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The Blanc de Termonde is an albino rabbit with a white coat and pink eyes. It is a medium-sized species that will weigh around 10 pounds and live up to 10 years. It was originally bred in Belgium for its meat production, and it is only really found in the U.K. and Europe, where it is now more likely to be kept as a pet. Fortunately, it is friendly and docile, which means it can be fairly easy to tame and will learn to enjoy being handled by a respectful owner.
Breed Overview
Size:
Medium
Weight:
Up to 12 lbs.
Lifespan:
7–10 years
Similar Breeds:
Himalayan, Californian, Flemish Giant
Suitable for:
Novice and experienced owners who want a friendly rabbit
Temperament:
Laidback, easy to handle, easy to care for
The Blanc de Termonde is a true albino rabbit that has a white coat and pink eyes. It was bred in Belgium from Flemish and Beveren rabbits. It was bred originally as meat stock and is still used for this purpose today, though that is quite rare, and it is more likely to be found as a pet rabbit. The breed is recognized in the U.K. and Italy but is not formally recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Even in its home country of Belgium, it is considered rare, and in the U.S., it is virtually impossible to find one of these rabbits, though other albino breeds are more readily available.
Blanc de Termonde Breed Characteristics
How Much Do These Rabbits Cost?
The breed is quite rare, especially in the U.S., which means that it will be difficult to even find one for sale. You will need to find specialist breeders, and even then, you may have to wait until a litter is born. Bear in mind that there are several species of albino rabbits and some white rabbits that are not really albino. Unscrupulous breeders may try to pass off a white rabbit as an albino breed.
Its rarity means that the Blanc de Termonde is rarely found in pet stores and is not normally found in rescues or shelters, though it is always worth asking around to make sure. The breed is not particularly sought after, which does mean if you can find a breeder or you happen to find one for sale in a pet store, you won’t have to pay more than the average. Generally, one can be bought for $50 to $100, though the price may be a little higher. If you can find one in a rescue, you will have to pay an adoption fee. Rabbit adoption fees can vary from $0 to $50, usually depending on the rabbit’s age and condition and the rescue center’s policies.
The rabbit is most commonly found in Belgium, where it was first bred, but it is still considered rare. It can also be found in a few other European countries, especially in the U.K., where there is an extensive rabbit breeding and showing community.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Blanc de Termonde
Not too much is known about the Blanc de Termonde because of its rarity, but keepers of this rabbit do say that it is friendly and docile. It doesn’t have any health concerns that are specific to its albinism either, and it can be trained quite easily because it is intelligent.
Do These Rabbits Make Good Pets?
Docile, easygoing rabbits tend to make good pets because they tolerate and even enjoy being handled. If you want a rabbit that enjoys being picked up and will spend time playing when you are around, rather than hiding away until you’ve gone, this is the type of rabbit for you.
An intelligent rabbit is also good as a pet rabbit because it can be trained. This means you can train the rabbit to use a litter tray, which makes clean-up easier, and you may be able to teach the rabbit a few tricks and commands. Training a rabbit does take a great deal of persistence, and it tends to rely heavily on the use of food treats or taking advantage of the rabbit’s existing behaviors and patterns.
Does This Rabbit Get Along With Other Pets?
Rabbits are prey animals and herbivores. In the wild, they do not hunt, which means they don’t have hunting instincts even as pets. Therefore, you will not usually have a problem with the rabbit when you keep one with another small pet.
However, rabbits can be skittish around larger animals. They will run when they get spooked, and this can trigger a response from a pet that does have a hunting instinct. Although the Blanc de Termonde is described as docile, it can be skittish and may respond negatively to loud noises, such as a dog barking.
Things to Know When Owning a Blanc de Termonde:
The Blanc de Termonde may be rare and was once bred for its meat production, but it can make a great pet. Read on for more information on the breed’s requirements and to determine whether it is the right rabbit for you and your home.
Food & Diet Requirements 🥕
Rabbits are herbivores. In the wild, they would eat grass and a combination of plants, vegetables, and even fruit. Most of your rabbit’s diet should consist of hay and grass. This can include clean grass from your lawn, eaten when the rabbit is let out in its pen for daily exercise. It will usually also include commercially bought, high-quality hay sold for this purpose.
Hay and grass provide the fiber that helps maintain a good-working digestive system, while the grinding motion of chewing helps maintain healthy teeth length. You can also feed your pet a small amount of commercial rabbit food pellets and a handful or two of leafy greens every day.
Habitat & Hutch Requirements
Generally, a hutch or cage needs to be at least four times the size of the rabbit. This means the hutch that you choose should be at least 30 inches long but ideally, 3 feet long. It should have an area for the rabbit to sleep, and it will need to include bedding.
Although rabbits can live as outdoor animals, they thrive as indoor pets. Keeping your rabbit inside is especially important if you want to form a close bond. Your rabbit will get used to you being around and hearing your voice. It will be more comfortable in your presence and more likely to allow you to pick it up.
Exercise & Sleeping Needs 🐇
Besides a hutch, you need to provide a rabbit with some kind of exercise area. It is possible to rabbit-proof a room and let the rabbit have freedom in there. Rabbit proofing means ensuring that wires are out of the way and that anything that might be deemed edible by your bunny is covered or removed.
Alternatively or additionally, you can provide a run. This is essentially a closed-off wired fence that keeps the rabbit in a particular area while they exercise. It can be placed outside on the lawn so your rabbit gets fresh air and can eat grass, but you shouldn’t leave the rabbit outside unattended. There are many animals, from large birds to domestic cats and dogs, that consider rabbits food.
Training 🎾
The Blanc de Termonde is an intelligent rabbit that can be trained. To first-time owners, it can be surprising to learn that rabbits are quite trainable. While they might not be able to learn the extensive list of commands that a Collie can, for example, they can learn a few basic tricks. You can also litter train a rabbit so it goes in a litter tray, making it easier and quicker to clean its hutch.
Grooming ✂️
A misconception about pet rabbits is that they are no- or low-maintenance pets. While you don’t need to put a leash on them and walk them every day, rabbits do require regular exercise, handling, and grooming. You should brush your rabbit at least two or three times a week. The Blanc de Termonde’s coat is a short to medium coat, so it shouldn’t need daily brushing.
Check the length of your rabbit’s nails, and clip them if they get long. Also, check inside your rabbit’s ears to ensure that there is no build-up of dirt or gunk, and always monitor their teeth length. If your rabbit’s teeth get too long, you may need to have a vet trim them for you.
Lifespan and Health Conditions 🏥
Although some albino animals are more likely to suffer illness and conditions because of their albinism, this isn’t true of rabbits. Albino rabbits are just as healthy as other rabbits and there are no known conditions that specifically affect the Blanc de Termonde other than those that might affect any rabbit of any breed.
Male vs Female
Generally, male rabbits are considered better for first-time owners because they are less destructive and can be calmer than females. However, individual personality is more likely to determine the characteristics of a rabbit than its sex, and female rabbits can be equally calm and make great pets.
3 Little-Known Facts About Blanc de Termondes
1. They Are Belgian
The breed was created by breeding Flemish Giant and Beveren breeds, and it originated in Belgium. Even in its home country, though, it is considered a rare breed. The breed is officially recognized in the U.K. and Italy.
2. They Were Bred for Meat
Rabbits have long been bred for their meat and pelts, and the Blanc de Termonde was first bred as a meat animal, rather than as a companion or pet. It is still used for this purpose today, though it is just as likely to be found living as a pet.
3. They Are Productive Breeders
Rabbits can have any number of kits, from one to 12, but a typical litter size is five. The Blanc de Termonde is described as a prolific breeder because it has litters of between 8 and 10 kits.
Final Thoughts
Despite its large litter size, docile and friendly nature, and striking albino appearance, the Blanc de Termonde breed is surprisingly rare and difficult to come by. Outside of Belgium, where the breed originated, and the U.K. and Italy, where rabbit associations do recognize the breed, it can be almost impossible to find one of these rabbits.
The Termonde is an albino rabbit, which means it has a pure white coat and pink eyes. It is medium in size and is considered docile and easy to form a close bond with. It is also intelligent, so it can be trained to perform a few tricks. If you can find one, it can make a great choice of pet for a first-time owner who wants a unique-looking and friendly albino rabbit.
Featured Image Credit: Suresh.Dhadve, Shutterstock
