The Californian rabbit was the result of the crossing of the New Zealand white, Himalayan, and Chinchilla species in the 1920s. As its name indicates the Californians were created and raised in California. The year was 1923. The objective of this crossing was to obtain a race that gave good flesh and good skin. The breed was not popularized until 15 years after its creation.
Today, the Californian is the second most popular rabbit meat producer in the world. This breed has a recessive gene that gives more wool. This was due to the angoras that had been used to improve the density of their fur. Californians were first shown as a race in 1928.
Characteristics of the Californian Rabbit
Californian rabbit is a medium-sized species. The quality of the skin classifies this rabbit as a companion. The Californian has ears of moderate size. The original color of this breed was very similar to that of the Himalayan. You May Also Like To Read Netherland Dwarf Rabbit.
It is white in most of your body. And it has definite dark-colored stains – on the nose, ears, legs, and tail. Any color present elsewhere in the skin is a disqualification from the specialized shows. This can be complicated since the pigment is temperature-sensitive.
The Californian should not be confused with the Himalayan, a company race that has the same layer of skin but is not related at all. In the UK, unlike many other countries, there are 4 colors for Californians: white, lilac, chocolate and blue. In other countries, the only color accepted for Californians is the normal, white. They are good pets because of their friendly nature.
It is a breed uses for the production of meat. The adult can get to weigh 4 kilograms male and 4.5 kilograms, female. The Californian has a very muscular body and is full on the shoulders. It should be as deep as it is wide in the hindquarters.
Californians must have dense hair, with a small but visible neck. Another feature of the fur is that it is thick enough to separate into two and the inner layer must be very dense as well. You May Also Like To Read Vienna Rabbit.
Food
Californian rabbit diet is made up of straw because it contains the nutrients need to help the rabbit have cute hair. Carrots, radishes, broccoli, cilantro, lettuce, among others, are some vegetables that rabbit-like. Seedless apples, bananas, peaches, grapes, melons, and strawberries are additional foods that rabbits accept to eat. However, fruits should not be the only food they eat. Must constantly maintain freshwater supply.
Diseases
Californian rabbit is a species prone to hairball clogs, which is why breeders should take special care. In addition, rabbits need daily grooming to remove loose hair. Other health concerns include ear mites, respiratory disease, dental problems, urinary bladder stones, and fractured backs. The Californian can also develop painful hocks if the house is in a cage with a wire floor. You May Also Like To Read Polish Rabbit.
Usage
Californian Rabbit is rabbits that breed widely for their meat and the value of the skin.
The Californian rabbit has the meat of excellent quality, and these are some of its properties:
- Rich in protein.
- Less fatty tenor, three times less than beef and only half as much as chicken.
- Greater meat-to-bone ratio than chicken for this yields 30% -more than the latter.
- It contributes to the diet, important amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins.
- It is easy to digest.
- Recommended for children, seniors and especially those with high cholesterol, the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
Besides its character is docile and endearing what makes this species easy to breed as a pet. You May Also Like To Read Alaska Rabbit.
Special Feature
Californian rabbit has eyes that are ruby reddish. The origin of the skin color and coat of this rabbit variety is the “ch” gene, often called the Himalayan gene. This is just one step above the albino; since the color only appears in the previous points. As with other rabbits, Californians do not do well at high or low temperatures.
The gestation of this species lasts between 31 to 32 days. The duration of gestation will depend very much on the feeding received and the time of the year in which the calving takes place. Births are usually natural and have no complications. It is of vital importance after birth, to control the state of the nest.
This breed can sometimes be timid and sensitive. But with proper management, they can learn to be in a human company. However, the Californian is a quiet rabbit. Also, this breed has a good temperament and enjoys the time of games and exploration.
Conclusion
The Californian, also known as the California White, is a breed of domestic rabbit originally developed for the fur and meat industries by George S. West of Lynwood, California, starting in 1923. In addition to being used primarily for their fur and meat production purposes, they were exported out east early on in order to be studied at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. All rabbits are susceptible to myxomatosis so it’s important that you get your bunny vaccinated! This guide has hopefully helped you understand this new information about these lovely bunnies from America’s west coast. Good luck with your own pet rabbit!
As A Reference: Wikipedia
