Rabbits "Butterflies" are in great demand among farmers. The main difference from other species is the unusual color of the coat. Thanks to this quality, butterflies attract so much interest. The breed is bred for both meat and valuable fur. These animals are not whimsical in care and do not require special conditions.
Appearance story
In the 19th century, the British bred a unique breed of rabbits, which were called the Butterfly. This was the result of an interesting and unusual color, resembling the appearance of a butterfly with spread wings. At that time, the weight of one animal was more than 3 kg.
Over time, breeders from different countries continued to work based on the dwarf breed Butterfly. Genetics carried out painstaking work to correct the decorativeness of the breed and increase the weight of animals, while improving the quality of the fur.
It was necessary to adapt the animals to live in more severe climatic conditions. For this purpose, crosses were carried out with rabbits of the breed Vienna Blue, White Giant, Soviet Chinchilla and others. As a result, animals were obtained whose weight could reach 5 kg.
Butterflies gradually moved from the decorative category to the number of meat and animal breeds.
Description and characteristic
Butterflies have characteristic external differences from representatives of other breeds of rabbits. If crossing with other animals occurs, the purity of the breed and the unique coloring of the skin are lost. That is why, to be sure of acquiring a butterfly rabbit, it is worth knowing the main external characteristics and features of the animals.
Appearance
Spots are symmetrically located on the face and sides of the body. In combination with a longitudinal serrated stripe located on the back, the effect of open butterfly wings is created. The nose also has a characteristic black pattern.
There are certain standard requirements that apply directly to the color of the fur and appearance, which indicate the breed of the animal:
- the ears are dark;
- around the eyes, the coat is colored dark, but the border should not converge with the pattern on the nose, cheeks or ears;
- the nose has a specific color;
- the head is small;
- paws straight and strong;
- along the ridge is a wide strip with protruding teeth;
- paws and lower part of tail light;
- females have dark spots around the nipples.
Color
It is not necessary that the spots located on the skin are black. They can also be blue or brown. The larger the size of the animal, the less bright spots have borders. Do not confuse butterflies with representatives of other breeds that also have a spotted color.
Among butterflies, animals can be found simultaneously with spots of several colors - brown, black and yellow. However, there are not too many of them.
Productivity
Rabbits of the described breed are sources of a large number of dietary, delicate and tasty meat. The weight of one animal can vary between 4-5.5 kg.
Females at a time can bring 6-8 rabbits. They have a well-developed maternal instinct, which is why almost all rabbits from the litter survive safely. For a year, the rabbit gives a good offspring.
Butterflies can be bred not only to obtain a meat product, but also high-quality skins with an interesting color of fur. Sometimes spots are not only black, but also blue or yellow.
The video below provides an overview of the Butterfly rabbit breed:
Using
Representatives of the described breed are widely used both for meat products and high-quality fur. Due to the unique and unusual color, the skins are used in kind for the manufacture of various fur products.
Read an article on how to properly make a rabbit skin at home.
Most often, farmers breed animals of the described breed to obtain tasty and dietary meat. An adult rabbit in weight can reach 5 kg. The price of representatives of the described breed is quite high. At one time, the female can bring 6-8 babies.
Signs of purebred breed
To be sure of the correct choice and thoroughbred of an animal, it is worth paying attention to the following signs:
- color spots do not merge with each other;
- claws are colorless;
- there is a dark border around the eyes, which should be separate from other spots located on the muzzle;
- the head is small, in males it is more massive and large, in contrast to females;
- ears of dark color;
- there is a dark spot on the nose that resembles a butterfly;
- spots on the cheeks and on both sides of the body are located symmetrically relative to each other;
- dark and wide enough strip on the back;
- large and massive legs, straight.
The skin should look like a canvas coated with a symmetrical and beautiful pattern - this is the first sign of thoroughbred breed. The fur is fluffy, thick, even and shiny.
Advantages and disadvantages
Representatives of the described breed have a lot of positive qualities, thanks to which they are so very popular:
- in the maintenance and care are not too capricious;
- quickly adapt to a new habitat;
- safely carry transportation over long distances;
- significantly less feed is required than in case of keeping representatives of larger breeds;
- on the wool a clear and unusual pattern;
- large cells are not required for keeping rabbits, as they are compact in size;
- can be kept in the apartment as a pet.
The disadvantages of butterflies may include not too high productivity. Not all animals have a large weight, and the skins are also small.
With a poor diet of females, they can eat their own offspring.
Butterfly Species
Butterflies are among the large breeds of rabbits. However, the particular variety selected by the farmer is important. To this end, it is worthwhile familiarizing yourself with the main features and characteristics of a particular subspecies.
Motley giant
This species is the largest among all butterflies, so its contents in the form of a pet can cause a lot of difficulties. However, the motley giant is ideal for breeding on large farms, as the animals give a sufficient amount of meat and fur.
Representatives of this subspecies have the following characteristics:
- the weight of animals can range from 5-9 kg;
- body about 60 cm long;
- the head is not large, round in males, slightly oblong in females;
- the chest is wide, in the females the breasts may occur;
- the body is slightly elongated, but dense and strong;
- the back is arch-shaped;
- paws of medium length, strong and straight;
- white coat color with blue and black patterns.
Dwarf butterfly
These are the smallest representatives of butterflies and are the first ancestors of the breed described. Thanks to their compact size and calm nature, they are ideal for home maintenance. It has all the characteristics necessary for breeding.
The main parameters of the dwarf butterfly are:
- body weight about 3 kg;
- the body has a cylindrical shape;
- the head is large;
- the ears are located close to each other, stick out noticeably, the tips are rounded;
- average life expectancy of about 5-7 years.
Czech butterfly
Not a single rabbit breeder can remain indifferent when he sees the golden fur of a Czech butterfly. The animals are not too large, so this species is ideal for large farms.
Representatives of this subspecies have the following characteristics:
- the weight of the beast can vary between 2-4.5 kg;
- strong and strong body, has the shape of a cylinder;
- there may be a small underbelly;
- paws straight, strong and strong;
- there are no spots on the chest and stomach;
- the head has a slightly elongated shape;
- straight ears, not too long;
- Equivalent coat, often have a light shine;
- the tail is small, white below.
Rhine rabbit
This subspecies of butterflies quickly gained popularity among rabbit breeders and is widely in demand in different countries. The main difference is a calm, kind and flexible disposition.
Representatives of the described subspecies may have the following characteristics:
- shades of fur can be black, white, golden-red;
- brown eyes;
- an adult can weigh more than 3 kg;
- females have more weight, unlike males;
- body of regular cylindrical shape;
- shoulders and hips are the same width;
- hind legs strong, slightly rounded;
- the fur is pleasant to the touch, dense, resembles delicate silk.
English butterfly
Representatives of this subspecies are very refined and sophisticated animals, incredibly quick-witted. They have a fun and active character, they need a large space for walking and playing.
The main parameters of English butterflies are:
- the coat is well-groomed and beautiful;
- the head has a small and slightly oblong shape, the profile is clear;
- straight ears are close;
- the weight of the animal can range from 1.5-4.5 kg;
- females are much larger than males and the difference can be 1 kg;
- elastic and elastic fur, pleasant to the touch;
- the color can be of various shades - lilac, gray, tortoise, chocolate, blue or black;
- a dark spot on the nose, similar in shape to a butterfly with spread wings;
- average life expectancy of 9-13 years.
Maintenance and care
Keeping butterflies can be performed in several ways - cellular, semi-free, driven. The ideal option would be to stay in the cells. This method allows full control over the feeding process, mating of rabbits, as well as calculate the gestational age of females.
The content in the cells allows you to regularly and without much difficulty carry out preventive work to combat various diseases. Helps prevent the massive spread of bacteria. It is not required for animals of too large areas, most importantly, drafts should not be allowed.
Content Features
Butterflies cannot be called finicky, so even beginner farmers who have not previously worked on rabbits can keep them. In addition, they are able to become wonderful pets, just buy a small cage and nothing more is required.
Factory, in open-air cages / pavilions
It is better to take a pavilion for keeping rabbits not too big. The animals feel quite comfortable under different conditions, especially if they will not be equipped with a very large, but cozy and warm place, where there are no drafts.
If you wish, you can independently build housing for pets. An excellent choice would be a pavilion that consists of three floors. For production, use natural wood, slate, welded mesh, polycarbonate and sheet metal.
To properly build a cage, follow these tips:
- in the mother liquor, build wooden doors, also make a wooden frame and partitions;
- use welded wire mesh for cage doors and rear floor equipment;
- slate will be an excellent option for the main floor, also use it for the ceiling of the lower cells;
- insert the doors using polycarbonate, animals can ruin the bars, so sheathe them with sheet metal.
Do not forget that animals constantly need fresh air, so you can equip a pavilion or aviary in the fresh air. This content will make the rabbit fur thicker and denser.
An ideal option would be to adjust the content depending on the time of year:
- during warm periods, keep on the street, but in a place where there are no drafts;
- In winter, carry cages or enclosures indoors.
At home like a pet
When keeping animals as pets, it is better to use cages. For care, they need to be regularly ventilated, but avoid the formation of a draft. If there is such an opportunity, put a cage on the street in the warm season, at least for a few hours. Such procedures will only benefit the animals - the hair becomes thicker, a beautiful shine appears, and appetite improves.
Make sure that butterflies have constant and free access to water and feed. Remember to give solid and fresh food so rabbits can sharpen their teeth. If this is not done, they may begin to nibble the bars of the cage.
Feeding
Butterflies need a proper, and most importantly, varied diet. Necessarily food should consist of:
- tree branches;
- in the summer - green grass, may be a little sluggish;
- cereal types of feed;
- in the cold season - fresh and fragrant hay;
- when fattening, it is recommended to use special concentrates;
- without fail, minerals with vitamin supplements must be present in the diet.
Make sure that there is always clean and fresh water in the cage. If this advice is neglected, the female can eat her offspring. If the rabbit is very thirsty, she is able to completely forget about her own maternal instinct.
If you follow a few simple rules in food, pets will not only quickly gain weight, but also feel quite comfortable:
- During the selection of products, make sure that the food is not spoiled, there are no signs of rot, and the expiration date of the feed has not expired.
- Feed the animals no less than twice a day, preferably at about the same time of the year.
When and how to feed rabbits, read here.
- In the summer, the menu must necessarily contain green types of feed.
- Maintain perfect cleanliness in the cage - at least once every 2-3 days, change the litter, wash the feeders with drinking bowls every day.
- Make sure that it is dry and warm in the cage, as dampness and dirt is the main cause of death of animals.
When creating favorable conditions and comfort, pets can live up to 10 years.
Disease and Prevention
Representatives of this breed suffer from dangerous diseases such as necrotic hepatitis and myxomatosis. These viruses are able to instantly infect the entire herd, infecting both adults and young animals. There is a risk of death and destruction of the entire herd.
Avoiding these troubles is easy if vaccines are given as timely prophylaxis. It is recommended to vaccinate rabbits immediately after weaning. In the first weeks after birth, young animals have the strongest immunity, which is made possible by breastfeeding. Protective property can be maintained for 3 months.
Vaccination is recommended for animals weighing at least 0.5 kg. The first vaccination is done at the age of 6 weeks, but 10 days before the procedure, it is required to check the young growth for the presence of worms. If necessary, a mandatory deworming is carried out.
When the rabbits reach the age of 1 year, a comprehensive vaccination is performed. If you plan to breed butterflies, it is worth considering that vaccination of females should not be done during pregnancy and during lactation. Vaccination is contraindicated in sick animals.
During vaccination, weakened pathogens of hemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis enter the body of animals, provoking the beginning of the production of their own antibodies against hostile cells.The body of sick rabbits and pregnant females is already subject to high loads, so for vaccination you need to choose a different time.
Breeding
If you plan to independently reproduce the representatives of the described breed, you should familiarize yourself with all the subtleties and features of this procedure in advance. To understand that the female is ready for sexual activity, it is worth following her behavior - she becomes active and restless, prepares litter for herself and begins to spread fluff throughout the cell.
Redness and swelling of the sexual loop indicates that the rabbit is ready for mating. This condition takes only a few days. For the first mating, choose an experienced male. If the female has experience, select a younger male to mate.
7 days after the first mating, a control is performed. If the previous time the female became pregnant, she will not allow the male to come to her. After 10-14 days, a final check is carried out in order to be sure of the pregnancy that has come - the belly of the rabbit is gently probed.
Optimal timing
Butterflies are ready for mating as early as 4 months. It is not recommended to carry out this procedure earlier, since there is a risk of causing great harm not only to the health of future offspring, but also to rabbits. Representatives of the species breed throughout the year, so there are no restrictions based on the time of year.
Mating throughout the year can only be carried out for completely healthy animals.
Experienced farmers recommend following the following schedule when it is possible to conduct okrol:
- from January 15 to February 1 - in the winter;
- from April 1 to April 15 - in the spring;
- from June 1 to June 15 - in the summer.
It is recommended to use males as often as possible for mating. Too long breaks can adversely affect animal health. Ideal would be to have a herd of 1 male and 8-9 females.
How is okrol going?
After mating, the female and the male are seated in separate cells. A couple of days before the birth, the rabbit begins to prepare, constructing favorable conditions for the rabbits. Forms a comfortable nest, which from the inside is covered with its own down.
Most often, delivery takes place at night and can last about 15-65 minutes. It is required after birth to carefully monitor the actions of the rabbit. It is important that clean water is constantly in the cell. After giving birth, the female is very thirsty.
Butterflies become caring mothers, but they can also abandon offspring. If the rabbit begins to scatter rabbits around the cage, and does not feed them milk, it is worth removing the offspring. You can put rabbits in a cage to another female, which will begin to take care of them.
At one time, the female can lead about 8-10 rabbits. Offspring, reaching a month of age, begins to gradually try the food that is given to the female. By 3 months of age, they become completely sexually mature and ready for mating.
Breeding
If you plan to breed representatives of the described breed, it is worth observing several simple conditions:
- Build comfortable and fairly spacious enclosures. Animals can be raised in small cages, in open-air cages or on the balcony. For small rabbits, open-air cages with a width of 60 cm and a length of 40 cm are suitable. Do not forget to additionally insulate the floor of the cages so that the animals do not catch a cold, and equip a place where they can walk.
- Rapid weight gain. The growth of breed representatives is accompanied by a rapid increase in mass. Already at the age of 4 months, rabbits weigh about 3-3.5 kg. The main weight is gained in the first six months.
- Rabbits who are pregnant must be kept separately. The female is placed in an empty cage before the birth of the offspring. It is important that its height is not lower than 45 cm.
- Be sure to take preventive vaccination. Vaccination is performed at the age of 6 weeks. Use only quality vaccines.
How to choose a good individual?
Do not pay attention to animals of high cost, since the price does not always indicate the quality of the animal. When choosing animals, you should pay attention to the following nuances:
- the coat is thick, silky to the touch, with a light shine;
- if the animal is healthy, behaves actively, shows curiosity, constantly chews something and watches everything around;
- the sick animal is indifferent and quiet; it can literally clog into the far corner and hide, the nose feels hot to the touch, eyes become cloudy;
- if residues of litter on the wool are noticeable and the animal tries to constantly scratch the anus, then there are worms;
- a healthy animal is well-fed, the skin is taut and does not hang out.
Average cost
Given the age of the animal, its value also fluctuates. Do not buy animals that are younger than 1 month, as there is a risk that they will become infected with enteritis. The cost of a monthly rabbit is about 350 rubles. Each rabbit older than 1 month will cost about 350 rubles more. Consequently, an animal aged 4-5 months costs more than 1,500 rubles.
Why is it worth breeding this breed?
The main advantage of the described species is that the animals easily adapt to almost any climatic conditions. Butterflies can breed in different areas of the country. Rodents can be kept not only in enclosures, but also at home. If you follow simple rules of care, you can get a delicious diet and tender meat, and valuable skin.
Breeding zones
Rabbits of the Butterfly breed are in great demand in different countries, including France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Russia and others. Animals breed well and grow quickly in the northern regions and mid-latitudes. The animals have a dense coat, which protects them perfectly even in severe frosts.
Rabbit breed reviews Butterfly
Valeria, 25 years old, housewife, Moscow. The son asked a rabbit for a long time, they chose the Butterfly breed and are completely satisfied with this. The animals are not too large, active, they are happy to play with a child. They don’t act up in food, and they feel great in a small cage. In the summer we put the cage on the balcony.
Stepan, 30 years old, beginner farmer, Voronezh. Recently decided to breed rabbits. I chose Butterflies for this purpose - the animals are beautiful, the wool is smooth and thick. One female leads 5-7 rabbits, grow and gain weight quickly. They feed on simple food, regularly give vitamin and mineral complexes. 5 rabbits get along easily in one cage, behave calmly, do not fight. I am completely satisfied with the result, I will continue to breed.
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Rabbits Butterflies are incredibly beautiful and outgoing animals. Very active and inquisitive, have the habit of constantly chewing something. They have a lot of advantages and positive qualities, thanks to which they are very popular among both experienced and novice farmers. It is enough to create optimal conditions for maintenance and take care of a balanced diet.