A rabbit is a small funny animal that can often be found in the role of a pet. In this capacity, the original breed of rabbits, the French ram (or lop-eared), shows itself well. The animal is endowed with a pretty appearance, calm character and does not need large maintenance costs. However, since this breed is classified as meat, its breeding for agricultural purposes is not less promising.
Breed description
This breed has some features reflected in the name that distinguish it from other species of this species of animals. 
Inference history
The breed was bred in France in the middle of the XIX century. Her parents were representatives of the breeds. Flemish giant and English Fold. A characteristic feature of the second breed - hanging ears - in combination with the large size of the first, made the appearance of the rabbits original and easily recognizable. Because of this, their breeding for decorative purposes has become popular in many countries. 
French sheep, 1907
Appearance and physique
Rabbits of this breed were called "sheep", based on the external similarity of the muzzle.
They are also endowed with the following features of appearance:
- The average carcass weight is 4 kg, but animals with a mass of around 10 kg are also known.
- The muzzle is rounded, the forehead is prominent, the cheeks are plump.
- Ears - long, up to 50 cm, hanging on the sides.
- The body is compact, with massive legs; length is about 65 cm.
- The fur is thick, with a good undercoat of various color.
Important! The little rabbit of this breed does not immediately drop the ears. Until the 6th week, they can stick up or be divorced to the side. This is the norm.
Color
Coat color can be different:
- the black;
- blue;
- Gray;
- brown;
- white;
- spotted.
Multi-colored individuals are most valued among fans of these animals.Did you know? Lop-eared rabbits are friendly - according to breeders, this is due to the fact that they hear almost nothing. This is due to improper ear development.
Productive characteristics
Since the French sheep are large enough and at the same time grow rapidly, they are often bred for slaughter and get dietary meat. Slaughter is carried out by individuals reaching 4 months. Meat productivity reaches 60%. At the same time the meat is tender, tasty and dietary.
With proper care and processing of the carcass luxury fur is also highly appreciated. Rabbits live long enough, they can live to 10 years. 
Advantages and disadvantages
The french ram has the following positive traits:
- beautiful appearance;
- high-quality fur;
- calm character;
- different colors of fur;
- stress resistance;
- unpretentious feed.
- poor ability to reproduce offspring;
- low fertility;
- weak immunity.
It is interesting to get acquainted with collections of rabbit breeds: decorative, fur and downy; white color.
Conditions of detention
Rabbits of ram breed grow to relatively large sizes. Accordingly, for normal life, they need large cells, the floor of which is a continuous surface. The size of the cage in which 1 individual will be placed should be as follows: 100 x 90 x 70 cm. 
Wherever there are lop-eared rabbits, the requirements for their content are as follows:
- metal feeders;
- suspended drinking bowls;
- absence of parts in the content of which can be injured;
- hay bedding should be on the floor;
- lack of drafts and low temperatures;
- protection from moisture and long sun exposure;
- purity.
Learn more about the organization of the dwelling for the rabbit: the selection and construction of the cage, the manufacture of feeders (bunker) and drinking bowls.
Care
Cells should be systematically cleaned of food debris, manure and bedding. The floor grate is cleaned with a metal scraper. Drinkers and a feeding trough carefully clear and wash.
Disinfection is carried out every six months. In small farms, cells are cleaned with fire. To do this, use a blowtorch or a gas torch. Metal and glass parts are recommended to boil or wash. 
Also, cells can be disinfected with chemicals - for example, bleach is used in the form of a 10% solution. It is applied with a large brush, covering all surfaces and equipment. Leave for some time, and then thoroughly washed off.
Feeding rules
To rabbits fully developed, they need to be properly fed. Consider what should be in the diet of the French sheep, and from what food should be categorically abandoned.
Did you know? Rabbits have the unique ability to chew food: they make up to 120 chewing movements in 60 seconds.
What can
Appetite in rabbits of this breed is good. They can chew all day long, so they often suffer from obesity. To prevent this, rabbits are fed no more than 3 times a day. It is advisable to do this at the same time. 
In the diet must be present following feed:
- In the warm season - dried grass; it can be a dandelion, nettle, plantain, yarrow. In winter, animals are given hay.
- Vegetables. You can give gourds, roots and cabbage of different varieties.
- Grain crops. Rabbits will greatly benefit from wheat and oats.
- Fruits. Animals like to eat bananas, apples and pears.
- Feed.
In the winter season it is necessary to increase the number of root crops in the diet, since it is from them that the animal receives the vitamins and minerals it needs. Additionally, chalk pieces and iodized salt are placed in a cage.
Read also about the herbs in the diet of rabbits: burdock, wormwood.
Rabbits love to drink a lot. In order not to feel a lack of liquid, water must always be in drinking bowls in sufficient quantity. 
What can not feed
Since these animals are prone to frequent digestive disorders, it is important to limit the consumption of foods that can lead to such problems. These include:
- tomatoes;
- rhubarb;
- legumes;
- spoiled products.
Learn how not to feed rabbits: 10 poisonous plants.
Disease resistance
Animals of this species are endowed with weak immunity and often get sick. The most problematic organ is the stomach, and the most vulnerable parts of the body are the ears and paws.
- Often there is such a disease as poddermatit. It is manifested by the development of corns, which are located on the paws and constantly cause discomfort. The reason - the wrong arrangement of cells or aviaries.
- Also, rabbits may experience ear injury or frostbite - due to the fact that the ears can catch on sharp objects on the floor, or freeze from the cold coming from the floor of an incorrectly made cell.
- In addition, rabbits, rams are subject to different infections. Therefore, they must be systematically vaccinated.
Vaccinations must be done, even if the rabbit will never go out. They are usually vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease. The first vaccination is done when the weight of the rabbit exceeds 500 g, most often it occurs at the age of 45 days. With less weight, the procedure is postponed. Before vaccination, mandatory prevention of worms. 
Today you can buy an associated mixture, which includes two diseases of the disease at once. In the case of separate vaccination, the first to be vaccinated against myxomatosis, and from the second disease - only after 10 days.
Features breeding young animals
Breeding of this breed in general is the same as for other varieties of rabbits. On average, males become sexually mature at the age of six months, females mate a little later - at 9 months. Cases are carried out only on reaching rabbits of this age. The process is no different from that of other breeds.
Important! It is necessary to carry out the control mating on the 7th day.
Carrying babies lasts up to 32 days. Since fertility is low, on average there can be 5 rabbits in one litter. If the babies were born more than 10, which sometimes happens, the rabbit needs help in feeding them. In addition, the breeders claim that the animals of this breed have poorly adapted organs for breeding. This means that childbirth must take place under supervision, and in case of trouble the animals should be helped. 
The rabbit with offspring must be kept in a separate cage until the young growth reaches the age of 3 months. At this time, they are already set aside from their mother. They do not need any special conditions. It is required only to increase the amount of feed from the mother so that she has enough strength to feed the young.
Read also about the intricacies of breeding rabbits as a business.
We must remember that when breeding several varieties of rabbits can not happen to representatives of different breeds. As a result of such manipulations, babies are born with ears that are incorrectly located. This makes them unsuitable for subsequent breeding.
Video: French sheep
Reviews rabbit breeders about the breed French sheep
The breed of French sheep is so versatile that these furry animals can be used both as pets and for excellent meat. It entirely depends on your preferences. But in any case, the result will be excellent if the rabbits are provided with proper care.
