Britannia Petite Rabbits

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KC RABBITRYBRITANNIA PETITE RABBITS

INTRODUCTION The Britannia Petite rabbit is a small, lively rabbit, not weighing more than 2 1/2 pounds as Seniors. They originated in England , but they are know there as the "Polish". In 1978 when the American Rabbit Breeders Association accepted them as a breed, we already had a breed called Polish, so the group of breeders renamed them Britannia Petites, originally the only color accepted by ARBA was the Ruby Eyed white, but in 1992 the Black Otter was accepted, in 1995 the Chestnut and Black , and in 1997 the Sable Marten. There are many other varieties not recognized here in the USA, but there some breeders working really hard to get more colors accepted.

"Tia" Black Otter

HOUSING Most breeders recommend these cage sizes below for Britannia Petites. Since this breed startles easy a cage too large may result in injury.

Bucks: 18" W X 18" D X 14"H
Does: 18"W X 24" D X 114"H **wire flooring ideally should be 1/2" X 1/2" it is easier on young rabbits feet and legs**

"Marty"
**Best Opposite Sable Marten**
1999 ARBA National Convention and Show

TRAINING AND SHOWING When getting a Britannia Petite ready for the show table it involves a lot of time and patients, but it is very rewarding! I like to start handling my petites just as they are almost ready to leave the nest box, at first I just handle them, then place them on the table and give them a treat. The next step is touching their ears and under the chin, later I start to pose them immediately upon placing them on the table. There is a couple of different ways, the preferred method is handling them from behind the shoulders. and the other way is under the chin. ( A picture is worth a thousand words= so when I get them I will upgrade keep checking back :) After are session (which should be short but often) I PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE!! This is very important you should talk soft kind words, and give them a treat.. The final test is the show, I have found out it help me to practice posing my rabbits when I first arrive at the show, this way it gives them a chance to get used to the distractions.

"Lora" Chestnut

FEEDING AND CHORES Because the Petite is a high strung rabbit, doing cage duties may be a little tricky some Britannia Petites especially does with litter or in heat and buck intended to breed can become aggressive especially towards strangers. I have found this to be true of any breed, but the quickness of a Britannia petite may suprise you. I feed my Petites anywhere from 1/3 cup to 1/2 cup depending on the rabbit, and fresh water daily. I also whole grain conditioner to my show animals, and alfalfa to all once weekly.. During training my petites just love cheerios, and dry toast.. If a rabbit refuses these treats if give regular it may be a sign that she/he is not well and watched over carefully..