Creme D’Argent Rabbit: Pictures, Care Guide, Lifespan & Traits
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The Crème d’Argent rabbit breed is a large rabbit that weighs between 8.5 and 11 pounds when fully grown. It’s, sadly, also one of the rarest rabbit breeds in the world. It has a lifespan of 7 to 9 years, and at last count, there were less than 1,000 of these gorgeous rabbits.
Of course, if you can find one as a pet, they live much better and perhaps a bit longer in captivity. If you want to adopt a Crème d’Argent rabbit and give it a forever home, be prepared to pay quite a bit. We’ll discuss this unique rabbit and everything you need to know in the guide below.
| Size: | Large |
| Weight: | 8.5 to 11 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 7 to 9 years |
| Similar Breeds: | Champagne d’Argent |
| Suitable for: | Beginner rabbit keepers, families with older children |
| Temperament: | Docile, laid back, gentle, easy to handle, friendly, well-mannered, curious |
The Crème d-Argent rabbit makes a great pet for first-time rabbit keepers, as it’s easy to handle, friendly, docile, and laid back. It has a crème-colored appearance with a bright orange undercoat, which makes it unique and very rare.
These rare rabbits only live in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, groups such as ARBA are working diligently to save the rabbit and protect the species. The Crème d-Argent rabbit is part of the Leporids family and has an average care level.
Creme D’Argent Rabbit Breed Characteristics
How Much Do These Rabbits Cost?
As previously mentioned, this is a very rare rabbit breed, so it’s going to cost quite a bit to purchase. You can expect to pay around $75 or more for a Crème d’Argent Rabbit. The price you pay isn’t the issue for most rabbit breeders or owners; it’s the fact that you will have a hard time finding a breeder.
Probably the easiest way to find a Crème d’Argent breeder is by going directly to the ARBA website and doing your research from there. Remember, this breed is extinct everywhere but in the United States and the United Kingdom, so a breeder will be hard to find.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Creme D’Argent
The Crème d’Argent has often been described as a well-mannered rabbit. Their behavior and docile nature make them an excellent choice as a family pet. This breed was bred mostly for meat and to show in the ring. However, they’re developed less for meat now that they are considered extinct in many parts of the world and are listed as endangered in the UK and the US.
Since these rabbits were developed for meat and show, they are docile and easy to handle. The great thing about these rabbits is that they don’t mind being picked up and handled by family members.
If you’re looking for a sweet-tempered pet, the Crème d’Argent is a great option. However, as with any other pet you bring into your home, you must respect your furry friend’s personal space. You can expect the rabbit to be skittish when you first bring it home, so let it slowly adjust to you and your family.
Do These Rabbits Make Good Pets? 👪
Yes, these rabbits do make excellent pets. Due to their gentle, laid-back nature, they make good pets for individuals, couples, the elderly, and families with children. However, since they’re so large, it’s best if they are adopted by families where the children are older. It’s easy for a small child to have a problem handling the larger rabbit, meaning the rabbit could be injured if the child were to drop it accidentally.
With that being said, children can be taught to handle the rabbit properly. Your Crème d’Argent Rabbit will do well inside or outside.
Does This Rabbit Get Along with Other Pets?
These rabbits are very docile, so they can get along with just about any person or animal. Since they aren’t territorial, you don’t have to worry about them starting fights with other rabbits most of the time. However, keeping different rabbit species in the same hutch is never recommended. It’s okay for them to play together, but they don’t need to live together.
As for other animals, rabbits are considered prey for most animals and are low on the food chain. It’s best to keep them away from the dogs and cats in your household. While your animals may not bother the rabbit, your little friend may see them as a threat and become anxious. Anxiety and fear can easily lead to your rabbit developing a heart problem, which could be fatal.
Things to Know When Owning a Creme D’Argent Rabbit Breed
If you’ve been able to find a breeder and now have a Crème d’Argent Rabbit as a pet, you’ll need to know how to care for your new furry friend. In the section below, we’ll discuss the food, living, and exercise requirements, as well as training, grooming, and health conditions to watch out for.
Food & Diet Requirements 🥕
The exact amount you feed your little friend will depend on the rabbit’s size, activity level, and age. It goes without saying that you’ll be feeding this rabbit more than you would a smaller rabbit breed just because of its large size.
However, ensure you don’t overfeed the rabbit, as weight gain can be a very real health issue for any rabbit breed, especially one this large. This breed should eat a portion of hay that is as big as their body size daily and plenty of fresh leafy vegetables. At least 80% of your rabbit’s diet should be hay, 15% or more should be leafy greens, and the remaining 5% should be high-quality Timothy pellets. High-fiber pellets are better for your rabbit, but you should only feed the Crème d’Argent 1/8 cup or less a day since a high-pellet diet can cause obesity.
Habitat & Hutch Requirements 🏠
Your Crème d’Argent Rabbit will need plenty of space to roam around. If your rabbit were in the wild, it would be grazing and on the go most of the time; the same behavior should be replicated with your pet rabbit. Rabbits aren’t meant to sit in one location for long, and it’s not good for them to do so.
You’ll want to keep your rabbit safe from extreme cold and hot conditions, though the rabbit can live happily indoors or outdoors. A two-story, durable hutch is your best choice if you keep your rabbit outside. The two-story hutch will keep the rabbit safe from predators, and a well-built ramp between the two floors will give the bunny the space it needs to run around and play without being in danger.
If you decide to keep your Crème d’Argent Rabbit inside, you’ll need a cage large enough for the rabbit to play and run around when you’re not letting it roam the house. If you can only give the rabbit a small amount of space, it’s essential that you let them run around outside of their enclosure a lot so they get the exercise and playtime they need to be healthy and happy.
It’s essential to spot-clean these hutches once a day, much like a cat’s litter box. Ensure you completely clean the cages at least once every couple of weeks to avoid a huge mess or any stink in your home and any health issues an unclean cage could cause.
Exercise & Sleeping Needs 🐇
If your little furry friend were in the wild, it would run approximately three miles daily. This means that your domesticated rabbit also needs at least that amount of exercise daily. Your rabbit needs at least three hours of free-range time a day to run and jump.
While the Crème d’Argent isn’t an overly active rabbit, they still need regular exercise to be kept entertained. You can easily find plenty of toys to keep your rabbit moving but also to keep it mentally stimulated as well. Keeping your rabbit occupied can also keep it from becoming bored and destructive.
Training 🥎
You probably already know that training a rabbit isn’t as easy as training your dog or cat, but it is possible. You can train your Crème d’Argent Bunny to use the litter box, just as you did your cat. In some cases, you can even train the rabbit to respond to its name and come when you call it.
Many people think it isn’t possible to train a rabbit, but it is; it just takes patience, love, and time, so don’t give up.
Grooming ✂️
Even though this is a large rabbit, it doesn’t require much grooming. Brushing your Crème d’Argent once a week or even once every two weeks should be sufficient. However, if you want to keep your house and clothes fur-free during shedding season, you should brush your pet a few times a week.
Trim your rabbit’s nails when needed, and only bathe them if necessary. A bath for a rabbit can be extremely traumatic.
Lifespan & Health Conditions 🏥
The Crème d’Argent Rabbit breed has an average life expectancy of between 7 and 9 years if they are cared for lovingly and properly. As with any rabbit, there are a few health issues that you’ll want to be on the lookout for.
- Ear mites
- Malocclusion
- GI Stasis
- Flystrike
- Back issues
If you see any signs of the conditions listed above, it’s best to make an appointment with the proper vet for diagnosis and treatment. You should also make sure that your Crème d’Argent has regular dental checkups and regular checkups with your vet as well.
Male vs. Female
There is little difference between the males and females of this rabbit breed, though the females due tend to be a bit bigger than the males.
3 Little-Known Facts About The Creme D’Argent
Now that you know all there is to know about the Crème d’Argent, you might be interested in knowing a few of the little-known facts below.
1. The Crème d’Argent Originated in France
This rabbit originated in France, but the exact date and who bred them is still unknown, however.
2. The Crème d’Argent Doesn’t Like to Be Handled Roughly
While your little rabbit will have no issues with being handled and loves to be petted, it’s not going to be like being handled roughly, so avoid that at all costs.
3. The Breed Is Recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association
The Crème d’Argent was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association starting in 1938.
Final Thoughts
The Crème d’Argent rabbit is a rare breed that t is docile and quite friendly. You can expect to pay around $75 for this rabbit from a breeder if you can find a breeder that can produce one. These rabbits are extinct everywhere in the world except for the United States and the United Kingdom. However, they are listed as recovering and not as rare as they once were.
If you’re looking for a rabbit to keep as a pet, the Crème d’Argent is one of the best since it’s friendly and laid back. You should make sure, however, that you’re up to the task of caring for a pet, as they need plenty of exercise to be healthy and happy.
Featured Image Credit to: Shane Fernando, Shutterstock
