A small, plush-coated companion rabbit prized for its velvety upright 'rex' fur and gentle temperament. One of the most popular pet and show breeds in the US.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
Enclosure + daily run
Hutch 12 sq ft + 32 sq ft exercise run
A rabbit must take 3–4 consecutive hops, stand fully upright on its hind legs, and stretch flat. A hutch alone is never enough — pair it with several hours of daily run time. Mini Rex is dwarf-class (~3.5–4.5 lb) with plush velvet coat — same welfare floor; soft flooring helps prevent sore hocks.
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Recommended
Pen with attached run
X-pen ~16 sq ft, free-roam most of the day
An exercise pen or rabbit-proofed room accessible for most of the day, with hides, a hay station, and a litter tray. Bonded pairs need proportionally more space.
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Ideal
Free-roam house rabbit
Full room / free-roam, 24/7 access
Free-roam (like a house cat) with rabbit-proofed cabling, multiple hides, digging boxes, levels, and constant access to hay, water, and a litter area. Best welfare outcome and most natural behaviour.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
House in a roomy hutch or x-pen (minimum ~4x larger than the rabbit stretched out) with a covered run for daily exercise, or free-roam indoors. Provide a solid resting surface — wire flooring causes sore hocks, a risk heightened by the breed's thin foot fur. Keep out of damp and extreme heat; rabbits are heat-sensitive and tolerate cold better than heat. Offer a hide, hay rack, and litter tray.
Diet
Unlimited grass hay (timothy, orchard, meadow) should form ~80% of the diet, plus a daily handful of leafy greens and a measured portion of quality pellets (~1/8-1/4 cup for an adult). Constant fresh water. Limit sugary fruit/treats. Hay is essential for dental wear and gut motility.
Behavior & temperament
Bred as a show and companion (pet) breed — not a production animal. Generally docile, curious, and people-oriented; many enjoy being stroked because of the soft coat. Can be litter-trained. Like all rabbits they are prey animals and prefer being petted at ground level to being picked up.
Health
Prone to sore hocks (pododermatitis) due to sparse foot-pad fur — provide soft, solid flooring. Susceptible to GI stasis if hay intake drops, dental malocclusion, and overgrown nails. Vaccinate (where applicable) against myxomatosis and RHDV. Avoid obesity from over-pelleting.
Tips, DIY & hacks
Do not over-groom — the dense plush coat is damaged by excessive brushing; a gentle once-over with a damp hand during moult is enough. Provide grass mats or soft bedding to protect hocks. Spay/neuter pet rabbits to reduce hormonal aggression and (in does) high uterine cancer risk. Best kept in neutered bonded pairs for companionship.
