American Chinchillas were once the most popular breed in America, but due a lack of demand for their meat, and the decline of the rabbit fur industry, this beautiful breed was almost wiped out. At one point, two solitary breeders, the only known keepers of American Chinchillas in the world, kept this beautiful breed from extinction.
Today, they are listed as critically endangered and the rarest of all rabbit breeds by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Due to their incredible assets as a meat productions breed, their temperament, ease of care, and gorgeous color, the American Chinchilla is slowly making a come back from the brink of extinction and are now known as a Heritage breed. Those who have chosen to raise American Chinchillas for some or all of the purposes for which Am Chins are useful, are helping to strengthen this breed, and other breeders see it as a viable alternative to the other, currently more popular, rabbit breeds.
The American Chinchilla rabbit is actually one of the few breeds of rabbit that originated in the US, and is now known as a Heritage breed. Am Chins are a large and hardy breed but also known for their gentleness. The ARBA Standard of Perfection calls for mature Buck to weigh from 9-11 lbs and mature Does to weigh from 10-12 lbs. They have a fast growth rate, while maintaining a relatively low amount of feed for that rate of growth (good feed-to-weight conversion).
The American Chinchilla Does are known for producing large litters, the average size litter is usually 7-10 kits per litter, and are known for having good mothering instincts. The fryers are also hardy and known to reach market weight quickly.
When you first see this rabbit it appears to be a salt and pepper color, but when you blow into the fur, four distinct bands of color appear. They attract a lot of attention at shows because of their large size and their fur is so soft and beautiful.
BREED: American Chinchilla
TYPES: Standard Chinchilla, American Chinchilla, Giant Chinchilla
SIZE: Medium
WEIGHT: Does 10-12 lbs; Bucks 9-11 lbs
BODY: Medium build, stocky body
BREEDING: Does produce large litters, usually 7-10 kits per litter
RECOGNIZED COLORS: Standard
COAT COLOR: Slate Blue/Pearl/Black Agouti Pattern (identical to the Chinchilla lanigera)
FUR: Soft, short, rollback coat
CLASS: 6-Class
PURPOSE: Meat, Fur, Show, Pet
COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION: Yes
CLIMATE TOLERANCE: All climates (excluding extreme heat or cold)
PERSONALITY: friendly, gentle, tame demeanor, affectionate, quiet, calm
RARITY: Very Rare
PLACE OF ORIGIN: USA
History/Origin | Breeding
{pages are under construction, more info coming soon}
— Our American Chinchillas —
 |
| Trixie (11-months-old)... |
 |
| ...getting ready to come home with us. |
 |
| Reuben (3.5 months old).... |
 |
| ...getting ready to come home with us. |
