A Conservation Breed
Silver Martens
This was the breed that started it all for us.
The Livestock Conservancy lists 16 heritage rabbit breeds whose populations have declined and are at risk of being lost forever (extinct). Silver Martens are 1 of 3 breeds listed as “Critical”.
Breed History
One of the smallest breeds with a commercial body type, the Silver Marten rabbit was created by mixing tan and black rabbits with chinchillas. This was done to enhance the fur of the chinchillas but ended up being the basis of an entirely new rabbit breed. First created in 1921, Silver Marten rabbits are some of the softest and most striking of all domestic rabbits.
Silver Martens are known to be gentle rabbits reaching a maximum weight of 9.5 pounds. The breed has endured but is rare. These rabbits have been used to introduce their unique color to other breeds such as the Mini Rex and Netherland Dwarf. Other color varieties of Silver Marten have been accepted into the breed standard including the Chocolate, Blue, and Sable Silver Marten.
Our Martens originated from a breeder and longtime ARBA judge that has spent 45 years bettering and preserving the breed. Currently we breed Blacks and Blues to pure color lines. There are no surprises when it comes to litter colors.