A Thuringer rabbit is a great alternative to your tired, old pets. The large, affectionate, outgoing, and friendly Thuringer bunnies are great fun. However, they only require a fraction of the care of dogs.
Although rare in the United States of America, Thuringers are very common. This guide will help you learn everything you need to properly raise one of these rare animals.
Here are some quick facts about Thuringer Rabbits
| Species Name: | Oryctolagus cuniculus |
| Family: | Leporids |
| Care Level | Low to medium |
| Temperature: | 60degF-70degF |
| Temperament: | Friendly, playful, affectionate |
| Color Form: | Charcoal in shades of yellow, black, and blue |
| Lifespan: | 5-8 Years |
| Size: | 8-10 pounds |
| Diet: | Grass, hay, rabbit pellets, fruits, veggies |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 12 sq. ft. |
| Tank setup: | Minimal |
| Compatibility: | Works well with other rabbits |
Thuringer Rabbit Overview
The Thuringer rabbit is a German invention that dates back to the 20th century. It was created in Thuringer, Germany. David Gartner was the man who created it. He combined Silver rabbits with Himalayan rabbits and even added Flemish Giants.
They were initially bred to be commercial pets, meaning they could be used for their fur and meat. They are large because of their size, but they make wonderful pets due to their gentle nature and sweet disposition.
This breed was almost extinct following WWII but dedicated breeders saved them. This is a good thing, too. These bunnies are easy to care for and fun for novice owners.
It can be difficult to find them, so it can be time-consuming. It’s worth the effort, especially if your rabbit is capable of handling a lot of affection.
A rabbit this large will need more space and care than regular bunnies, so they are not suitable for all people, especially those with limited space. If you have enough space for one of these large bunnies, you will be able to enjoy a wonderful pet.
What Does it Cost to Buy Thuringer Rabbits?
You will pay a different price depending on where they are purchased, but a Thuringer rabbit is rare enough to warrant a high price of at least $100. Finding a breeder is the hardest part.
These bunnies are often kept for commercial purposes so it may be difficult to find a breeder who will raise them as pets. This is particularly true in the United States where it can be extremely difficult to find this breed.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
These large bunnies are laidback and open to affection. They love to be loved and can be taken out.
They are very attention-seeking and will demand your love if you ignore them. They are almost dog-like in this regard and love to play with their human.
They are lively and love to play with other rabbits. This is a great breed for anyone looking to have a pet they can enjoy playing with and caring for.
Appearance and Varieties
Thuringer rabbits are only one type, so there is little variation. Each individual is identical in their coloring.
The bunnies are charcoal-colored with a yellow tinge at the top. You’ll also often see a blueish-black tinge around the facial features. You may notice tickling around the feet and along the belly.
The fur is soft and silky, but not too thick to be difficult to brush. Their sleek, smooth feel will ensure that you spend hours petting them.
The Thuringers are like large Butterballs with prominent necks. It’s a cute look. However, it is important to not let it get out of control. The breed is prone to obesity which can cause serious health problems for the dogs. They should weigh in the neighborhood of 5-8 pounds. However, some dogs can reach 10 pounds.
Their ears are long and held up straight. Their portly bodies require them to have strong legs.
How to Care for a Thuringer Rabbit
Thuringer rabbits are easy to care for. Before you bring one home, however, you need to be familiar with a few facts about them.
Habitat, Tank Conditions, and Setup
Thuringers are large rabbits and will need lots of space to roam. These bunnies shouldn’t be purchased if you don’t have enough space.
These animals will also need a cage. So you are prepared for the new Thuringer, we’ve listed their most pressing concerns.
Cage
Thuringers require more space than other rabbits. They can be kept outside by some people, but they are more than capable of surviving the elements.
No matter where they are kept, you will need to place them in a wire cage or enclosure with lots of chicken wire. They love to explore and hop around so the larger the enclosure the better.
These rabbits are susceptible to obesity so allowing them to roam at their own pace will help them maintain a healthy weight. You should allow them to move around in their enclosure a few times per day if they are not allowed to.
Bedding
Thuringer rabbits will need the same bedding as all rabbits, but they’ll need more. You can expect to line their cages with shredded paper or Aspen shreds, hay, or any other suitable litter for rabbits.
Avoid bedding made from pine or cedar, which can be dangerous if they are eaten. You should change your bedding regularly as rabbits use it for their toilet.
Temperature
Rabbits are more comfortable with cool temperatures than heat. If possible, keep the temperature in their cage between 60°F and 70°F.
If the rabbit is kept outdoors, temperatures below 40 degrees F are acceptable. If they are kept below 40 degrees, they can be kept inside.
However, extreme heat can be dangerous for rabbits. To escape this heat, you will need to bring them inside or give them a cool shaded place.
If you leave your pets outside, it is a good idea to insulate their hutch. This will keep them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. No matter what Mother Nature does, you can ensure they are safe and healthy by paying attention to their needs.
Lighting
If they are left outside, Thuringer rabbits do not require any special lighting. They need to be exposed to UV light to make vitamin D.
You can’t keep your bunny inside if they aren’t in direct sunlight. You should instead install a UV-B light in the cage.
It shouldn’t be run 24/7. A few hours a day should suffice. It should be placed low enough to not shine into the rabbit’s eyes. Also, keep wires out of the cage so that they don’t chew them.
You can give your rabbits plenty of vitamin D through the food they eat. If you have an indoor space or a leash, your indoor rabbit can go outside for a few hours every day.
Are Thuringer Rabbits compatible with other pets?
Thuringer rabbits can be social creatures and should be able to get along with other rabbits if they are allowed to live with you. They are more likely to be happy in large groups so it is a good idea to have several friends. You can have one if you only want one. However, it is important to give them lots of attention to compensate for their isolation.
It is generally not a good idea to keep rabbits alongside small pets such as rats or guinea pigs. They may not get along well and could contract diseases. They also have different diets and it can be difficult to ensure that they don’t eat something they shouldn’t.
Thuringers are larger than most rabbits and may be more able to live with cats because they’re better at protecting themselves and less likely be attacked. However, you should not mix them unless both animals seem calm and docile. If there is a skirmish, it’s easy for one or both of them to get hurt.
Dogs are the same. You should only allow a rabbit to be around your dog if you are certain the dog will not eat it. Even then, it is probably best to avoid mixing the two animals. If you want to keep both, make sure the rabbit is in a safe area.
How to feed your Thuringer Rabbit
Thuringers have no special dietary requirements and can eat anything that any rabbit would. You can supplement their diet with commercial rabbit pellets, but they need to eat hay or grass.
Thuringer can also be offered fruits and vegetables, but this should only be done as an occasional snack. These foods are high in calories and can cause obesity. They should therefore be restricted to once-a-week treats.
Keep in mind that rabbits’ teeth will continue to grow, so make sure you give them something to chew on to keep their teeth from getting too big. You can supplement this with chew toys or hay.
How to Keep Your Thuringer Rabbit Happy
Your Thuringer should not need much care as they are a sturdy breed. You shouldn’t have any problems as long as they are fed a balanced, portion-controlled diet, and kept their cage clean.
However, a checkup every so often is a good idea provided you find a veterinarian who is knowledgeable in rabbit care. It can be difficult to find a vet who is familiar with your rabbits’ needs.
It doesn’t matter how well you take care of your Thuringer, they will only live for 5 years. They may live up to eight years if you are lucky. However, these animals rarely live beyond five years.
Breeding
You may find it difficult to find a trustworthy Thuringer breeder in the United States. This could lead you to try to breed the animals yourself. It’s not difficult to do so. Most animals used commercially are relatively easy to breed, but it helps if your background is in animal husbandry.
Although these rabbits can reach sexual maturity at around 4 to 5 months of age, it is best to wait until then to breed them. To get them to reproduce, all you have to do is put a male or female together in an enclosed area.
A short gestation period allows them to have multiple litters within a year. Because of their small size, they often have small litter with 5-7 kittens per litter.
Are Thuringer Rabbits Right for You?
A Thuringer is the best place to start if you have been dreaming of owning a rabbit. They are great for beginners as they are easy to care for and can be trained in a variety of ways.
They can be hard to find, especially in the United States. Their larger size also means that they require more space than other breeds. Most people will not be willing to put in the effort to find these rabbits. It’s unlikely you would come across one unless you are specifically looking for one.
You should also give them lots of attention. They are affectionate and love animals, which makes them fun to have.
A Thuringer is a great choice if you are looking for a large rabbit who can take lots of love. Don’t buy one if you don’t have the space or the time. After all, a mad, oversized rabbit is not something you want in your home.
Are you interested in learning more about the different types of rabbits? These are some of our favorites!
Thuringer rabbits grow to what size?
Appearance. Thuringers are short and stocky, with yellow-brown coats and black guard hairs. They may weigh 8-10 pounds and have ears that are 4-5 inches long.
How much does a Thuringer rabbit cost?
Thuringer rabbit prices will vary depending on where you buy them, but because this is an uncommon species, you can anticipate paying at least $100 or more.
Is it worth it to eat flesh rabbits?
You’ll have a significant amount of nutritious, lean meat to feed yourself and your family in around 12 weeks. A trio of rabbits may generate up to 600 pounds of meat every year, which is more than the weight of a dressed one-year-old cow. That is rather remarkable.
Do Flemish rabbits bite?
Giant rabbits dislike being touched and may frequently thrash their feet or bite if they are. Flemish Giants may also bite if stroked for an extended period of time or if they feel trapped in a position.
Is rabbit meat a profitable product?
Yes, raising rabbits may be profitable, but the margins are generally quite thin. Meat yields are low, and markets are much lower, and boosting them for the pet sector is very seasonal and region-specific.
What is the fastest-growing meat bunny?
The people of New Zealand Let’s get started with the New Zealand bunnies. This type comes in a variety of colors and is the most popular meat rabbit breed to raise. The New Zealand rabbit grows swiftly and weighs between 9 and 12 pounds. New Zealand rabbits can be butchered as early as 8 weeks of age.
Which rabbit breed is the most prevalent in the Philippines?
The most popular breed in the Philippines is termed “New Zealand rabbit,” albeit this is a genericized moniker for locally produced rabbits of various stocks brought in during World War II, not necessarily a purebred New Zealand rabbit.
In the Philippines, how much does a pound of rabbit meat cost?
around P400-P500 per kg With rabbit meat costing roughly P400-P500 per kilo, typical Filipinos find it difficult to incorporate this meat on a daily basis.
What is the most expensive rabbit breed?
The bunny Rex. As previously stated, one pair of Rex rabbits from France is the most costly in history. Belgian Hare rabbit. American Fuzzy Lop rabbit. Harlequin rabbit. Continental Giant rabbit. English Angora rabbit. Mini Lop rabbit. Dutch Lop rabbit.
What is the most uncommon rabbit breed?
The animal, now known as the Sumatran Short-eared Rabbit, was reclassified as Nesalogus netscheri nineteen years later and has been recorded seldom since. There are just thirteen museum specimens known to exist, all of which were acquired in the first two decades of the twentieth century.