The Cinnamon is an American breed created accidentally in the 1960s from crosses of Chinchilla, New Zealand, Checkered Giant and Californian rabbits, named for its rusty cinnamon-brown coat. A calm, hardy dual-purpose rabbit also kept for show and as a pet.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
Hutch + daily exercise run
Hutch 12 sq ft + 32 sq ft exercise run
Welfare floor: a rabbit must be able to take 3–4 consecutive hops, stand fully upright on its hind legs, and stretch flat. A hutch alone is never enough — pair it with several hours of daily run access. Cinnamon is a medium 4–5 kg breed; standard welfare floor applies.
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Recommended
X-pen with free-roam access
X-pen ~16 sq ft, free-roam most of the day
Exercise pen or rabbit-proofed room available most of the day, with hides at both ends, a hay station, dig/forage boxes, and a litter tray. Bonded pairs need proportionally more space.
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Ideal
Free-roam house rabbit
Full room / free-roam, 24/7 access
Free-roam (like a house cat) with rabbit-proofed cabling, multiple hides, dig boxes, levels, and constant access to hay, water, and a litter area. Best welfare outcome and most natural behaviour.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Habitat & enclosure
Provide a large hutch or shed (6-8 ft) with an attached run for daily exercise; this commercial-type rabbit needs room to stretch and hop. Weatherproof, draught-free housing with deep bedding and a solid resting area to protect the hocks. Shade in summer; the breed handles cold well.
Diet
Unlimited grass hay as the staple, a measured pellet ration appropriate to its size, and a daily serving of leafy greens. Always provide fresh water. Avoid overfeeding pellets and sugary treats to keep this larger breed in healthy condition.
Behavior & temperament
Cinnamons are docile, gentle and tolerant of handling, traits that make them good family and beginner rabbits. Originally a meat (commercial) breed, they are now also popular for exhibition and as pets. They are typically quiet and even-tempered.
Health
A hardy breed with no notable inherited disorders. Standard rabbit concerns apply: GI stasis, dental malocclusion, obesity, sore hocks in heavy individuals, flystrike, ear mites, and uterine cancer in unspayed does. Vaccinate against myxomatosis and RHD/RVHD where available.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Handle and socialise from a young age to maintain the breed's friendly nature. Provide a flat, padded resting surface and ample space for a large rabbit. Groom during moults. Spay/neuter for health and bonding, and keep with a compatible companion. The reddish coat may show seasonal colour variation — this is normal.
