Reza ( New Rabbit Breed from Indonesia )

Probably not many people know, if in Indonesia there is a new kind of rabbit breed. This rabbit has a soft rex rabbit fur and shiny like satin. Reza rabbit is the creation of Balitnak (Research Institute for Animal Husbandry) Bogor, Indonesia. Initiated by Dr. Ir Yono C. Raharjo, MSc, researcher at the institution. He has crossed satin-rex rabbits since 1998. Smooth and shiny fur is the legacy of the female (Satin). While the soft velvety fur is inherited from the male (Rex). Dr. Yono said Reza is a highly quality rabbit fur producer, so it is potentially for exports. "Perfect physical and skin quality, have a uniform coat length, and shiny coat color," said the alumnus of Animal Sciences at Oregon State University in the United States. 

Another specialty of this rabbit is, have a proportional body, the back rounded with strong hind legs and contained. In addition, Reza has a solid bone, broad head, and ears stand up straight. Until now, only a few breeders who own and develop the Reza rabbit in Indonesia. Besides the population is still limited, the price is also still relatively high. Probably only Malaysia that has a Reza rabbit except Indonesia, where rabbits are specially imported from Indonesia by some breeders in Malaysia.  

 

Dutch Rabbit

Chocolate Dutch Rabbit

Tri-coloured Dutch Rabbit

Among all breeds of rabbits in Indonesia, perhaps the dutch rabbit breed is the most popular one. This breed has been estimated that in Indonesia since the early 1900's. Dutch rabbit was brought to Indonesia by the Netherlands, which at the time colonize Indonesia. This rabbit is very favored by the Indonesian people because of the unique color pattern and the cute small body.

History of Dutch Rabbit

It is said that the Dutch Rabbit originated in Holland sometime around 1850 or later where it is called the Hollander Rabbit. It found its way to England in 1864 where it has risen in continued popularity and been exported to points around the world. The Dutch is one of the oldest breeds of domestic rabbit known, owing its existence, as do all domestic rabbits, to the much earlier domestication of the European wild rabbit, or (true rabbit). Considered a fancy rabbit due to their distinctive Dutch markings, the Dutch Rabbit, has from its introduction, benefited from the careful attention of breeders over the years who have continue improving the breed and expanding the available varieties while maintaining and perfecting the distinctive markings. Special attention has been paid to perfecting the general body type of the Dutch breed to the standard of perfection we know today. Due to the high expectations demanded for perfection in type and markings, the Dutch is one of the greatest challenges for the prospective and experienced breeder alike.

General Physical Description

The Dutch rabbit is a fairly small compact rabbit, with ears that stand erect and powerful back legs that are longer than the front legs. The Dutch rabbit is always white with the addition of another base color. They are one of the most popular rabbits kept as pets today. The average adult Dutch Rabbit will weigh between 4 to 5 ½ pounds and on average will live 5 to 8 years Longer life spans can be expected if the animals are neutered or spayed. The longest life span that has been reported is 15 years with 10 years not all that uncommon.

Giant Rabbit ( Flemish Giant )

As in the United States and Europe, in Indonesia also know the type of Flemish Giant rabbit. There is no one knows when a Flemish Giant rabbit first time in Indonesia, but according to some sources the possibility of this type of rabbit was first shipped from the Netherlands in the early 1980s. This rabbit is a gift from the Netherlands Goverment to the second Indonesian President to be developed as a source of protein in Indonesia.

A History Of The Flemish Giant Breed

No one knows the exact origins of the Flemish Giant Breed. Some people surmise that the during the 16th and 17th century, Dutch Traders may have brought back giant rabbits from the Argentine Republic to Europe. The large rabbits of Flanders were well known at the time and may have been cross bred with them. The name Flemish comes from Flanders. But because the Flemish exhibits the same body type and and appearance as the rabbit from South America, it is most likely that our favorite Giant is decended from the Argentine rabbit. There is no verifiable record of the Flemish Giant Rabbit until 1860. Travelers from Flanders spoke of the giant rabbits raised in that country. English rabbit breeders, raising the typical 7-8 lb. rabbit, were having trouble meeting the demand for rabbit meat in their country. So some of these "Giants" were imported to England and it was only a matter of time before they began showing up at local rabbit shows. The original Flemish Giant was typically impressive in size, about 14 lbs., and of a dirty iron grey color with sandy or white bars on the legs and long ears with bent tips. Now, through the efforts of Flemish Giant Breeders Associations around the world, our Gentle Giants have evolved to 7 varieties (colors), Black, Blue, Fawn, Light Gray, Sandy, Steel and White, and sizes of 14-20 lbs.

Himalayan

Himalayan, one of rabbit breeds that are very tune in Indonesia right now. This rabbit had very fantastic prize, it's because theres only few breeders who breed this rabbit in Indonesia. Himalayan 2 months old prized Rp. 200.000,- to Rp. 300.000,-. Age 5 months and over prized between Rp.700.000,- to Rp.2.000.000,-. I actually don't know when the Himalayan rabbit first shipped to Indonesia. But clearly this rabbit has started to spread throughout Indonesian region although only big breeders are able to have them.

The History of The Himalayan Rabbit

The History of the Himalayan rabbit is very vague. There are many thoughts and theories of Himalayans. Actually there is no sound solid proof of where the Himalayan rabbit actually came from. There is little tangible evidence to indicate that it even came from the Himalayan Mountain area as many claim. Records indicate that this rabbit is known by over 20 names, which cause one writer to comment that "It is the most Christian rabbit having so many names." This rabbit is called, in various parts of the world, the Russian, the Chinese, the Egyptian, the Black Nose, and on and on. It is known as one of the oldest established breeds with a wider distribution throughout the world than any other rabbit. Himalayans, for the most part, will breed true to type and color.

It is believed at some remote time in its history, that its ancestors were Silver rabbits in part. As in some litters of today, at birth, soon seem to be white slightly tinged all over with silver gray, and some are almost a solid gray. The Silver-gray or the Solid gray gradually leaves the baby rabbit and its coat becomes snow white, with its extremities, (nose, ears, feet & tail) gradually darkening until they reach a rich, velvety Black, Blue, Chocolate or Lilac.

Tan ( Aristocrat of The Fancy )

Tan rabbit is still very rare in Indonesia, only a few people who have this type of rabbits in Indonesia. Tan Rabbit can only be found in some large breeder farms or in rabbit lovers houses who have a lot of money. This is because the price of rabbit is still very expensive in Indonesia. No one knows when the first time Tan rabbit shipped to Indonesia, but this rabbit is brought to Indonesia by a few large breeders.

History of Tan Rabbit

The original color of the Tan rabbit was black. The first known examples of the breed date back to 1887 in Derbyshire, England. The original Tans were a good deal larger than our English type Tans of today. The Blue Tan was developed at the turn of the century and these two colors held the field until the 1920’s when the Chocolate Tan was developed. It was suspected it came about by crossing a black Tan and a chocolate Havana. It wasn't long after that the Lilac Tan came into being by blending the chocolate factor with the blue.

No greater challenge can be had than working with the “Aristocrat of the Fancy”. For exquisite, beautiful color and pattern, he has no superior. The contrast of the rich, fiery tan with bright lustrous body color charms the eye of the beholder. He is a very friendly little fellow. The does mother litters of satisfactory size. A large number of offspring in each litter of Tans of fine breeding can and will compete very well on the show table.The Tan possesses a neat, compact, well-knit body. Head, ears and limbs balance with the body length and bone structure. The coat should possess a sheen designed to enhance the color and pattern.

The Tan is a hardy little rabbit and does well indoors and out. They require no special feeding and are not heavy consumers, which is a desired factor in today's high cost of feed. At the ideal weight of 4-1/2 lbs, the Tan requires average space. Mature bucks and does may be cooped in 24“ x 24” cages and do quite well. The does and litters need a 30” x 30” or 30” x 36” cage. The ideal daily feeding ration is 3 to 3-1/2 ounces of pellets and forget the greens. Although the Tan type is not that of a meat animal, the Tan produces a fleshy carcass of 2 - 2-1/2 lbs weight in a very short time. The pelts are most attractive and the black Tan is the only pelt that retains its black color and luster. Other black pelts turn a deep sepia or brown after death.

The Tan rabbit falls into the medium class of fancy breeds, maturing between 4 - 6 pounds at six months of age. They are shown in four classes: senior bucks, senior does, and junior bucks and junior does. They are considered juniors up to the age of six months.

Angora Rabbit

I do not know exactly when the first time Angora rabbit was shipped to Indonesia. However, this rabbits are highly favored by Indonesian people. I believe this rabbit was first brought to Indonesia in the 1980's by the Government of Indonesia not by the Indonesian breeder. In Indonesia, this rabbit is not developed as a wool producer but as a house pet because of their gentle nature.

History of Angora Rabbit

There is much controversy regarding the story of the Angora rabbit, however according to generally accepted theory, angoras date back to the early 18th century, around 1723. As the story goes, there were some sightseeing sailors who pulled into a Turkish port called Angora, now known as Ankara . It was in this town where they saw native women wearing very beautiful shawls that were like no other that they had seen. The fineness and silkiness quite surpassed the shawls in their country of France . They inquired about the fine wool in the shawls and much to their surprise found it to be from the Angora rabbit. Thus the sailors secured some of the rabbits to take back to France .

Some French authorities dispute the claim of Turkish origin of the Angora rabbit, claiming they were the first to record Angora rabbits. The French point to the Encyclopedia of 1765 for substantiating data to this effect. The French believe the Angora rabbit had been concurrently produced in various rabbit breeding countries, France among them. The French insisted the long, silky coats due to the proper conditions for growth. This theory seems to be born out by Mégnin’s report on asses kept in the coal mines of France without ever seeing daylight. It was in the coal mines where these animals grew very long, silky coats in the sultry darkness. With this in mind, it is interesting why animals working in a hot atmosphere should develop a long coat. Does nature provide them as insulation against heat as it does against cold? At any rate, the French without a doubt are given credit for seeing the commercial possibilities of the Angora wool into yarn. France was not the only country to visualize the possibilities of this excellent fiber. England very shortly followed suit. England probably did the most transporting of the Angoras to other countries including Germany, Spain, Japan , and various European countries.
It was probably not until around 1900 that there were any Angora rabbits in the United States and those were by fanciers or people interested in showing the animals. Records regarding commercialization in the United States dates around 1925 or 1930. While there are very few commercial wool industries in the United States, many individuals maintain small herds of Angoras for wool production and exhibition. However, as yet there is no substitute for Angora —the fiber known as the Aristocrat of wools.

New Zealand Rabbit

New Zealand Black

New Zealand Red

New Zealand White

The New Zealand rabbit was one of the first breeds specifically developed for meat purposes and is considered the first utility breed developed in America. In the United States, all New Zealands belong to one classification. In other parts of the world, the New Zealand red is considered a separate breed from the New Zealand white. The New Zealand black and New Zealand blue are considered part of the New Zealand white category.

Though there was some early controversy about the origin of the New Zealand, it is now accepted that the breed developed as a cross between Flemish giants and Belgian hares. The name of the New Zealand may be based on earlier thoughts that the breed was developed from rabbits imported from New Zealand in the early 1900s.

The New Zealand red and New Zealand white are the most popular meat-producing breeds in the world but also are popular pets. In the 1960s, the New Zealand black was developed as a mutation of the New Zealand white. Later, another color variety, the New Zealand blue, was developed.

Appearance
The New Zealand is a large rabbit weighing about 9 to 12 pounds. The ears are erect with a rounded tip. The coat color varies from red to white, black or blue and the hair is coarse. Since the New Zealand is a meat breed, the hips tend to be well developed.

Health Concerns

As with other rabbits, New Zealands do not do well in high or low temperatures. They are prone to hairball obstructions and matted coats if not cared for properly. Rabbits need daily grooming to remove loose hair. Other health concerns include earmites, Pasteurella, respiratory disease, dental problems, urinary bladder stones and fractured backs. Be quick to notice any changes in diet or litter box habits and contact a rabbit veterinarian immediately.

The average life span of a breeding New Zealand rabbit is five to six years. By spaying or neutering early in life, you can increase their life expectancy to around 10 years.

In Indonesia, this rabbit is also well known. However, among all varieties of color, The New Zealand White is the most famous in Indonesia.