At this time, there are exactly fifty unique breeds recognized by the ARBA. What differentiates Mini Lops from the rest is a blend of both extrinsic characteristics--the specific attributes of the breed like size, weight, and type--and intrinsic characteristics--their personality and energy-level.
Hi! Welcome to The Reality of Rabbits. I am a teen rabbit breeder who wants to share her experiences with other new rabbit owners or beginning breeders. As a pet owner, I’ve had four pet rabbits. I have had many interesting experiences with my rabbits. From one pet rabbit somehow eating through my video game … Continue reading Inspiration for the Reality of Rabbits blog
The broken locus has two possible genes: the incompletely dominant broken gene, referred to as ‘En,’ or the recessive, solid gene, notated as ‘en.’ This locus determines whether the fur color is expressed over the whole coat or not. QCR's Wren The ‘en’ solid gene has no impact on coat color expression. It causes the … Continue reading Broken Locus
Before exploring the wonderful world of genetics, it is important to understand some common terms. Below I have compiled a list of simple terminology to be familiar with before further reading. Dominant: When used in connection with genetics, Dominant refers to a gene that overrides any other gene in the allele, preventing those characteristics from … Continue reading Genetic Terminology
You've successfully bred your prize buck and doe, provided a warm, cozy nestbox and safely made it through kindling. Your babies have safely transitioned from the nestbox and are now hopping around the cage and nibbling on their momma's food. What's next? It's time to begin the process of weaning. Weaning Defined Around three to … Continue reading The Transition to Independence: A Rabbit Breeders Guide to Weaning
The Extension Locus (E Locus for short) influences how much color pigment is on the shaft. Unlike the B Locus and D Locus, the Extension Locus controls how much pheomelanin (red pigment) is produced on the hair shaft. There are four variations on the E allele, but the intensity of each of these variations’ hues … Continue reading Extension (E) Locus
Commonly identified as the D Locus, the Dense or Dilute Locus controls the density of the pigment in each fur strand. Although it alone does not control color, it works with the B Locus to give the four distinctive base colors known to rabbits: black, chocolate, blue, and lilac. A simple locus, there are only … Continue reading The D Locus
The C Locus, technically referred to as the Color Locus. Rabbits have two kinds of pigment in their fur color: phaeomelanin, which causes red and orange shades, and eumelanin, which causes the black and brown shades. The C Locus determines how much color pigment is expressed on the hair shaft. Ranging from all color (‘C’) … Continue reading C Locus: Color Genetics
One of the simplest Loci, the Black Locus, or B Locus, controls the whether the fur is black or chocolate based and there are only has two different genes: B for black and b for brown. There are only three possible pairs that a rabbit could carry: BB, Bb, or bb. The 'B' or Black … Continue reading B Locus: Rabbit Color Genetics
The Agouti Locus, more commonly known as the A Locus, has three distinctly different genes, ‘A,’ ‘a(t),’ and ‘a,’ that control the placement of color on the hair shaft. The A Locus does not determine color, but instead dictates pattern. Agouti 'A' Gene Most dominant gene in the A LocusCreates bands of color on the … Continue reading Rabbit Fur Colors: A Locus
Genes determine what every animal or human looks like. They cause the differences between a Golden Retriever and a Maltipoo or a Mini Lop and Lionhead. In a limited sense, DNA is like a computer code for the body that instructs the cells how to function. In rabbits, just as in other creatures, some genes … Continue reading Rabbit Fur Color Genetics
Want to bake your bunny a special treat? This ridiculously easy and quick yummy carrot cookie recipe is the perfect way provide your rabbit with a safe and tasty treat that is guaranteed to be free of any chemicals or preservatives. These cookies are perfect for celebrating your bunnies gotcha day, using as a reward … Continue reading Easy Rabbit Carrot Cookie Treats
Queen City Rabbitry 