At a glance the quick version
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).
Coat and looks how to spot one
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
Personality what they are like
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
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active and playful; give it daily exercise time and toys to push and toss.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low maintenance: a slicker brush or damp hands every couple of weeks, weekly during moults. Trim nails regularly.2
Home where they are happiest
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
Food basics what goes in the bowl
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
Company who they like around
Rabbits are social animals and do best living with at least one compatible rabbit companion, plus regular calm daily contact with their people.42
The story where it all began
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
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The breed appeared by chance in litters of Chinchilla rabbits before being developed in its own right.1
- 2
Its four ARBA colours were added over almost 70 years, from 1927 to the sable in 1993.1
- 3
Sable kits are silvery when born and darken as they grow.1
- 4
Breeders have used it to bring the marten pattern into dwarf breeds.1
Recognised by the official bits
- ARBA
- Working standard for black and chocolate in 1927; blue accepted 1933; sable approved 1993. Four varieties: black, blue, chocolate and sable.1
- ARBA
- Listed among ARBA recognised breeds.5
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Silver Marten. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Silver Marten?
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 Furry Diary plan
What should a Silver Marten eat, and which foods are dangerous?
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
Should I bathe a Silver Marten?
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 Furry Diary plan
Does a Silver Marten need brushing?
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 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Silver Marten's nails and teeth?
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 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does a Silver Marten need?
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 Furry Diary plan
Should a Silver Marten live alone or with friends?
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
How long does a Silver Marten live?
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
Is a Silver Marten a good pet for children?
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
How do I hold a Silver Marten?
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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Silver Marten rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, history, recognition, weights, varieties, temperament, facts
- Silver Marten Rabbit - PetGuide petguide.comused for lifespan, temperament, grooming, care
- Rabbit environment - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for housing space
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general diet and social care
- Recognized Breeds - American Rabbit Breeders Association arba.netused for ARBA listing
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.