Polish Rabbit

Polish rabbit originated in England from common white hutch rabbit. Americans imported it from England. The American polish rabbit is used in many exhibitions as a fancy breed. It is used as a pet too.

History and origin

These are smaller in size as compared to the normal breeds. They have short ears that touch each other all the way to the tips. They possess short head with full cheeks and have bold eyes. As their size is small, they are often confused with Netherlands dwarf. There are many differences between the two breeds such as coat structure, body type and colors.

Weight of a 6 months old polish rabbit is 2 and a half to 3 and a half. Till 1950 most American rabbits were white with red or blue eyes. Since 1950s, colored breeds have been recognized by rabbit clubs. In 1957, the American rabbit association approved the chocolate and black polish rabbit. In 1982, the blue color variety of rabbit was approved.

Personality & Care

As these rabbits are small in size, they need less space in cage. As a pet too, they need less space for accommodation. Bottom of the rabbit’s cage t should not be slippery, as they might slip and cause hip injuries. These rabbits are usually calm and friendly. They need to be handled with care.

Rabbits are good listeners. They can easily be trained to use a litter box. One cannot catch hold of them easily while they are roaming. They can chew carpet, electrical cords and baseboard.

Feeding

These rabbits should be fed about ј cup of pellet feed every day. They should be provided only the amount of pellets they can consume in 22 hours. They can be fed on unlimited grass hay too. It also helps in preventing rabbit from fur blockage of the intestine.

Fruits, vegetables and furs are too loved by rabbits. Fresh dandelion leaves, parsley and green carrots are nutritious for rabbits. Avoid vegetables present from cabbage family and high sugar food, for example corn, as they can cause gastroenteritis which may lead to death. A tablespoon of oats is too nutritious for a polish rabbit.

A healthy rabbit should appear fleshy and not flabby. While running the hand on rabbits back, a firm layer of flesh over the spine and ribs should be felt. If spine is prominent, increase the feed. If one cannot feel the spine at all, decrease the amount of feed.

Health concerns

Polish rabbits are difficult to care for. They are adjustable to high or low temperatures. They do not require daily grooming. These rabbits are not prone to hairballs. The other health concerns of rabbits are that they can be easily prone to earmites, pasteurella, dental problems, respiratory disease, fractured backs and urinary bladder stones. Any changes in its diet should be noted immediately and a veterinarian should be consulted.

Although no one at the present time would consider the Polish a utility animal, some 40 or 50 years ago they were in great demand on the Continent, particularly in Belgium, as an epicurean luxury, the rabbits for this purpose being fed largely on milk and meal.

The average life span of a polish rabbit is 6 to 8 years. Spaying and neutering a polish rabbit early in life can increase their life to around 10 years.