Californian rabbit is a very beautiful domestic rabbit breed. It is also known as California White. George West in Southern California developed this breed in the early 1920s. He developed this wonderful rabbit breed by crossing Himalayan breeds and the Standard Chinchilla rabbit breed, and then crossed the offspring with the New Zealand Whites.
His purpose was to develop a good pet/show rabbit breed. But the Californians are most widely raised for their fur value and meat production. The breed was not popular immediately after their development, and took at least 15 years to become popular.
Californian Rabbit Breed Information
Today, Californians are the most common and widely raised rabbit breed in the United States. The Californian is a recognized breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Review characteristics, uses and full breed profile below.
Physical Characteristics
The Californian rabbit is large in size with well rounded compact body. The color variety is usually white with spots and normally they don’t have any other color.
Californians are very similar to the Himalayan in coloration, with a white body and colored points. They have big ears, which are held erect. And have very dark brown markings (almost black) on their tail, nose, feet and ears.
Their neck is very short, and they have pink eyes. They are very muscular, full in the shoulders and as deep as it is wide in the hindquarters. Their coat is soft and silky.
Like most other rabbit breeds, the Californian does are also heavier than the bucks. On average, adult does weight up to 5.45 kg and bucks up to 4.9 kg. Photo from Wikipedia.
Feeding
Feeding the rabbits with nutritious and good quality food is the most important part of rabbit farming business. Good food helps to keep the animals healthy and happy, and as a result they grow well and produce more.
So, try to feed your rabbits with good quality and nutritious food. Green leafy vegetables, seasonal vegetable, spinach, carrots, muller, cucumber, green grass and vegetable wastes are common food of rabbits. For commercial purpose, you can serve them poultry feed.
Nowadays, commercial ready-made feed is also available in the market for the rabbits. You can also feed your rabbits with this commercial feeds. Also provide your rabbits with enough clean and fresh drinking water as per their demand.
Breeding
Rabbits are naturally very good breeders, and they will breed easily without human intervention. The gestation period of rabbits is about 28 to 31 days. And each time a doe can give birth of 2 to 8 kids or even more.
Caring
Taking good care of the rabbits is very important for commercial rabbit farming business. So, always try to take good care of your animals. And take special care to the breeding male and pregnant and nursing moms. Monitor their health regularly, and always try to keep good contact with a vet in your area.
Uses
Today the Californian rabbit is mainly raised for their fur value and also for meat production. It is a very suitable breed for commercial production. People also raise them as show rabbit and also as pets.
Special Notes
The Californian rabbit is an wonderful breed with very beautiful appearance. They are also wonderful as pets and have a very nice and easy-going temperament. They are very good natured animal, calm and friendly. They are very active and playful, enjoy playing and exploring.
The Californian does are good mothers and they produce large litters of 8-12 kits. Although they were developed for the purpose of showing or raising as pets. But today they are mainly raised for fur and meat production. Review full breed profile of this breed in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Californian |
| Other Name | Also known as the California White |
| Breed Purpose | Dual purpose. Raised for meat and fur production. Also raised as pets. |
| Breed Size | Large |
| Weight | On average, adult does weight up to 5.45 kg and bucks up to 4.9 kg. |
| Suitable for Commercial Production | Yes |
| Good as Pets | Yes |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates |
| Coat Color | White |
| Rarity | Common |
| Country of Origin | United States |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Californian is a very beautiful and good breed of rabbit which is raised mainly for fur and meat production purposes. Popularity of this beautiful and fantastic rabbit breed is increasing gradually, and that’s why many people are asking numerous questions about these animals. However, here we are trying to list the most common questions about this breed of domestic rabbits, and trying to answer them. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
Is commercial Californian rabbit farming profitable?
Yes, commercial production of these rabbits is highly profitable. You will be able to make good profits if you start your rabbit farming business with this breed. It is good and used for both fur and meat production purposes.
How to start Californian rabbit farming business?
Starting commercial rabbit production business with Californian breed is relatively easy. You just have to make a good house for your rabbits, feed them good quality foods, keep good ratio of males and females and always try to take good care of them.
Are Californian breed of rabbit good as pets?
Yes, these rabbits are excellent as a family pet and also good as show rabbits.
How much does a Californian rabbit cost?
Average price of a Californian rabbit is around $40 to $50. Although, exact price can vary from place to place and can even reach hundreds of dollars.
What is the life expectancy of a Californian rabbit?
Average lifespan of a Californian rabbit is 5 to 6 years.
How high can a Californian rabbit jump?
Generally, a Californian breed of rabbit can jump over 3 feet high.
Do Californian rabbits like to be held?
Yes, these rabbits are very good as pets and most will enjoy human company and also some gentle handling.
How big of a cage does a Californian rabbit need?
Generally, a Californian will need at least 4 times larger cage than their body size.
Can Californian rabbits swim?
Yes, a Californian can swim to some extent.
Why do Californian rabbits change color?
Like many other rabbit breeds, the Californians also molt every 3 months. This is a natural process mainly for maintaining appropriate body temperature. A rabbit’s fur may also change color for it’s protection.
Do all Californian rabbits have red eyes?
Yes, all rabbits of this breed always have red eyes.
How much should I feed my Californian rabbit?
Actually, exact amount of food depends on numerous factors such as age, weight and size of the rabbits. Consult with an expert or a vet in your area for more information.
How big is a Californian rabbit?
On average, adult does weight up to 5.45 kg and bucks up to 4.9 kg.
How long does it take for a Californian rabbit to give birth?
The length of pregnancy in the rabbit is 31 days and the doe can produce from 1 to 12 young each time she gives birth. She can become pregnant again within a few days of giving birth.
What colors do Californian rabbits come in?
The Californians are easily distinguished by their coloring. They generally have a white body with black points (the legs, nose and ears).
