Blue of Ham Rabbit

The Blue of Ham rabbit, a rare and unique breed, originated in the Belgian village of Ham-sur-Heure. Developed in 1897 by Ulysses Horemans as a meat and fur breed, this once-popular rabbit faced a decline in numbers following World War II. The striking deep blue color of its fur sets it apart from other rabbit breeds, catching the eye of anyone who sees it.

In 1967, a breeder named Delbusaye made efforts to recreate the Blue of Ham by using the Vienna, Blue of Sint-Niklaas, and the Flemish Giant rabbit breeds. This led to the establishment of a new standard for the Blue of Ham in 1970, and subsequently, the breed was accepted again for exhibition in 1977. Even with its revival, the Blue of Ham rabbit remains a rare and fascinating breed today.

Apart from its distinct appearance, the Blue of Ham rabbit is also known for its unique characteristics. When it comes to their care, breeding, and availability, these rabbits require attention and specialized knowledge in order to thrive and maintain their presence in the domestic rabbit community.

Key Takeaways

• The Blue of Ham is a rare rabbit breed with striking deep blue fur.
• Its origins can be traced back to 1897 in Belgium, but its popularity declined after World War II.
• Proper care, breeding, and preservation efforts are essential to maintaining this unique breed.

History and Origin

The Blue of Ham Rabbit, also known as the Blue of Hem or Bleu de Ham, is a rare breed of domestic rabbit that originated in the Belgian village of Ham-sur-Heure. The breed was developed as a meat and fur breed in 1897 by Ulysses Horemans, who later introduced the breed to St. Petersburg in 1902. The Blue of Ham Rabbit gained popularity across Europe thanks to its distinctive color and quality as a meat and fur breed.

However, following World War II, the Blue of Ham Rabbit became increasingly rare. In an attempt to save this unique breed from disappearing entirely, a breeder named Delbusaye recreated the Blue of Ham Rabbit in 1967. He did so by using the Vienna breed and the Blue of Sint-Niklaas to bring back the characteristics of the original Blue of Ham. This innovative approach used selective breeding techniques to restore and maintain the breed’s distinctive properties.

The Blue of Ham Rabbit is believed to be related to the Flemish Giant, a large and robust breed native to the Flanders region in Belgium. Both breeds share similar qualities, such as being bred for meat and fur, and their ability to adapt to various climates across Europe. Despite these similarities, the Blue of Ham Rabbit is still a unique and distinct breed that continues to intrigue rabbit enthusiasts today.

In summary, the Blue of Ham Rabbit has a rich history and origin rooted in the Belgian village of Ham-sur-Heure. Through selective breeding and innovation by passionate breeders, the breed managed to survive the challenges of history, such as the impact of World War II. The Blue of Ham Rabbit is a fascinating example of the dedication and perseverance of breeders who work tirelessly to conserve and develop rare and valuable animal breeds.

Characteristics of the Breed

The Blue of Ham rabbit, also known as Blue of Hem or Bleu de Ham, is a rare breed of domestic rabbit originating from the Belgian village of Ham-sur-Heure. This breed was initially developed as a meat and fur breed in 1897 by Ulysses Horemans.

One of the most distinct features of this rabbit breed is the unique coat color. The Blue of Ham rabbits have a long, dense, silky, and lustrous coat that is slate blue with a blue sub-color. This rare coloration is often eye-catching and sets them apart from other rabbit breeds. The eyes of these rabbits are blue-gray, adding to their overall distinct appearance.

Aside from their beautiful fur, the Blue of Ham rabbits have a standard body size, weighing between 9.9 and 13.2 pounds (4.5-6 kg). They are recognized by their erect, well-furred ears, which are characteristic of the breed.

In addition to their physical traits, Blue of Ham rabbits are known for their sociable nature. They are friendly and curious creatures, making them suitable as pets or for farming purposes.

In summary, the Blue of Ham rabbit is characterized by its unique blue-gray coat, standard size, erect ears, and sociable temperament. These qualities make it an interesting and appealing breed when looking for a unique rabbit to raise or include in one’s domestic rabbit collection.

Blue of Ham Rabbit Care

The Blue of Ham Rabbit is a rare and intelligent domestic rabbit breed, originally developed in Belgium as a meat and fur breed. Known for their unique blue-grey colored fur, these rabbits require special care to keep them healthy and thriving.

When it comes to housing, Blue of Ham Rabbits appreciate having ample space to move around. A spacious enclosure with plenty of room for exercise is essential, as these rabbits are energetic and require regular physical activity to maintain their health. Providing additional toys and tunnels can further enrich their environment and facilitate mental stimulation.

A vital aspect of caring for Blue of Ham Rabbits is proper grooming. Due to their luxurious fur, it’s essential to brush them regularly to keep it in optimal condition. Regular brushing helps prevent matting and remove loose hairs while also allowing owners to monitor their rabbit’s skin for any signs of irritation or infection.

A balanced diet is crucial for Blue of Ham Rabbits’ overall health, as it plays a significant role in their fur production and fiber digestion. Providing a diet rich in high-quality hay will help wear down their teeth and support a healthy digestive system. In addition, offering fresh vegetables and a limited portion of pellets as supplements ensures they receive essential vitamins and minerals.

In conclusion, taking care of Blue of Ham Rabbits involves providing sufficient space, regular grooming, and a balanced diet. By addressing these crucial aspects of their care, owners can ensure the health and wellbeing of these unique and valuable fur rabbits.

Breeding and Availability

The Blue of Ham rabbit, also known as Bleu de Ham, is a rare breed of domestic rabbit that originated in the Belgian village of Ham-sur-Heure. Developed by Ulysses Horemans in 1897, this breed was initially intended for meat and fur production. The Blue of Ham has a unique slate blue coat with a blue sub-color, which is not as dark as the blue color variety of the Vienna breed. Their eyes are blue-grey, and their ears are erect and well-furred.

When it comes to breeding practices, selecting a healthy pair of Blue of Ham rabbits with desired traits is crucial. These rabbits can be challenging to find, as they are a rare and exotic breed. It is essential to work with a reputable breeder who specializes in Blue of Ham rabbits and provides the necessary information about their health, lineage, temperament, and appearance. Breeders such as Blue of Sint-Niklaas are recommended when seeking healthy Blue of Ham rabbits.

Blue of Ham rabbits are often bred for exhibitions, where their unique color and overall attractiveness make them stand out. Their beautiful coat color is achieved through careful crossbreeding, thanks to the efforts of Max Meyer, who aimed to create a rabbit breed with both high-quality meat and beautiful fur. The Magpie variety is also sometimes incorporated into breeding programs, adding variety to the lustrous coat colors.

When considering purchasing a Blue of Ham rabbit, it’s important to note that their availability might be limited due to their rarity. However, some breeders might have them available for sale, especially those who focus on rare and exotic rabbit breeds. It’s essential to approach buying a Blue of Ham rabbit with patience and persistence, given their unique and sought-after characteristics.

In conclusion, the Blue of Ham rabbit’s remarkable traits make it an attractive option for both rabbit enthusiasts and breeders. The breed’s rich history, combined with its cute appearance and fur production potential, contribute to its growing popularity. However, be prepared to invest time and effort in finding a reliable breeder and securing a healthy pair of Blue of Ham rabbits due to their rarity.

Popularity of the Breed

The Blue of Ham rabbit, originating in the Belgian village of Ham-sur-Heure, was developed in 1897 by Ulysses Horemans for both meat and fur purposes. The breed’s unique, deep blue fur set it apart from other rabbits, attracting attention and enhancing its popularity. After their development, Horemans introduced the Blue of Ham to St. Petersburg in 1902, further expanding the breed’s recognition.

However, following World War II, the Blue of Ham rabbit unfortunately experienced a decline in popularity, making it a rare breed in modern times. Despite this, an effort was made in 1967 by a breeder named Delbusaye who sought to recreate the Blue of Ham by using the Vienna breed and the Blue of Sint.

Although the Blue of Ham’s popularity may not be as widespread as it once was, they still hold a place in the hearts of rabbit enthusiasts and breeders due to their captivating color and unique origin. As more individuals work to protect and promote rare breeds like the Blue of Ham, there is potential for a resurgence in interest and appreciation for these extraordinary rabbits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common characteristics of Blue of Ham Rabbit?

The Blue of Ham Rabbit, also known as the Blue Lauragais, is known for its distinct blue-gray coat that makes it stand out from other rabbit breeds. This rabbit has a long, dense, silky, and lustrous coat that is slate blue, with a blue sub-color extending as deep as possible. The eyes are blue-grey, and the ears are erect and well-furred.

What is the nearest breed to Blue of Ham Rabbit?

The nearest breed to the Blue of Ham Rabbit is the American Blue Rabbit, which was formerly known as the ‘German Blue Vienna’ Rabbit. Both breeds share similarities in their coat color and overall appearance, but they have distinct backgrounds and origins.

Is the Blue of Ham Rabbit suitable for meat production?

Yes, the Blue of Ham Rabbit is suitable for meat production. In fact, it was originally developed as a meat and fur breed in 1897 by Ulysses Horemans. Due to its meaty body and beautifully colored fur, it has been a desirable breed for both purposes.

How rare is the Blue of Ham Rabbit compared to other breeds?

The Blue of Ham Rabbit is considered a rare breed of domestic rabbit. It is not as common as other rabbit breeds, and its unique blue-gray coat color further adds to its rarity.

What is the origin of the Blue of Ham Rabbit?

The Blue of Ham Rabbit originated in the Belgian village of Ham-sur-Heure. It was developed in 1897 by Ulysses Horemans as a meat and fur breed. This breed was first introduced to St. Petersburg in 1902 by Horemans himself. The breeding program aimed to create a rabbit with both a meaty body and a distinct fur color.

How to care for a Blue of Ham Rabbit?

Caring for a Blue of Ham Rabbit, as with any rabbit breed, involves providing a clean and spacious living environment, a balanced diet, regular health check-ups, and opportunities for exercise and social interaction. It is essential to monitor their coat and grooming needs, as their long and dense coat may require frequent brushing to prevent matting. Keeping their living space clean will also help reduce the risk of health issues.