Silver Fox Rabbits

Silver Fox rabbits are a rare, heritage breed of rabbit developed in the 1920s in Ohio by rabbit breeder Walter B. Garland.  Mr. Garland wanted to create a multipurpose breed that would be a good producer of both meat and quality rabbit fur.  And, he wanted his rabbits to reach market weight quicker than other meat breeds while gaining the weight on mostly forage.

Silver Fox rabbits are know for their quality meat producing capabilities.  They are listed in Slow Food USA's "Ark of Taste" category as "the best rabbit meat".  They state: "The Silver Fox rabbit has a deep loin that provides good meat proportions on the carcass.  The taste of its meat is of high quality with a fine texture and taste."  In fact, the Silver Fox dresses out highest of all breeds at an amazing 65% of live weight.

The fur of Silver Fox rabbits is unlike any other rabbit breed in that if you stroke it backwards (tail to head), the fur will continue to stand upright instead of going back down on its own.  The fur is 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, and has silvering, greatly resembling the Artic Silver Fox for which it is named both in texture and coloring.  In fact, in the decades following the development of the breed, many Silver Fox FOX fur coats were in actuality made of Silver Fox RABBIT pelts!  Although silvered black is the most common fur color (and the only one recognized in the breed standard), Silver Fox rabbits can also come in blue, and more rarely, chocolate or lilac.

And, besides meat and fur, Silver Fox rabbits excel as an excellent family pet, proving to be quite docile and gentle (and what a joy to pet that wonderful coat!).  They make great project rabbits for showing.

Silver Fox does are usually in the nine to twelve pound range, and make excellent mothers.  They produce large litters and have an ample milk supply, which make them valuable for fostering kits from other litters too.  The breed standard for adult bucks is nine to eleven pounds.

Today the Silver Fox breed of rabbit is rated by the Livestock Conservancy as being "Critically Endangered".  The goal of Gloryland Family Farmstead is to not only breed and promote this valuable rabbit to help it from becoming extinct, but to also continue to improve its multi-use capabilities, such as good growth on forage.  We selectively breed to bring out the best characteristics of the breed as it was originally developed, and occasionally have breeding stock available for those desiring to start their own rabbitry of Silver Foxes.

If you would like a copy of our informative booklet on the Silver Fox rabbit, and their care and breeding, or to get on the list for future breeding stock, please email your request and put "Silver Fox" in the subject line.