When we decided to get into raising rabbits, the overarching goal was having a project that are whole family could partipate in process. After much research, we decided in the Silver Fox rabbit, a rare heritage breed that is know for it’s gentleness and amazing silvering. The Silver Fox Rabbit, developed in the 1920’s, was the second rabbit to be truly American-bred, with the first being the American Blue.
The closest breeder we could find was in Saint Joe, Arkansas. I contacted Sherielu Singer with Run Rabbit Run Rabbitry and she said that some rabbits available. We had decided upon 4 rabbits consisting of two buck and two does to start our breeding program. Sherielu is a wealth of knowledge and I asked numerous questions. She was always patient sharing her wisdom from past experience with her own rabbity. And so the began the…
Road to Still Waters Rabbitry (ARBA D5985)
We love family projects especially those of the building kind because all of us play a part in the process. We designed and built a 8 cage hutch with the option to expand it with an additional 16 cages. With all that goes into a building project, it’s important to be proficient in the basic, fundamental building tasks. Whatever my daughter does with her life, however God calls her, I want her to know how to take care of herself and her home.
I met Sherielu one September day and I picked up 4 Silver Fox Rabbits. I feel in love at the sight of rabbits and what the future would bring raising rabbits. The rabbits made it home and I placed them in their cages and helped them adjust to their new home. 
Anabelle could not wait to get home from school to pet her new critters.
Since, we have had several litters of kits from these 4 rabbits. Each litter brings a new aspect to raising rabbits and their kits. I have had to foster kits to a different doe, warm up a kit that was born on the hutch wire and provide endless care and attention to the kits as they grow. We have had a litter as large as 10 and successfully raised all kits, proof that the Silver Fox is an exceptionally heavy milk producer. The Silver Fox has a gentle nature, loves attention and makes a wonderful mother. The breed is a logical choice for a child’s pet and 4-H/FFA projects 
at all levels.
About the Rabbitry Name
You maybe asking yourself, “What about the rabbity name and what’s the meaning?” Let me start with an idea that God has given me of a shepherd and staff:
Psalm 23 (ESV)
The Lord Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. (I added the emphasis)
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
As I take care of the rabbits and chickens, I think about the details of animal care — feeding, health, raising young, protection from weather and other dangers. I remind my daughter and myself about what we are learning in (or learned from) Psalm 23. We discuss how the things she learned about taking care of animals can be applied to the Lord’s care for them. I often find my vision of a green pasture in my mind, some still water and a scary-looking place that can stand in for “the valley of the shadow of death.” As the Lord, is my shepherd throughout life, I am shepherding and caring for the rabbits needs.
I grew up raising rabbits for pets and meat and are excited to incorporate this practice into our family life as adults. If you would like to attend a rabbit show and learn more about the various breeds, as well as meet breeders, visit the American Rabbit Breeders Association’s website. Additional information at regarding the Silver Fox rabbit can be found at NSFRC website.
If you are searching for breeders in a specific state or by breed of rabbit, I suggest you start rabbit breeders website or specifically Silver Fox Rabbitry listings.
We are a member of the American Rabbit Breeder’s Association, Inc. and listed in several rabbit breeder directories. Our rabbitry is a “closed” rabbitry, we do not allow visitors to walk through our rabbitry or touch our cages or rabbits. Doing this allows us to ensure you are receiving the healthiest, best quality rabbits possible and no sicknesses or diseases are spread.
Please contact us with any questions or comments at:
Email: stillwatersrabbitry@icloud.com
Facebook: Still Waters Rabbitry
We would love to hear from you and make new friends.
