European breeders first conceived the Rex rabbit in the early 1900s. This gorgeous breed was born from a litter of wild gray rabbits. They were deliberately grown into a domestic breed and displayed in an international rabbit exhibition in Paris in 1924 when the recessive rex gene piqued breeders’ curiosity.
If you’re thinking about adopting a rabbit but aren’t sure if a Rex bunny is suitable for you, we’ve got you covered.
This essay will explore their nutritional and housing requirements. We provide helpful grooming tips for Rex rabbits and information on the health issues they are prone to. We also offer the answers to your breed-related queries.
Overall Description
- Size: Large
- Weight: 5-10.5 pounds
- Lifespan: 5-6 years
A fully matured, the Rex rabbit has a commercial-sized physique and can weigh anywhere from 7.5 to 10.5 pounds. Bucks should be approximately 8 pounds, while they should be around 9 pounds.
Coat
A variety of genes aids the creation of the typical Rex. ARBA maintains the breed’s standards or definition, which is based on the phenotypic of the rabbit. The weight, color, coat texture, and length of the hair help identify a Rex rabbit from other rabbits. Rabbit breeders and parties interested in the fur trade consider coat qualities to be the most significant.
Although the Rex rabbit is not a very active breed, it may become animated and jump as high as three feet when disturbed.
The rabbit’s rexed fur is referred to as Rex with a little letter r. This coat is the product of a genetic mutation that has become popular among Rex rabbit breeds.
The lengthy guard hairs found in short-haired rabbit breeds are absent in Rex fur. The coat is thick and dense to the touch since each strand of hair is short. This type of fur is also known as plush fur or velvety fur, and it is popular among fur enthusiasts.
Color
Plush rex fur comes in three varieties: regular, short curly like the Astrex, and long curly. The American Rabbit Breeders Association accepts 16 colors of Rex rabbits, but the British Rabbit Council recognizes 32 colors.
Temperament
Rex rabbits are a calmer breed that will typically tolerate being handled and lifted, especially if they are allowed to explore their environment outside of their cage.
Like any other domesticated animal, a Rex rabbit will bond with the family member who feeds them and spends the most time with them. Rex rabbits, on the other hand, are not terrified of being gently picked up and petted.
Rex rabbits must be removed from their cages to become more sociable. Allow your rabbit to go free for at least 2 hours each day in a bunny-proofed room. They grow more docile, engaging, and playful the longer they engage with other human friends.
Rex rabbits make ideal pets for first-time owners, elderly individuals, and couples who might enjoy rabbit ownership because they are generally low-maintenance.
Small children should not handle Rex rabbits, but older children who know how to pick them up to do well with this breed. Rex rabbits are pretty vulnerable.
Understand that each Rex rabbit has its unique individuality when it comes to toys. A toy that one rabbit enjoys might not be a favorite of another.
Rabbits enjoy chewable toys with which they may amuse themselves. Rex rabbits prefer to play with toys from pet stores but like essential toys like toilet paper rolls.
How to Care for Rex Rabbits
The care of a Rex rabbit is similar to that of other breeds. Suitable feed, shelter, medical treatment, and companionship are all crucial aspects of rabbit care.
Diet
The food of a Rex rabbit should consist of 80% high-quality hay and 20% a healthy mix of leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and pellets. Hay, such as alfalfa, should be provided in moderation, and high-sugar fruits and vegetables should only be offered as treats.
Don’t forget to keep the enclosure stocked with plenty of fresh, clean water. An inverted water bottle with a spout can prevent water from spilling into your rabbit’s cage as it wanders about.
Housing
Because Rex rabbits are pretty active, they require a large cage where they may play, sleep, socialize, and run. The enclosure for a rabbit should be built of wire and have a very sturdy structure.
The rabbit’s droppings will fall to the bottom of the cage, which should be detachable. The excrement may be disposed of more easily thanks to the detachable pan.
The floor should be lined with a soft liner and high-quality cage bedding. Use hay, wood pellets, or horse bedding as bedding.
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Grooming
Rex rabbits have short fur and a variety of coat colors. However, no matter the coat your rabbit has, your rabbit must be groomed regularly. To maintain the rabbit hair clean, lustrous, and pest-free, use a firm brush. Once or twice a week, brush the fur with a tiny brush.
When the rabbit sheds its old fur to create space for a new coat during the molting season, brushing must be done often. Grooming your rabbit will prevent wool blockages and prevent the rabbit from eating hair.
If your rabbit becomes dirty, don’t bathe it since it will stress it out. Instead, spot cleans your pet with a moist cloth. Wipe your pet rabbit down with a damp towel before finishing with a dry one.
Rex Rabbit Health
A Rex rabbit is a healthy breed that is rarely afflicted with any sickness. Rex rabbits, on the other hand, are susceptible to specific rabbit diseases.
Digestive Issues
Always keep a watch out for indications of disease in your rabbits, such as a lack of appetite, nose and ocular discharges, constipation, loose feces, and vomiting. An unstable walk, restlessness, grating teeth, and sleeping for long periods are signs of a dangerous ailment.
Keep in mind that small and young rabbits’ digestive systems are delicate, and they may be prone to enteritis, bloat, and gastrointestinal stasis. These disorders usually affect rabbits that are less than two months old.
Dental Issues and Disease
Rabbit teeth are constantly developing. The wear that occurs when chewing controls the growth of their teeth (especially when chewing hay).
If your rabbit’s teeth don’t wear down, they might grow into the face and jaws, causing severe agony. Loss of appetite, drooling (wet chin), and sluggish activity are indicators of enlarged teeth or an infection caused by the teeth growing into the jaw.
Weekly, look for symptoms of enlarged teeth in your rabbit’s mouth. Take your pet to the doctor if you feel it has an illness and needs antibiotic therapy. Your veterinarian can also repair your rabbit’s enlarged teeth.
Parasites
Regularly inspect your Rex rabbit’s ears for ear mites. This is very prevalent in rabbits, especially those who live outside. Parasites like fur mites, ticks, and fleas are the most pervasive problems Rex rabbits face, much like other farmed rabbits.
Like dogs and cats, parasites can be detected on the rabbit’s hair, ears, paws, and tail. Using safe flea and tick removal treatments, your veterinarian can help you get rid of these parasites.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Spay or Neuter My Rex Rabbits?
Although spaying and neutering should be done when the rabbits are young, some veterinarians prefer to wait until six months old. Rex bucks are also neutered while they are young to prevent aggressiveness. Some veterinarians neuter bucks at three months, which may be too soon because the male rabbit isn’t ready to mate.
Is It Possible To Maintain Two or More Rex Rabbits in the Same Cage?
As long as you have a spacious cage for all of your pets, you may keep two or more rabbits in a single enclosure. To keep your rabbits safe and comfortable, the cage should be big enough to stretch, play and it should be secure.
Are Rex Rabbits Territorial?
When housed in tiny confines, experts suggest rabbits like the Rex might exhibit territorial behavior. During the mating season, males might acquire aggressive behavior and become harmful to other males. To maintain dominance, violent males might injure other males in the cage.
Do Rex Rabbits Eat Insects?
Insects are not eaten by Rex rabbits or any other domestic breed rabbit. Rex rabbits will eat hay, and rabbit pellets. For a well-rounded diet, ensure that you include a mixture of leafy greens and vegetables with the occasional fruit as a treat for your bunnies.
Are You Ready To Adopt a Rex Rabbit?
The Rex rabbit breed is regarded as one of the softest rabbit breeds, but it is relatively easy to maintain despite its soft, velvety hair. Over-grooming, on the other hand, can harm its fur.
Rex rabbits are low-maintenance pets ideal for first-time rabbit owners, retirees, individuals, and couples who want to have a rabbit. Small children should not handle Rex rabbits, but older children who know how to pick them up to do well with this breed. Rex rabbits are pretty vulnerable.
The Mini Rex breed is becoming increasingly popular as a pet and exhibition rabbit due to three factors: a luxuriant short but fluffy coat, its tiny stature, and its friendly, quiet, and submissive personality.