Why I raise New Zealand Rabbits

by Susan Joubert
(Amity, OR USA)

One of my black does, Macy

One of my black does, Macy

I have focused on raising New Zealand rabbits for several reasons. First was the does' disposition - they are easily tamed and are excellent mothers, nursing their young shortly after kindling and not at all aggressive towards handlers. Second was the impressive growth rate of the offspring, the 5-pound mark is reached between 8 and 10 weeks with most 12-week-olds being 7 pounds live weight. Third is the variety of colors in the breed. Between the reds, blacks, whites, blues and brokens there is endless room to collect, swap, and sell rabbits.


***** Karen Sez *****
Very nice looking rabbits!

Back in the day when I was trying to decide which breed of rabbits to raise, I opted away from NZ's because of the lack of variety in colors. Plus the meat processors all paid a premium for the desired white rabbits.

I raise Rex exclusively now, but if I were not so stuck on Rex rabbits, and seeing your pics, I might have been tempted to reconsider!

Thanks for sharing. :-))

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Jan 12, 2023
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Brown cast
by: Anonymous

We have 2 rabbits for our county show and we noticed a brownish cast on both. One is on the rump, not to large an area and the other is on the belly. What is considered excessive since that is a disqualification?
Nov 20, 2020
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Moo, my beautiful black/silver NZ rabbit x
by: Lucieni

I noticed when I got her as a baby 10 yrs ago she thrived and grew so much so quickly (as opposed to other rabbits I had from babies) that there was something different about her. Also her coat is very thick but extremely soft compared to other rabbits I’ve had that have a soft undercoat with prominent guard hairs... she doesn’t, it’s all very soft, silky and fluffy. She is black but her under fluff is silver. Also she has the large well separated ears. I researched different breeds and their characteristics and I may be wrong but I felt she seemed to fullfil the appearance and personality of a NZ. She’s an absolute babe and I love Moo xx

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