A question about REW

[ckcs]

Is REW a gene that all rabbits carry? I was pleasantly surprise in my recent litter with 2 REW kits (Doe Broken Tort, Buck Chestnut). If all rabbits do not carry the gene is there a way to tell if a rabbit has it other than when it throws a REW in a litter.

 

[rawfeeder]

No, not all rabbits carry it. REW is a recessive gene, so if you get it in a litter it means BOTH parents contributed a copy of the gene. There is really no other way to know, unless you know the history of your stock very well. Even then, recessives can hide for many generations.

 

[skysthelimit]

I have one out of the 35+ Rex that does not carry REW bred all summer to REW and. REW carriers.

 

[ckcs]

Thank you for the responses. I gather a lot of rabbits are carrying the gene,