Lilac silver fox rabbit has unusual and beautiful fur with silver ticking, making them one of the most popular pets in the USA. The breed was developed beautifully and intentionally in North Canton, Ohio, USA 1920.
Sadly, according to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), the breed has become critically endangered.
Do you want to learn more about the silver fox rabbit? Let’s explore.
Lilac Silver Fox Rabbit – Info Chart
They are a pet-friendly animal. This breed is also known by other names, which are listed below
- The American Black Silver Fox Rabbit
- The American Blue Silver Fox Rabbit
- The Blue Silver Fox Rabbit
- The American Silver Fox Rabbit
- The Black Silver Fox Rabbit
- The American Heavyweight Silver Rabbit
- The Silver Fox Rabbit
| Breed Name | Lilac |
| Weight (lbs.) | Male: 9 – 12, Female: 10 – 12 |
| Size | Large |
| Color | Lilac |
| Lifespan | 7 – 10 years |
| Temperament | Even-tempered, Affectionate, Calm, Docile, Gentle |
| Rarity | Rarest |
| Similar Breeds | English silver, Champagnes d’Argent, Checkered Giant |
| Suitable for | First-time pet owner, People of all ages |
| Breed Purpose | Fur and meat. Also, a good choice for show and pet animal |
| Climate Tolerance | All climate |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Litter Size | Roughly 6 kittens/litter |
| Ears | Long erect ears |
| Eye color | Medium-sized brown eyes |
A Brief History of Lilac Silver Fox Rabbit
Mixed breeds are rare to rabbits. However, Walter B. Garland, the owner of Vema Rose Rabbit Firm, developed a new breed in 1920. Garland was a widespread rabbit breeder of his time. He created the breed using the English Silver Buck and Black Checked Giant doe. However, there is a debate among rabbit experts about the breeds he used for cross-breeding.
Some believed this third breed developed in the USA, consisting of breeds other than English Silvers and Checkered Giants. According to them, Garland used Champagne d’Argent to develop a lilac silver fox rabbit.
But nobody confirmed which rabbits were used to cross-breed silver fox rabbits. The reason is Garland didn’t publish any papers about his work.
Yet, most people confirmed that this breed was developed during 1911 – 1920. Subsequently, the silver fox rabbit breed gained recognition within the American Breeder’s Association.
Although the USA created the breed successfully, the lilac silver fox rabbit is endangered in America and Canada. This breed faced the possibility of becoming an extinct rabbit breed in the United States and Canada after many years.
That is why rabbit enthusiasts and breeders created the National Silver Fox Rabbit Club on 31 August 1971. Their prime aim was to increase the silver fox rabbit number and remove it from the extinction list.
The good news is they managed to develop the silver fox rabbit breed. However, this breed is on the endangered list in the USA.
Lilac Silver Fox Rabbit – Characteristics
Lilac silver rabbits are giant breeds characterized by their substantial size and considerable weight.
Here are some of the critical characteristics of Lilac silver rabbits.
Size, Weight & Shape
Lilac silver foxes have a commercial and large body. Male rabbits weigh an average of 9 – 11 lbs. Female rabbits weigh roughly 10 – 12 lbs. Both have well-fleshed shoulders and hindquarters.
Coat
They have a unique coat. This breed has one-of-a-kind fur, making them exceptional from other rabbit breeds. The fur is incredibly dense, approximately 1.5” – 2” long. For their distinctive thick fur, the coat doesn’t require special maintenance.
You only need to brush the coat twice weekly to remove lost hair. Thus, the coat remains clean in the off-shedding seasons. Generally, lilac rabbits shed more during spring and fall. That is why brushing the coat more than usual is necessary at that time.
Lifespan
The lifespan of these bunnies is 5 – 8 years. However, they can live longer when proper care is ensured. If you keep them indoors with your families, they will live roughly 10 years.
Temperament
Lilac silver fox rabbits are primarily developed for meat and fur. But they are an excellent choice as a pet and show animal. They are friendly, docile, and gentle by nature. These bunnies can be good companions to couples, singles, seniors, and families with kids.
For this, they need to be socialized at an early age. They love attention. Spending time playing with them daily will help you create a strong bond.
Although they are moderately playful and active, regular exercise is required. Otherwise, they can become frustrated and bored.
Trainability and Intelligence
You can train them easily. They are responsive to their names and come for food. Rabbits are prey animals naturally and have instincts when faced with danger.
Usually, they are not the most intelligent animals, but they have excellent hearing and eyesight.
Behavior
Lilac silver fox is a low-maintenance, docile rabbit breed.
As stated, they are natural prey animals with acute senses. It means that they are startled by unexpected movements and sudden noises. When they are afraid, they may run away.
Types of Training Required
- Crate
Get a rabbit cage or hutch and let your lilac silver fox familiar with it. The cage will be your furry friend’s nest. Your bunny will sleep and relax there. Initially, lock the cage when not in use. Such acts let the bunny feel the cage is for sleeping and living.
Lilac silver fox rabbit is suitable for outdoor and indoor living. If you made the hutch for the outdoors, ensure the bunny is protected from predators.
- Potty Training
You can easily potty train your lilac silver fox rabbit.
All you need to do is start the training early. Also, take the droppings from the hutch or cage and put them into the litter box. It will let the bunny understand that the litter box is for potty.
Make sure to clean the hutch once a week before your bunny gets familiar with the potty training.
Important Note: Generally, silver fox rabbits produce softer-type stools overnight. Then, they will eat the stools in the morning to help their digestion. If your lilac silver fox rabbit does the same, there is nothing to worry about, as it is completely normal.
- Walking on a Leash
Is it possible to let your bunny walk on a leash?
Yes, it is possible. Buy bunny leashes and train your rabbit to walk on them. However, be careful when training to prevent injury to your lilac silver fox.
Lilac Silver Fox Rabbit Health Problems
The life expectancy of the lilac silver rabbit is 7-10 years, meaning they are healthy rabbit breeds. However, it is crucial to take care of your bunny’s health periodically.
A few common health problems are lilac rabbits, which are listed below.
- Flystrike or Myiasis
When a fly sits on your bunny’s skin and lays eggs, your rabbit will experience myiasis or flystrike problems. Usually, flies sit on rabbits’ wounds, wet fur, or a dirty bottom.
Keeping this point in mind, keeping your bunny dry all the time is crucial. Otherwise, the fly eggs can hatch quickly, and the larvae will find their way to the rabbit’s skin. The situation can be fatal within a few hours.
- Overgrown Teeth
Rabbit’s teeth grow continuously. So, it is significantly crucial that your lilac silver rabbit has enough hay to gnaw on.
Usually, rabbits should obtain 70% of their dietary intake from hay. The reason is chewing on hay aids in preventing the excessive growth of their teeth.
A rabbit’s teeth should be disallowed to grow too long. The reason is it can grow into their face and jaws. Thus, your rabbit will face pain while eating. You must visit a veterinarian if your lilac silver rabbit is facing an overgrown teeth problem.
Additionally, lilac silver rabbits feel discomfort in hot weather. So, keep enough fresh water in their hutch. Also, the hutch should be placed in a shaded area.
Lilac Rabbits- The Breed in Bloom
Lilac Silver Fox Rabbit Care Sheet
Taking care of your lilac silver rabbit is crucial. Here are a few tips on how you can keep your rabbit healthy all the time.
Feeding
As mentioned, hay is the primary food for rabbits, while you can also provide formulated rabbit foods. Keeping some leafy green will also be a good decision.
You must be thinking, how much should I feed my lilac silver rabbit?
Well, it depends on a few factors.
- Your rabbit’s weight
- Your rabbit’s energy level
Also, remember that feeding iceberg lettuce will be a wrong decision. The reason is iceberg lettuce contains excessive Lanandum, causing digestion problems.
Grooming
Lilac silver rabbits have long and thick fur. However, that doesn’t mean you have to maintain the fur daily. Generally, the fur doesn’t shed more except in the spring and fall seasons. So, brush the fur in spring and fall more than usual or until shedding is stopped.
Naturally, lilac silver rabbits are clean animals. They lick their paws, face, and ears constantly. Also, they clean the rest of their body many times a day.
Keep your rabbit healthy by checking its bottom for flystrike regularly.
If your rabbit loves to play outside, applying tick and flea repellents would be best. It will help them fight against tick and flea bites.
Bathing
Bathing your lilac silver fox is unnecessary. Although rabbits like rain, they should always remain dry. They can keep themselves clean by licking their whole body.
Cleaning Ears, Nails and Teeth
As said, rabbit teeth grow faster, and overgrown teeth can cause problems in chewing. Provide them with enough rough foods and toys to chew on.
Also, lilac silver rabbit’s nails grow quicker. If your rabbit runs a lot in a large enclosed area, its nails may wear down slightly. Check the condition of the nails once a month and trim them if required. While trimming, ensure not to pass the area where the white end of the nails meets the pink part.
Although rabbits clean their ears regularly, you must check them for dirt build-up. If your rabbit hutch is outside, clean the ears and prevent mite’s build-up.
Related: Can Rabbits Use Chinchilla Dust?
Lilac Silver Fox Rabbit Diet Plan
Remember to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets or rabbits to create a personalized diet plan that suits the specific needs of your Lilac Silver Fox rabbits.
Also, adjust the portion sizes based on the rabbit’s age, weight, health condition, and activity level. Additionally, always ensure fresh water is available at all times.
- Fresh Vegetables: Offer a variety of fresh vegetables like leafy greens (romaine lettuce, kale, spinach), bell peppers, carrots, and herbs. Rotate the vegetables to provide a diverse diet.
- Pellets: Choose high-quality rabbit pellets specially formulated for rabbits’ dietary needs. Follow the recommended portion size according to the rabbit’s age, weight, and activity level.
- Hay: Provide unlimited access to good-quality hay such as timothy hay or orchard grass hay. Hay should be the primary component of the rabbit’s diet and should be available at all times.
FAQ
Do lilac silver fox rabbits make a good pet for kids?
With proper supervision, lilac silver rabbits can make good pets for responsible and older children. Their calm temperament and medium size can be suitable for interaction. However, like all rabbits, they require gentle handling, consistent care, and commitment from parents to ensure the well-being and safety of the child and the rabbit.
Do lilac silver fox rabbits like to be held?
Lilac silver rabbits, like most rabbits, may not enjoy being held for extended periods. They often prefer solid ground and can become stressed when lifted. While some may tolerate short, gentle holds, respecting their individual preferences and focusing on bonding through calm interactions at ground level is essential.
How much does it cost to buy a lilac silver fox rabbit?
The cost of a lilac silver rabbit can vary based on factors such as breeder reputation, location, and the rabbit’s lineage. On average, they range from $30 to $100. However, additional expenses like housing, supplies, and veterinary care should also be considered when budgeting for a pet rabbit.
Last Words
Whether you’re a rabbit enthusiast, a breeder, or a newcomer seeking a pet, the Lilac Silver Fox rabbit is an excellent option. With a gentle temperament suitable for companionship and motherhood, alongside their impressive physique and coat, they’re well-suited for animal shows and make a versatile choice for various rabbit enthusiasts.