There are a wide variety of breeds of rabbits, but in this case we are going to tell you about the Eastern cottontail or Florida rabbit. These little rabbits are part of the albino breeds of rabbits, characterized by their white color and the red of their eyes. Although they weren't specifically bred to be pets, more and more people have decided to incorporate them into their families, and they are one of the most popular breeds. If you want to know more about their history and their origins, on PlanèteAnimal we tell you all about these white rabbits!
Origin
- America
- United States
Origin of Cottontail Rabbit
In 1967, Judge Orville Milen of the American Rabbit Association (ARBA) decided to crossbreed Dutch albino rabbits with Polish albino rabbits and New Zealand white rabbits. These crosses gave rise to the first Cottontail Rabbits. Initially, this breed was developed for use as a laboratory animal and in the meat industry. However, it was also very popular with rabbit keepers and enthusiasts, quickly becoming popular, and that is why we are talking about it today.
Characteristics of Cottontail Rabbit
Cottontail Rabbits are a medium-sized breed of rabbits that weigh between 0.9 and 2.7 kilograms and are one of the smallest breeds in their category.Some of them could even be considered Dwarf Rabbits. Their life expectancy is between 5 and 8 years, slightly less than other breeds of rabbits.
The body of these little rabbits is compact and of a light and fragile frame, with a fairly short neck and a rounded silhouette. The head of these rabbits is round and small, with rounded and very thick ears, as well as their striking ruby-colored eyes which are typical of the lack of pigment of albino breeds. The coat of the Florida Rabbits is, as we can deduce, white, and more precisely snow white. It is not possible to find them in any other color because albinism prevents them from showing any other tone or color.
Character of Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Rabbits, in general, are animals characterized by their great sensitivity and fearful character, so they should always be treated with great care and affection.This breed is distinguished in particular by its good character, since they are calm, docile and obedient rabbits, which they combine with extreme kindness and great friendliness. This makes them one of the most suitable rabbit breeds to be a pet, as they get along very well with children, being a good breed for families with children. However, children should always be educated to treat Cottontail Rabbits with the utmost care and respect, as they are fragile animals that can easily suffer injuries or broken bones if treated roughly. They get along just as well with other pets if they are used to living together with patience and care.
Care for Cottontail Rabbits
If we have a Florida Rabbit at home, we must take into account its needs. It is essentially a matter of providing them with an adequate and nutritious diet based on the consumption of fresh vegetables which provide them with all the vitamins and minerals necessary for a good state of he alth.Likewise, we must guarantee that our rabbits have access to fresh drinking water at all times, because one of the great risks that threatens them is dehydration, which can have really harmful consequences for them.
Their coat is extremely easy to maintain, as one or two brushings a week is enough to keep it clean and well-groomed. It is not necessary to wash it, it is even better to avoid it, except in an extreme situation. These rabbits generally adapt well to various environments and climatic conditions, but they suffer if their environment is too cold and too humid because then they can contract respiratory diseases very easily. We must be careful with colds, because they can quickly become complicated and lead to more serious illnesses, such as pneumonia.
Cottontail Rabbit He alth
Cottontail Rabbits are generally he althy and are only slightly more prone than other breeds of rabbits to suffer from illnesses related to their condition as albino rabbits.Some of these conditions are related to the he alth of their skin, which is much more sensitive to the sun's rays, and their eyes, which are just as sensitive.
In general, we need to take good care of our rabbits in terms of food, housing conditions and cleanliness, as well as trim their nails and periodically assess their general he alth. This examination must be carried out taking into account the state of the rabbit's eyes, ears, nails, teeth, eyes and mood, with alarming symptoms such as listlessness, rejection of food and drink, abnormal secretions or sudden aggression.
In case of worrying symptoms, the first thing to do is to consult a veterinarian without delay. Routine visits must also be made, during which the necessary vaccinations are carried out, such as that against myxomatosis, and the analyzes carried out by the veterinarian to confirm that everything is in order.We will be able to enjoy our happy rabbit in the best conditions.
Pictures of Cottontail Rabbit
