You will never have a problem picking out the Crème d’Argente rabbit at a rabbit show.
Their coats have an orangey-silver color that is not duplicated by any other breed. But Crème d’Argente rabbits aren’t just great looking rabbits.
The Crème d’Argente can make a friendly, active, intelligent pet.
They grow large enough to stand up to handling by small children, so they make great family pets. And they aren’t skittish around people and friendly pets they know.
In this article, we will tell you about the history, appearance, temperament, and care requirements of Crème d’Argente rabbits.
We will finish with a FAQ about this outstanding show rabbit. But first, we will review some essential facts.
Essential Facts About the Crème d’Argente Rabbit
Scientific name: Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus
Care level, compared to other rabbits: No special needs, large enough to do well outdoors in a hutch.
Temperament: Laid-back, don’t mind being petted or picked up.
Color: Orange-silver or orange-fawn, with white guard hairs.
Lifespan: 7 to 9 years, sometimes longer with good care.
Litter Size: 4 to 7 kits. Crème d’Argente does make good mothers.
Adult weight: Bucks (males) weigh 8 to 10 pounds (3.8 to 4.5 kilograms), does 8.5 to 11 pounds (3.9 to 5 kilograms). Occasionally, a doe may weigh as much as 12 pounds (5.5 kilograms).
Dietary requirements: As much dry hay as the rabbit wants, abundant water, some crunchy green vegetables.
Compatible breeds: Gets along well with most other breeds, but should not be kept with smaller breeds unless they have been spayed or neutered. (The female may not be able to complete a pregnancy.)
Cage size: Like most other breeds, Crème d’Argente rabbits need cages about 4 times as large as their bodies. The important dimension is length, at least 30 to 32 inches (76 to 81 cm). A four-story cage attached to a hutch is ideal.
Some breeders keep these rabbits at constant temperatures of 70° to 75° F (around 23° C).
History of the Crème d’Argente Rabbit
Crème d’Argente rabbits originated in France in the 1870s.
There is a mention of a Crème d’Argente rabbit in a French newspaper dated from 1877 (in Live Stock Journal about an exhibition held near Paris).
These rabbits were brought to the United States when rabbit farming was at the peak of its popularity and profitability, about 1910.
They became popular among rabbit farmers in New York over the next decade, but they were much smaller and much less compact, much longer than Crème d’Argente rabbits are today.
A rabbit breeder named Harry Clauss in Canandaigua, New York wanted to Americanize the breed for slight changes in appearance along with greater size.
He selected Crème d’Argente bunnies with shorter but larger bodies and an absence of certain “frilly” characteristics, such as lacing on their ears.
The first Crème d’Argent rabbits to be displayed in the U.S. were shown at the Fort Wayne, Indiana, Convention and Show in 1936. Then, in 1938, the working standard for the Crème d’Argent breed was established.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognized the American version of this breed in 1940.
ARBA no longer believes that the Crème d’Argente breed is in danger of going extinct, but there are still only about 1,000 rabbits of this breed in the world today.
The breed is now considered extinct in its original countries, while only remaining in the United States and the United Kingdom
If you adopt a Crème d’Argente, you will have a show-stopping pet that other rabbit fanciers will want to see.
Appearance of the Crème d’Argente Rabbit
Unlike any other breed, Crème d’Argente rabbits have fur that shimmers in the light.
Fur
The fur of Crème d’Argent rabbits is unique and beautiful. Their fur is short and has a rollback quality, meaning it doesn’t require regular grooming and is easy to maintain.
The fur consists of a bright orange undercoat and is interspersed with orange guard hairs. This combination creates a stunning effect that sets the Crème d’Argent apart from other breeds.
Size
When it comes to size, Crème d’Argent rabbits are considered a large breed.
Bucks typically weigh from 8 to 10.5 pounds and does often range from 8.5 to 11 pounds.
They have a commercial-sized body shape, featuring full shoulders, medium-sized ears, and deep hindquarters6.
Crème d’Argente rabbits have a “commercial” body shape. It is a relatively large rabbit, with its depth equal to its width.
There is a smooth, round curve from its neck to its hindquarters. Their eyes are large, brown, and expressive.
Temperament of the Crème d’Argente Rabbit
Crème d’Argente rabbits were bred to be show animals. They don’t risk being picked up. They don’t mind your giving them a close inspection.
These rabbits aren’t really comfortable in your lap, but they like to snuggle up next to you.
Unlike some smaller breeds, these rabbits don’t need you to get down on the floor to pet them for them to feel safe with you.
Some special care, however, is necessary for your relationship with your Crème d’Argente to get off to a good start.
When rabbits are first introduced to a new space, they are instinctively on high alert for predators.
Give your new rabbit about a week to get used to your home before you try to turn it into a snuggle bunny. Otherwise, it may fight, scratch, kick, bite, or try to run away.
A few key aspects of their temperament and behavior include:
- Friendly: These rabbits are naturally sociable and tend to get along well with both humans and other rabbits.
- Good Mothers: Female Crème d’Argent Rabbits, known as does, are known for being attentive and nurturing mothers. They usually have an average litter size of 5 to 8 kits.
- Easy-going: Crème d’Argents are a mellow breed that easily adapts to new surroundings and situations.
- Enjoy Handling: Unlike some rabbit breeds that may be shy or skittish, Crème d’Argent Rabbits generally appreciate being held and petted.
Taking Care of Your Crème d’Argente Rabbit
In the wild, rabbits nibble on dry grass and leafy weeds. In captivity, they thrive on a diet of mostly hay.
But not every kind of hay is healthy for your Crème d’Argente.
Rabbits do better on Timothy hay than on most other kinds of hay because Timothy has a good balance of calcium and phosphorus.
Alfalfa hay contains so much calcium that it can cause kidney stones in adult Crème d’Argente rabbits.
You may find alfalfa hay labeled as “legume” hay, but still avoid it.
About 70 percent of your rabbit’s diet should be timothy hay. The rest should be mostly dark leafy greens.
Dark greens like spinach contain more vitamins and antioxidants than pale leafy greens like Iceberg lettuce.
It is also fine to give your rabbit an occasional carrot or radish to reward it for doing well during a training session.
Small amounts (a couple of tablespoons a day) of commercial rabbit food prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies, but every rabbit needs a diet that is mostly hay and greens.
Always have fresh water available for your rabbit.
Housing for Your Crème d’Argente Rabbit
Crème d’Argente rabbits do well indoors or outdoors, as long as they are not exposed to either extreme cold or extreme heat.
If you keep your rabbit in an outdoor hutch, make sure the main floor is elevated off the ground.
Your rabbit will need a ramp to get in and out of its hutch. Provide a protected space around the hutch, and let it hop around beneath its second-floor home.
The same kind of kennel you might use for a small dog will also work for a Crème d’Argente kept indoors.
Just be sure your rabbit has a playspace for most of the day outside its nest. Let it follow you around, so you can speak to it and pet it occasionally all day long.
A special note for outdoor rabbits:
If winter days stay below freezing, take them inside to stay warm. If summer days soar above 90° F (33° C), make sure they have ventilation (a fan).
Place one bottle of frozen water in the cage or hutch with each rabbit so it can cool off as necessary.
House Training
It is easy to train your Crème d’Argente to use a litter box. Just line a litter box with timothy hay. Don’t use kitty litter, leaves, shredded paper, or bare wire.
Pick up your rabbit’s soft pellets in the box for about a week. Your rabbit will figure out the rest.
Once your pet is housetrained, just remove any runny feces promptly and change the entire box about twice a week.
Health Issues for Crème d’Argente Rabbits
If you pay attention to providing your rabbit with fresh hay, fresh water on demand, and protection from predators, and also make sure it does not come in contact with animal scat or urine or play with wild rabbits, your bunny should stay healthy.
It is a good idea to check the ears for wax occasionally (remove with a cotton ball, never a Q-tip, which can injure the rabbit’s ear canal).
Once or twice a year, give your rabbit the amount of dewormer listed on the product label.
Certain kinds of problems require a trip to the vet. If your rabbit stops eating and drinking, take it to the vet right away.
Treatment is especially urgent if there is a visible lump beneath its throat. The problem can be gastrointestinal stasis, an accumulation of undigested food blocking the stomach or small intestine.
Rabbits, like cats, can get hairballs. Unlike cats, rabbits cannot cough them up.
Making sure your rabbit gets plenty of high-fiber foods, and an occasional serving of a tablespoon or two of shredded green papaya, helps to prevent this problem.
You can keep a rabbit for years without ever having to take it to the vet. When you do have to visit the vet, however, the bill can be high.
Nationwide is the only insurance company in the United States that offers pet health insurance for rabbits.
Popular Bunny Names for Crème d’Argente Rabbits
Here’s a table with popular Crème d’Argente Rabbit names, reflecting their breed characteristics.
The Crème d’Argente Rabbit is known for its medium to large size, creamy golden coat, and gentle demeanor.
Many of these names are inspired by their unique appearance and calm personality.
| Boy Bunny Names for Crème d’Argente Rabbits | Girl Bunny Names for Crème d’Argente Rabbits |
|---|---|
| Goldie | Honey |
| Butterscotch | Caramel |
| Nugget | Taffy |
| Sunny | Daisy |
| Dune | Buttercup |
| Toffee | Sunny |
| Fawn | Amber |
| Sand | Maple |
| Cookie | Apricot |
| Cappuccino | Ginger |
These names emphasize the beautiful creamy golden coat, medium to large size, and calm nature of the Crème d’Argente Rabbit breed, making them fitting choices for your rabbit.
Also read: Names for Pet Rabbits/Bunnies
Frequently Asked Questions About Crème d’Argente Rabbits
Is a Crème d’Argente rabbit the same as a Champagne d’Argente rabbit?
No, Crème d’Argente rabbit and Champagne d’Argente rabbits are different breeds. There are seven breeds classified as “argente” (silver).
Where can I get a Crème d’Argente rabbit?
Chances are that you will have to buy your Crème d’Argente from a breeder. Check with the Crème d’Argente Rabbit Federation.
How much will my Crème d’Argente rabbit cost?
Expect to pay at least US $75 for this rare breed.
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