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Home > Rabbits > Thrianta Rabbit: Care, Temperament, Habitat & Traits (With Pictures)

Thrianta Rabbit: Care, Temperament, Habitat & Traits (With Pictures)

Easter bunny red Thrianta rabbit with farm fresh carrots

The first thing you notice about the Thrianta Rabbit is his coat. He is a striking animal with fiery red fur reminiscent of an Irish Setter. This lagomorph is gentle and easy to care for, making this breed an excellent choice for novice pet owners. The rabbit’s small size belies how strong he is. That allows him to hold his own with other comparably sized bunnies.

Breed Overview

Size:

Miniature

Weight:

4–6 pounds

Lifespan:

5–10 years

Similar Breeds:

Polish Rabbit, Havana Rabbit

Suitable for:

First-time pet owners with other rabbits

Temperament:

Gentle, friendly, curious

The Thrianta Rabbit is a relatively new breed. This pet is also a survivor. Like many animals, the breed struggled to survive during World War II. Yet, enthusiasts ensured future generations would get to know this beautiful and docile rabbit. The breed has always been a pet animal. Once you meet a Thrianta Rabbit, you’ll understand why.

Thrianta Rabbit Breed Characteristics

Energy:
Trainability:
Health:
Lifespan:
Sociability:

Divider-rabbit2How Much Do These Rabbits Cost?

The Thrianta Rabbit is one of 49 breeds recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). Its story starts in the Netherlands, where it was selectively bred to highlight its luxurious and dense red coat in honor of the country’s House of Orange. Enthusiasts imported the rabbit to the United States in 1996. It later received official standing from the ARBA in February 2006.

The Thrianta Rabbit isn’t rare, but his color makes him desirable. If you want a purebred animal, we suggest you start with the American Thrianta Rabbit Breeders Association (ATRBA). A pet-quality animal will cost under $50. They will still make delightful additions to your household even if they aren’t competing in the show ring.

However, show rabbits from a decent lineage can run considerably higher into three figures. You can also check out pet rescue organizations. These animals are likely neutered or spayed. They may run around $100 to cover the cost of the procedure. These rabbits often make better pets without the aggression and unwanted behavior that accompanies sexual maturity.

The initial costs of getting a bunny include a cage or hutch, which can run anywhere from $50 or higher depending on whether you want to keep the animal inside or outdoors. The Thrianta Rabbit will thrive in either case as long as it’s warm enough.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Thrianta Rabbit

The gentle temperament suits the size of the Thrianta Rabbit. He is a curious animal that will enjoy exploring his world. This bunny is relatively low-maintenance as far as rabbits are concerned. He is adaptable and easy-going. Daily interaction is vital for this lagomorph. He thrives with plenty of attention.

Two young Thrianta rabbits on a pillow
Image by: Dagmar Hijmans, Shutterstock

Do These Rabbits Make Good Pets? 👪

The Thrianta Rabbit makes a delightful pet because of his pleasant disposition. That makes this breed suitable for first-time pet owners. That includes families with children. The one caveat is that this bunny doesn’t just want attention, he needs it. Therefore, make sure you and your family have enough time to devote to the care of this pet before bringing one home.

Does This Rabbit Get Along With Other Pets?

The Thrianta Rabbit may be small, but he’s also tough. He can do well with other rabbits of the same size. The same advice applies to cats and small dogs as long as they are socialized early in their young lives. Remember that this animal is a prey species. Other pets with a strong hunting instinct won’t make suitable companions for this breed or any other.

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Things to Know When Owning a Thrianta Rabbit:

Like other lagomorphs, the Thrianta Rabbit is a social animal. If you’re only going to get one bunny, you’ll be this one’s colony. Remember that owning a pet is a commitment and serious responsibility. These animals require daily care, although this breed will make it easy.

Food & Diet Requirements 🥕

Rabbits are herbivores. They are also opportunistic, eating various foodstuffs in the wild, from leaves to grass to fruits. You can replicate this diverse diet by feeding your bunny grass and legume hays. The former includes options, such as timothy hay. They are nutrient-rich but don’t provide much energy. The latter also is nutritious but energy-dense.

Providing a mix of hays will ensure your Thrianta Rabbit has a well-rounded diet. It will also ensure good digestive health. You can offer your pet fresh greens like romaine and endive. Giving your bunny a commercial pellet food will help your rabbit get all the vitamins and nutrients he needs. We suggest limiting fruits like blueberries and apples to occasional treats or training aids.

young triantha rabbit on a wooden box
Image Credit: Dagmar Hijmans, Shutterstock

Habitat & Hutch Requirements 🏠

The minimum size cage for a Thrianta Rabbit is 4–5 times his length to give him room to roam. It should include a litter box and hiding place to help your pet feel secure in his new home. You can also house your bunny in an outdoor hutch if it’s warm enough where you live. The floor should be solid instead of wire. Avoid using wood in places where your rabbit can chew it.

You can also use a pet playpen or dog crate for your pet’s living quarters. We favor keeping rabbits indoors since they’ll get more attention if they are close at hand. Make sure to bunny-proof any rooms you want to let your rabbit explore. The teeth of these animals grow their entire lives. Anything they find is fair game to chew.

Exercise & Sleeping Needs 🐇

Daily exercise is vital for your pet’s good health. It will benefit your rabbit physically with activity to burn calories and prevent obesity. It will also safeguard your bunny’s mental health with things to occupy him and make his life more interesting. Giving your rabbit chew toys will help keep his teeth trim and avoid dental problems if they become overgrown.

Your Thrianta Rabbit will sleep about 12 hours a day. In the wild, lagomorphs are crepuscular and are active at dusk and dawn. Your pet will likely have the same instinctive activity pattern. Bunnies often sleep lightly during the day so that they can respond to threats quickly. You may even see your rabbit sleeping with his eyes open.

Training 🥎

You can train your rabbit to use a litter box with time and patience. Many pet owners are successful. This behavior comes instinctively to them since it can help predators from finding them. You should use a pelleted litter instead of a clumping product. It’s a cleaner alternative and is digestible if your bunny eats it.

We recommend handling your pet frequently. It’ll make tasks like cleaning your bunny’s cage easier if he doesn’t fight being picked up when it’s time. It’s also essential for grooming.

Grooming ✂️

The Thrianta Rabbit’s coat is short but dense. We recommend brushing it at least twice weekly to prevent mats. It’s also a good opportunity to check your pet’s nails and ears. Fur loss or signs of irritation warrant a vet appointment. Giving your bunny chew toys and hay will ensure his teeth don’t get too long. Think of them as health insurance.

fluffy bunny on light blue background
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Lifespan and Health Conditions 🏥

Regular cage maintenance will go a long way toward ensuring a long and healthy life for your Thrianta Rabbit. Litter box training is one way to make your work easier. The Thrianta Rabbit is a relatively healthy animal. The concerns with this breed are the same as you may encounter with others.

Minor Conditions
  • Ear mites
  • GI distress
Serious Conditions
  • Myxoma virus (outdoor rabbits)
  • Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD)
  • Gastrointestinal stasis
  • Malocclusion of the incisors

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Male vs. Female

Males and females are about the same size. However, the temperament of the two sexes varies once the animals reach sexual maturity. Males often become aggressive and territorial. They may also engage in unwanted behavior, like spraying. Neutering can curb these issues. You should also consider spaying a female to reduce her risk of cancer in the reproductive organs.

3 Little-Known Facts About Thrianta Rabbits

1. The Thrianta Rabbit Is Often Called the “Fire of the Fancy” Because of His Red Coat

The rabbit’s red-orange color is the only one accepted by the British Rabbit Council, with it extending even to the bunny’s whiskers.


2. Wild Rabbits Can Run Up to 18 Miles Per Hour

Bunnies have to be fast for a reason when it comes to evading predators. Keep that statistic in mind if your pet ever escapes because you’ll surely have a challenge on your hands.


3. Two Women Worked Doggedly to Get the Thrianta Rabbit Accepted by the ARBA

We can thank the efforts of Judith Graf and Katherine Lynch for bringing the Thrianta Rabbit to the United States. Glen Carr, current president of the ATRBA, joined the women’s quest. The work paid off, with the ARBA recognizing its first new breed in over 20 years.

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Final Thoughts

The story of Thrianta Rabbit is one of survival and devotion. It’s easy to see why so many took up the fight to keep the breed alive and gain official recognition. The bunny is a gentle and sweet animal worthy of the efforts of the enthusiasts. His brilliant red-orange coat is stunning and makes the rabbit a sight you won’t soon forget.


Featured Image Credit: Georgia Evans, Shutterstock

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