The black-fire rabbit is an interesting breed, famous for its unique characteristics and use in the meat-and-meat direction. This breed is able to bring good profit to any household. During its existence, it has not changed much and is successfully grown in different countries of the world.
Breed history
The black-fire rabbit was first mentioned in 1880 in England.
When it was created, wild species of animals from local areas were taken as a basis. They were crossed with Belgian rabbits and giants: silver, Dutch. As a result of breeding work, a new breed of medium size was obtained.
In domestic rabbit breeding, such an appearance was not immediately accepted, so only enthusiasts were engaged in preserving the exterior. They carried out work on adapting the breed to climatic conditions.
Features
The black-fire rabbit breed is characterized by an average weight of about 3.5 kg. As well as the original color, calm disposition. They are often kept as pets. Animals differ from other ones in that they quickly become attached to humans, they are tame. Although their main purpose is valuable fur.
The color of the rabbit of black and fiery breed combines bright yellow-red and coal tones. The lower part of the abdomen is colored yellow-red, and the upper is black. At the junction of colors passes a bright fiery streak.
In Europe, according to the standard, the color is allowed not only contrasting black, but also blue, brown, squirrel. According to the standard, an adult should not weigh more than 3.3 kg, but not less than 2 kg. On average, rabbits weigh about 2.8 kg.
Because of the color, the body of the animal seems pampered, but this is only at first glance. He has a straight, rounded back, strong legs, pronounced chest. The head is graceful, in harmony with the body and straight ears. The eyes are brown.
Culling
Reasons for culling rabbits are:
- white spots of gray fur;
- the body is too dense;
- more than permissible weight, beyond the standard;
- pale color, without pronounced contrast;
- skeleton curvature;
- lack of gloss of fur;
- bald spots;
- friability of the coat, uneven density.
It is worth paying attention to these features so as not to cost too much.
Unusual breed
Animals of this breed are characterized by high activity. To contain them, you need a large cage with the ability to walk. Rabbits differ from other breeds in that they are tame, and unusual color options make it possible to find among pets a pet that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Within the breed, individuals with a black-fiery color are found, agouti color, a monophonic version, can also be found.
Content
The black-fire rabbit Rex is demanding on the conditions of detention. This animal needs large cages. The breed is highly active, pets need a place to move.
Individuals grown in Russia tolerate cold well. Fur is better for those animals that are raised in open pens.
When breeding rabbits, it should be borne in mind that their legs are easily injured. Therefore, the content in cells with mesh floors is not suitable for them - they must be continuous, without gaps.
Rabbits require compliance with certain rules of care:
- The room in which animals are kept must be clean, dry. It regularly changes the litter. Regular cleaning helps keep valuable skin clean.
- Proper nutrition. Animals need proper nutrition, which guarantees a healthy appearance and beautiful fur.
- Rabbits must have constant access to clean water.
- Keep animals in a draft-free room.
The black-fire rabbit shown in the photo has good immunity. But even this does not mean that he does not need to be vaccinated.
Nutrition
Representatives of the breed are characterized by increased herbivore. Rabbits prefer fresh grass to any food. In the summer, fruits and vegetables are introduced into the diet. In winter, the menu should have hay, headers, silage, brooms. The latter are ideal for dental hygiene.
Ready factory feed mixtures have a good effect on the condition of the fur. They can be made independently, compiled taking into account the needs of the animal.
The diet should be minerals, vitamins, sources of animal protein.
Breeding
Black-fire rabbits with a tan and not only do not differ in fertility. What affects their cost.
Rabbits are suitable for mating from six months of age, and rabbits from five months. The period of puberty in females is pronounced. She begins to aggressively dig the litter, bite, drags hay in her teeth, building a nest, plucking fluff from her chest. If you can’t observe the behavior, then puberty is determined by examination of the genitals. When the rabbit “comes to the hunt”, her loop will change - it will turn red, swollen. At this moment, she is seated at the rabbit. The mating process should be supervised. This is due to the fact that rabbits are selective in choosing partners.
After mating, after 28-32 days, black and red babies will be born. The female is able to feed up to seven rabbits.
Disease
Rabbits are often exposed to various diseases. Most often eared suffer from such ailments as:
- Listeriosis. This is a bacterial infection that affects the liver of an animal.
- Mycoplasmosis The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. The entire number of rabbits can be infected in a matter of days. In the early stages, the disease is treated.
- Hemorrhagic disease.
- Conjunctivitis. Manifested by the appearance of purulent contents in the eyes.
Other rabbit diseases include:
- Gastrointestinal failure.
- Violations of the musculoskeletal system.
- Infection with scabies. Pathology is manifested by the appearance of bald spots, hair loss.
Livestock can die if infected by an invasion. Parasites penetrate not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also affect the lungs and heart.
To avoid rabbit disease, prophylaxis is necessary. For this, the room where animals are kept is kept clean. All livestock are regularly inspected, and if sick animals are identified, they are isolated. Periodically, cells need to be disinfected. It is mandatory to vaccinate, monitor the quality of the feed.
Subject to all requirements for the conditions of detention, the animals will not be sick.