Ever heard of a Jersey Wooly rabbit? If not, you’re about to fall in love. This tiny rabbit breed is the result of breeding the French Angora with the Netherland Dwarf (two very cute and lovable bunnies in their own right).
And of course, ‘wooly’ by name, ‘wooly’ by reputation. The Jersey Wooly is one of the furriest of rabbit breeds, and enjoy a luxuriously soft coat which makes them hugely attractive to potential rabbit-owners.
This is thanks to the French Angora gene.
However, the smaller size is due to the Netherland Dwarf gene (who would’ve guessed?), so they don’t grow anywhere near as large as your typical French Angora rabbit, Not to mention when it comes to rabbit breeds their relaxed personality is appealing to households with young children.
Having said that, boisterous children can be at risk of being too rough with your rabbits, so, if you do decide to go ahead and bring a Jersey Wooly to your home, it’s best to brief your children on correct handling the first time they’re introduced to their new fluffy housemate.
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The Origin Story
Though it’s uncertain as to why the Jersey Wooly rabbit was originally developed as a rabbit breed, it’s often assumed that they were created as show rabbits. Their thick, fluffy fur makes them super adorable to hold and play with, and especially photogenic for rabbit shows.
How Much Does a Jersey Wooly Rabbit Cost?
If your budget can stretch to around $50, you could pick up a Jersey Wooly rabbit today. Assuming you’ve done all the right preparation, of course (more about that later!). However, the cost of the rabbit itself is less important than the cost of the upkeep. You have to consider the fact you’ll have another (albeit rather small) mouth to feed, in addition to pet bills, bedding, and treats.
Check With a Good Breeder
Most rabbit breeders will give you good advice on Jersey Wooly rabbit care when you go and talk to them, so you can brush up on your bunny knowledge then.
How long do Jersey Wooly rabbits live?
As far as bunny breeds go, the Jersey Wooly rabbits live for rather a long time. With proper care and regular veterinarian attention, you can expect your Jersey Wooly rabbit to live around 7 – 10 years! So, bear in mind you’ll be in it for the long run. In comparison, lop-eared rabbits live around 5 – 6 years. Either way, rabbits are a commitment, and you must be prepared to look after them for their whole lives.
Are Jersey Wooly rabbits good pets?
Simply put, Jersey Wooly rabbits make excellent pets. For starters, they’re affectionately known as the ‘no kick’ bunny, which says a lot about their easy-going, nonviolent temperament. Another cute nickname for Jersey Woolies is ‘mug head’, thanks to their square, sparsely hirsute heads. They’re renowned for their placid and friendly temperament, which makes them wonderful for family homes, or homes with young children and babies.
Space-Saving Bunnies:
Plus, if space is an issue in your household, a Jersey Wooly rabbit is a brilliant choice. Although they have a lot of fur (and we mean a lot), their body type dictates that their actual body weight generally won’t reach more than 3lb (or 1.36kg). Their ears are quite small and stand upright, measuring at around 2.5 inches long. So, they won’t need a huge hutch.
However, they do need to be kept inside. So, be sure you’ve got a spare corner that’s free to place your Jersey Wooly rabbits home. These rabbits need to run around outside, too, so consider whether you have the time to accompany them on some outdoor adventures on a regular basis.
When they’re chilling inside with you, feel free to hold your Jersey Wooly rabbit on your lap. These rabbits love attention, and will happily sit on your lap every day for lots of cuddles and kisses!
How to Look After Your Jersey Wooly Rabbit’s Fur
When it comes to grooming, Jersey Wooly rabbits are pleasantly easy to care for, too. Their thick fur will need properly brushing around once a week throughout non-shedding seasons, and more often in shedding seasons (usually Spring and Autumn, and once at around 5 months old to shed their baby coat). Unlike their genetic contributors, the Angora rabbit, Jersey Wooly rabbits do not need their fur trimmed or clipped, which is great for saving both time and money at the groomers!
What To Do If They Get Grubby
If you do notice your Jersey Wooly rabbit is looking a bit on the scruffy side, simply spot clean them with a damp cloth. Never try to give them a full bath, as this causes rabbits a lot of stress and can actually lead to cardiac arrest. So, as much as you might enjoy a long, hot bubble bath, remember that these dwarf rabbits can think of nothing worse!
What Colors Are Jersey Woolies?
According to ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association), there are 6 recognized color groups of Jersey Woolies. So, you’re bound to find a Jersey Wooly in your favorite color! So, these groups are categorized as follows:
The Broken Group
Any variety including white.
The Agouti Group
Squirrel, opal, chinchilla, chestnut.
The Self Group
Blue, black, chocolate, lilac, BEW (blue-eyed white), REW (red-eyed white).
The Tan Pattern Group
Blue otter, black otter, smoke pearl marten, sable marten, black silver marten, blue silver marten, chocolate silver marten, and lilac silver marten.
The Shaded Group
Tortoiseshell, blue tortoiseshell, sable point, seal, Siamese sable, and smoke pearl.
AOV (Any Other Variety) Group
Pointed white black and pointed white blue.
Looking After The Health of Your Jersey Wooly
Like any rabbit (or any pet, come to that) it’s best that you take him or her for regular veterinarian checkups. One potential health risk of the Jersey Wooly rabbit is what’s known as ‘wool block’. This is common in many rabbit breeds, particularly those with long fur like the Jersey Wooly rabbit. While they’re not in the highest risk category, it’s certainly something to look out for.
So, What Is Wool Block?
Wool block is the term used when your rabbit develops a build-up of fur in their digestive tract. Naturally, this can cause some awful health issues, including fatal choking. This is because rabbits are ultra-clean, and love to lick their fur to keep it spick and span (much like cats!). However, unlike their feline counterparts, rabbits are unable to regurgitate the fur that builds up in their throats (um, furball, anyone?).
While choking is an issue, the real risk lies in your rabbit’s stomach. A build-up of fur can make them feel like they’ve overeaten, leading them to refrain from their food and (don’t read if you’re squirmish) eventually starve. Yes, this is a terrible risk and one that you must be vigilant of if you decide to go ahead and get yourself s Jersey Wooly rabbit.
Although, it’s not all doom and gloom: You can look for signs of wool block easily. Simply observe whether your rabbit is eating normally (if they’re not, this could be a sign), reduced rabbit droppings, and take note if your rabbit becomes more lethargic than usual. If you notice all or any of these signs, take your Jersey Wooly to your local vets as soon as possible.
Tackle Those Worms
Again, like other breeds, you should de-worm your Jersey Wooly rabbit twice a year. Take care to give them a quick once over every few months inside their ears (checking for mites) and their mouths (for in-grown and overgrown teeth). Having said that, regular visits to the vet should clear any of these issues up, should they arise.
How To Prepare For Your Jersey Rabbit’s Arrival
You’ll need to secure an indoor enclosure for your Jersey Wooly to live in. It’ll need to be crafted from wire, with plastic on the bottom onto which you’ll layer his bedding (straw, hay, and wood shavings are all great choices. You can also opt for a combination of the three). Make sure you’ve got a litter box or them to do their business in, too. Keep the litter box separate from their sleeping and eating areas, as rabbits are hygienic folk and don’t like to be dirty!
Size-wise, we’re talking big enough for your bunny to stretch out. Bearing in mind these rabbits are famously compact, that shouldn’t constitute too much! However, you need to make sure they have absolute freedom to move around without feeling at all constricted.
Think About Noise
While it’s great to have your rabbit houses in your main living room, ensure that you consider noise and disturbance factors. For example, if you love to watch TV at full volume, think about the effect this will have on your bunny’s sensitive little ears. Since they’re indoor rabbits, it’s crucial that you enjoy a lifestyle that can easily accommodate having an indoor pet. So, just take care.
Jersey Wooly Rabbit’s Diet
Aside from picking up a good rabbit water bottle from the pet store, you’ll need to stock up on leafy greens, timothy hay, quality rabbit pellets, and a sprinkling of fruits and vegetables. Despite many famous cartoon rabbits being regularly pictured munching on carrots, it’s actually not ideal to feed your bunny fruit and veggies too frequently as they’re very high in sugar. So, stick to roughly 70 percent timothy hay, with the rest made up of pellets and leafy greens. Of course, ensure that the water bottle is always kept topped up with fresh water, too!
What To Avoid
Be aware that some fruits and veggies are actually toxic to your furry friends! Avoid apple and pear seeds at all costs, lest you have to arrange an impromptu bunny funeral.
So, we hope you feel much more clued up on the Jersey Wooly rabbit breed. This show rabbit makes a truly adorable pet, and with the right care and attention, your bunny can be in your life for the next decade, Now that, we like the sound of!
