Thrianta Rabbits: Fire of the Fancy

Thrianta rabbits are famous because of their fiery red coats. Aside from that, they are unselfish and easy to manage. Unlike other rabbits, these bunnies don’t demand attention from their owners. Their coats are also easy to groom, and children can handle them easily. Is a Thrianta rabbit breed the right one for you? Find out today by reading this blog post!

 

Facts about Thrianta Rabbits

 

Body Size	Small to medium
Body Weight	4 lbs to 6 lbs
Body Shape	Compact
Lifespan	7 years to 10 years
Colors	Reddish orange color with no markings
Rarity	Rare breed in Australia
Similar Breeds	Polish rabbit, Havana rabbit
Best Suited for	First time owners, families with children, senior citizens, couples, singles
Origin	The Netherlands

 

Background and History

 

A school teacher developed Thrianta rabbits in the Netherlands in 1938. Mr. H. Andreae from Assen created the bunny for the House of Orange-Nassau. He bred Havana, a self-colored English Spot, and Black Tan to achieve the orange coat. On May 1, 1940, Dutch standards acknowledged the breed. 

However, the Thrianta rabbit breed almost faced extinction after World War II. It was listed to Nederlandse Konjinenfokkers Bond (NKB) standards as Orange Tan. In 1966, NKB didn’t recognize the breed anymore. Dr. Krusser, a German breeder, imported the breed to improve his Gold of Saxony bunny. Unfortunately, he didn’t achieve the desired result. But it gave way to more importation that would make the breed known.

In 1967, breeders expressed their opinion to recognize the bunny as Thrianta again. The protest led to the formation of the Thrianta Special Club in the Netherlands. England also began importing the bunnies in the 1980s. After some years, the breed was recognized by the British Rabbit Council.

A breeder named Judith Oldenburg-Graf of Iowa gained interest in the breed. Hence, she started importing the bunnies from Holland to the United States. Thrianta rabbits first set their feet in the US in 1996. She was the first holder of an ARBA Certificate of Development, followed by Glen Carr.

Glen Carr established the American Thrianta Rabbit Breeders Association (ATRBA) in 2003. The association also called the breed the “Fire of the Fancy”. ARBA officially acknowledged the Thrianta as a breed on February 1, 2006. Although it is popular in US and Europe, the bunny is a rare breed in Australia.

 

 

Features of Thrianta Rabbits

 

A Thrianta rabbit breed is a small bunny weighing 4 lbs to 6 lbs. In ARBA standards, the junior bunnies have a minimum weight of 2.5 lbs but not over 5 lbs. Meanwhile, senior bunnies must be between 4 and 6 lbs. The bunny has a compact body that is round and plump. It also has rounded hindquarters, fitting to its size, build, and length. The back feet of this bunny is larger than its front feet. 

For its body’s arch, the curve starts from the ears and rises to the hip’s center, then curves down to the tail’s tip. Because of their 360 degrees of eyesight, they can sense danger from all angles. However, the noses at the front of their faces can serve as obstructions sometimes. You can identify the bucks from the does because of the appearance. Does are more feminine, while bucks are manly in features.

The rabbit’s head is full, attached to its short neck. It also has dark eyes, a small face, and erect ears that are stock and thickly furred. The medium-length eats are closed together but do not touch each other. Its rollback fur is short, thick, and medium in length. ARBA accepts only one color: a fiery red coat with no markings. Beneath the tail and paws are fawn colorings. It is the most-orange red breed, earning the title “Fire of the Fancy”.

 

 

Temperament and Behavior

 

Calm, sweet, and gentle, Thrianta rabbits are excellent pets for first-timers. Although affectionate, these furry pets don’t demand much attention. You will expect them to treat you sweetly, although you don’t give them enough time. Thus, these bunnies can thrive even in a busy household.

Their size makes these bunnies easy to handle, making them manageable for children. However, you must supervise small kids since bunnies have fragile bones and spines. Compared to other breeds, Thriantas are not too playful. They will only play if you want to bond with them. Hence, they are great pets for senior citizens.

As sociable pets, they prefer to live with other rabbits. However, they may get upset sometimes since they tend to get territorial. You can let them live with your other household pets, but make sure they are calm. Bunnies may experience extreme terror around barking dogs. Unfortunately, a Thrianta rabbit breed may be difficult to litter train. But with patience and commitment, it is possible.

 

 

Grooming Thrianta Rabbits

 

Grooming Thrianta rabbits don’t demand much time and attention. You can comb its coat with a slicker brush at least once every two weeks. When it is molting, you should brush its coat at least once a week to prevent matting. Remember, you must not pull the fur forcibly since rabbits have sensitive skins. Also, never bathe, and don’t apply shampoos that the vet does not recommend.

Besides a tangle-free coat, a Thrianta rabbit breed must also maintain short nails. Cutting your pet’s nails at least once a month is needed. Bunnies that have long nails are more prone to injuries and accidents. They usually scratch themselves or break their nails after a high jump. If you still need to gain experience, you can bring your pet to the groomer or the vet.

This breed has 28 teeth that don’t stop growing until they live. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that its teeth are trimmed regularly. Giving your pet an unlimited supply of hay and chew toys can keep its teeth strong and healthy. Neglecting your bunny’s teeth may lead to severe conditions like malocclusion.

Rabbits can groom themselves but can’t remove the earwax buildup in their ears. Thus, you must clean your pet’s ears regularly. The best way to remove earwax is by applying an ear cleaner prescribed by a vet. Pour a small amount of the solution inside the bunny’s ear canal, then gently massage its ears. Once the dirt and earwax dislodge, remove them by wiping the bunny’s ears with a cotton ball.

 

 

Proper Diet

 

To grow strong and healthy, you must feed a Thrianta rabbit breed properly. Due to bunnies’ sensitive digestive systems, you must give them the right food. Too much calories can lead to an imbalance in their gut flora. A recommended diet for your bunny is 70% to 80% fiber since it aids digestion by improving motility.

Hay is a good source of fiber. Besides helping the bunny’s gut to move correctly, it also trims the rabbit’s teeth. There are different types of hay available. But you must choose what is best for your pet. When selecting the best hay, you must consider your pet’s age and health condition.

If you have weaned young bunnies, alfalfa is the best hay to give them. It helps in their growth since it is high in calcium and protein. However, this hay is not ideal for adult bunnies. Too much calcium may result in hypercalcemia. Timothy hay is recommended for adults since it is low in calcium but rich in fiber. Other options are meadow hay and oat hay.

Your bunny also needs enough vitamins and minerals. The best sources of these nutrients are leafy greens. They are also rich in antioxidants, protecting rabbit tissues from oxidative damage. Aside from that, they have high water content, keeping the bunnies hydrated. You can give your pet some leafy greens: cilantro, watercress, and carrot tops.

Undoubtedly, bunnies love treats. They don’t only bring variation to their diet but also add flavor to their palette. However, treats must be given occasionally. Also, not all fruits are suitable for your pet. In fact, some of them are toxic, such as avocados, apricots, and plums. Berries, apples without seeds, and melons are safe treats for your pet.

 

 

Habitat

 

Since Thrianta rabbits are tiny bunnies, you can provide them with a cage of at least 24″ by 36″. However, the larger the pen is, the better. The cage must be wide enough for your pet to hop and stretch comfortably. A wire-sided pen is recommended because it provides the ventilation your bunny needs. Also, it is sturdy enough to protect your pet against predators and strong winds.

To ensure your pet’s safety, you must place the hutch where there is enough shade. Bunnies are sensitive to hot temperatures since they don’t sweat. They may suffer from heat stroke when exposed to direct sunlight. Also, ensure that your pet’s cage is at least two inches above the ground. It is to protect your bunny from getting wet or bitten by insects like scorpions.

You can also keep your bunny indoors. A Thrianta rabbit breed is not active and playful, so you can easily manage them. But like any other bunnies, they can be curious at times. Thus, you must make your home rabbit-proof. Ensure that cables and electric wires are out of reach. Also, keep away your toxic houseplants and cleaning products.

 

 

Health Issues of Thrianta Rabbits

 

Overgrown teeth

 

Thrianta rabbits are not susceptible to specific diseases. But may suffer from common health issues like overgrown teeth. One of the causes of overgrown teeth is the lack of calcium and phosphorus in the bunny’s diet. It can also be caused by trauma to the teeth or jaw. Symptoms of overgrown teeth include jaw swelling and weight loss.

The vet may prescribe pain relievers to treat your pet, especially if its mouth has sores. Dental surgery may be needed if there are tooth abscesses and tooth damage. For overgrown teeth, the vet has to trim them. You can prevent your pet from suffering from this dental condition by feeding it enough hay.

 

Flystrike

 

Flystrike is a severe condition suffered by bunnies due to poor hygiene. Flies love to lay their eggs on damp areas, especially on bunnies’ dirty bottoms or wounds. Once the eggs hatch, the maggots will start feeding on your rabbit’s flesh. Because of too much pain, your rabbit may die. So you have to seek medical attention immediately.

Maggots under the skin and fur loss indicate that your bunny is suffering from flystrike. You may also notice that your bunny has a bad smell, is lethargic, and rarely eats. If your bunny has a flystrike, never remove the maggots yourself since it can cause too much pain for your pet. Also, don’t put the infested area in the water. It may result in shock, leading to the bunny’s death.

The best way to deal with flystrike is to let the vet treat it. The vet usually assesses the condition of your bunny before treating it. He will clip the bunny’s fur to clean and remove the maggots if it’s treatable. Anesthesia will be given to your pet. A fluid drip may also be needed, especially if your rabbit is already dehydrated. If it’s impossible to treat your bunny, the vet may recommend euthanasia.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How much does a Thrianta rabbit breed cost?

 

An average Thrianta rabbit breed costs between $25 and $35. But if you want a show-quality bunny, expect to pay between $50 to $75. The price may depend on the bunny’s condition, the breeder, and the region where you will purchase it. As much as possible, ensure to buy from reputable breeders only.

 

Are Thrianta rabbits ideal for first-time owners?

Absolutely! Thrianta rabbits are well-behaved and unselfish. They don’t require much attention in grooming due to their soft and medium-length furs. It is one of the breeds you must keep, especially if you are a first-time owner.

 

 

Conclusion

Thrianta rabbits are one of the best breeds that rabbit owners can keep. Besides their gorgeous coats, they also have excellent personalities. You can expect affection from these bunnies even when you don’t give them much attention. Also, they are easy to handle and manage due to their low-maintenance care needs. 

 

Read More

 

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