normal fur
A small, neat rabbit in a soft pale blue-grey with a faint brownish haze, most visible on the head and feet. Unlike the related Perlfee it has no pearly tipping on the hair ends.12
A friendly rabbit with a lively, cheerful nature.3
Needs daily time out of any hutch or cage to run, hop, stretch and dig, plus toys, forage trays or puzzle feeders to keep it busy.5
A short normal coat needs only a weekly brush, a little more often while moulting. Keep plenty of hay available so the constantly growing teeth wear down naturally.5
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high so a rabbit can move, play, hide and stand up fully; a hutch alone is not enough and works only as a base joined to a large run or free-roam space.5
Unlimited fresh hay as the main food, a daily portion of leafy greens, a small measured amount of rabbit pellets, carrots and fruit only as occasional treats, and constant fresh water.5
Rabbits are social animals and the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible neutered rabbit companion, plus calm daily contact with people. Lift them with the back and bottom supported.5
Breeding started in Marburg, Germany, in the 1910s: German Wikipedia credits a breeder named Sandemann, who in 1912 found an odd-coloured kit in a Havana litter, while Omlet describes crosses of Vienna Blues with Havanas and then with pale black Silvers. The aim was a pelt resembling Siberian squirrel fur, and the breed was recognised in Germany in 1916 or 1920, depending on the source.132
Its name joins its home town of Marburg with 'Feh', the fur-trade term for Siberian squirrel pelts it was meant to imitate.1
It helped create the Lux rabbit breed.3
The same colouring is known as Lilac in Britain and appears as a slightly lighter strain called Gouwenaar in the Netherlands.1
It is almost unknown outside mainland Europe.3
A typical home-care rhythm for a Marburger Feh. 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 Marburger Feh needs unlimited fresh hay every day as its main food. Give a daily portion of leafy greens and a small measured amount of rabbit pellets. Carrots and fruit are only occasional treats, and fresh water must always be available.56 Pet Wiki plan
Feed unlimited hay, daily leafy greens, and a small measured amount of rabbit pellets. Avoid muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and any processed human food. Always check with your vet for a full list of safe foods.567
No, rabbits should not be bathed as it can cause stress and health issues. Instead, check the fur around the tail daily to keep it clean, especially in summer. If your rabbit gets dirty, ask your vet for safe cleaning advice. Pet Wiki plan
Yes, a weekly brush is enough for its short normal coat, but brush more often while moulting. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily brushing during heavy shedding to keep the coat tidy.5 Pet Wiki plan
Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing, and provide plenty of hay to wear them down naturally. Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and ask your vet for guidance on safe trimming.5 Pet Wiki plan
The RSPCA recommends a living area of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, with a hutch as a base attached to a large run or free-roam space. Your rabbit needs daily time out to run, hop, stretch, and dig, plus toys or puzzle feeders.5 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are social animals, so the RSPCA advises keeping them with at least one compatible neutered rabbit companion. They also need calm daily contact with people for a happy life.5
The lifespan of a Marburger Feh varies depending on care and genetics. For specific information, please ask your vet or a good breeder.
Marburger Feh rabbits have a friendly, lively, and cheerful nature, which can be wonderful for calm, supervised children. Always teach gentle handling and ensure an adult oversees interactions to keep both the rabbit and child safe.3
Always lift your rabbit with one hand supporting the back and the other supporting the bottom. This keeps them secure and comfortable. Never pick them up by the ears or scruff.5
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? support@petwiki.app.
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Lilac Rabbit
Perlfee
Havana Rabbit