Silver Fox Rabbits
Introducing the amazing silver fox rabbits. When the covid19 pandemic hit, we began to notice meat shortages in the grocery stores. Bigger commercial processing plants were closing and we began to look at other options for sustainable meats.
A quick google search of "the best tasting rabbit" lead us to fall in love with silver fox rabbits. Silver Fox rabbits are large, commercial-type rabbits that weigh anywhere from 9-12 lbs once fully grown, with does usually weighing a pound or two more than bucks. It has a medium-length body with well-fleshed out hindquarters and shoulders.
We learned that it wasn't just the meat that made them special. The Silver Fox Rabbit has a “standing coat” that resembles that of a Silver Fox in the Arctic.
They're actually one of the rarest breeds in North America and even harder to get- but thankfully they are listed as a recovering breed with livestock conservancy.
In 1925 this breed was created and went through many different titles before becoming "Silver Fox". While Silver Fox Rabbits come in a variety of colors (such as black, blue, white, chocolate, lilac and even a few working colors like tort and broken), the ARBA only currently accepts black & chocolate Silver Foxes. Blue Silver Fox rabbits were accepted by the ARBA, however it was removed in the 1970s due to decrease in the number of blue Silver Foxes being shown. It was the first large breed produced that on occasion can dress out up to 65% of its live weight with exceptional individuals.
Does have large litters, produce plenty of milk, are excellent mothers, and make wonderful foster mothers. Silver Fox are known for their docile and gentle nature. The young are born solid colored and begin to show silvering of their fur at about 4 weeks. The silvering process takes 4 months to complete. The fur is one of the most attractive and unusual features of the breed. It is extremely dense and 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length. When the fur is stroked from tail to head, it will stand straight up until stroked in the opposite direction. This trait is found in no other breed and greatly resembles the pelt of the silver fox of the Artic.
DID YOU KNOW...
Rabbit poo is dry, odorless, and in pellet form, making it suitable for direct use in the garden. Since rabbit dung breaks down quickly, there is usually little threat of burning the roots of plants. Rabbit manure fertilizer is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium & calcium that plants need for healthy growth. Find out more
Like any other breed of rabbit, Silver Fox rabbits require a diet consisting of at least 70 percent hay. The rest of the diet is made up a healthy balance of pellets, leafy greens, fruits and vegetables.
Silver Fox rabbits require a large enclosure to live a lengthy, comfortable life. Should your rabbit spend most of its time outdoor, wood enclosures that are raised from the ground and have a fenced bottom with a ramp are preferred to keep rabbits safe from the elements as well as predators. Indoor enclosures should have a wire frame on the sides and a plastic bottom where pet owners can place bedding. Some rabbit cages also have wire bottoms, however the wire is harsh on your rabbit’s feet, so use bedding is soft and more comfortable.
Despite being used mainly for meat and pelt, these rabbits are also excellent show-worthy animals and make great pets for seniors, singles, couples or families with children looking to get their first pet. Rabbits are fantastic low-maintenance pets who tolerate being picked up and petted so long as it is well-socialized when it is a young kits.