Silver Fox Rabbits
Male: up to 11 lbs.
​
Female: up to 12 lbs.
​
Docile, Gentle
​
Grow quickly; fur stands upright and does not fall back like other rabbit coats;
developed in the US; good choice for first pet
Silver Fox Qualities
Meat
Meat is the primary reason we got started with rabbits. We bought purebred, pedigreed meat rabbits so we would have more options with offspring and so the boys could show with 4H. What we didn't envision was selling our small herd of cattle to expand the rabbitry in favor of their feed-to-meat conversion, ease of care, and fast turnover of meat.
Fur
Tanning the pelts of rabbits you've raised is a rewarding experience. Silver Fox pelts are unmatched in texture and density. Pelts can be used for many different purposes, but our favorite is to use the fur to line winter clothing like hats and mittens. We also sell pelts to people who want to use them to make their own items with them.
Temperament
One of the reasons we were drawn to Silver Fox rabbits is the reputation they have as the "teddy bear of meat rabbits". Mini Lops are also known for being really easy rabbits. Taking care of a large herd of rabbits can be a lot of work, and sweet, friendly rabbits make it a lot more fun. We also select for temperaments in our breeding herd.
About Silver Foxes
The Silver Fox rabbit was developed in the 1920's by Walter B. Garland of North Canton, Ohio. The Silver Fox is a multi-purpose breed raised for meat, fur, and show, and is the third rabbit breed developed in the United States. The breed, originally known as the American Heavyweight Silver, was recognized and a standard approved in 1925. The breed was originally recognized in both a black and blue variety but in the 1970s the blues were dropped from the ARBA Standards because there was a lack of rabbits being shown. Silver Foxes almost fell out of production, with numbers dwindling and nearing extinction, until fifteen breeders came together and formed the NSFRC (National Silver Fox Rabbit Club). These members worked tirelessly to promote and conserve this wonderful and unique rabbit breed.
​
The exact heritage of the breed was never divulged by Garland but the speculation is that he used self-colored Checkered Giants for the very large size; Champagne D’ Argents for the silvering, fur length, and meat qualities; and possibly an infusion of American Blue to improve on the meat producing qualities and contribute the blue color.
The Silver Fox is a docile and strikingly beautiful rabbit. It is set apart from all other breeds as the only rabbit with stand-up, instead of fly-back, fur. When stroked from tail-to-head, Silver Fox rabbits' fur stands straight up until stroked back down. This was the hallmark of the early Silver Foxes, and it was developed as a way to re-create the pelt of the silver fox in an economical way and without the hassle of trapping wild foxes. In regards to its meat qualities, Silver Foxes were the first large breed rabbit produced that has potential to dress out up to 65% of its live weight. In addition to their fur and meat qualities, these rabbits have a gentle nature and does are excellent mothers, often having large litters and producing plenty of milk. Many rabbit breeders keep Silver Fox does in their rabbitry to act as a foster for babies from their other rabbits.
Silver Foxes are born as a solid color rabbit - black, blue, chocolate, lilac, or white - with the silvering developing as they grow older, beginning as early as six weeks and the process takes about four months to complete. The fur is extremely dense and is one of the longest of all domestic rabbit breeds, reaching one-and-a-half to two inches in length. Silver Foxes are a large breed. Bucks weigh up to 11 pounds and does often reach 12 pounds as adults. As such, this is a breed worthy of commercial rabbit farming. They also enjoy attention and petting and are easy to handle, making them a delight for farmers to care for while simultaneously producing rabbits that are gentle enough for children to show.