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American Chinchilla Rabbit

By | Last Updated: 16th March 2020

The American Chinchilla, also called the ‘Heavyweight Chinchilla’, is one among the three Chinchilla rabbit breeds characterized by a medium-length, stocky body. Initially bred for their fur and meat, the American Chinchilla Rabbits have now become increasingly popular as pets that are also displayed in competitions and exhibitions. These rabbits are the rarest among all the variations of Chinchillas.

American Chinchilla Rabbit

The American Chinchilla was first produced through selective breeding of standard Chinchilla rabbits, which were developed by the French breeder M.J. Dybowski. This new breed was acknowledged by the American Rabbit Breeders’ Association (ARBA) in 1924.

Basic Information

How big do they get

Size

Medium, 15-18 inches long

Weight

9-12 lbs

Height

17-19 inches

Width

About 17-20 inches

What do they look like

Fur Type

Soft, short, rollback

Ear Type

Straight, erect

Color

Blue-Gray Eyes American Chinchilla Rabbit

Dark Brown American Chinchilla Rabbit

Marbled American Chinchilla Rabbit

Care Level

Low

High

Regularly wipe down its cage with warm water and vinegar to remove droppings and stubborn urine deposits. Replace all fabric bedding after a week.

Cage Size

Use an indoor cage roughly measuring 26 X 24 X 21 inches, a larger enclosure of dimensions 72 X 24 X 24 inches can be used to keep a group of Chinchilla bunnies

Diet

Mostly fresh timothy hay, a cup of a healthy mix of fruits, leafy greens, and vegetables as treats, and high-quality pellets per day

GROOMING

Occasional

Regular

Needs occasional brushing, once every three to four weeks, using a slicker brush

ACTIVITY

Low

High

Allow it to play with chew toys and grass balls, create a safe exercise area in your backyard where it can run around and explore

COST

Low

High

Their price ranges from $50 to $100, depending on whether an individual is pedigreed, show rabbit, or purebred; the yearly cost of keeping it is average

SHEDDING

Low

High

Sheds heavily in fall and spring, during which it should be brushed once every two weeks

Did You Know

  • According to The Livestock Conservancy, the American Chinchilla is the only ‘critically endangered’ domestic rabbit breed.
  • Despite being named Chinchilla rabbits, they are neither related to nor can they be bred with the chinchilla rodents.

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