Raising Mini Rex rabbits can be a delightful and enriching experience! Known for their incredibly soft, velvety fur and friendly personalities, Mini Rex rabbits are popular as pets, show animals, and even 4-H project rabbits.
Origin: Developed in the U.S. in the 1980s from the standard Rex rabbit.
Size: Small to medium—typically 3–4.5 lbs (1.4–2 kg) when fully grown.
Coat: Short, dense, upright fur with a plush “rex” texture (no guard hairs).
Temperament: Calm, curious, and generally friendly—great for families and first-time rabbit owners.
Lifespan: 7–10 years with proper care.
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Indoor housing is ideal (safer, temperature-controlled). If outdoors, ensure a predator-proof, weather-protected hutch.
Cage Size: Minimum 24" x 24" floor space per rabbit. Larger is better—aim for at least 4x their body length in one direction.
Flooring: Use solid flooring or provide a resting mat if using wire. Their thin foot pads are prone to sore hocks.
Bedding: Use paper-based bedding, aspen shavings, or fleece liners (avoid cedar/pine).
Temperature: Keep between 60–70°F (15–21°C). Mini Rex are sensitive to heat >80°F (27°C)—provide cooling options in summer.
Hay (70–80% of diet): Unlimited timothy, orchard, or oat hay. Essential for digestion and dental health.
Pellets: High-fiber (18% fiber, 14–16% protein), timothy-based pellets. Feed ¼ cup per 5 lbs body weight daily.
Fresh Greens: 1–2 cups daily per 5 lbs (e.g., romaine, cilantro, parsley, dandelion greens). Introduce slowly.
Water: Fresh, clean water daily—in a bowl (preferred) or bottle.
Treats: Small pieces of apple, banana, or carrot—once or twice a week only.
🚫 Never feed: iceberg lettuce, chocolate, avocado, onions, or processed human foods.
Grooming: Despite short fur, they shed seasonally. Brush 1–2 times a week (more during molting) to prevent hairballs.
Nail Trimming: Every 4–6 weeks.
Dental Care: Provide hay and chew toys to naturally wear down ever-growing teeth.
Common Health Issues:
Sore hocks (due to thin foot pads)
GI stasis (from poor diet/stress)
Ear mites or fur mites (watch for flaky skin or scratching)
Vet Visits: Annual wellness checks with a rabbit-experienced vet. No routine vaccines in the U.S., but discuss parasite prevention if outdoors.
Companionship: Mini Rex thrive with rabbit friends. Bond a spayed female and neutered male, or same-sex pairs from a young age.
Handling: Support their hindquarters when holding—never pick up by ears or scruff.
Playtime: Provide 3–4 hours of supervised free-roam time daily in a bunny-proofed room.
Toys: Cardboard boxes, tunnels, willow balls, untreated wood chews, and puzzle feeders.
Maturity: Females (does) mature at 5–6 months, males (bucks) at 6 months.
Gestation: ~31 days.
Litter Size: Usually 4–8 kits.
Nesting: Provide a nest box with hay/straw 28 days after breeding.
Weaning: Kits stay with mom until 8 weeks.
💡 Ethical Note: Only breed if you have homes lined up or are involved in responsible showing/conservation. Overpopulation is a serious issue.
Recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA).
Judged on coat texture, color, body type, and condition.
Common show colors: Black, Blue, Castor, Chinchilla, Lilac, Lynx, Otter, Red, Sable, Seal, Tortoise, and more.
Keep fur clean, nails trimmed, and ears clean for shows.
Spay/Neuter: Highly recommended—even for solo pets—to prevent cancer (especially uterine in females) and reduce territorial behavior.
Observe Daily: Rabbits hide illness well. Watch for changes in appetite, droppings, or energy.
Cleanliness: Scoop litter daily, deep-clean cage weekly.
With love, attention, and proper care, your Mini Rex will be a joyful, velvety companion for years to come!
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