Characteristics of the Jersey Wooly Rabbit

If you are looking for a low-maintenance exotic pet, a small domestic rabbit is a good choice. Jersey wooly rabbits can make nice house pets and be easily contained in a cage when home alone, leaving no mess to pick up around your house.

  1. Physical Characteristics

    • Jersey wooly rabbits are a cross-breed between the long-haired French Angora rabbit and the pint-sized Netherland dwarf rabbits. The breed has become popular for those wanting a contained house pet. Although all their fur makes the rabbits appear larger, they generally weigh in at only 3.5 pounds, according to Pet Healthz. Long ears that stand up are characteristic for the Jersey wooly, but often the ears are uneven.

    Considerations

    • Jersey woolies generally make good pets. They are even-tempered animals and like being held and rubbed. But because of their small size and bone structure, they require gentle handling, meaning they may not make the best pet for small children. These rabbits need room to exercise to keep in good health. It is recommended they have a cage at least 4 feet in diameter. You can also let these animals out to run inside the house with supervision, but they have a tendency to chew on things if left unattended.

    Diet and Care

    • Like many domestic rabbits, the Jersey wooly lives primarily on a diet of timothy hay --- a special blend for small animals found in pet stores. Liquid supplements should be added daily to the water for optimum health. You can also feed your Jersey wooly small pieces of carrots and apple, but only in moderation. Because of the rabbit's long fur, it is necessary to keep your pet groomed with a small pet brush in order to avoid matting. Since the rabbits are small and do not adjust well to temperature changes, they do best in an indoor, climate-controlled environment.

    Health Issues

    • The average life span for these animals is between three and five years. But there are some health-related issues to look for. Rabbits, like cats, are prone to ear mites. If your rabbit is constantly shaking or scratching its head, look for signs of mites --- usually small red specks. You can usually find medication for this either at your veterinarian office or a pet store. Also watch for bladder stones. If the animal has trouble urinating, it may need an exam by an exotic vet.