Rabbit Breed Selection
 

One of the beauties of rabbits is the variety of breeds available. Currently more than 40 are recognized in the U.S. There are also numerous varieties within these breeds which provide further options. Breeds range in size from slightly over two pounds to nearly 20 pounds. The most common sizes are the intermediate breeds which include most of the "commercial" breeds. Sizes average about 10 pounds. Another common size is the 'compact' breed which averages five to six pounds. (See Breed Chart included in this brochure.)

Compact breeds are enjoying a surge resulting from the increase in urban-suburban breeders who are faced with space problems. Their smaller size requires cages about one third smaller than those for intermediate rabbits. The compact doe will normally have litters averaging five or six, compared to eight for an intermediate breed.


LOCATING RABBITS
For the novice breeder, locating quality rabbits can be difficult. The dealer from whom you buy your feed can usually put you in contact with a good breeder. A check with the local county extension office can be helpful. A local rabbit club will gladly assist. Such rabbit clubs can be located through the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Bloomington, Illinois. If you have your heart set on a breed you cannot find locally, once again, the American Rabbit Breeders Association can be helpful by steering you to the national specialty club for that breed.


BREED CRITERION
Good rabbits aren't cheap, but they don't have to cost an arm and a leg. They're like used cars. A $300 car is a $300 car. Talk to several breeders. Determine an average. Look at the size and neatness of the various operations. Ask questions about litter size, litters per year. Other questions will suggest themselves. The willingness of the breeder to share information is important. Beware of breeders who are reluctant to answer questions. They may have secrets they don't want to share or don't know the answer. There are invariably some things you will have to learn on your own, but the fewer surprises you have, the better.

ADM Alliance Nutrition, Inc. , a wholly owned subsidiary of the Archer Daniels Midland Company