RABBITSBY: MEGHAN SVETLAK

WILD RABBITS VS. DOMESTICATED RABBITS

THE WILD RABBIT• Scientific name: Sylvilagus floridanus• Life span: up to 2-3 years.• Length: 15 to 18 inches • Weight: between 2-4 pounds• Color: ranges from the many shades of brown and gray• Uses: hunting and for wild life

THE DOMESTICATED RABBIT• Scientific Name: Oryctolagus cuniculus • Lifespan: 8-10 years in captivity• Length: 8 inches – 36 inches• Weight: between 2-15 pounds• Color: Many colors and variations ( Solid or Broken; Blue,

Black, Blue, Castor, Chocolate, Opal, Silver, Tan, Ect.)• Uses: Show, Pets, Meat, Fur

USES: SHOW

• The American Rabbit Breeders Association now recognizes about 47 breeds of the domesticated rabbit.• Rabbits are shown through the ARBA as well as by youth

through 4-H programs.• While being shown each rabbit must meet ARBA

Standards.

USES: PETS

• Most of us may know rabbits just as pets.• Many are bought from pet stores and are mixed breeds

from the many recognized by the ARBA.• (You can also show a mixed rabbit in 4-H programs.)

USES: MEAT

• There are a few types of rabbits that are raised for meat. • The breeds include: The New Zealand White, Californian,

American, Chinchillas, Crème & Champagne D Argent’s.

USES: FUR

• Many wool rabbits are raised for their fur.

WILD VS. DOMESTICATED:RAISING THEIR YOUNG

• Rabbits in the wild are born in burrows inside of nests. They may not even be in burrows but out in the open. Domesticated Rabbits are born inside of a nesting box where the mother will build her nest inside.