Jersey Wooly

1 Jersey Wooly Breed Overview

The Jersey Wooly is a pet rabbit breed, a new variety produced by crossing the Angora rabbit with the dwarf rabbit. Recognized by the ARBA in 1988, it is gentle and cute, very suitable for children. The breed was introduced by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1984 and recognized in 1988, among the newest recognized breeds. Its name comes from the breeder’s home state of New Jersey.

2 Physical Characteristics of the Jersey Wooly

Jersey Wooly (details)

The Jersey Wooly, also transliterated as Jesse Wooly, is a typical pet rabbit breed: small, light, with upright ears and long wool that does not tangle easily, making it easy to manage.

I. Physical Features of the Jersey Wooly

Adult weight is about 1.6 kg (show class 1.4 kg). The body is short and compact, with height equal to width; the shoulders slightly narrower than the hips; the loin-to-rump muscles full and round. Long wool grows along the lower jaw like whiskers. The fur from ear root to eye is longer than on the face. The ideal fur length is about 5–8 cm. Though longer than other breeds, the Jersey Wooly’s wool does not mat, making it easy to keep.

II. The Standard Jersey Wooly

Body short and round. Head large and round, with some long wool around it. Ideal ear length about 6 cm, round eyes. Dense, abundant wool. Ideal length 5–7.5 cm. Does not mat, easy to manage. Weight should be 1–1.5 kg.

III. The Substandard Jersey Wooly

Body long and slender, long thin face, sparse ear wool, wool that forms mats. Ears over 7.5 cm, with fur at the ear tip shorter than 4 cm.

3 Jersey Wooly Care Tips

Jersey Wooly (details)

The Jersey Wooly is a fairly easy pet rabbit to keep. Generally, with reasonable food and correct care methods you can raise it well. Properly kept, its lifespan is usually about 8 years.

I. How to Raise the Jersey Wooly

Wool management differs from the American Fuzzy Lop and is easy. Nutritionally, feed foods rich in hair-building components. For protein, aim for about 17%. Because the wool on the feet and rump is long, avoid urine soaking the fur; groom often. Note on the living space: it often eats its own fur, so supply plenty of hay.

II. Key Management Points for the Jersey Wooly

This breed’s small size and light, fluffy wool are its charm. The wool is about 5–7 cm; though a long-wool breed, because it does not mat, daily grooming is not too hard. But because the foot and rump wool is long and easily soiled with urine, owners must pay extra attention to cleaning.

4 Jersey Wooly Living Environment

Jersey Wooly (details)

The Jersey Wooly is a long-wool breed, so it easily suffers heatstroke in summer, yet long time in air conditioning easily causes chills. Choosing a suitable environment helps it stay healthy through the hot summer.

One trait is fear of heat; high summer temperatures hinder growth. So summer management focuses on cooling and heat prevention. Outdoor cages need shade from awnings or planted trees and melons. Indoor cages need ventilation and fans. When room temperature exceeds 35°C, splash cool water on the cage floor to cool it; place a bowl of cool water in the cage for both cooling and drinking, changing it regularly. Sweep often, keep clean, wash floor and cage base to reduce pathogens, prevent sour feed and contaminated utensils.

Keepers without conditions should avoid breeding during the hottest period. In hot seasons shear the whole coat once, keeping it short through the heat to prevent heatstroke.

Summer feed should be mainly green, with appropriate extra concentrate and roughage. Feed early in the morning and late in the evening, when it is cool and the rabbit eats better; add 2% light salt water to maintain nutrition and acid-base balance.

5 Jersey Wooly Feeding Guidelines

Trace elements, multiple vitamins, methionine, lysine, cystine, tryptophan, leucine, colistin, flavomycin, antioxidants, efficient anti-mold agents, langxiangsu, sodium cyclamate, yeast powder, folic acid, dihydropyridine, calcium hydrogen phosphate, baking soda, enzyme-producing probiotics, mycotoxin adsorbents, anhydrous copper sulfate, ferrous sulfate monohydrate, zinc sulfate monohydrate, manganese sulfate monohydrate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, and so on. Their main functions are as follows.