Blanc de Hotot Rabbit: Facts and Care Guide

Blanc de Hotot is the name of the Blanc de Hotot rabbit. These rabbits were created in Hotot-en-Auge in Normandy, France. Their name roughly means “Hotot White.” They are white with a distinct black circle around the eyes.

Eugenie Bernhard is the one who bred the Blanc de Hotot rabbits in 1902. She also produced the first Blanc de Hotot rabbits in 1912. They were introduced to North America and Europe in the 1920s, but they are now endangered.

Here are some quick facts about the Blanc de Hotot Rabbit

Species Name:	Blanc de Hotot
Family:	Leporidae
Care Level	Medium
Temperament:	Sweet-natured, sweet-natured, and energetic.
Color Form:	Black bands around the eyes in white
Lifespan:	7-10 Years
Size:	Medium to large – 8-11 lbs
Diet:	Hay, fruit, vegetables, pellets
Minimum Cage Size:	4 square feet per rabbit

Blanc de Hotot Rabbit Overview

Eugenie Bernhard created the Blanc de Hotot (pronounced Blonk deh O’toe). She crossed the Papillon and White Flemish Giant and White Vienna bunny breeds. In 1920, she began showing Blanc de Hotot. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), first recognized these rabbits as a breed in 1922. They were then recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1979.

Although the Blanc de Hotot was originally bred for her meat and fur, she is also a wonderful family pet. The Livestock Conservancy has declared them a critically endangered species. This means that there are less than 50 annual registrations for this species in the United States, and fewer than 500 worldwide.

The Blanc de Hotot rabbit is a strong and friendly pet that will thrive with your attention. They are able to sense and smell the world with great hearing, eyesight, & smell. This gives them an excellent survival instinct. They can live up to 10 years, sometimes even longer.

What Does Blanc de Hotot Rabbits Cost?

The Blanc de Hotot rabbit is a rare species and you will pay more than the common rabbits for it. These rabbits are available for as low as $50 or up to $150 at the time of writing.

You can contact a breeder to find one, such as the Hotot Rabbit Breeders International site. You can also find a variety of Facebook pages dedicated to this breed.

The Typical Behavior and Temperament

The Blanc de Hotot rabbit is friendly and affectionate. It’s a wonderful pet for seniors and single people alike. As long as they are loved and given lots of love, they will be calm and affectionate. They are lively and energetic rabbits, which you can manage easily.

Appearance and Varieties

The Blanc de Hotot is distinguished by its white rollback fur, which means that the fur rolls back when you stroke it from the backside. The black border around the eyes is typically 1/16 to 1/8 inch in width. The eyes are dark brown with black eyelashes. The fur is soft and thick with long guard hairs, which give it a lovely silvery sheen. The male can weigh in at around 10 pounds, while the female can weigh in at about 11 pounds.

The Dwarf Hotot is one of these breeds. It was created by crossing the Blanc de Hotot and the Netherland Dwarf in Germany. They look almost identical to the Blanc de Hotot, except they weigh in at 2.25-3 pounds.

How to Care for Blanc de Hotot Rabbits

Habitat, Cage Conditions, and Setup

Cage

Blanc de Hotot is a medium-sized to the large rabbit. She will need a cage at least 4 feet in size and a height of at least 14 inches. They are comfortable in wire cages and can thrive outside as long as it is mild. Keep the cage high and dry to keep predators and inclement weather out. If you live in extreme weather, an enclosure can be used.

Bedding

The ARBA states that bedding should not be used in wire-bottom cages. However, straw and hay can be used, especially for rabbits who are outside in colder weather. Wood chips, straws, or wood shavings can be used if the cage has a solid bottom. Avoid cedar chips, as they can cause respiratory problems in rabbits.

Environment Conditions

Most rabbits can tolerate temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees F. However, they will not tolerate temperatures higher than 85 degrees F. Your Blanc de Hotot should be provided with shade and protected from the elements. If your rabbit is kept in an enclosed area that doesn’t have natural light, artificial lighting will only be required. If this is the situation, artificial lighting will need to replicate the natural day/night cycles.

Cleaning the cage

You should change your bedding at least once a week. Wire bottom cages must be cleaned of any fecal matter or hair. To eliminate bacteria and mold from the cage, use a sanitizing agent.

Are Blanc de Hotot Rabbits compatible with other pets?

Blanc de Hotot is a gentle pet who would be at home in a house with no other pets. She will bond well with other pets if she is raised alongside them. Your Blanc de Hotot will be able to get along with other rabbits very well.

It is important to do your research before you introduce a new animal to your rabbit. This will require patience and time. Common pets such as dogs, cats, and ferrets are natural predators of rabbits. Expect a lengthy introductory period and close supervision.

What to feed your Blanc de Hotot Rabbit

High-quality grass hay is the best thing for Blanc de Hotot. Your rabbit should consume about 80% of its diet from fresh grass, which includes grass hay (Timothy and oaten, wheaten as well as pasture, meadow, ryegrass, and paddock). Avoid clover and Lucerne (alfalfa), hays, as they can cause urinary stones.

Blanc de Hotot pellets can be given to your rabbit as an additional treat or supplement to their hay. When choosing pellets for your rabbit, you should consider their age and weight. Also, make sure you check the expiry dates to ensure that the product is not older than six months.

Endive, spinach leaves, and broccoli should account for between 10-20% of your diet. a maximum of 1 tablespoon of pellets per day.

It is recommended that you only feed your rabbit once per day. However, they must have access to clean water all the time. Make sure you check the water daily to make sure it is not contaminated. Also, keep the food and water containers clean.

Keeping Your Blanc de Hotot Rabbit Healthy

Overgrown teeth are a major concern for Blanc de Hotot. Every year, your rabbit’s teeth should be checked by a veterinarian who is familiar with rabbits. Extra chewing can be aided by giving your rabbit hay and leafy greens.

Watch out for signs and symptoms of dental disease.

• Drooling has increased
• The jaws swelling
• Eye discharge
• Eating habits that are restrictive or cause a loss of appetite

If you notice any of these symptoms, take your Blanc de Hotot to a vet. You should also keep an eye out for ear mites as rabbits are more susceptible to them.

To give your rabbit the chance to bond with you and your family, it is important to take her out of her cage each day. You should allow her to roam for at least 4-5 hours each day. However, you must make sure that she is safe in any area she’s allowed to run.

Grooming your rabbit involves trimming her nails and brushing when she sheds.

Breeding

Blanc de Hotots can be great mothers and can begin breeding as early as 8 months old. You can either breed in a neutral area or take the female to the male’s enclosure. The average pregnancy lasts between 28 and 32 days. You will need to create a nest box for the pregnant female (large enough to allow her to turn around in).

They produce good-sized litters and should be weaned between 6-8 weeks old. They mature at 12 weeks. A female can have up to five liters per year.

Are Blanc de Hotot Rabbits Suitable For You?

The Blanc de Hotot is a great pet for any family, single or elderly. You can take them outside with you on a harness so they can explore a portion of their world. They are calm and affectionate. It will take patience to train Blanc de Hotot, especially if you have to introduce her to another pet. You should make sure she has a happy home and that you spend time with her. You could have a sweet and adorable rabbit to call your friend and companion.