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Silver Rabbitry Listings
Your Silver Rabbitry Breeder Listing Here
Alabama
Keairra Caldwell
Talladega, Alabama
White Rabbit
whiterabbit.com
Keairra@gmail.com
2562681306
Illinois
Michael Walkup
Crystal Lake, IL
Walkup Heritage Farm
WalkupHeritageFarm.com
mjwalkup@ameritech.net
815-477-8978
Indiana
Ryan McBride
Elkhart, Indiana
MC Rabbitry
tripletdad1@gmail.com
574-862-1389
New York
Karen Williams
Belmont, New York
Pinewood Farm Rabbits
pinewind.rabbitryonline.com
cwpinewind@aol.com
Ohio
Larynn Cutshaw
Fleming, Ohio
Cutshaw’s Rabbitry
cutshawsrabbitry.webs.com
larynn24@aol.com
Ruthanne & Anastasia Elencovf
Kilbourne, Ohio
Short T’s Rabbitat
740-513-6111
Washington
Carrie Thompson
Port Orchard, Washington
Silverwolf Rabbitry
silverwolfrabbitry.webs.com
silverwolfrabbitry@gmail.com
360-204-8952
Shay Stenchever
Sultan, Washington
Triple Crown Rabbitry
triplecrownrabbitry.weebly.com
extra007@macpunk.com
Find Silver Rabbits for Sale
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Find Silver Rabbits for Sale using our Silver Rabbit Classifieds
Breed Information
The silver rabbit is a relatively new breed of domestic rabbit that has become increasingly popular as a pet and show rabbit over the last few decades. Originally developed in America in the early 20th century, this unique breed stands out for its distinctive silver-tinged fur and calm, friendly temperament. In this article, we will explore the origins, physical features, temperament, care requirements, and uses of the striking silver rabbit.
Origins
The silver rabbit breed traces its origins to Walter B. Garland of Canton, Ohio, who began selectively breeding rabbits in the 1920s to produce a new variety with silver fur. Garland started with chinchilla rabbits, which have a translucent silver-tipped black coat, and bred them with Himalayans, which have distinct black and white coloration. After several generations of careful breeding, Garland succeeded in developing the first true silver rabbits, which showed a uniform silver coloring across the body.
The new silver breed was first presented at a convention of the National Pet Stock Association in 1928 and immediately created interest among rabbit enthusiasts. In 1932, the silver rabbit was officially recognized as a new breed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). Since then, dedicated breeders have worked to improve the breed and make silver rabbits available to the public. Today, silver rabbits remain a somewhat uncommon breed but are growing in popularity as pets.
Physical Features
Silver rabbits have a striking appearance that makes them stand out from other breeds. Their coats feature a rich silver-white coloration that extends over the entire body, including the belly and feet. Each individual hair has a white base with silver ticking that gives an overall lustrous silver appearance when the coat lies flat. The eyes are a deep brown or black color. The silver rabbit has a compact, well-rounded body type with a broad head and short, upright ears.
An adult silver rabbit weighs between 3-5 lbs on average and reaches a length of 8-11 inches. Unlike some breeds, silver rabbits exhibit relatively few differences between the sexes in terms of size and appearance. One subtle distinction is that bucks (males) may have a slightly blockier, broader head than does (females). The silver coat color also stays consistent from youth through adulthood, though the fur may take on a more pronounced silver sheen as the rabbit matures. Proper care and nutrition are important for maintaining the proper silver coat coloration over the rabbit's lifetime.
Temperament
The silver rabbit has an admirable temperament that makes it a great choice when seeking an affectionate, gentle pet. Silver rabbits tend to be more calm and docile compared to other breeds. They are less prone to skittishness and nervousness, especially when handled frequently from a young age. Many silver rabbits learn to enjoy human interaction and actively seek out attention and play time.
Silver rabbits often coexist well with respectful children and other pets when properly introduced. Since they are not an overly active breed, silver rabbits are content with shorter daily exercise sessions and do not require extensive outdoor space. However, like any rabbit, they should have room for a litter box, hay rack, hideaway box, and some toys in their habitat. Overall, the silver rabbit's sweet, tolerant disposition makes it a delightful pet for both kids and adults.
Care Requirements
Caring for a silver rabbit is relatively straightforward, though there are some key requirements silver rabbit owners need to fulfill. One essential is providing a balanced diet with unlimited access to grass hay, which should make up the bulk of the diet. Silver rabbits also need a small daily portion of fresh vegetables and high-fiber rabbit pellets. Treats like fruits and carb-heavy foods should only be fed in small quantities.
Having clean, dry housing is also imperative. Silver rabbits should live indoors in a roomy enclosure with a soft bed and litter box. The enclosure must be spot-cleaned daily and fully disinfected weekly. Silver rabbits also need a lot of enrichment in their habitat, including chew toys, dig boxes, tunnels, and platforms. Allowing the rabbit supervised exercise time in rabbit-proofed rooms provides added enrichment.
Additionally, silver rabbits need regular grooming and health checks. Brushing the coat weekly helps reduce shedding and hairballs. Trimming the nails every 4-6 weeks prevents issues. Bringing the rabbit to a rabbit-savvy vet for annual wellness exams supports good health. With proper care, silver rabbits generally live 8-12 years. They thrive when housed indoors in a loving home that meets their needs.
Showing and Uses
Silver rabbits are recognized by the ARBA as ideal exhibition rabbits and can be shown competitively at rabbit shows in the silver breed class. Show silver rabbits are evaluated on attributes like body type, fur quality, coloring, condition, and temperament. Well-bred silver rabbits with exemplary features can be quite successful on the show circuit.
Beyond showing, silver rabbits also make wonderful 4-H projects for children due to their gentle nature and handsome appearance. Silver rabbits bred for pet homes often have slightly less perfect conformations than show rabbits but still make splendid companions. Their smaller size also makes them ideal as therapy rabbits that can visit nursing homes, schools, and hospitals to uplift and engage with people in need.
Fun Facts
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Silver rabbits are still quite rare. There are an estimated 300-500 breeders worldwide specializing in silver rabbits.
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The silver rabbit fur differs from the fur of the Himalayan it originated from. Himalayans have a white base coat with black color on the extremities. Silver rabbits have silver ticking over a white base across the entire body.
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Wild baby rabbits are born with silver-grey fur. The silver rabbit retains this ancestral silver color into adulthood.
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Silver rabbits are known to live harmoniously with other rabbit breeds when bonded properly. Their calm temperament allows for successful pairings.
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While silver rabbit kits are born with fuzzier fur, their signature silver coat starts to come in more visibly around 4-6 weeks old.
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Selective breeding is still being done to improve the consistency and clarity of the ideal silver coat coloration. Deep silver hues with minimal streaking are preferred.
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The silver rabbit is still establishing itself as a distinct and competitive breed. Silver rabbits were not included in the standard of perfection for rabbits until the 2000s.
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Experts recommend providing silver rabbits with safe wood blocks, sticks, and pine cones to gnaw on. This helps wears down teeth and prevents overgrowth.
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When showing silver rabbits, judges often pay particular attention to the color and density of the fur. A short, rolled coat with intense silver luster is ideal.
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Silver rabbits are known to make clicking or purring noises when content. These sounds may indicate a relaxed, happy rabbit.
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While silver rabbits come in only one color variety, other silver breeds include the silver marten and silver fox. Each has distinct markings and body types.
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Silver rabbits love playing with cat balls and hard plastic baby toys that are too big to fit in their mouths. Their playful side emerges with the right enrichment.
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If giving your silver rabbit playtime in the backyard, supervise them closely. Their color camouflages them, making them vulnerable to predators.
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Wild rabbits communicate through scent glands, visual displays, vocalizations, and chin rub markings. Silver rabbits retain some of these instincts and use them to interact with owners.
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The silver rabbit’s coat requires minimal grooming maintenance. Experts recommend gently using a slicker brush and lint roller to remove loose fur.
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While silver rabbits are not prone to aggression, proper handling is still important, especially for children. Supporting the hindquarters helps the rabbit feel secure.
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Selective breeding means silver rabbits come from a somewhat limited gene pool. Responsible breeding for health and genetic diversity is paramount for their future.
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Silver rabbits enjoy playing with empty toilet paper rolls stuffed with hay or treats. These stimulate natural foraging behaviors.
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If your silver rabbit stops eating, it could be a sign of a serious health issue that requires immediate vet attention. Rabbits rely on eating constantly to remain healthy.
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Unlike some breeds, silver rabbits do not require a coat blowout before shows. Their fur stays clean and tangle-free with regular brushing.
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Spaying or neutering silver rabbits helps reduce unwanted behaviors like territorial marking. Altered rabbits also have reduced cancer risks.
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Silver rabbits thrive in indoor temperatures between 60-75°F. Providing ample cooling or warming solutions is key for their comfort.
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The silver rabbit breed remains a rarity, but its lovely temperament and unique beauty are winning over fans. Their future in the rabbit world looks bright.
In summary, the silver rabbit is a charming relatively new breed known for its striking silver coat and easygoing personality. When properly cared for indoors, silver rabbits make delightful, gentle companions. They also succeed in the show ring due to their attractive fur and body type. Silver rabbits are still establishing a firm footing in the rabbit world but have wonderful potential. Their captivating appearance and amicable nature ensure that silver rabbits have earned their growing popularity.
Looking to buy a different breed of bunnies? Check out more breeder pages: English Lop, English Spot, Giant Angora, Silver Fox
Be sure to check out raising rabbits article and resource page for information about Raising Silver Rabbits.