3. 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
4. THE DOMESTICATED
RABBITOryctolagus cuniculus
• Scientific Name:
• 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
5. 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.
6. 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.)
7. 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.
9. 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.
