Ram rabbits have a memorable appearance. They are powerful animals with very long ears that frame their heads. The largest rabbit ram overtook other decorative representatives. Keeping these animals is easy, thanks to their pickiness and extremely calm disposition. This is especially true of the French ram. However, before starting to breed the breed, it is worthwhile to study the issue and get acquainted with the recommendations from experienced rabbit breeders.

general information

The breed appeared at the end of the 19th century. British scientists engaged in breeding work have noticed a strange mutation in one of the rabbits. The individual had long droopy ears. This attracted breeders who started breeding a new breed. Large rabbits of meat and skin direction took part in the experiments. The work ended with the creation of a new variety of rabbits.

Note! At first glance, the animal's full face looks like a ram. Wide cheeks, sloping forehead, narrowed-rounded eyes, a slightly humped nose, massive torso and a fluffy warm fur coat. Because of this, the animal was called a ram. Another name for the breed is the lop-eared ram.

 

Rabbit ram

Rabbits with long ears have attracted the fancy of the inhabitants of Europe and the Mediterranean countries. In the 20th century, breeders from different cities were engaged in improving the variety. As a result, a whole group of sheep representatives was created, among them:

  • English;
  • German;
  • Dwarf;
  • Nappy;
  • French, etc.

The English breed is the ancestor of the entire group. These animals are distinguished not only by long ears, but also by short forelimbs. The animal quickly gets used to its owner. The breed is suitable for keeping in an apartment.

The German ram rabbit is the giant of all lop-eared rams. Its average weight is 9 kg.

The dwarf representative is bred as a pet, which is an alternative to the cat. He has excellent body proportions and looks like a soft toy.

Growing a fuzzy pet means staying in the comfort of an apartment. These domestic animals have increased fluffiness, they have a tousled soft coat. In size, they resemble dwarf ones.

The French rabbit is the most attractive animal for aviary breeding. The breed is meat. A German breed of giant rabbits was bred from the French. The French themselves also grow to an impressive size. In addition, the animals have a particularly fluffy and soft skin. Rabbit French ram whose breed description includes large sizes, is valued for its very fast weight gain. It is recommended to slaughter animals 3.5-4.5 months after birth. By this time, individuals are gaining decent weight. Delicate meat is considered hypoallergenic. It is suitable for dietary and baby food.

Characteristics of the breed

Due to the particular popularity of French sheep breeding, the characteristics of the breed are dedicated to them. These mammals are impressive in size. They gain weight from 4 to 11 kg. The body length ranges from 50 to 70 cm. The paws are athletic, powerful. The chest is wide, slightly sunken. The back is sagging, semicircular. However, the first thing people pay attention to when stroking these pets is the protruding chubby cheeks.

Lop-eared rabbit ram

The French ram rabbit possesses wealth in the form of long ears. This part of the body can reach a length of 40-55 cm.For the convenience of animals, farmers sometimes tie up their ears with rubber bands. Before the rabbit is 40-50 days old, his ears are standing or spaced in different directions, like ordinary representatives of the Zaitsev family.

The rabbit fur of the breed is striking in a variety of colors. The following coat colors are allowed:

  • Blue;
  • Motley patterned;
  • Light - and dark gray;
  • Chocolate;
  • Snow white;
  • Oil colors, etc.

The coat consists of a thick, delicate coat with an undercoat.

Important! It is believed that representatives of the entire breed group are calm, phlegmatic and peaceful animals. The main reason here is the long ears, which completely cover the auricle. Because of this, the functionality of the organ of hearing is impaired. Mammals hardly hear. This protects them from the fright that ordinary rabbits have from loud sounds.

Females and males

There are several ways to distinguish animals by gender. But the signs are relevant only for individuals who are already 1.5 months old. The rabbits of a ram practically do not differ in gender.

 

The rabbits of a ram practically do not differ in gender

  1. On the reproductive organs that are under the tails of animals.
  2. Males have large heads. Their bones are wide and heavy.
  3. Females appear larger, rounder and more proportional. Their head is small, slightly elongated.
  4. Males move heavily, angularly and slightly clumsy.
  5. Females jump and move smoothly, gracefully.

Fertility

The disadvantage of the breed is the lack of high fertility. One rabbit brings 3-6 cubs. Sexual maturity in males occurs at 5 months, in females at 8-9 months.

How to choose a good rabbit

A worthy ram, suitable for further breeding, should not be suckling, that is, drink mother's milk. The optimal age for buying is 1.5-7 months. The coat should shine. The presence of adhering dirt is not allowed on it. It is not worth buying a thin individual. Body composition should be harmonious, without protruding bones, clubfoot. The head of a healthy animal is usually erect, and the ears are hanging.

Rabbit butterfly

A suitable individual looks calm. The behavior of a sick animal is nervous, it jumps, turns its head, itches. The presence of injuries, baldness, caked blood on the face is unacceptable. The nose must be dry. Wet - indicates a cold, infection, or allergy. If the eyes are watery, or pus is visible, it means that the representative of the Zaitsev family has some kind of infection. Pus or scabs in the ears are also reported health problems.

Additional Information. The breed is kept by farmers not only in order to get dietary meat, but also for sale. Lop-eared rabbits are in demand among lovers of domestic animals. The cost of one animal ranges from 700 to 2000 rubles. The price depends on the exterior and characteristics of the baby's parents.

Content

Fat tail ram

Rabbit Lamb, due to its powerful shapes and elongated ears, needs special maintenance. For them, voluminous pens are being prepared, where the individuals will be comfortable. A cage 1.2 m wide, 0.9 m high, 1.2 m long is suitable.

Note! Due to the weight of these mammals, the entire load falls on the legs. Therefore, an important condition should be observed: the floor in the pen is covered with a thick layer (7-10 cm) of litter. Hay, sawdust, newspapers will do. Otherwise, corns will appear on the paws.

There should be no sharp objects in the cage that could hurt animals.

Several times a week, the houses are thoroughly cleaned, washed with soapy water, and dried. Aviaries should be in a clean, insulated, ventilated yard or shed. Sheep have a weak immune system, so they should not be kept in the cold or in a draft.

 

Due to the weight of these mammals, the entire load falls on the legs.

Small animals are removed from adults. They can be in the same cage with the mother, but separate from the males. Females and males also live separately.They sit together only for mating.

Note! Animals love to chew on wood. If there are wooden elements in the cage, then the rabbits will take care of them. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to put willow branches in the aviaries. This is a great material for rabbits to sharpen their teeth.

Nutrition

A balanced animal diet consists of:

  • ü Fresh vegetables;
  • ü Slightly dried grass;
  • ü Cereals;
  • ü Fruit salads;
  • ü Compound feed, etc.

Do not put cabbage, tomatoes, legumes or spoiled food in the feeder. Such food will cause poisoning and diarrhea.

The peculiarity of the breed is its light weight gain. But there is a drawback here. Animals tend to store fat. Therefore, feeding should not be abundant and infrequent, but frequent and moderate. Food is given in the morning, afternoon and evening. Drinking bowls should contain warm, clean water.

Health

Weak immunity brings the sheep down. It is important for the owner of furry pets to pay attention to the prevention and treatment of diseases. To protect the animals from dangerous ailments (myxomatosis and necrotizing hepatitis), vaccination is carried out. It is important to keep the animals clean. They also need to be given drugs against worms. Among these medicines:

  • Prazel;
  • Pirantel;
  • Albendazole;
  • Shustrik;
  • Drontal, etc.

Lop-eared animals are susceptible to various infections. If you suspect an ailment, you should contact your veterinarian. New generation antibiotics are used for treatment.

Breeding secrets

Experienced rabbit breeders know the secrets of raising sheep rabbits, for example:

  1. Reproduction is allowed only when individuals reach maturity. Females are allowed to mate from 8, 9 months of age, males - from 5, 6 months.
  2. Individuals of different breeds cannot be mixed. The offspring after such experiments is born with defects in appearance.
  3. Only the most ideal individuals are suitable for mating.
  4. Obese animals should not be allowed to mate. Lop-eared rams, whose weight does not exceed 5 kg, can become parents.
  5. The process is organized on the territory of the male. A rabbit is placed in his pen.
  6. Females are allowed to mate selectively. Only young animals, which are from 9 months to 3 years old, can give birth to healthy offspring. After the age of three, the female is prohibited from giving birth. Childbirth can cause death of the animal and its offspring.

Advantages

 

The lop-eared ram has a pleasant appearance

  • The lop-eared ram has a pleasant appearance. He is on a par with such beautiful rabbits as hermelin, lion-headed, Japanese.
  • The ram is the calmest and most peaceful representative of the Zaitsev family.
  • Unlike many other breeds (for example, silver rabbit, mardera, white giant, etc.), the ram can be of different colors.
  • The coat of the breed is soft, fluffy. The wool is of high quality. However, in terms of density, it is inferior to the Russian Himalayan rabbit and chinchilla.
  • Like the gray giant, the lop-eared ram is unpretentious in food and care.
  • Unlike flanders, rizena, butterflies, etc., lop-eared rabbits do not eat offspring. They take good care of newborn babies.

disadvantages

  • Like the Viennese, New Zealand breeds, the fold-eared ram is not a long-liver. He usually lives for about 7-10 years.
  • Sheep have weak immunity. This makes them similar to the black-brown rabbit and the Angora variety.
  • Low fertility. Rex and Flanders have a similar disadvantage.

Breeding sheep rabbits begins with the purchase of healthy individuals, the arrangement of spacious enclosures, and the preparation of a balanced diet. Caring for them is simple. The main thing is to keep the individuals clean, warm, protect them from diseases and feed them on time. If all the maintenance and care items are carried out correctly, you can get rich on rabbits.