Raising Mini Rex Rabbits

Raising Mini Rex Rabbits

Raising Mini Rex Rabbits

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. 

1. Understanding the Mini Rex Breed

• 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.

2. Housing Requirements

• 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.

3. Diet & Nutrition

• 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.

4. Grooming & Health

• 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.

5. Socialization & Enrichment

• 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.

6. Breeding (If Applicable)

• 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.

7. Showing Mini Rex Rabbits

• 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.

Final Tips

• 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!

Related Keywords: Mini Rex rabbit care, Mini Rex diet, rabbit grooming tips, best hay for Mini Rex, rabbit housing setup, Mini Rex temperament, rabbit health checklist, rabbit toys and enrichment, Mini Rex shedding care, rabbit water needs, safe vegetables for rabbits, preventing sore hocks in rabbits, Mini Rex cage size, rabbit nail trimming, rabbit dental health, rabbit temperature sensitivity, Mini Rex breed characteristics, rabbit socialization tips, spaying and neutering Mini Rex, rabbit veterinarian near me