daylight hours. Some rabbits will sleep with their eyes open. When Rabbits sleep they will often twitch, and their noses stop wiggling. A happy rabbit will sometimes jump up into the air twisting and flicking its feet and head. Rabbits will show they are unhappy, startled, or warn of danger by thumping their back feet. If a rabbit grunts or squeaks when you touch it, it may be telling you it does not wish to be touched or it may be displaying territorial behavior. Rabbits who are territorial can become aggressive when you suddenly stick your hand into their territory. Spaying and neutering rabbits greatly reduces the risk of this behavior. A rabbit will squeal to express extreme fear or pain. A rabbit that has never been caught by a person may squeal in fear as it is picked up from the ground. 



Roughly about 3-16 pounds (1.4-7.5 kg.) depending on the breed. With over 50 breeds of rabbit, there are rabbits as small as a guinea pig and as big as a small spaniel and everywhere in-between.

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