US type: ARBA maximum 11 lb (5.0 kg) with ideal weights of 9.5 lb (4.3 kg) for bucks and 10 lb (4.5 kg) for does; PetGuide gives 8.5-11 lb. The UK standard is smaller at about 6-8 lb (2.7-3.6 kg).
short, silky rollback fur with a satin sheen
A well-filled, meaty commercial-type rabbit. What sets it apart is its fur: a recessive satin gene makes each hair shaft finer and see-through, so the hair catches the light, giving the short, silky coat an intense glossy shine and deeper colour.4231
A relaxed, gentle and sociable rabbit once it is used to handling. Its easy-going manner makes it a good choice for owners of any experience level, from singles and seniors to families with children.32
Needs a few hours outside its enclosure every day for exercise and socialising.36
Easy-care coat: a slicker brush every few weeks is usually enough, with extra brushing (or running damp hands over the coat) during moults. Animal Corner suggests twice-weekly brushing.32
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. Indoor pens should have solid flooring; outdoor hutches should be raised and weatherproof.36
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.326
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
In 1934 Walter Huey of Pendleton, Indiana, noticed kits with an unusually shiny coat in a litter of his Havana rabbits, caused by a new recessive gene. Breeders developed the trait into its own breed, the American Satin Rabbit Breeders Association was formed in 1946, and ARBA recognition followed in 1956.123
The satin shine comes from a see-through hair shaft that catches and reflects light.3
The satin gene was first spotted by accident while Walter Huey was working to improve his Havanas.3
A smaller Mini Satin was later developed by J. Leo Collins and recognised by ARBA in 2006.2
The British standard allows more than 30 colour and pattern varieties.5
A typical home-care rhythm for a Satin 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
Your Satin Rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, as this should make up most of its diet. Alongside hay, offer a measured portion of pellets and a daily handful of leafy greens, with fruit only as a rare treat. For exact pellet amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.3267 Pet Wiki plan
Feed unlimited good-quality hay, a small daily portion of rabbit pellets, and a handful of safe leafy greens. Never give muesli mixes, avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, iceberg lettuce, or any human treats like dairy or processed food. Always provide fresh water.32678
No, you should not bathe a Satin Rabbit as it can cause stress and health issues. Instead, spot-clean any dirty areas with a damp cloth and check the fur around the tail daily, especially in summer. If you have concerns, ask your vet for advice. Pet Wiki plan
Yes, but only a little. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing once a week, and more often during moults when you can also run damp hands over the coat. Animal Corner recommends twice-weekly brushing to keep the short, silky fur shiny.32 Pet Wiki plan
Trim nails every six weeks or as needed, and check teeth weekly since they never stop growing. Provide plenty of hay and safe wooden toys to help wear teeth down naturally. For nail trimming, ask your vet or a good breeder to show you the safe way. Pet Wiki plan
Your Satin Rabbit needs a total living space of at least 3 m x 2 m x 1 m high, with a hutch as a sleeping base and a large run or daily free-roam time. It also needs a few hours outside its enclosure every day for exercise and socialising.36 Pet Wiki plan
Rabbits are very sociable, so the RSPCA advises against keeping one on its own. A neutered, bonded rabbit companion plus calm daily contact with people is best for this breed. Always introduce new rabbits slowly and with care.6
A Satin Rabbit typically lives between 5 and 9 years with good care. Providing a proper diet, safe housing, and regular vet check-ups can help your rabbit enjoy a long, happy life.32
Yes, this breed is relaxed, gentle, and sociable once used to handling, making it a good choice for families with children. Always supervise young children and teach them to handle the rabbit calmly and gently.32
Always support the rabbit's hindquarters and back fully when lifting, and never pick it up by the ears or scruff. Hold it close to your chest for security, and let it get used to handling slowly. For more tips, ask a good breeder or your vet.
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.
Mini Satin
Havana Brown
Rex Rabbit
New Zealand Rabbit