New Zealands are medium to large rabbits. Bucks (males) weigh 9–11 lb (4.1–5.0 kg), while the does (females) weigh 10–12 lb (4.5–5.4 kg). Female rabbits may have a dewlap, a fatty flap of fur below the chin which female rabbits sometimes use as a source of fur for lining their nest.
How long does it take for a New Zealand rabbit to be full grown?
around 9 to 10 months
A medium to large-sized rabbit, New Zealands are muscular and broad. Females (does) normally weigh 10-12 pounds, while bucks (males) are smaller, between 9-11lbs. They reach maturity around 9 to 10 months of age.
How long do New Zealand bunnies live?
7-10 years. Temperament: New Zealand Whites make ideal pets for children because of their docile, calm nature. They’re easy to train and can be taught tricks.
Do New Zealand rabbits make good pets?
Despite being originally developed as a meat rabbit, New Zealands make great pets! They enjoy being part of a family due to their social nature and do well with children and other pets.
How much room does a New Zealand rabbit need?
Make sure your New Zealand rabbit has a rabbit cage size that is at least 30 inches long (76.2 cm), 24 inches wide, and 18 inches high (45.7 cm). A wire bottom cage is not recommended since it might harm your rabbit’s feet. Instead, go for a cage with a strong metal floor.
Are New Zealand rabbits cuddly?
If you’re keeping both sexes and you don’t fix these cuddly pets, you could end up with a dozen cuddly kits every month! Their flyback fur means New Zealand bunnies don’t need much grooming, but you can brush them every week or two to minimize shedding.
How much do New Zealand rabbits cost?
Whereas pet rabbits purchased from shelters typically carry adoption fees ranging from $50 to $100, New Zealand rabbits can cost as little as $10 apiece, according to Crossroads Rabbitry.
What do you feed New Zealand rabbits?
A New Zealand rabbit’s diet is no different than any other rabbit diet in that it should consist mainly of high-quality hay. Most rabbit owners agree that timothy hay is the best bang for your buck, but orchard hay is also acceptable and the occasional alfalfa grass is also beneficial.
Can New Zealand rabbits swim?
Yes, Rabbits CAN Swim
You need only look to two breeds of wild rabbit to see that rabbits most definitely can swim: Swamp rabbits and Marsh rabbits have both adapted to live in wet environments, and regularly swim in their day-to-day lives.
Do New Zealand rabbits need companions?
Keep your New Zealand rabbit in your house.
Rabbits do not do well outside because they are prone to overheating and hypothermia, they frighten easily, and they require companionship.
What age do you butcher New Zealand rabbits?
8-12 weeks
New Zealand rabbits were not originally bred to be a domestic pet; they were bred for their fur and meat. Fryers are slaughtered at 8-12 weeks, and older rabbits are sold as roasters.
Is it cruel to keep a rabbit outside?
Rabbits can be kept outdoors all year round but ideally their resting area should be brought into a shed or unused garage with natural light and ventilation for the winter months or else protected with tarpaulin from bad weather.
Can a New Zealand white rabbit live outside?
The New Zealand can live happily both indoors and outdoors. As a large rabbit, they need a lot of space and so some owners find housing them outside easier. This also gives them space for a run or larger enclosure to exercise in.
How much food does a New Zealand rabbit eat?
Rabbits generally eat more at night than during the day. Weanling meat-type rabbits will eat about 4 to 6 ounces of food per day, depending on their size. As a general rule, a New Zealand doe and her litter will eat about 100 pounds of feed from breeding to weaning.
How high can a New Zealand rabbit jump?
Rabbits can jump over 3 feet (about 1m) high. The world record for a rabbit jump stands at 39.2 inches (99.5cm), or 3 feet 3.2 inches, but there are anecdotal reports of rabbits jumping as high as four feet.
Do rabbits need a box to sleep in?
If kept outdoors, rabbits need a good-sized predator proof enclosure away from wild rabbits with two compartments: The hutch part of the enclosure should provide a safe place to sleep and hide. This compartment should be enclosed to protect the rabbits from draughts and rain.
What is a broken New Zealand rabbit?
New Zealand rabbits are a large breed of rabbit varied in coloration. They can come in white, black, red, blue, or ‘broken’ coloration. A broken colored rabbit is a mix of white and black or white and red.
Are New Zealand rabbits heat tolerant?
They are also more heat-tolerant and can do better in warmer or more humid climates. Show New Zealand rabbits tend to have shorter ears and bodies and thicker fur, and are plumper in appearance than commercial meat New Zealand rabbits.
What is the largest rabbit breed?
The Flemish Giant Rabbit
The Flemish Giant Rabbit is the largest rabbit species in the world. Males can tip the scales at over 13 pounds. Originally, Flemish Giants were bred for meat; however, a high bone to meat ratio stopped that practice and breeding for show became more popular.
How many rabbits does a family of 4 need?
Now the big question: how many rabbits will you need? A family of four will need 6 breeding does (adult female rabbits) that raise 48 kits each per year to eat rabbit 5 times per week and two breeding does to eat rabbit once per week.
What is the best meat rabbit?
The New Zealand rabbit breed is by far the most common and the most popular best meat rabbit. It’s estimated that 90% of the rabbits raised for meat are New Zealand rabbits. One reason may be that this rabbit breed puts on weight quickly and has an exceptional meat-to-bone ratio.