|
The American
Britannia Petite
Courtesy of Debbie Hilton, editor of The Britannia Petite
Digest
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.
There are 5 showable colors......Black, Black Otter, Chestnut
Agouti, Ruby Eyed White & Sable Marten.
REW was the original color, Warren & Wendy Pocha got the (REW)
Britannia Petite accepted in ARBA in 1977.
Then Rene Goedderz got the following Varieties approved Black
Otters in 1992, Black & Chestnut Agouti in 1995, and Sable Marten in 1997.
Additionally, the Silver Marten Group (Black, Blue, Chocolate
and Lilac), Broken, Blue Eyed White, Himalayan Group (Black, Blue, Chocolate and
Lilac), Opals, Smoke Pearls, and the remainder of the Otter Group (Blue,
Chocolate, & Lilac) are in the process of being presented to the American Rabbit
Breeders Association Standards Committee for their 1st presentation in the
acceptance process. I know of other colors that are being worked on as
well...Blue, Sable, Fawn, Smoke Pearl Marten, Chinchilla, Steel, Lynx, Sable
Point, Orange, Fox, Chocolate, Lilac, Tortoise Shell and the Tan Group (Black,
Blue, Chocolate, Lilac) are all genetically possible...I have produced all of
them personally. 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 dedicated breeders were able
to save these sprightly little rabbits from extinction. The Britannia Petites
were once a much larger animal than they are now. The ideal weight of the
Britannia Petite is 2 1/4 pounds, fully grown. They are one of the smallest
breeds of domestic rabbits.
The Britannia Petites are sprightly upright little show offs.
With patience and proper handling, a judge experienced in handling Britannia
Petites should be able to get the animal to pose naturally. However, after
working with them and giving them the opportunity to show themselves in an
upright pose, they should only be mildly faulted if they fail to do so. Because
they are an active rabbit by nature, they do not require much prodding to show
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 things you hear about the Britannia Petites
is, "how pretty but aren't they mean little rabbits?". They have earned somewhat
of an unjust reputation from a few of the wild and seldom handled specimens
being shown. The Britannia Petite is a naturally high strung animal that is very
lively and very intelligent. Consequently, they require a patient attitude on
your part to successfully work with them. A responsive and interacting
relationship is a must if you want to enjoy this active little rabbit.
When the 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 rabbit, but the high
strung nature of the Britannia Petites with their quickness and agility can
sometimes require special attention in order to perform your usual cage duties.
A small treat sometimes will distract the doe temporarily, allowing you to check
the nest quietly and easily.
Young Britannia Petites, with careful handling and a
reassuring tone of voice soon become very responsive to your wishes. They have
an abundance of energy, which when redirected properly should allow you to be
able to handle them without fear for your fingers. In short treat them right and
you'll reap the reward of having a unique little rabbit that is awed by most who
see them. Once they have become used to your handling, they may be trained to
assume the show pose. This requires patience and repetitive placement for short
periods every day. Praise them when they do well and soon they will eagerly
perform for you.
Housing for the Britannia Petite, doesn't need to be overly
large or extravagant. If kept in a cage too large, they can easily be startled,
sometimes even resulting in injury. I have found the ideal size cage for Does to
be 18" W X 24" D X 14" H . I keep my Bucks in cages 18" D X 18" W X 14" H...they
seem to feel more secure in a smaller cage. I have found that if you can get
floor wire that is 1/2" X 1/2" instead of the standard 1/2" X 1" , the baby
Britannia Petites have less trouble moving around in the cage, and being so tiny
I have seen them break a leg if they get startled. Some breeders use solid
bottom cages, constructed of wood, but you should consider one very important
factor...cage cleaning... if you use wooden bottoms you will have a lot more
cleaning to do.
Feed Requirements are the same as most other domestic rabbits
as quality of feed is very important. I have found 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 it's a
doe with a litter. Of course they do a little better with a variety of treats
such as alfalfa cubes, shredded wheat biscuits, cheerios breakfast cereal, dry
toast, carrots, green leafy vegetables. 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 a fascinating little rabbit which
provide an interesting challenge. Sleek and stylish, independent 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 worth it. It is truly a sight to see when you have a Britannia Petite hold
the show pose as if it were a statue.
|
