Silver Marten rabbits are one of the most exquisite breeds of approximately three hundred domesticated rabbits kept as pets. These beautiful rabbits have ultra-soft coats that are black on top and silver on the bottom.
The Silver Marten Bunny’s gentle disposition makes it perfect for the elderly, families, and first-time rabbit owners. But how do you care for a Silver Marten rabbit?
We will discuss how to care for Silver Martens in detail in this article. We talk about the Silver Marten rabbits’ temperament, housing requirements, and dietary needs. We have the answers to your questions regarding this magnificent breed.
Overall Description
- Size: Medium
- Weight: 5-9 pounds
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Silver Marten Rabbits are one of the smaller commercial breeds, ranging from 6.5 to 9 pounds when fully mature. Unlike several other breeds in this group, the Silver Marten has small ears that stand vertically on its head.
The glossy flyback coat of the Silver Marten is undoubtedly one of the most attractive, with a smooth, silky black coat on top and silver on the bottom. Despite their beautiful covering, Silver Martens do not need a lot of upkeep to keep them looking their finest.
It should be groomed twice a week with a slicker brush or moist hands to keep it looking its best. Increase grooming frequency to once a week during molting season.
Colors
ARBA recognizes a top color of black, blue, chocolate, or sable in Silver Marten Rabbits. A white chin, belly, bottom of the tail, inside of ears, eye circles, and snout marks are among the markings. It should also display the white “ticking” color along the rabbit’s lower side, bordering the belly markings’ border.
Temperament
Silver Marten rabbits are beautiful pets since they are easy to care for and have a calm, lively personality. Silver Martens, compared to other rabbits frequently kept as pets, might be cautious and hesitant at first, but as they get more acquainted with you, they will open up. When they’re relaxed, they like playing with their toys and will fling them about their area.
How to Care For Silver Marten Rabbits
Silver Marten rabbits are similar to most domestic rabbit breeds in terms of care.
Diet and Nutrition
Like any other rabbit breed, Silver Martens require a diet that includes at least 80% hay. The rest of their dietary nutrition comprises pellets, leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables in a healthy proportion.
Keep in mind that caution needs to be exercised regarding which fruit, leafy greens, and vegetables you feed your Silver Marten. Certain foods are low in nutrients or toxic to rabbits. Other foods, such as many fruits, contain too much sugar for your rabbit to be healthy.
Housing
Young Silver Marten rabbits are incredibly active and require a large cage where they can run and play. Enclosures need to be spacious enough for your rabbit to stretch out to its maximum length, plus have some area to jump around and explore.
To construct a rabbit cage, use wire and a very sturdy frame. The enclosure’s floor should be lined with excellent cage bedding and have comfortable bedding on it. Use hay, wood pellets, or horse bedding as bedding.
Remove your pets from the cage and place them in a secure and clean container, box, or pen to keep them clean. Never use disinfectants since they may contain harmful substances that might harm your pet’s health. Instead, use a safe cleaner or homemade cleaning solution like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice.
Silver Marten rabbits can live either indoors or outdoors. Ensure that outdoor hutches or cages are built to protect your rabbits from the weather and other predators.
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Grooming
Silver Martens are also meticulous groomers who will thoroughly groom themselves from head to toe. Brush your bunny once or twice a week.
When the rabbit sheds its old fur during its molting stage to allow for a new coat to develop, grooming is also required more regularly. Keep the rabbit from eating their own fur by brushing your pet to avoid wool blockages.
Never bathe rabbits since this may cause them to get stressed. It just needs to be groomed biweekly using a tiny brush or a wet cloth. Your rabbit’s nails must be trimmed, and its ears must be cleaned.
Health
Although Silver Martens are generally healthy, they are susceptible to common rabbit diseases. Keep an eye out for parasites in your ears or fur, the most frequent of which are mites, fleas, and ticks.
Look for indications of sickness in your rabbits, such as a loss of appetite, flystrike, loose feces, constipation, and vomiting. Keep an eye out for gastrointestinal stasis, lethargy, teeth grinding, and sleeping for lengthy periods since these might be signs of something more serious.
Dental Care
Even as adults, rabbits’ teeth continue to grow, and their teeth can get so long that they puncture their mouth and gums. It can be quite painful and inconvenient.
To avoid stress, you must ensure that the rabbit’s teeth do not overgrow. Offer hay to your rabbit to help it grind its teeth naturally while it chews. To file down your rabbit’s teeth, use pieces of wood, wooden baskets, or other toys.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Silver Marten Rabbits Endangered?
Silver Marten rabbits are among the “critically endangered breeds,” according to ARBA and Livestock Conservancy. Less than 150 animals have been seen in the United States in the last five years, with an estimated global population of less than 500.
How Rare Are Silver Marten Rabbits?
Although Silver Marten rabbits have been present since the early 1900s, they remain a relatively rare breed. Silver marten rabbits are designated as a heritage breed by the Livestock Conservancy.
Is the Silver Marten Rabbit the Right Breed for You?
Although the Silver Marten Rabbit is typically used for shows, it can also make a wonderful pet if correctly socialized. Kits should be introduced to different people, animals, and situations from an early age so that they are not as easily frightened as adults.
Silver Martens are wonderful pets for elders, individuals, and even families with children who understand how to care for and play with a pet rabbit. Rabbits require tender loving care to guarantee they have a long, healthy, and happy life.
