Wikipedia gives 6.5-8.5 lb (about 2.9-3.9 kg) when grown; PetGuide gives 6.5-9 lb (up to about 4.1 kg).
glossy flyback fur
A medium-sized commercial-type rabbit, one of the smaller breeds of that build, with soft flyback fur that has a polished shine. The dark coat is set off by silver markings and a lighter, silvery or slate-toned underside.12
A sweet, active and playful rabbit that likes to romp and toss toys about. It can be a little more reserved than the bigger breeds, so early, gentle handling helps it become a confident and charming companion.12
Active and playful; give it daily exercise time and toys to push and toss.12
Low maintenance: a slicker brush or damp hands every couple of weeks, weekly during moults. Trim nails regularly.2
Can live indoors or outdoors in an enclosure with a solid floor, spot-cleaned daily. Welfare guidance asks for enough height to stand upright and room for several hops in a row.23
Plenty of good grass hay should form the bulk of the diet (breed guides suggest about 70%), with fresh water always available, a daily helping of leafy greens and a measured portion of quality pellets.24
Rabbits are social animals and do best living with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with their people.42
Breeders working to improve Chinchilla rabbits brought in black-and-tan lines, and black rabbits with silver markings began to appear and breed true. They were named Silver Martens in 1924, a working standard followed in 1927, and blue (1933) and sable (1993) were added later.12
The breed appeared by chance in litters of Chinchilla rabbits before being developed in its own right.1
Its four ARBA colours were added over almost 70 years, from 1927 to the sable in 1993.1
Sable kits are silvery when born and darken as they grow.1
Breeders have used it to bring the marten pattern into dwarf breeds.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Silver Marten. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Your Silver Marten needs unlimited fresh grass hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a measured amount of quality pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and offer greens and pellets once a day. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.246 Pet Wiki plan
The bulk of the diet should be good grass hay (about 70%), with fresh water always available, a daily helping of leafy greens and a measured portion of pellets. Avoid muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, lawnmower clippings, and any processed human food. For a full list of dangerous foods, check the RSPCA and ASPCA guidance.2467
No, you should not bathe a Silver Marten. Rabbits keep themselves clean and bathing can cause stress and health problems. If the fur gets dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth and check the bottom area daily, especially in summer.2 Pet Wiki plan
Yes, brushing is needed. Use a slicker brush or damp hands every couple of weeks, and weekly during moults. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, and daily while moulting.2 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails regularly, about every 6 weeks as a starting guide. Teeth never stop growing, so check them weekly and provide plenty of hay to help wear them down. If you notice overgrowth or eating problems, see an exotic-pet vet.2 Pet Wiki plan
Your Silver Marten needs an enclosure with a solid floor, spot-cleaned daily, and enough height to stand upright and room for several hops in a row. Furry Diary's plan recommends at least 4 hours of free-roam exercise every day. Provide toys to push and toss.23 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are social animals, so your Silver Marten will be happiest living with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with you. A bonded friend helps prevent loneliness.24
A Silver Marten typically lives 5 to 8 years with good care. Providing a proper diet, regular vet check-ups and a safe environment can help them reach the upper end of that range.2
Yes, with early gentle handling, this sweet and playful rabbit can become a confident and charming companion. However, children should always be supervised and taught how to handle rabbits calmly and gently.12
Always support the rabbit's hindquarters and back fully, never pick it up by the ears or scruff. Use calm, gentle movements and let the rabbit feel secure. For detailed handling advice, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
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