Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Admin
When talking about large rabbit breeds, the giant chinchilla rabbit is without a doubt one of the most popular ones. The bunny is the largest among the three chinchilla breeds and was initially renowned for their cost-effective meat production. Today the giant chinchilla has gained popularity as a household pet in America and some parts of the world due to its good-natured temperament.
History
The Giant chinchilla is originally from the US. The rabbit was developed by a breeder named Edward H. Stahl of Holmes Park, Missouri in 1921, nonetheless, the standard chinchilla rabbit was developed in France in 1913. The giant chinchilla is a crossbreed between a large chinchilla, white New Zealand, and the white Flemish giant. By 1928, the giant chinchilla was officially recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
In the mid to late 1920s, the giant chinchilla’s popularity in America’s fur industry surpassed that of the standard and the American chinchilla. This was due to the giant breed’s sheer size and increased fur production.
Size and physique
The Giant chinchilla Doe’s (females) weigh 13 to 16 pounds while bucks weigh around 12 to 15 pounds. The breed has a semi-arched body type with well-developed shoulders and hindquarters. Lastly, the giant chinchilla has medium-length erect ears.
Fur and color
The Giant chinchilla has flyback fur (goes back to its original position when brushed the wrong way). Their coat color has an undershade of dark slate blue with a top edge of darker blue combined with a tinge of light grey. The giant chinchilla has a white underside tail, black laced ears, and eyes have light pearl eye circles. Lastly, their eye color comes in brown, marble, or blue-grey.
Temperament
The Giant chinchilla rabbit is a docile and calm breed. They are also quite intelligent making them easy to train basic commands, tricks, and even litter training, for those kept indoors. This particular giant breed is good with first-time owners, large families with kids as well as seniors. The giant chinchilla’s mild manner also makes them get along with other household pets such as cats and dogs when properly introduced.
Lifespan/ Health
On average, giant chinchillas have a life expectancy of 5 to 8 years. However, with proper care, some can live up to 10 years. Within 8 to 12 weeks, Does are ready to give birth and their gestation period is around 28 to 35 days. Some of the common health problems affecting this giant breed are GI Stasis, ear mites, arthritis, sore hocks, overgrown teeth, and respiratory illnesses. To increase their longevity, it’s always advisable to take your bunny to the vet for checkups, at least annually.
Diet
Giant chinchillas, like any other rabbit, need a balanced diet comprising primarily 85% hay and 10% vegetables. The rest of their diet should be substituted with pellets and fruits as treats. Also, ensure that your giant bunny has 24/7 access to drinking water to keep them hydrated. It’s worth pointing out that with a proper diet, doe rabbits can produce a large litter when they’re just 2 months old.
Care
When it comes to giant chinchilla general care, grooming their coat is recommended. For regular coat maintenance, their flyback fur should be brushed once a week and twice per week during heavy molting periods. In circumstances where their fur is dirty, use a damp cloth to remove the dirt. Always avoid giving your giant chinchilla a bath to prevent them from having shock which can lead to health issues. Trimming their nails every two months to prevent them from clawing you or injuring themselves is recommended.
Housing
Considering that giant chinchillas are a large rabbit, they need a secure spacious living area that’s at least 4 times the size of your bunny. An ideal hutch or cage for the giant chinchilla breed needs to measure 6 ft. long, 2 ft. wide, and 3 ft. high, however, the more spacious, the better. For the enclosure floor, avoid wired floors to prevent your giant breed from developing sore hocks. Lastly, your giant chinchilla will also need to be both mentally and physically stimulated. For this reason, make sure that they have a playpen or play area that’s at least 10 x 4 x 4 feet regardless of whether they’re housed indoors or outdoors.
Do giant chinchilla bunnies make good pets?
Yes, they do make good pets regardless of whether they’re housed indoors or outdoors. Nevertheless, as mentioned earlier, giant chinchillas need a spacious living area and aren’t suitable for small living apartments. The breed’s docile and calm nature makes it easier to tame and train them to get along with other members of your family and household pets.
What’s the average cost of a giant chinchilla rabbit?
On average, the cost of purchasing a giant chinchilla is between $50 to $150 if it’s from reputable sellers. The price may be higher if the breed is the show quality type. Additionally, their enclosure costs between $70 to $200, food expenditure costs roughly between $50 to $80, and other supplies such as toys and grooming tools collectively can cost $200.
