78 RABBITS, CATS, AND CAVIES 



the better, and the tint of them all should be nearly the 

 same. This is where breeders find the difficulty, as 

 while the nose, ears, tail, and sometimes the fore feet, 

 may be all right, a specimen will fail in the colour of its 

 hind feet. 



Some breeders suggest a double flooring to the 

 hutches, so as to keep them as dry as possible, and I 

 think the idea is good, and likely to have the desired 

 effect. 



I have found that by using plenty of pine sawdust, 

 keeping great cleanliness in the hutches, and giving straw 

 for bedding, the colour is tolerably well preserved. I have 

 won many prizes with stock, which I obtained of Mr 

 Champion Carter of Weston-super-Mare, who used to be 

 a very successful breeder of Himalayans kept in this way. 



There has been a good deal of controversy for and 

 against keeping them in dark hutches, to preserve the 

 dark colour. I do not advocate their being in a sunny 

 situation, but advise their hutches having their backs 

 towards the light in the Rabbitry, and this not only as 

 being of advantage to their extremities, but also on 

 account of their eyes, which, being rather full and more 

 red in colour than any other variety, are sure to be 

 sensitive to strong light. 



The does make good and affectionate mothers, but 

 should not be allowed to breed early, say seven or eight 

 months old at least, and not have more than two litters 

 in the year. 



The bucks will be all the better if not used at the 

 stud until nine months old, and intruding should at all 



