Blue New Zealand Rabbit: Best 4 Tips for Farming Benefits

Blue New Zealand Rabbit

Blue New Zealand Rabbit is a variety of the New Zealand rabbit breed. New Zealand rabbits are known for their docile temperament and their prolific breeding abilities.

This breed was first introduced into Britain in 1924 by the Earl of Malmesbury. They were initially used as commercial animals until they began to gain popularity as pets around 40 years ago.

The Blue New Zealand rabbit is an out-cross of the New Zealand breed. It was developed in Britain by crossing blue Flemish Giant, white Whitlock, and self black Rex rabbits to produce their beautiful colors.

The Blue NZ can come in many colors, including blue, fawn, beige, steel gray, and white, with the most common being blue agouti.

Blue New Zealand Rabbit Characteristics

Blue New Zealand rabbits are usually medium in size. They have white, short coats with blue underparts and blue-tinted fur around the upper chest. The eyes of this rabbit are orange-red, with black eye rings.

  1. Length:12-13 inches (30-33 cm)
  2. Weight: 6-8 lb (3-4 kg)
  3. Life Span: 8 years

The blue coat color of this breed is caused by the recessive gene “d” that inhibits the production of eumelanin (the dark pigment found in many mammals).

The presence of two dominant genes causes a blue-colored New Zealand rabbit. It also causes the unique up-turned appearance of the nose and tips of the rabbit’s fur.

Blue New Zealand Rabbit Breed

Blue New Zealand Rabbits are a breed that has a docile temperament and a very friendly nature. They are quite popular in the United Kingdom, but they are not as popular or common as other breeds like the Netherland Dwarf or the Mini Rex Rabbit Breed.

Blue New Zealand rabbits make perfect pets for families because of their docile nature and friendliness toward people. They have a medium-length coat that requires little grooming.

 The blue coloring of their fur shows dirt very easily, so they should always be handled carefully after handling other animals such as cats and dogs.

Casual rabbit owners should be aware that this breed needs a lot of space to run around in because it is quite active and loves to hop around.

Colors

Blue New Zealand rabbit comes in many colors. They can be gray, blue, or white. They have a long and soft coat that must be brushed weekly to keep the hair from tangling.

Origins

Blue New Zealand rabbits originated in the country of New Zealand. It is a crossbreed between Californian and Polish rabbits.

Care

A blue New Zealand rabbit’s ears should be checked for dirt daily because it can cause ear infections, common among this breed. Ears should also be kept clean so that mites do not have a chance to irritate the inner ear.

They should be kept in dry, draft-free areas and away from dampness because it causes fungus on their feet. A blue New Zealand rabbit’s teeth should be checked once a week for tartar buildup. If tartar is allowed to build up, it can cause pain and infections in their mouth.

Health Problems

1 . Rabbits tend to have problems with their teeth because they do not chew pellets, leading to tooth decay and infection. Proper dental care is needed so that rabbits do not develop these issues.

2 . The blue New Zealand rabbit’s lean muscle meats can cause problems for humans if raw meat is consumed. Thorough cooking should be done to kill any bacteria present in the heart before humans eat it.

3 . Fur and hair from blue New Zealand rabbits can irritate people with allergies or sensitive skin, so extra care needs to be taken when handling the animals.

4 . Rabbits can be carriers of diseases and parasites, so they should be kept in areas that won’t affect other livestock and pets.

5 . Rabbits can contract coccidiosis from different types of stress, which is a disease that causes diarrhea and death. The best way to prevent this is to keep the rabbit’s living conditions clean and feed them a proper diet.

Uses

Blue New Zealand rabbit is a multi-purpose breed used for pets, shows, and commercial purposes. They are known to have a very friendly temperament which makes them popular for families as pets.

Their blue coloring also makes them unique from other breeds. Hence, many breeders favor them showing animals and being good commercial animals because they are known for their prolific breeding abilities.

Housing and Feeding

House

A blue New Zealand rabbit’s housing requirements are similar to other breeds. They need a cage with enough room for dietary requirements, exercise, bathing, and grooming.

Housing requirements of the blue new Zealand rabbit are usually around 3 square feet per animal, depending on its size and temperament. A small rabbit does not require as much space as a larger one.

Feed

A blue New Zealand rabbit’s diet consists of a 14 to 16 percent protein pellet or mix containing vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The pellets have the correct balance of nutrients that blue New Zealand rabbits need to stay healthy. Hay should be provided daily along with fresh water.

Farming Benefits

Blue New Zealand rabbits are very docile animals and make good pets. Therefore they are favored for their beneficial qualities.

1. Blue New Zealand rabbits are known for their prolificacy. They can produce three to five litters every eight weeks, with an average of six young in each litter. This ability to breed quickly makes them popular in commercial farms used for meat and fur.

2 . They produce lean muscle meats that make them good animals for farming.

3. They are quick to mature and can be ready for butchering at eight weeks old, making them ideal animals for commercial farming. Farmers just starting may prefer blue new Zealand rabbits because they require little space and attention until they’re ready to butcher.

4 . They make good pets, so farmers can keep a few of them and enjoy their friendly temperament.

Conclusion

A blue New Zealand rabbit is a docile and friendly animal that makes a good pet. They are also good commercial animals because they produce lean muscle meats and are ready for butchering at eight weeks old.

These qualities make them popular in commercial farms where they are used for meat and fur. Blue new Zealand rabbits require little space and attention until they’re ready to butcher.

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