Jersey Woolies were introduced by Bonnie Seeley of High Bridge, New Jersey at the 1984 American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) Convention in Orlando, Florida. They were recognized by the ARBA in 1988. Today, the Jersey Wooly is one of the most widely-exhibited rabbits at local and national shows in the United States. They are also renowned as highly docile pets.
The Jersey Wooly was developed by crossing the Netherland Dwarf and the French Angora. The result of this cross was a petite rabbit with a wool coat. Their fun furry coats, compact size and docile personalities make them the perfect pet for children.
Appearance and personality: A full grown Jersey Wooly weighs 1 - 1.5 kg (2.5 - 3.5 pounds) with 3 lbs being considered ideal. They have compact body type. The ears are small and erect, standing about 2½ inches long. 3 inch ears are the maximum length allowed for exhibition stock per the ARBA's Standard of Perfection. The head is bold and squarish which led the breed to being affectionately referred to as the "Mug Head". These rabbits are very affectionate and playful. Most Jersey Woolies have very friendly personalities. As pets they range from laid-back lap bunnies to outgoing explorers.
Lifespan: The average life span of a Jersey Wooly can depend on many factors, including genetics and care. It is not uncommon for a Jersey Wooly to live 7-10+ years when properly cared for. There is a common myth that those who have had litters die sooner, but this has not been scientifically proven. Many rabbit breeders have healthy Jersey Woolies who have had multiple litters live just as long as pet Jersey Woolies who have never had babies. It is also believed that neutering and spaying these rabbits will add years to their life span. Without neutering or spaying, rabbits can develop cancer and tumors that are life threatening. A competent, experienced exotics veterinarian is the best way to minimize surgical complications.
Care: Woolies are best groomed using a blower as brushing breaks guard hairs and thins the wool. Jersey Woolies are easily litter box trained with time and patience. The best way to house your rabbit is in your home, preferably in a play pen or a large dog crate. Jersey Wooly rabbits enjoy being cuddled and played with by their owner when held properly, romping in a safe environment outside their habitat, and playing with rabbit-safe toys.
Give your Jersey Wooly dark green veggies (kale and dandelion greens are favorites) or fruit snacks only 1-2 times a week and in small quantities. Always do your homework to make sure the treats you give your bunny are safe. NEVER give your bunny lettuce. Rabbits under 6-months should NOT be given treats. Don't restrict pellet feeds for bunnies under 6-months. Other Woolies should get only about 2-4 oz of food a day. Always ensure your rabbit has cool, clean water every day. Feed Woolies Timothy hay often. Do not use alfalfa hay as it has too much protein and will make your bunny sick.
A Jersey Wooly's coat should be groomed regularly to prevent matting and felting. Shearing the fur is not recommended, as the long guard hairs are part of what makes the coat so maintenance free. Use a wide-toothed comb with rotating teeth like this one to groom your rabbit. If you find mats, pull them apart with your thumb and forefingers into smaller chunks first before your comb them. Pull out loose hair. Slicker brushes are good for the underbody. Try not to over groom - especially the back as you will damage guard hair and lose a lot of density that gives your bunny show points. The best way to groom is blowing with a hair dryer on cool setting or a small shop vacuum set on blow. You will better spot mats and the dust and loose hair will fly away without losing coat density!
Wool Block- Because Jersey Woolies have so much wool, there is a danger of "Wool Block," which is basically a hairball, especially during molting. The problem is that rabbits can't throw up, so it gets larger and larger until it blocks the intestinal tract completely. Feeding hay is the best way to prevent this. Symptoms include listlessness, loss of appetite, and poops strung together with hair and, if left untreated, death. If you catch it early enough, feeding 1/4 of a banana with the peel is one way of treating it. Pineapples or papaya pills are other good options as well.
Handling and petting your rabbit helps you to know their body. If any unusual nodes or masses show themselves, you may be able to get a jump on treatment. Albon can be used to combat these infections. Amoxicillin should never be used as it is fatal to rabbits. Don't be afraid to ask for treatment.
The Jersey Wooly was developed by crossing the Netherland Dwarf and the French Angora. The result of this cross was a petite rabbit with a wool coat. Their fun furry coats, compact size and docile personalities make them the perfect pet for children.
Appearance and personality: A full grown Jersey Wooly weighs 1 - 1.5 kg (2.5 - 3.5 pounds) with 3 lbs being considered ideal. They have compact body type. The ears are small and erect, standing about 2½ inches long. 3 inch ears are the maximum length allowed for exhibition stock per the ARBA's Standard of Perfection. The head is bold and squarish which led the breed to being affectionately referred to as the "Mug Head". These rabbits are very affectionate and playful. Most Jersey Woolies have very friendly personalities. As pets they range from laid-back lap bunnies to outgoing explorers.
Lifespan: The average life span of a Jersey Wooly can depend on many factors, including genetics and care. It is not uncommon for a Jersey Wooly to live 7-10+ years when properly cared for. There is a common myth that those who have had litters die sooner, but this has not been scientifically proven. Many rabbit breeders have healthy Jersey Woolies who have had multiple litters live just as long as pet Jersey Woolies who have never had babies. It is also believed that neutering and spaying these rabbits will add years to their life span. Without neutering or spaying, rabbits can develop cancer and tumors that are life threatening. A competent, experienced exotics veterinarian is the best way to minimize surgical complications.
Care: Woolies are best groomed using a blower as brushing breaks guard hairs and thins the wool. Jersey Woolies are easily litter box trained with time and patience. The best way to house your rabbit is in your home, preferably in a play pen or a large dog crate. Jersey Wooly rabbits enjoy being cuddled and played with by their owner when held properly, romping in a safe environment outside their habitat, and playing with rabbit-safe toys.
Give your Jersey Wooly dark green veggies (kale and dandelion greens are favorites) or fruit snacks only 1-2 times a week and in small quantities. Always do your homework to make sure the treats you give your bunny are safe. NEVER give your bunny lettuce. Rabbits under 6-months should NOT be given treats. Don't restrict pellet feeds for bunnies under 6-months. Other Woolies should get only about 2-4 oz of food a day. Always ensure your rabbit has cool, clean water every day. Feed Woolies Timothy hay often. Do not use alfalfa hay as it has too much protein and will make your bunny sick.
A Jersey Wooly's coat should be groomed regularly to prevent matting and felting. Shearing the fur is not recommended, as the long guard hairs are part of what makes the coat so maintenance free. Use a wide-toothed comb with rotating teeth like this one to groom your rabbit. If you find mats, pull them apart with your thumb and forefingers into smaller chunks first before your comb them. Pull out loose hair. Slicker brushes are good for the underbody. Try not to over groom - especially the back as you will damage guard hair and lose a lot of density that gives your bunny show points. The best way to groom is blowing with a hair dryer on cool setting or a small shop vacuum set on blow. You will better spot mats and the dust and loose hair will fly away without losing coat density!
Wool Block- Because Jersey Woolies have so much wool, there is a danger of "Wool Block," which is basically a hairball, especially during molting. The problem is that rabbits can't throw up, so it gets larger and larger until it blocks the intestinal tract completely. Feeding hay is the best way to prevent this. Symptoms include listlessness, loss of appetite, and poops strung together with hair and, if left untreated, death. If you catch it early enough, feeding 1/4 of a banana with the peel is one way of treating it. Pineapples or papaya pills are other good options as well.
Handling and petting your rabbit helps you to know their body. If any unusual nodes or masses show themselves, you may be able to get a jump on treatment. Albon can be used to combat these infections. Amoxicillin should never be used as it is fatal to rabbits. Don't be afraid to ask for treatment.