The Background Of The Britannia Petite
The American Britannia Petite originated in England and is known there as the Polish. When they were brought to the United States and accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association, they were given the name Britannia Petites as there was already a recognized breed known by the name Polish. In England, colored Petites have been shown with the Ruby Eyed Whites for many years. Originally, the American Rabbit Breeders Association only recognized the Ruby Eyed White, but since that time has accepted the Black Otter, Chestnut Agouti, Black, and Sable Marten. Many dedicated breeders are working hard to insure that the Britannia Petites become a strong influence in the rabbit world.
The Britannia Petites are a very old breed, and at one time they were near the point of extinction, but a few determined breeders were able to save these sprightly little rabbits. The Britannia Petites were once a much larger animal than they are now. The ideal weight of the Britannia Petite is about 2 1/4 pounds, when fully grown. They are one of the smallest breeds of domestic rabbits.
The Britannia Petites are upright little showoffs. With patience and proper handling, a judge experienced in handling Britannia Petites should be able to get the animal to pose naturally. However, after woking with them and giving them the opportunity to show themselves in an upright pose, they should be mildly faulted if they fail to do so. Because tey are an active rabbit by nature, they do not require much prodding to show themselves off. They require a lot of handling and table training to ready them for show presentation. A commitment of time and patience is required to guide one of these lovely animals to show themselves off to their best advantage.
One of the first thing you hear about the Britannia Petite is "How pretty, but aren't they mean little rabbits?". They have earned somewhat of an unjust reputation from few of the wild and seldom handled specimens being shown. The Britannia Petite is a naturally high strung animal that is very lively and intellegent. Consequently, they require a petient attitude on your part to succesfully work with them. A responsive and interacting relationship is a must if you want to enjoy this active little rabbit.
When does are in heat, and ready to breed, they can become very aggressive, as can bucks intent on breeding. Most new mothers are very protective of their young and resent intrusions, especially from a stranger. This is a common practice for most breeds of domestic rabbits, but the high strung nature of the Britannia Petites with their quickness and agility can sometimes require special attention in order to perform your usuall cage duties. A small treat will sometimes distract the doe temporarily, allowing you to check the nest quietly and easily.
Young Brittania Petites, with careful handling, and a reasurring tone of voice soon become very responsive to your wishes. They have an abundance of energy, which when redirected properly shoild allow you to handle them without fear for your fingers. In short, treat them right and you will reap the reward of having a unique little rabbit that is awed by most who see them. Once they become used to your handling, the may be trained to assume the show pose. This requires patience and repetitive replacement for short periods of time every day. Praise them when they do well and sson they will eagerly perform for you.
Housing for the Britannia Petite doesn't need to be overly large or extravagant. If kept in an ideal size cage, they can easily be startled, sometimes resulting in injury. The ideal size cage for does is about 18" W X 24" L X 14" H, and for bucks is about 18" L X 18" W X 14" H. They seem to feel more secure in a smaller cage. If you get floor wire that is 1/2" X 1/2" instead of the standard 1/2" X 1", the baby Briatannia Petites have less trouble moving around in the cage, and being so tiny, they could even break a leg if they get startled. Some breeders use solid botton cages, constructed of wood, but you should consider one very important factor, cage cleaning. If you use wooden bottoms you have a lot more cleaning to do.
Feed requirements are the same as most other domestic rabbits as quality of feed is very important. They do well on rabbit pellets, oats, and hay. Using 1/3 to 1/2 measuring cup of pellets a day should be adequate, and adjust it accordingly to each individual rabbit, more if its a doe with a litter. Of course they do a little better with a variety of treats such as alfalfa cubes, shredded wheat biscuits, cherios, dry toast, carrots, green leafy vegetables, etc. Be very careful when giving them treats as changes in their diet can cause digestive upsets. Plenty of fresh water is a mandatory requirement with any breed of rabbit.
The Britannia Petites are fascinating little rabbits which provide an interesting challenge. Sleek and stylish, independant and alert, they are truly a "fancier's fancy", deserving the title the "Elite of the Fancy". Britannia Petites are not for everyone, but with perseverance, and patience, they will reward your time and effort, providing you with an eye catching show animal. Watching this little rabbit respond to your training and handling is well woth it. It is truly a sight to see when you have a Britannia Petite hold the show pose as if it were a statue.
The Britannia Petites are a very old breed, and at one time they were near the point of extinction, but a few determined breeders were able to save these sprightly little rabbits. The Britannia Petites were once a much larger animal than they are now. The ideal weight of the Britannia Petite is about 2 1/4 pounds, when fully grown. They are one of the smallest breeds of domestic rabbits.
The Britannia Petites are upright little showoffs. With patience and proper handling, a judge experienced in handling Britannia Petites should be able to get the animal to pose naturally. However, after woking with them and giving them the opportunity to show themselves in an upright pose, they should be mildly faulted if they fail to do so. Because tey are an active rabbit by nature, they do not require much prodding to show themselves off. They require a lot of handling and table training to ready them for show presentation. A commitment of time and patience is required to guide one of these lovely animals to show themselves off to their best advantage.
One of the first thing you hear about the Britannia Petite is "How pretty, but aren't they mean little rabbits?". They have earned somewhat of an unjust reputation from few of the wild and seldom handled specimens being shown. The Britannia Petite is a naturally high strung animal that is very lively and intellegent. Consequently, they require a petient attitude on your part to succesfully work with them. A responsive and interacting relationship is a must if you want to enjoy this active little rabbit.
When does are in heat, and ready to breed, they can become very aggressive, as can bucks intent on breeding. Most new mothers are very protective of their young and resent intrusions, especially from a stranger. This is a common practice for most breeds of domestic rabbits, but the high strung nature of the Britannia Petites with their quickness and agility can sometimes require special attention in order to perform your usuall cage duties. A small treat will sometimes distract the doe temporarily, allowing you to check the nest quietly and easily.
Young Brittania Petites, with careful handling, and a reasurring tone of voice soon become very responsive to your wishes. They have an abundance of energy, which when redirected properly shoild allow you to handle them without fear for your fingers. In short, treat them right and you will reap the reward of having a unique little rabbit that is awed by most who see them. Once they become used to your handling, the may be trained to assume the show pose. This requires patience and repetitive replacement for short periods of time every day. Praise them when they do well and sson they will eagerly perform for you.
Housing for the Britannia Petite doesn't need to be overly large or extravagant. If kept in an ideal size cage, they can easily be startled, sometimes resulting in injury. The ideal size cage for does is about 18" W X 24" L X 14" H, and for bucks is about 18" L X 18" W X 14" H. They seem to feel more secure in a smaller cage. If you get floor wire that is 1/2" X 1/2" instead of the standard 1/2" X 1", the baby Briatannia Petites have less trouble moving around in the cage, and being so tiny, they could even break a leg if they get startled. Some breeders use solid botton cages, constructed of wood, but you should consider one very important factor, cage cleaning. If you use wooden bottoms you have a lot more cleaning to do.
Feed requirements are the same as most other domestic rabbits as quality of feed is very important. They do well on rabbit pellets, oats, and hay. Using 1/3 to 1/2 measuring cup of pellets a day should be adequate, and adjust it accordingly to each individual rabbit, more if its a doe with a litter. Of course they do a little better with a variety of treats such as alfalfa cubes, shredded wheat biscuits, cherios, dry toast, carrots, green leafy vegetables, etc. Be very careful when giving them treats as changes in their diet can cause digestive upsets. Plenty of fresh water is a mandatory requirement with any breed of rabbit.
The Britannia Petites are fascinating little rabbits which provide an interesting challenge. Sleek and stylish, independant and alert, they are truly a "fancier's fancy", deserving the title the "Elite of the Fancy". Britannia Petites are not for everyone, but with perseverance, and patience, they will reward your time and effort, providing you with an eye catching show animal. Watching this little rabbit respond to your training and handling is well woth it. It is truly a sight to see when you have a Britannia Petite hold the show pose as if it were a statue.