WOOLY INFO

Jersey Woolies are known as the "Fluff of the Fancy". They are a dwarf breed and according to ARBA showing standards seniors weigh a maximum of 3 1/2 lbs. Juniors must weigh 1 1/2 lbs but not more than 3.Most notably the breed is known for its long fluffy fur or wool that sets it apart from most other rabbits.

Woolies are shown in different groups: Agouti,Self,Shaded,Tan, AOV and broken.There are also several very pretty but non-showable colors that frequently appear.New colors are added as they are approved by ARBA , right now orange,fawn and chocolate agouti are in the process of being approved.

The breed was invented by Bonnie Seely of New Jersey.It is a cross of an Angora and a Netherland Dwarf. Woolies are known for being very calm,friendly ,little bunnies, curious and even shy.They are rarely aggressive and are excellent for beginners and children.

Woolies only eat about 1/3 cup of rabbit pellets a day.They need a constant supply of clean fresh water.It is important to add GRASS or TIMOTHY hay to their diet several times a week.This will help prevent "wool block" a potentially fatal condition rabbits can get when they ingest too much fur.Fresh pineapple juice and papaya tablets can also help prevent this condition.

Other healthy treats you can give your bunny include: banana, plain Cheerios, unfrosted Shredded Wheats,carrot,apple, plain yogurt,Gatorade icecubes,parsley,raisins,turnips,sweet potato,raspberries and oats.

Do Not give your pet Iceburg lettuce or large amounts of broccoli,cabbage,celery or broussel sprouts- they can make your bunny very sick!

All rabbits need good air ventilation-even in winter. If they are kept couped up in stale musty air, they will be very suseptible to respiratory infections.It is much better to prevent your bunny from getting sick than it is to try to get him well.

Summer heat is the hardest on rabbits.Temps over 85 can kill them.They must be out of direct sunlight,have good airflow and fresh drinking water at all times.When it is very hot and humid Gatorade icecubes and plastic soda bottles filled with water and frozen are favorite treats.Some rabbitries install fans and mister systems or air conditioning.If your rabbit shows signs of heat stress,bring them inside,lay cool (not cold) towels on him and wet the inside of his ears.

Winter should be no problem, as long as you keep him out of drafts.Your bunny will need to eat a bit more to keep his weight up and will need you to make sure his water is not frozen.The hard part will be for YOU- going out into the cold.

There is nothing cuter than a baby bunny! If you are thinking of breeding your bunny,and you want to raise pedigree showable rabbits, there is a lot of thought and planning that needs to go into a litter way before it is born.I HIGHLY recommend not just randomly breeding your rabbits.My best advice is to join a group such as ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) or a breed specialty group such as NJWRC (The National Jersey Wooly Rabbit Club) My next advice is to brush up on rabbit genetics- which is actually very interesting. These two things will prevent you from making a lot of common mistakes.Keep in mind that bunnies do multiply quickly, even breeding the best parents together not all of the kits are going to be showable and you are not going to be able to keep them all.You need to set up a long range plan and keep track of your goals.

I recently read an article that I really liked. It mentioned that before deciding that you are going to become a serious breeder, ask yourself if you are willing to devote 5 years of your time. It really takes that long to learn what you need to know, get compatible stock and develop a good reputation.

BellaBunnies2005