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Silver Fox Rabbit Breed – todocat

General information:

Silver Fox rabbit breed is the third breed of rabbit developed in the United States. It was created by Walter B Garland of Northern Canton, Ohio. The Silver Fox rabbit is truly a multi-purpose breed, bred for both meat and fur. The breed was recognized as the standard approved in 1952, under the name Silver Fox American, later becoming only Silver Fox. The breed has always been recognized in two varieties, blue and black. During the 1970s, the blue variety was abandoned due to the few occurrences in the breed register. The genetic makeup of this breed has never been disclosed. What is known is that Garland was one of the first Checkered Gigant breeders in America and also raised Champagne D’argent. Cross-breeding with Champagne D’Argent rabbits has recently been attempted, which has led to fairly close rabbits in compliance with Silver Fox. It is very likely that Garland used Checkered Gigant to get large rabbits. He also used Champagne D’Argent to make Silver Fox rabbits with silver fur, long fur and excellent quality meat. He also used American Blue to improve the quality of the meat and to get the blue color of the fur.

Name: Silver Fox

Origin: America

group: Large / semi-arched rabbits

Weight: Between 4 – 5.5 kg

Average life expectancy: up to 5-10 years

Color: black, blue.

Temperament: When it comes to toys, every rabbit is different and can enjoy various objects. Some are less pretentious and are content with a box or a ball, while others need to have more complex toys on hand to stimulate their minds.

Race status: The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has changed its status from Threatened Critic to Threatened, which is great news considering that this breed is only found in America and Canada.

Distinctive features: Most of the time, the rabbits are born in black or blue, and the silver appearance will appear only at about 6 weeks, taking almost four months to become completely silver.

from. The Silver Fox rabbit it is a very beautiful rabbit, which stands out among the other breeds. The females produce many chicks, which are very wide and are excellent mothers. It is also known that they can be very good adoptive mothers. The breed is not recognized in countries other than America. However, in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, there is a breed called the Silver Fox, which is the same rabbit as the breed known as the Silver Marten in America.

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Physical description:

Silver Fox rabbit breed belongs to the category of large rabbits. The name of the breed comes from its dense fur, which has white dots and is very similar to the fur of silver foxes. The fur of the Silver Fox rabbit is unique in that it is longer than what is normally seen in domestic rabbit breeds. Also, it does not go back when it is stroked in the opposite direction, but stays that way until it is put back with its hand back in the normal position. According to the ARBA standard, the fur of the Silver Fox rabbit should not be less than 3-5 cm long. At the moment, only the rabbits from the Silver Fox Black variety are presented in the profile competitions, being also accepted. However, there are many varieties of colors for this rabbit. Among them we can list the color black, blue, chocolate, lilac and many varieties of white. The Silver Fox rabbit is a very beautiful rabbit, which stands out at any time among the other breeds of rabbits. A very good muscle ratio on its skeleton makes the Silver Fox a very popular breed for its meat. Most of the time, the rabbits are born in black or blue, and the silver appearance will appear only at about 6 weeks, taking almost four months to become completely silver. It is a fairly large breed, with an average weight of about 4 – 5.5 kg. .

Personality:

Silver Fox rabbits they have a calm, curious and energetic personality. They are a breed very well seen by breeders and rabbit lovers. Also, Silver Fox females are excellent mothers and do not stop there, but they can be very appreciated surrogate mothers. Despite being used mainly for meat and fur, these rabbits are showable animals in profile shows and also excellent pets for the elderly, couples or families with children. These rabbits need very little care, they like to be lifted up in their arms, to be petted, provided they have been taught this way since they were little. Training rabbits to use the box for needs is often easier said than done. However, this is not impossible. With a lot of patience, time and a lot of rewards, the Silver Fox rabbit will understand the concept of doing his business in one place, which can take between a few weeks and a few months. When it comes to toys, every rabbit is different and can enjoy various objects. Some are less pretentious and are content with a box or a ball, while others need to have more complex toys at hand that stimulate their minds. It would be best to keep them in pairs or even three rabbits, but never more in the same cage. When they are kept in the same cage, there is a risk of injury as a result of occasional fights or disputes. The activity level of these rabbits increases during the sunrise and sunset. Because rabbits are generally very fast-growing animals with a fragile psyche, they are not recommended as pets for children who have not been able to understand this.

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Food and cage

The main ingredient in their diet is hay, preferably fatter, richer fiber. Such hay will prevent rabbit diarrhea and obesity. Other green leaves, especially vegetables, are essential for the health of the rabbit, and are occasionally needed to prevent digestive slippage. For the sake of variety, you can also offer goodies such as carrots, peaches, pears, apples, plums, strawberries or other fruits. However, you need to be careful when feeding it fruit, as it can be high in sugar. Commercial rabbit breeders also add other nutrients to their daily diet. They must always have fresh water in a bowl. Silver Fox rabbits it is best suited indoors, which protects it from extreme temperatures, various predators and other dangers outside. It is advisable to let them walk and exercise, preferably in places where they can enjoy the fresh air and the sun’s rays. When they are outside, stretch cages, fenced areas are recommended, just to give them more protection. If it is kept in a cage, it should be at least five times the size of the rabbit’s body and allow it to stand relaxed. It is not advisable for the floor of the cage to be made of wire because the rabbit could catch its legs in the wire mesh. The rabbit should have only one place to hide when he wants to sleep peacefully. It’s a good idea to take toys and have fun with them. Rabbits can be taught to do their homework in a special place.

Toilet:

Silver Fox rabbits require a simple weekly brushing to remove excess fur and prevent hair tangles. Rabbits usually take care of each other, which is why it is advisable to have at least two specimens. When they take care of each other, the rabbits lick their ears, nose, tip of their head and around their eyes.

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Purpose and status of the breed:

According to the American Livestock Breeds Conervancy, the Silver Fox rabbit breed is one of the rarest breeds in existence. This breed has been bred for multiple purposes, and can be developed for both meat and fur and for participating in profile shows, being a very beautiful breed of rabbit. In the early 1970s, when the breed was threatened with extinction, 18 breeders founded the Silver Fox National Club in 1971. Over the next 40 years, the breed experienced a fairly modest return. However, it is a step forward, as the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has changed its status from Threatened Critic to Threatened, which is great news considering that this breed is only found in America and Canada. Moreover, the Silver Fox rabbit breed is no longer listed as one of the 15 rarest rabbit breeds in the United States. These rabbits produce a large number of chicks, have strong maternal instincts and reach the desired market weight very quickly.

Health problems:

Like other small animals, and iepurele Silver Fox may be prone to colds and viral infections. His teeth need to be checked constantly to eliminate any problems that may arise due to growth. Excessive jaws and irritated gums will prevent him from eating properly and can injure his mouth. You also need to be careful about your diet so that every rabbit can be prone to obesity. Exposure to dust, sudden changes in temperature, and low ability to withstand stress can predispose you to various diseases. These include:

– conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection of the eyelids caused by smoke and dust;

– ear problems;

– coccidiosis is an intestinal problem, a parasite caused by poor hygiene;

– bloating and obstruction of the airways due to hairballs.