Rex Rabbit Care Guide: Keeping Your Velvet Companion Happy

Owning a Rex rabbit means signing up for a smart, curious, and occasionally mischievous companion. They are not a set-it-and-forget-it pet. But if you're willing to put in the work, Rex rabbits reward you with a level of personality and engagement that few other rabbit breeds match. Here's everything you need to know to keep your Rex thriving.

Diet: Foundation First

The dietary needs of a Rex rabbit don't differ dramatically from other breeds, but because Rex rabbits tend to be larger and more active, they may eat slightly more than your average small breed. The cornerstone of any rabbit's diet is hay—specifically grass hay. Timothy hay, orchard grass, and meadow hay should make up about 80% of your Rex's daily food intake. Start with an amount roughly equal to their body size in hay each day, and adjust from there.

Fresh leafy greens form the second tier of the diet. Offer 1 to 2 cups of greens per day for an adult Rex. Good choices include romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce, cilantro, parsley, basil, and bok choy. Avoid iceberg lettuce entirely—it's mostly water and offers no nutritional value. Also skip kale and spinach in large quantities due to oxalates.

Pellets should be a small portion of the diet—about 1/4 cup per day for an average adult Rex. Choose a plain pellet with no added seeds, dried fruit, or colorful bits. The protein content should be around 14-16%, and fiber should be 18% or higher.

Treats are fine in moderation. A small piece of banana, apple (no seeds), or carrot is plenty. Think of treats as a training tool or bonding moment, not a dietary staple.

Housing: Room to Move and Explore

Rex rabbits are medium to large-sized, and they are active. A cramped cage will lead to muscle atrophy, obesity, and behavioral problems. The minimum enclosure size for a Rex rabbit should be at least 12 square feet—think 4 feet by 3 feet as a starting point, though bigger is always better.

If you're using a commercially sold rabbit cage, most are far too small. Consider a dog exercise pen (X-pen) configured into a generous play area, or convert a spare room or closet into a rabbit space. Some owners use multiple levels connected by ramps, though Rex rabbits are not as vertical climbers as some breeds—their build is more horizontal and muscular.

The flooring matters. Wire floors can hurt Rex feet—their paws aren't especially thick-furred compared to some breeds. Provide a solid floor area with fleece or cotton bedding, and make sure there's a soft resting area away from the wire.

For litter training, place a large litter box in one corner with paper-based bedding. Rex rabbits are generally easy to litter train, especially if you spay or neuter them first.

Grooming: The Velvet Coat

Here's where Rex rabbits differ from short-haired breeds. Their fur is dense—actually very dense—and it requires consistent attention. Unlike breeds with flyback fur that springs back into place, Rex fur lays flat more readily and can develop mats, especially behind the ears, under the chin, and around the hindquarters.

Plan to brush your Rex at least twice a week with a slicker brush or rubber curry brush. During heavy shedding seasons (typically spring and fall), bump that up to every other day. Use a fine-toothed comb on areas prone to matting.

Bathing is rarely needed for rabbits. If your Rex gets dirty, spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild rabbit-safe shampoo. Full baths stress most rabbits and can lead to hypothermia if not dried thoroughly.

Nail trimming should happen every 4 to 6 weeks. Rex rabbits are generally calm about this, but start handling their feet early so they get used to it. Check ears weekly for wax buildup and clean with a damp cotton ball if needed. Look for any signs of ear mites—scratching, head tilting, or dark debris in the ear canal.

Exercise: Non-Negotiable

Rex rabbits need significant daily exercise—plan for at least 3 to 4 hours of supervised free roam time each day. They are energetic and curious, and keeping them confined leads to both physical and psychological problems.

When setting up your Rex's exercise area, rabbit-proof thoroughly. They will chew electrical cords, baseboards, phone chargers, and anything else within reach. Block access to areas under furniture where they might get stuck, and remove toxic plants from floor level.

Provide enrichment to keep that active mind busy. Cardboard boxes with holes cut in them, tunnels, wooden chew toys, and puzzle feeders all work well. Rotate toys every week or two to keep things interesting. Some Rex owners teach their rabbits to navigate agility courses—it's genuinely impressive to watch a rabbit weave through poles and jump low bars.

Bonding: Earning Their Trust

Rex rabbits are intelligent and social, but they aren't automatically snuggly. Most will not curl up in your lap for pets, at least not right away. Building a relationship with a Rex takes time, consistency, and patience.

Start by sitting on the floor in their space without trying to handle them. Let them come to you. Many Rex rabbits are curious and will approach within a few days. Offer treats from your hand. When they consistently take treats from you, try slow gentle pets on the head while they're eating.

Never chase or corner a Rex rabbit. They remember negative experiences and will become skittish around you if you create bad associations. If you need to pick them up, approach from the side rather than from above, support their hindquarters fully, and hold them against your chest.

Once bonded, Rex rabbits can be very affectionate. Some enjoy being in the same room as their owners, flopping contentedly nearby. Others will nudge your hand for attention or climb into your lap for pets. The bond you build with a Rex will be stronger for the time you invested—these rabbits know who their people are.

Health Monitoring

Spay or neuter your Rex—it's essential for health and temperament. Unspayed females have a very high risk of uterine cancer, sometimes up to 80% by age 5. Neutered males are calmer and easier to litter train.

Watch for changes in appetite, droppings, and behavior as early warning signs of illness. Rex rabbits are prone to some gastrointestinal issues (like any rabbit), and their dense fur sometimes leads to more fur ingestion, which can cause hairballs. Regular brushing dramatically reduces this risk.

Find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian before you need one. Not all vets treat rabbits, and not all who treat rabbits are experienced with them. Ask about the vet's rabbit experience when you call, and keep an eye out for any signs of ear mites, dental problems, or respiratory issues.

Socialization and Bonding

Building a trusting relationship with your Rex takes time and patience, but the reward is a rabbit who actively seeks your company. Start by sitting quietly near your rabbit's enclosure without making direct eye contact — rabbits find sustained eye contact threatening. Let your rabbit come to you.

Offer treats from your hand to create positive associations. Once your rabbit is comfortable with hand-feeding, try gentle stroking behind the ears and on the forehead. Avoid picking up your rabbit unless necessary — most rabbits find being lifted stressful, and improper lifting can cause injury to both rabbit and owner.

If you have other pets, introduce them gradually and always under supervision. Dogs and cats should be taught that the rabbit is not prey. Never leave a Rex unsupervised with other animals, no matter how well you think they get along.

Enrichment and Mental Stimulation

Rexs are intelligent animals who need mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors, over-grooming, and even depression. Rotate toys regularly to keep things interesting — a toy that has been in the enclosure for weeks will generate less interest than one that appears fresh.

Safe enrichment options include:

• Untreated willow balls and tunnels
• Cardboard boxes filled with hay
• Apple wood or willow chew sticks for dental health
• Platforms and hiding spots at different heights
• Paper bags filled with herbs for foraging
• Puzzle feeders that make rabbits work for treats

Digging boxes — a shallow tray filled with shredded paper or hay — satisfy a natural digging instinct without destroying your home. Rotate enrichment items every few days to maintain novelty.

Seasonal Care Considerations

Rexs are sensitive to temperature extremes. Keep their environment between 60-70°F (15-21°C) as much as possible. In hot weather, provide ceramic tiles to lie on, frozen water bottles wrapped in a towel, and ensure ventilation without drafts. In cold weather, provide extra bedding and ensure the enclosure is draft-free — rabbits are more tolerant of cold than heat, but frostbite and hypothermia are real risks.

Grooming frequency may increase during spring and fall shedding seasons. Monitor coat condition more closely during these periods and brush more often to prevent hairballs.

Signs Your Rex Is Thriving

A healthy, happy Rex is curious and alert when awake, interested in their environment, and eager to interact with you. Their coat is glossy and clean, their eyes are bright, and they are eating, drinking, and producing normal droppings consistently.

Behavioral signs of a content rabbit include binkying (joyful leaps in the air), flopping onto their side, and relaxed grooming. A Rex who regularly comes to the front of their enclosure when you approach is showing positive association and trust.

If you notice any sudden changes — hiding more than usual, refusing food, producing fewer droppings, or appearing lethargic — contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian promptly. Rabbits hide illness well, and any visible sign of distress usually means the problem has been developing for some time.