Rex Rabbits: The Complete Guide to Velvety Companions

You run your hand over its back, and the sensation stops you cold. It's not soft. It's not fuzzy. It's dense, plush, and impossibly smooth, like stroking the finest velvet or a ripe peach. That's your first introduction to a Rex rabbit. For over a century, this breed has captivated people not just as show animals or fur producers (their original roles), but as deeply affectionate, character-filled companions. But here's the thing nobody tells you upfront: owning a Rex is a masterclass in subtlety. Their needs are nuanced, and getting it wrong means missing out on the truly wonderful pet they can be.

Finding Your Rex: Breeder, Rescue, or Store?

Let's be real. You can find rabbits in a lot of places. But where you get your Rex sets the stage for everything that follows.

I got my first Rex, Mochi, from a well-meaning family who didn't realize how big he'd get. He was sweet but had chronic digestive issues I later traced to a poor early diet. That experience taught me that source matters.

Rescue or Shelter: So many wonderful Rexes end up here. You're giving a second chance, and the adoption fee (usually $75-$125) often includes spay/neuter and initial vaccinations. The downside? You might not know their full history. Spend time with the rabbit. Does it approach the front of the cage? Does it tolerate gentle petting? A rescue worker can give you insights a breeder can't, like "He's a bit shy but loves basil."

Pet Store: I'm hesitant here. You have zero history. The rabbit may be stressed, and you're supporting an industry with variable standards. If it's your only option, be extra vigilant. Look for clear, bright eyes, a clean bottom, and active curiosity. Ask about their source.

What to Look For in a Healthy Rex Kit

Don't just fall for the cutest face. Get hands-on. A healthy 8-week-old Rex should feel solid, not bony or pot-bellied. Their fur should be uniformly dense—no bald patches or thin spots. Lift them gently and check their feet. The bottoms should be furry and pink, not red or calloused. Peer into their ears (clean) and eyes (no discharge). Listen for quiet, smooth breathing; any wheezing or sneezing is a red flag.

And please, look at the parents if you can. A skittish, unfriendly mother rabbit often means skittish, unfriendly babies.

Creating a Rex-Proof Environment

Forget the tiny, plastic-bottomed cage from the movies. A Rex needs space. The minimum enclosure size recommended by experts like the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund is at least 3m x 2m x 1m high for a pair, but bigger is always better. They are athletes confined in a plush suit.

The Right Diet for a Velvet Coat

That glorious fur comes from within. A poor diet leads to a dull, thin coat and, more importantly, a sick rabbit. The formula is simple but non-negotiable.

Unlimited Grass Hay: This is 80% of their diet. Timothy hay is the gold standard. It wears down their constantly growing teeth and keeps their gut moving. Not a handful. A pile bigger than their body every single day. I buy by the bale from local farms—it's cheaper and fresher.

Fresh Greens: About a cup of packed greens per 2 lbs of body weight daily. Rotate them: romaine, kale, cilantro, dandelion greens (untreated!), carrot tops. Here's a pro tip: wash and dry your greens thoroughly, then store them in a cloth bag in the fridge. Excess water on greens is a common cause of loose stools.

Limited Pellets: Just 1/4 cup per 5 lbs of body weight. Choose a plain, timothy-based pellet with at least 18% fiber. No colorful bits, seeds, or dried fruit mixed in. Rexes love to eat and can become obese, which stresses their joints and heart.

Treats? A blueberry or a one-inch slice of banana twice a week. Their excitement is worth the strict rationing.

Health Care Beyond the Basics

You need a vet who sees rabbits, not just cats and dogs. An annual check-up is mandatory. Spaying or neutering is non-optional—it prevents cancers and curbs destructive, hormone-driven behaviors.

But Rexes have specific watch points.

Sore Hocks (Pododermatitis): Because of that thin foot fur, they are prone to painful pressure sores on their hocks. Check their feet weekly. Redness or hair loss means your flooring is wrong. Add more cushioning immediately.

Grooming: They don't need brushing to prevent mats, but they do shed. Use a soft rubber grooming mitt or a damp hand to collect loose fur during molts. Never use a harsh brush. Ingestion of too much fur can cause deadly blockages.

The Weight Trick: Their coat hides weight loss or gain. You must feel their body monthly. Run your hands along their spine. It should feel like a series of gentle bumps, not sharp ridges (too thin) or completely buried (too fat).

Understanding Rex Rabbit Behavior

Rexes have a reputation for being laid-back. It's true, compared to a skittish Netherland Dwarf. But "laid-back" doesn't mean inactive or unopinionated.

They explore with purpose. They'll methodically check every corner of a new room. They form deep bonds but often on their terms. Don't force cuddles. Sit on the floor with treats and let them come to you. It might take weeks, but the first time they hop into your lap voluntarily is a victory.

They talk with their bodies. A sudden, dramatic flop onto their side means ultimate contentment. A soft tooth-purr while you pet them is bliss. A sharp, loud thump with a back foot is an alarm or a sign of annoyance. Chinning (rubbing their chin on things) is how they claim ownership. My Rex, Mochi, used to chin my slippers every morning—his way of saying "You're mine."

They need a friend. Rabbits are social. A neutered male and a spayed female often make the best pair. The introduction process is slow and must be done on neutral territory, but the payoff is watching them groom each other and sleep side-by-side. A solo rabbit requires hours of your direct interaction daily.