The black fiery rabbit can also be called "fireball" is considered one of the most beautiful and unique breeds in the world. The animals have an interesting and slightly unusual color. The care features are the same as for other species. But the character is not the most calm, so breeders should know how to find the right approach to him.
Breed history
The described breed originates in the 19th century. In the 1880th year, meticulous Britons were able to breed a completely new and truly unique breed. To obtain this species, silver, Dutch, wild rabbits and Belgian hares were used.
The first representatives of the species showed an evil character, were quite aggressive, and, moreover, turned out to be very small. Then the scientists crossed the animals with the Belgian giants, which had a calm and docile disposition, as well as rather large sizes.
The result is a beautiful and active animal. The size of the body is medium, the meat is tender, juicy and dietary, it is of high quality.
Description of the black fire rabbit
Today it is quite problematic to meet purebred representatives of the species in Russia. To be completely sure that the animal belongs to a particular species, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the main characteristics and external data of the described species.
Appearance
It is extremely rare to meet a purebred Briton. If you have a desire to acquire true "fires", consider the following characteristics:
- the body is small, stocky and dense;
- narrow chest, powerful legs, straight back;
- the head is small and neat;
- the length of the ears is 8-11 cm, they stand straight;
- the eyes may be brown, but if the base color has a blue tint, they may be blue;
- the average weight of an adult animal is 3 kg, in rare cases - more than 5 kg.
Varieties of color
The main color is black-fiery, however, it is customary to separate tones:
- The lower head area, chest, eye area, belly, bottom of the tail, the inner part of the legs, on the back of the head, and the outline of the ears should be yellowish.
- The upper region of the head, the top of the ears, the loin, the back, the croup, the outer part of the legs, and the top of the tail should be black.
According to German standards, this breed is subdivided into the following subspecies: -
- black
- squirrel;
- Havanna
- blue ones.
Black-fire rabbit color "black"
Black-fire rabbit color "squirrel"
Havanna black fiery rabbit
Black-fire rabbit color "blue"
If the fur of the animal has white spots, this is a marriage of the breed. It is better not to purchase such an animal, especially if you plan to use it for further breeding.
Productivity
The described species of rabbits can be used for meat production. On average, the weight of an adult animal is 2.5-3.5 kg, but there are also record figures - more than 5 kg. The meat is of great value, because it is incredibly tasty, tender, juicy, and most importantly, dietary.
The skin is covered with soft and delicate fur, it can be of medium or small size. They are widely used during the production of various fur products, while their repainting is not carried out. This product is in great demand.
Temperament
The animals are very active and have a bright temperament. Provided that rabbits are raised for exhibitions, their training and education takes a lot of time. The animals have a gentle character, but sometimes aggression is shown.
Maintenance and care
The described breed does not require any special conditions of detention or special breeding. Most importantly, animals cannot be kept in pits, otherwise the quality of the fur will deteriorate.
You can purchase ready-made cells or make them yourself using scrap materials. It is important that the animals feel as comfortable as possible in them. Cages should also comply with simple hygiene standards and the needs of rabbits.
Place juveniles along the walls, stir in the middle of adult animals that have reached puberty. If necessary, has the possibility of tiered placement of cells.
Divide the aviaries into two parts:
- the first bright, in which all animals can be;
- the second should be smaller, warmer and slightly darker - females and their offspring should be here.
Be sure to equip each cage with feeders and drinkers, cover the floor with a layer of hay and grass. Animals must have free access to food and water at any time. Do not forget to regularly clean and tidy up the cages, which will help maintain optimal health and beauty of the animal's fur coats.
Feeding features
Rabbits of the described breed have the same taste preferences as other animals. There are no peculiarities, it is enough to adhere to the following recommendations:
- females after giving birth need more food;
- a rabbit that feeds its offspring can produce about 180 mg of milk per day, so increase her diet three times;
- add more fresh herbs to the diet;
- in the cold season, give the animals root crops, silage, hay, potatoes;
- increase the volume of concentrates by 70%.
The rabbit menu should contain:
- green food - cereals, vegetable tops, wild herbs;
- roughage, as throughout the life of animals the teeth continue to grow - give dry hay and dry branches;
- juicy food - for example, root crops;
- concentrated feed, as they are very nutritious and saturate the animal organism with all the necessary substances;
- vitamin supplements with mineral supplements - give in February and March, when the diet of animals becomes rather poor and limited;
- standard meals should include fish oil, bone meal, chalk.
Breeding and reproduction
Having reached 6 months of age, the females become sexually mature and can be mated. If the rabbit begins to behave restlessly, bites, becomes aggressive, tries to get out of the cage, it's time to add a male to her. If the female becomes calmer, then fertilization was successful.
Read about mating rabbits here.
After 1.5 months, feel the rabbit's belly, but very carefully so as not to injure the babies. The appearance of a chain of dense balls in the lower abdomen is a sign of imminent labor, which will occur in about 10-14 days.
Engage in the preparation of the mother liquor - put any box inside the cell. The entrance should be round and resemble a hole. It is important that the mother liquor is warm, dark and dry. In such conditions, females will feel comfortable and calm. Make a removable roof in the broodstock to help control the rabbit and young.
Females become beautiful mothers, and with great care take care of the offspring from the first minutes of birth - they lick, cover with down, feed with milk. In one litter, in most cases, there are about 6-7 rabbits. Give the female more food to increase lactation.
Advantages and disadvantages of the black-fire rabbit
The main advantages of the representatives of this breed are the following qualities:
- meat is tasty, tender, dietary;
- beautiful and soft fur;
- there is a great demand for skins;
- females are very prolific and ready for mating as early as 5 months.
There are also some disadvantages:
- small animals;
- a small amount of meat and small skins.
The video below provides an overview of the Black Fire Rabbit:
Profitability of the breed
Breeding this breed can be a good and profitable business. Despite the small weight of the animals, the meat is incredibly tasty and healthy, so it is highly appreciated. Skins are also in great demand, as the fur has an unusual and interesting color. Even during the production of fur products, the skins are not dyed.
If you need advice on how to make a rabbit skin properly at home, then this article is here.
Reviews
Alina, 35 years old, engineer, Moscow. For a long time they could not choose which breed of rabbits to take for keeping at home. We opted for a "fire-bomb" - the animal has compact dimensions, not picky, eats everything, quite calm and active. She feels well in a cage, periodically letting out walk around the apartment.
Stepan, 25 years old, beginner farmer, Voronezh. This breed has become a real find. Does not require special care, one female leads 5-6 rabbits, growing quickly. For sale is both delicious and dietary meat, as well as a beautiful skin.
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Black-fire rabbits are one of the most prominent representatives of the breeds, which are bred for both meat and fur. They become real favorites for most farmers, because they require minimal maintenance, but they are able to bring good care. They become wonderful pets, have a playful character and attractive appearance.