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.
Are Blanc de Hotot rabbits suitable as pets?
The Hotot rabbit has a beautiful white coat with black rings around the eyes. They’re also gentle and docile, making them ideal pets. Endangered. Blanc de Hotots are a very uncommon and endangered breed.
What is the most peaceful rabbit breed?
The Rex Rabbit is the calmest pet rabbit breed. This rabbit is quite gentle and relaxed back, making him a favorite of small children. They don’t mind sitting on the couch and taking pets from their parents and human siblings. Its coat is shorter and denser than that of other breeds.
What kind of rabbits may be found in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, rabbits are bred. The most prevalent rabbit breeds are Dutch Whites, Californians, Sables, New Zealand Blacks, and Angoras. In the Philippines, several rabbits are available, including Dutch bunnies, dwarf variants, and Rex rabbits.
What is the most frequent rabbit breed in the Philippines?
The most popular breed in the Philippines is termed “New Zealand rabbit,” albeit this is a genericized moniker for locally produced rabbits of various stocks brought in during World War II, not necessarily a purebred New Zealand rabbit.
Which rabbit breed is ideal for beginners?
Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Dutch, and Polish are other popular breeds for new pet rabbit owners. All four are little breeds with soft personalities. Having said that, all domestic rabbits have the potential to be terrific pets.
Which rabbit breed is the friendliest?
Himalayan rabbits are one of the greatest alternatives for youngsters among the various breeds. They are known for being easygoing, kind, sociable, and inquisitive. They have a lovely look and like cuddling; they are rarely known to bite or scratch.
What is the cutest rabbit in the planet?
Yet there is one rabbit that is regarded “scientifically cute” – the pygmy rabbit, the world’s tiniest bunny.
Is it preferable to have a boy or a female rabbit?
Male rabbits, on average, are better pets since they desire attention and engage more with their owners. They are less complicated than females since their personalities are calmer rather than intense. Many owners who are considering keeping a rabbit for the first time are recommended to start with a male.
Hotot rabbits are they friendly?
Temperament might range from extroverted to grumpy, but they are generally amiable rabbits who do well as pets. Dwarf Hotot Bunnies are gregarious, sociable, and active. They make excellent companions as well as emotional support animals.
What is harmful to bunnies?
Buttercups, foxgloves, primrose, delphiniums/larkspur, columbine (aquilegia), hellebore, comfrey, poppy, periwinkle, monkshood, rhubarb, nightshade, ivy, privet, holly, and yew are all poisonous garden plants.