Trønder Rabbits
Trønder Rabbis are a very rare breed of Norwegian rabbit that is on the brink of extinction. They were developed between 1916 and 1918 by T. Hannemo in Trøndelag. The rabbits were bred for fur, a black coat with evenly distributed white hairs, which earnt them the nickname Norwegian Silver-fox rabbit. During and after WWII the rabbits were bred for meat. However, in the 70s the demand for rabbit meat had plummeted and there was no longer interest for the fur. As these rabbits had an independent temperament, they were not favoured as pets. Only a few farmers kept the breed alive and in the 90s conservation efforts started to preserve this Norwegian breed. Øya and Jønsberg Landbruksskoler (agricultural high schools) are now the official conservation breeders for the Trønder rabbit.
As we feel passionate about Norwegian heritage breeds we decided to participate in the efforts to help conserve these rabbits. We were very lucky to find two certified Norwegian Standard Trønder rabbits – one male, one female, no relation in their pedigree, for four generations at least. Both of them have high scores from rabbit shows and are registered as official Trønder breed rabbits. So off Moose flew to Trøndelag to pick up our new additions to the farm.
Our Trønders, now named Black Betty and Bam-ah-lam, travelled in the same cage for four and a half hours flying time. And if anyone knows rabbits it only takes five seconds or so for mating so we are expecting some little Trønders in the next month to kick off our ‘conservation’ efforts.
The Trønder arrived safe and sound and they were huge! Trønder can weigh up to four kilograms. They were confident, not skittish at all. It was nice as with our other baby rabbits we have to be extra sensitive around them. Trønder also growl when they are annoyed which is handy for someone who doesn’t know about rabbits, like me.
Bam-ah-lam won’t leave Black Betty alone so we will have to separate them very soon. They will stay together for a day so they can keep each other company in their unfamiliar surroundings. Anyway Black Betty can handle herself as she is nearly twice as heavy as Bam-ah-lam. However most of the time Bam-ah-lam is exiled to the top shelf of the cage.
So 30-31 days time we will have our first litter of Trønder!
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They’re gorgeous, and I think it’s great what you guys are doing. Looking forward to seeing the little ones!
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from L-Jay:
Moose said if we got a third one then we’d have to call it Whoa…lol.
Am curious. How did you come up with those unique sounding names?
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from L-Jay:
From the song