Learn more about the Mini Satin Rabbit Breed. Discover cool facts, pictures, resources and find information about caring for Mini Satin Rabbits.
This rabbit breed information page is part of our rabbit breeds article series.
Table of Contents:
- Breed Info
- History
- Facts
- Breed Varieties and Colors
- Weight and Size
- Lifespan
- Caring for Pets
- Cages and Supplies
- How to Breed for Show
- Breed Resources
- Buying
- Price
- Locating a Breeder
Mini Satin Rabbit Breed Info
Recognized colors: chinchilla, opal, red, siamese, and white
Size: 4 pounds
National Specialty Club:
www.asrba.org
Mini Satin Rabbit Breed Photo Credit:
rightpet.com
Mini Satin Rabbit Information and History
Mini Satin Rabbits are miniature versions of Satins via the breeding of full-sized Satins with Netherland Dwarfs and (possibly) Polish. They are currently considered as a rare breed and are the latest breed to be recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). These beautiful creatures have the brilliance and sheen of the satin fur in a much more compact, and arguably cuter, package.
History
As the brainchild of Ariel Hayes, the Mini Satin Rabbit project started in Michigan late in the 1970s. However, her quest to establish the breed was aborted in 1982 and her animals were sold as food or pets.
During the mid-1980s up to 1999, a number of breeders contributed to efforts for the creation of tiny Satins. There was a shift in the shape of the rabbit from “Satinette,” which is basically a satinized Netherland Dwarf to an animal that is more compact and full-bodied and would now be referred to as a Mini Satin. In 1998 and 1999, the ARBA presentations were unsuccessful.
A Certificate of Development was obtained by J. Leo Collins. To enhance the general quality of the rabbits, Collins narrowed his focus to just two varieties — red and albino white. This strategy was successful.
Interesting Facts about the Breed
• All Mini Satin rabbits, despite their color, have a translucent hair shell, which is responsible for their “satin” fur or sheen. Basically, the air bubbles on the thick, silky fur reflect surrounding light, creating the unique look of the breed.
• Per the breed standard, the ears are not allowed to be over 3½ inches (9.6 centimeters) long. The ears of Mini Satin Rabbits are upright and covered in their distinctive fur.
• They have compact bodies and their top-line peaks over their hips. Additionally, their bodies are as deep as they are wide and their backs curve down to the tail. The shape of the body is standard despite the weight of the rabbit.
Breed Varieties and Colors
In 2006, Mini Satin Rabbits in just one variety, REW, were acknowledged as the 47th breed. There are now quite a few accepted color varieties of Mini Satin Rabbits acknowledged by the ARBA. These include:
• Blue
• Black
• Red
• White
• Chocolate agouti
• Chocolate
• Chinchilla
• Opal
• Copper
• Otter
• Siamese
• Tortoise
• Silver Marten
• Broken (this is any color combined with white)
Weight and Size
The weight of the Mini Satin Rabbit is roughly between 3¼ and 4¾ pounds. This breed of rabbit has a body type that is small and compact. In essence, these rabbits have a moderately elongated body with a slightly stocky build. Their ears have a maximum measurement of 3½ inches long; beyond this length, the animal will be subject to disqualification. Additionally, their ears are supposed to be upright, thick, short and covered fully with fur. Ideally, the shoulders of the rabbits should have a good width and so should their hindquarters and midsection. The depth of the body of Mini Satins should also complement the width of their bodies. In addition, the head of this rabbit breed should be full, well-rounded and fixed onto a short neck.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of healthy Mini Satins is approximately 5 to 8 years. However, they can live up to 12 years in captivity.
Litter size for a Mini Satin
The average litter size for Mini Satins is between 2 and 4 bunnies.
Caring for pet Mini Satin Rabbits
Similar to other short-furred rabbits, mini satin rabbits do not require a lot of grooming. To keep the animals looking beautiful, simply give them a quick once over with a damp cloth or soft brush; this will get rid of the dead hairs. More frequent grooming will be necessary during a molt. Every month or so, their claws will require clipping. Just like other rabbits, the mini satin does not require bathing; you can just spot clean the areas that need it.
• Diet
Rabbits enjoy a diet with roughly 70 percent of their dietary intake made up of pellets and hay. Adult rabbits will consume approximately ¼ cup of high-fiber pellets daily for each 5 pounds of their body weight. However, adult Mini Satins are small would not need more than ¼ cup per day. They also enjoy leafy greens, fresh fruits and other vegetables like carrots, celery, green or red lettuce, watercress, peach, pear and mango.
• Accommodation
To safeguard them against predators, extreme temperatures and other outdoor hazards, Mini Satin Rabbits should be kept inside. They should also be allowed to roam about and exercise, ideally where they have easy access to fresh air and sunlight. For safe outdoor exposure, extension hutches, lawn enclosures or exercise pens are recommended.
Mini Satin Cages / Supplies
• Cage
The enclosure should be made of wire and have a solid bottom. Additionally, it needs to be sufficiently large to enable the rabbit to sleep and eat comfortably and play inside. The bottom should be covered with hay or another type of bedding. The cage should be spot-cleaned daily and thoroughly cleaned every week.
• Water Bottle
A 16-ounce water bottle is typically big enough for a Mini Satin Rabbit.
• Grooming Supplies
To keep your Mini Satin Rabbit looking and feeling its best, the grooming supplies you will need include a soft brush, nail clippers, a de-shedding brush, cotton-tipped swabs, styptic powder and mineral oil or baby oil.
How to Breed Mini Satin Rabbits for Show
It is never a good idea to purchase rabbits from someone who is unable to provide you with a good pedigree certificate. Having no knowledge of the ancestry of the rabbit will prevent it and its offspring, up to the 4th generation, from becoming grand champions. Additionally, doing this opens up the possibility of getting a non-specific mixed breed rabbit, a low-quality specimen of a specific breed or one with serious genetic defects.
Go for a Mini Satin with a pedigree certificate. However, you should bear in mind that a pedigree certificate can be falsified by the individual selling the animal; therefore, you should buy from a reputable seller. Try to get recommendations from persons who show rabbits as they typically know good breeders.
For added protection, you should consider purchasing a registered rabbit, which has been examined and certified by an ARBA licensed registrar to be free from disqualifications and defects. It has essentially been determined by the registrar that the rabbit is healthy and represents the breed well. The rabbit’s pedigree is examined by the registrar for accuracy and completeness and a copy of its pedigree is sent to ARBA. Though there can still be inaccuracies with registered rabbits, there is a much better chance of getting a quality rabbit. Essentially, you should buy your rabbit from a reputable seller who can assist you with answering any question you might have and one who guarantees the sale.
Breed Resources
The American Satin Rabbit Breeders Association in dedicated to maintaining and improving the breeding of the different Mini Satin and Satin Rabbit varieties. They are also committed to developing and creating greater demand for and interest in Satin and Mini Satin Rabbits.
Other clubs organizations that can be helpful to rabbit enthusiasts include:
• Breeders of the American Rabbit
• American Beveren Rabbit Club American Fuzzy Lop Rabbit Club
• American Chinchilla Rabbit Breeders Association
• American Sable Rabbit Society
• American Britannia Petite Rabbit Society
Buying a Mini Satin
When buying show stock, ensure the rabbit is small and compact. Go for one that has a topline that rises effortlessly from the bottom of its ears to the uppermost point of its hips, then nicely rounds down in a curve to its tail.
The satin fur should be very dense and feel fine and silky. Guard hairs with a good sheen should provide protection for its soft, thick undercoat. They should also provide the coat with good resistance, so when stroked from tail to head, the fur will lie smoothly after returning to its normal.
Mini Satin Price
The typical cost of Mini Satin Rabbits is approximately $50 each. While the initial price of a pedigree rabbit is seemingly quite low in comparison to pure bred dogs, the following related costs will definitely increase the cost of being a rabbit owner:
• Specialized feeding and bedding
• Large hutch and run
• Neutering
• Yearly boosters and vaccinations
• Pet insurance
• On-going dental care
The price will also depend on the heritage, quality and background of the rabbit.
Locating a Mini Satin Rabbit Breeder
Whether you are looking for a seasoned Mini Satin breeder or one who is new to the world of rabbit breeding, it is highly likely that you will find someone of interest on https://rabbitbreeders.us/. They are committed to uniting Mini Satin breeders throughout the United States, for the development and promotion of this stunning breed.
References:
https://www.asrba.org/breeds.htm
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