Oryctolagus cuniculus
Also called Silver, Silver Grey, Millers, Silver Sprigs, Lincoln Silver
From Uncertain; one of the oldest domestic breeds, recorded at least as far back as the 1500s. Traditionally said to have come to Europe via Portugal (possibly from Siam) and to England around the time of Sir Walter Raleigh (Wikipedia gives 1592), with England as its recognised home country.1234
ARBA and Livestock Conservancy: 4-7 lb (1.8-3.2 kg) for senior bucks and does, 7 lb maximum; UK standard about 5-6 lb (2.3-2.7 kg).
short, very dense flyback fur with silver-tipped guard hairs
A neat, compact rabbit of small to medium size. Its short coat is among the densest of any breed and snaps straight back into place when stroked backwards. White guard hairs are sprinkled evenly through the base colour from nose to tail, including the head, ears and feet, giving the whole rabbit a frosted silver shimmer.2531
A sociable, non-aggressive rabbit that is usually calm and gentle while still being lively and playful. It is considered a good companion for singles, seniors and families with children.253
An energetic breed that needs a few hours out of its enclosure each day to run and explore.536
Brush once a week with a slicker brush; the dense flyback coat stays tidy with little effort.5
Can live indoors or in a weatherproof, raised outdoor hutch. The RSPCA recommends a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can run, stretch up, hide and play; a hutch alone should only be the sleeping base, joined to a large run or daily free-roam time. Outdoor housing should be raised and weatherproof.526
Unlimited good-quality hay or grass should make up the bulk of the diet (around 70 percent or more), with a measured portion of rabbit pellets, a daily handful of fresh leafy greens and vegetables, fruit only as a small treat, and fresh water at all times.56
Rabbits are sociable animals and the RSPCA advises against keeping one on its own; a neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily contact with people suits this breed best.6
The Silver is one of the most ancient rabbit breeds still kept, probably arising as a silvered mutation of the European wild rabbit centuries ago. It was known in England by the early 1600s and later travelled with settlers as far as Australia, and in the United States it was among the very first breeds accepted by ARBA in the early 20th century.231
It has collected many old nicknames, including Millers, Silver Sprigs and Lincolnshire Silver-Grey.2
Silvers were mentioned in English writing as early as 1631.2
The variety once called Grey is now shown in the US under the name Black.2
Its silvering should be spread evenly over the whole rabbit, right down to the feet and tail.2
It was one of the first breeds ever accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders Association.3
A typical home-care rhythm for a Silver Rabbit. 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
Provide unlimited good-quality hay every day, a measured portion of rabbit pellets, and a daily handful of fresh leafy greens. Fruit is only a small treat, and fresh water must always be available. Furry Diary's starting plan includes refilling hay daily.56 Pet Wiki plan
The diet should be mostly hay and grass (about 70% or more), with pellets, leafy greens, and occasional fruit treats. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, and muesli mixes, never give these.5678
Rabbits generally do not need baths as they groom themselves, and bathing can cause stress. If your rabbit gets very dirty, consult an exotic-pet vet for safe cleaning methods.
Yes, brush once a week with a slicker brush to keep the dense flyback coat tidy. During moulting, Furry Diary suggests brushing daily to remove loose fur.5 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every 6 weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Furry Diary's plan includes nail care every 42 days and a weekly teeth check. Ask your vet for the best technique. Pet Wiki plan
The RSPCA recommends a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, with a hutch as a sleeping base attached to a large run. This energetic breed needs a few hours of free-roam daily, Furry Diary suggests at least 4 hours of running space.526 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are very sociable, and the RSPCA advises against keeping one alone. A neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily human contact suits this breed best.6
With proper care, a Silver Rabbit typically lives 7 to 10 years.5
Yes, this breed is sociable, non-aggressive, calm yet playful, and is considered a good companion for families with children. Always supervise interactions to ensure gentle handling.253
Rabbits need careful handling, always support the hindquarters and never lift by the ears. For the safest technique, ask your vet or a good breeder to show you.
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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