As the product of accidental breeding and a 4-H project, the Cinnamon rabbit is a unique, all-purpose breed gorgeous enough for the show ring and calm enough to serve as a child’s pet. In this article, you’ll learn the unusual origin story of the Cinnamon rabbit, along with key traits that make it one of the best pets for first-time bunny owners.
Height:
Medium
Weight:
Up to 11 lbs
Lifespan:
5–8 years
Similar Breeds:
Californian Rabbit, New Zealand Rabbit
Suitable for:
First-time rabbit owners, including kids, and households with other rabbits
Temperament:
Calm, athletic, affectionate, gentle
The first thing you’ll probably notice about the Cinnamon rabbit is the remarkable coat color that gives the breed its name. Spend time with one of these bunnies, and it might be their personality that leaves a lasting impression. They’re sweet, affectionate, and playful and make wonderful pets that enjoy the company of other bunnies and people. Although they’re easy to care for, the Cinnamon rabbit is particularly active and needs space to burn off energy daily.
Cinnamon Rabbit Breed Characteristics
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability
How Much Do These Rabbits Cost?
Cinnamon rabbits were developed in the United States in the 1960s as the result of an accidental breeding between a Chinchilla and a New Zealand rabbit. After breeding them for a 4-H project, the two kids who owned the rabbits continued breeding them with the addition of Californian and Checkered Giant blood. This genetic mixture resulted in a litter of rabbits with the now characteristic fur color of the breed.
With the help of their father, the children focused on producing bunnies with unique reddish-orange fur, later accepted as the Cinnamon rabbit breed in 1972. The Cinnamon rabbit is still relatively uncommon, so you can expect to pay about $50 for this breed.
Cinnamon rabbits are known for their appealing temperaments. They are affectionate and gentle bunnies that tend to be more tolerant of handling than many breeds. In addition to being social and interactive, they are also playful and active. Because of their mellow personality, the Cinnamon Rabbit may be easier to train than other breeds.
Do These Rabbits Make Good Pets? 👪
Cinnamon rabbits make excellent pets, especially for children and first-time owners. They are not complicated to care for, and their calm temperament is ideal for nervous pet owners.
However, the Cinnamon is more active and athletic than many other rabbits. Ideally, they should live in a home with space for a larger rabbit hutch or run for them to exercise. Typically, rabbits are great pets for small-space living, but the Cinnamon requires more room than most breeds.
Cinnamon rabbits are highly social with other bunnies. They thrive when given a companion, which is another point to consider when deciding whether this is the right breed for you. Two pet rabbits need double the space, especially if they’re Cinnamon bunnies.
Generally, prey animals like rabbits shouldn’t interact with other pets they view as predators, like dogs and cats. Some dogs and cats may learn to get along with a rabbit if socialized from an early age. However, predator stress can harm Cinnamon rabbits, even if the larger pets are gentle.
Things to Know When Owning a Cinnamon Rabbit
As we mentioned earlier, Cinnamon rabbits are considered a low-maintenance breed. Here’s what you should know when owning a Cinnamon rabbit.
Food & Diet Requirements 🥕
Cinnamon rabbits don’t have any special diet requirements. Like all rabbits, they should primarily eat grass hay, such as Timothy, to provide the fiber needed to keep their digestive system moving. Green, leafy vegetables, such as romaine lettuce and cilantro, should also be fed daily. A small portion of rabbit pellets (1/8-1/4 cup per 5 pounds of weight) can also be offered.
Avoid feeding too many pellets or vegetables high in carbohydrates, like carrots and potatoes. These food items can cause a Cinnamon rabbit to gain too much weight or upset their digestive balance.
Cinnamon rabbits should have a hutch at least 2 feet x 3 feet, or about four times their size. Make sure they have room to hop comfortably, stretch out, and stand on their hind legs. They also need enough space for food and water, a hiding area, and a litter box if you decide to train them to use one.
Ideally, choose a hutch with wire sides for ventilation but a solid floor. Wire floors can injure your rabbit’s feet. Line the cage with 1-2 inches of paper bedding and replace it regularly. In addition to the hutch, Cinnamon rabbits need a larger play area for exercise.
A run can be attached to their main space or separate. Make this play area at least 24 square feet, which should be protected with a fence or baby gates 3-4 feet high with carpet or padding on the floor.
You can also provide an outdoor play space if it is enclosed and safe from weather and predators. To keep your Cinnamon entertained and healthy, you can add toys and chew objects in indoor or outdoor play spaces. If you have more than one rabbit, double the size requirements for the hutch and the play space.
Exercise & Sleeping Needs 🐇
Place a hiding box in your Cinnamon rabbit’s hutch to serve as a protected sleep space. Cinnamon rabbits should spend at least 4 hours daily in their larger exercise area if it’s not attached to their main hutch. These bunnies are fast and can jump high, so they need time and space to stretch their legs.
Cinnamon rabbits appreciate having another bunny as a playmate and plenty of toys to investigate. Without daily exercise and room to explore, Cinnamon rabbits can become bored and destructive and may suffer health issues like obesity.
Generally, rabbits don’t require the same level of training as cats and dogs. They should be taught to accept handling at a young age for the best results. This makes it easier to care for them day-to-day, as well as to provide medical care.
It’s also a good idea to litter-train your Cinnamon rabbit because it helps keep their hutch cleaner and makes it easier for you to remove soiled areas daily. Generally, this can be accomplished by paying attention to which corner of the cage your rabbit uses as a toilet and placing the litter box there. Place some hay in the litter box to entice your rabbit.
Grooming✂️
Cinnamon rabbits have short fur, but they shed, and weekly brushing keeps their coat in good condition. When they shed more heavily, you can increase the brushing frequency to remove the dead hair. Avoid bathing your Cinnamon rabbit, but keep their nails trimmed short. Your vet can demonstrate how to trim them.
With proper care, Cinnamon rabbits typically live an average of 5–8 years. Some may even live as long as 10 years. They don’t have any breed-specific health conditions but are vulnerable to some medical concerns that impact all rabbits.
Minor Conditions
Internal parasites, like pinworms, and external parasites, like fleas and mites
Sores on their hind feet from constant contact with the ground
Serious Conditions
GI stasis from a build-up of gas and bacteria in the rabbit’s intestines
Respiratory infections
Female Cinnamon rabbits can get tumors or infections in the uterus if they aren’t spayed
Dental problems, such as overgrown or misaligned teeth, can be painful or cause a Cinnamon rabbit to stop eating
Male vs Female
If you keep Cinnamon rabbits in pairs, it’s essential to know whether you have male or female bunnies, or you may be surprised with a litter of babies one day. Male Cinnamon bunnies may spray, just like unneutered male cats. Many bunny owners choose to neuter their pets to avoid the smelly situation.
As we mentioned, female Cinnamon rabbits are at risk of developing tumors or infections in their uterus. Because of this, it’s generally best to have them spayed at around 5–6 months old if they are not part of a breeding program.
The 3 Little-Known Facts About Cinnamon Rabbit
1. Cinnamon rabbits only come in one color
The Cinnamon rabbit’s spice-colored coat is the breed’s defining feature. It can range in shade from a light orange to a darker reddish-brown. Cinnamon rabbits also have gray fur on their belly, paws, ears, and nose, with black tips on the ears.
2. Cinnamon rabbits can run as fast as 30-40 miles per hour
There’s a reason they need a large exercise area!
3. Cinnamon rabbits are a multi-purpose breed
As we learned, Cinnamon rabbits make amazing pets, but they are also used for other purposes. Their beautiful coats stand out in the show ring. They are also raised for meat and sometimes fur.
