A Detailed Explanation of the Differences Between Hares and Domestic Rabbits and How to Raise Them

Rabbits are mammals, classified into 9 genera and 43 species, widely distributed across Asia, Africa, the Americas and other regions, both wild and domesticated, and the hare is a very common wild animal in the wild. So, what are the differences between hares and domestic rabbits? How are hares raised? Let's find out together!

1. What are the differences between hares and domestic rabbits?

1. Body size

Domestic rabbits generally weigh more than 3.5 kg, and some can reach 6-8 kg, with a relatively large body size, while hares are much smaller, with the average hare weighing around 2.5 kg, and the large ones only around 3 kg, generally not exceeding 4 kg, so the difference between domestic rabbits and hares can be distinguished very intuitively just by body size alone.

2. Appearance

The ears of domestic rabbits are shorter than those of hares, and hares have relatively long forelimbs and tails, which evolved to make it easier to escape in the wild. Rabbits are easily attacked by other carnivorous animals, and the wild environment is full of dangers, so they need sharper hearing and more developed limbs, which is why they evolved longer forelimbs and tails than domestic rabbits and can run faster.

3. Chromosomes

Domestic rabbits have 22 pairs of chromosomes, while hares have 24 pairs, a difference of 2 pairs, and this difference determines that domestic rabbits and hares cannot mate.

4. Reproduction

After long-term raising, domestication and breeding by humans, the reproductive capacity of domestic rabbits has evolved to be very strong. The gestation period of domestic rabbits is 30 days, and they can give birth to 6-10 young per month, while hares produce only one litter per year, with 4-8 young per year, so their reproductive capacity is weaker than that of domestic rabbits.

2. How are hares raised?

1. Site construction

The site needed for raising hares is very large, because hares are very active, so the breeding site must also be large. The specific site is determined by the number you are raising; generally 1 sq m per animal is enough. The hare hutch needs to be divided into two parts, arranged vertically, with more entrance and exit holes, and the side without housing should be surrounded by fencing. In the open area in the middle, some shade objects or items with many holes can be placed. Normally they can be raised in the open air, and when the weather is bad or relatively cold, the hares can be allowed to enter the hutch.

2. Management of young rabbits

The young rabbit stage is the most important stage in raising hares. Young hares have a high incidence of disease, so the hutch must be cleaned every day. Young rabbits should be allowed to move around more, otherwise they will later develop in the direction of domestic rabbits. Feeding times are mainly concentrated in the early morning and evening, because at this time young rabbits like to rest during the day, so try to feed them at night. Feeding should be mainly based on feed you mix yourself, so that the hares can get balanced nutrition and lay a good foundation for later growth. Here is a feed formula for everyone: mix carrot powder, wheat flour and soybean flour for feeding, 3 times a day, with an interval of about 4 hours.

3. Feeding and food delivery

After young rabbits have been bred for about one month, the feeding feed can be changed. When delivering food, walk gently and do not startle the hares. At this time, fresh food can be fed, and as little feed as possible should be given to maintain their wildness. The food for raising them can be carrots, green grass, vegetable leaves and the like.

The above is the information summarized by Tuliu.com for you on the differences between domestic rabbits and hares and how to raise hares.