Does anyone breed Silver Fox rabbits?

[mom2jedi]

I would love to see pictures if you do! When we have meat rabbits eventually, this is the breed we're going with as long as I can find a breeder to get some from.

 

[gaited horse]

I have never seen any, but you live in CA and they have a breeder for every breed there.

 

[mom2jedi]

You'd think there would be but I'm having a tough time finding any! Hopefully, that's a good thing though since there could be a market for any extra babies I end up with.

 

[secuono]

I have a pair, cost me $20 each. But depending on your area, if you want show, meat or pet quality, the price could be crazy. I've seen one female go for $75 as a meat breeder...

So far it seems that females in this breed are crazy. They spook easy, unfriendly, freak out, etc. Mine is a nut case and I only handle her to toss her into the buck's cage, back to hers, etc. The buck I can cuddle him, carry him around on his back, etc. He is so chill and calm, always laying down and lounging. Doe is always sitting or hopping or something...she also is a total nut about her water and always dumps it.

They are a rare breed. Once upon a time, you could get 50-65% meat from them, but no longer.

The brown on their sides is from the sun, it's mostly gone now.

 

[mom2jedi]

Thank you for the pictures!!! They're beautiful! As for the doe's temperament, do you know if it's just yours or have you had other does that were a bit wacky? I really would rather have friendly buns than non friendly but I was hoping for something other than CA or NZ which are everywhere out here. Although, if they are super nice, maybe I'll have some of both...

 

[annanicole18]

I just got my two sunday and I don't know if its stress or what since they were mellow at the breeders house but they have gone crazy. The buck literally has attacked me yesterday and today when I went to feed him. He was super sweet the day I brought him home. The doe who was more skittish when I brought her home is now mellower than he is. They are neat looking and I was excited to get them but now with their attitudes I am regretting getting them. I wanted to show them and breed but if I can't handle them I can't do that. I am working on handling them but getting the buck out is a terror. The breeder did not handle them too much and I think she needs to rethink her program especially since this is her first litter and the ones I didn't purchase were a lot crazier to handle. Mine cost 25 each not to bad for a rare breed.

 

[Sachasmom]

I have Silver Fox and they are really awesome rabbits. Excellent Mommas and great temperaments. I do cull for temperament though, but for the most part I don't need to.

I usually handle mine, but I am not in there all day everyday, lol I did find that litters that are handled as young kits (like still in the nestbox) do tend to be friendlier than those that are not.

Sometimes does will get snarky if they are hormonal and need bred. I don't tolerate bucks that are mentally unstable. *Usually*. I have one that is just stunning, has fabulous fur, size and makes lovely babies. He is perfectly fine in the cage, but I can't do a thing with him. I named him Lohan, because if you're pretty you get to do what you want.

He doesn't bite, he just freaks if you try to take him out and handle him.

You'll need to give the buns some time to adjust to their new surroundings, treats help! Remember that to them a cage is their den/burrow and they feel safe in there. Try not to chase the bun all over the cage. I have a friend who bought a trio from me like four years ago, and her buck escaped like the first day, she said it took her almost a year to win him over (and he was fine here,lol) Try to be confident in your handling, I swear they can smell fear. I've gone to friends houses and had no issues with rabbits they couldn't do a thing with!

There are a lot of breeders in CA. There is a yahoo group for the West Coast and the club is on Facebook too.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Mom2jedi, if you decide to go with the Californians, pay attention to where you buy them.

I've got Californians and they are mellow, calm rabbits. Very quiet natured and easy to work with. I got mine from a show breeder with decades of raising rabbits and the Californians were maintained as a meat line as well as used to show.

But I've heard several people from other areas in the country calling Californians "evil rabbits". So you want to find a seller who raises calm Californians and not evil rabbits.

I know several people with Silver Fox and nobody has ever said anything except that temperaments are good. So, it looks like the same: be careful who you purchase your initial stock from.

I've also got some colored New Zealands and they tend to have very nice temperaments, having always been a backyard breed and not raised commercially. So that's another possibility if you don't happen to like the red eyes. They come in some really pretty colors.

 

[secuono]

It would be easy enough for you to choose a doe that is friendly when you get yours. Mine is a nut and if I get a nice doe kit from her, she will stay and the mom will go.
In general they are far nicer than other breeds.

 

[goofy98]

I fownd some one with silver fox rabbit for sell

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=589768