Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about American Chinchilla rabbits and heritage breed conservation
About the Rabbitry
A small-scale heritage rabbitry in Colorado dedicated to preserving the American Chinchilla Rabbit under ARBA standards.
Colorado, USA.
We do not offer tours or facility visits at this time.
We maintain a small breeding colony sized appropriately for genetic diversity and quality care.
The Breed
A heavyweight heritage breed developed in the United States in the 1920s. Recognized by ARBA and listed as “Threatened” by the Livestock Conservancy.
Fewer than 1,000 breeding animals remain in the United States due to decades of declining interest in favor of faster-growing commercial hybrids.
We maintain meticulous pedigrees and breed to ARBA standards. We show rabbits for judge evaluation to verify our conservation progress. Formal registration is cost-prohibitive for small operations.
American Rabbit Breeders Association—the organization that establishes and maintains breed standards for rabbits in the United States.
Breeding Practices
Only rabbits meeting ARBA physical standards, demonstrating good temperament, and contributing to genetic diversity are retained for breeding.
No. We breed for conservation. Our rabbitry exists to preserve the American Chinchilla breed, not for commercial gain.
They are utilized respectfully for Keen-Canine production or placed appropriately.
Yes, selectively. We place breeding stock with qualified conservancy breeders and homestead operations committed to ARBA standards and heritage preservation. Contact conservation@ritshabbit.com for inquiries.
No.
Conservation
A nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction. The American Chinchilla is on their priority conservation list.
By maintaining documented pedigrees, adhering to breed standards, preserving genetic diversity, and producing healthy animals that strengthen the overall population.
Though not tax-deductible for you or your organization, we gladly accept all donations. We also encourage tax-deductible donations to the Livestock Conservancy, which supports heritage breed conservation nationwide.
Keen-Canine Connection
A biologically complete dog nutrition product made exclusively from our American Chinchilla lineage. Only rabbits not retained for breeding are used.
Keen-Canine is sold exclusively through keen-canine.com.
No. Conservation is our primary mission. Keen-Canine exists as a result of that work, not the reason for it.
Ethical Practices
Yes. All animals receive individual care, appropriate housing, quality nutrition, and veterinary attention when needed.
No. We breed for conservation. Only rabbits not retained for preservation are utilized for other purposes.
Through careful pedigree tracking, selective breeding decisions, and avoiding inbreeding across generations.
Education & Media
Educational inquiries are welcome. Contact us at education@ritshabbit.com.
Contact us with your request. We consider educational use on a case-by-case basis.
For Other Breeders
We welcome connections with other American Chinchilla breeders or heritage livestock conservationists. Email conservation@ritshabbit.com.
We’re happy to discuss conservation strategies with fellow breeders committed to ARBA standards.
We selectively place breeding stock with conservancy breeders and homestead operations. Placement requires demonstrated commitment to ARBA standards and breed preservation. Email conservation@ritshabbit.com with your background and goals.
Contact
See our Contact page for appropriate email addresses based on your inquiry.
3-5 business days.
Have more questions about heritage breed conservation or American Chinchilla rabbits?