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Crème d'Argent

Oryctolagus cuniculus · also called Cream d'Argent, Crème, French Cream Silver

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A rare French dual-purpose breed with a striking creamy-orange coat over a bright orange undercolour, producing a warm silvered 'mother-of-pearl' sheen. Developed in France and refined in England and the US, it remains one of the scarcer silver breeds.

Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.

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Quick facts

SizeLarge; bucks 8-10.5 lb (3.6-4.8 kg), does 8.5-11 lb (3.9-5 kg), commercial body type
Lifespan7–10 years
Social needspair
Native regionFrance
FamilyLeporidae
GenusOryctolagus

Part of the Rabbit breeds

Recognized rabbit breeds — selectively bred for type, purpose, and appearance.

AmericanAmerican ChinchillaAmerican Fuzzy LopAmerican SableBeverenBlanc de HototBritannia PetiteCalifornianChampagne d'ArgentCheckered GiantCinnamonContinental GiantDutchDwarf Hotot+29 more →

Habitat & space requirements

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. Crème d'Argent is a medium-large 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.

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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.

Color & pattern variants

Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.

Selectively bred (man-made)

Cream/Orange-silver

The recognised colour: a creamy-white to silver-cream top coat over a bright orange undercolour, with orange-tinted silvering giving the characteristic mother-of-pearl glow.

Habitat & enclosure

House in a roomy large-breed hutch or cage with a solid resting board, in a shaded, ventilated, predator-proof spot protected from heat and draughts. Cold-hardy but heat-sensitive, it needs shade and airflow in summer. Provide daily access to a secure exercise run or pen.

Diet

Base the diet on unlimited grass hay, with a measured grass-based pellet and daily leafy greens, plus constant fresh water. Control portions to avoid obesity in this large breed and keep treats sparse. Introduce dietary changes gradually to prevent GI upset; nursing does and kits need higher-protein support.

Behavior & temperament

Gentle, calm, and friendly, with good maternal qualities, making it well suited to homesteads, show, and pet homes. Bred as a dual-purpose meat-and-fur rabbit, its uniquely coloured pelt was historically valued. A social animal that prefers companionship and responds well to quiet, consistent handling.

Health

Typical rabbit concerns: GI stasis, dental malocclusion, heat stress, sore hocks on wire (use resting mats), and obesity from overfeeding. Spay non-breeding does to prevent uterine cancer. Maintain parasite and flystrike vigilance and consider RHDV2 vaccination where appropriate.

Tips, DIY & hacks

The prized creamy-silver colour comes from an orange undercoat showing through cream-tipped fur; it develops and brightens with maturity, so assess colour in adults. Brush weekly, avoid bathing, and keep the coat clean to show the sheen. Support the hindquarters when lifting. A Livestock Conservancy 'watch'/rare breed—pedigreed breeding and ARBA registration help its recovery.

Sources

  1. Crème d'Argent - Wikipedia (encyclopedia)
  2. The Livestock Conservancy - Creme d'Argent Rabbit (breed club)