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Mini Rex Rabbit

Family: Leporidae

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See More about Floppy Oryctolagus cuniculus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Rebecca Baxter

   A sweet, cuddly nature along with a plush velvety coat makes the Mini Rex a favorite pet bunny!

   Outwardly the Mini Rex rabbit looks like a miniature version of the larger Rex Rabbit. Sporting graceful proportions and that nice plush "Rex fur", this is a very good looking rabbit. It has become one of the most popular and readily available pet rabbits and is good with children.

   The Mini Rex is an adorable medium sized rabbit that makes a wonderful companion. Generally friendly and moderately active, they will enjoy playing or just relaxing and being petted. Because of its relatively small size it is easy to handle, as well as easy to house and feed.

For more information about Rabbis and their care see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Rabbit

Background:
   The Mini Rex is accepted as a new breed in Great Britain and the United States. This breed was first recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association in 1988.

Description:
   The Mini Rex grows to 3.5-4.5 lbs. They are well-muscled with good shoulder and hip widths. Their ears stand straight and erect.

   Monna R. Berryhill, who is from Texas, first bred them and has shared the following information with us:

Castor colored Mini Rex rabbit
Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

   The main feature of Rex rabbits is their very beautiful and very soft fur. It feels just like velvet when you pet it. This is because the longest guard hairs have been bred away and the secondary guard hairs have been reduced to the same length as the undercoat hairs.

Color differences:
   Though there are lots of different colors of Mini Rex, they have to be particular colors if they are going to be show bunnies rather than pets. But those that are pets are every bit as cuddly and soft.
   The Mini Rex varieties allowed for showing are: Black, Blue, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Red, Seal, Tortoise Broken color (any recognized color and white with the exception of Himalayan) and Red-eyed White.

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Latest Comments
My sister-in-law bought 2 mini blue rex bunnies for my stepdaugther. She absolutley loves them. They are let out into a "play pen" that my husband made. It is a small garden area, and they love to jump and do kicks in the air. They are so soft, like velvet. All of our neigborhood kids love to watch them as they walk bye. They are the sweetest bunnies ever. One is named mittens and the other fluff. They bring a lot of joy to our family. Sarah 2009-06-24
I bought two rabbits this summer and we were told they were girls. They sure looked like girls too. But due to some dfficulties we found they were boys. I am pretty sure they are mini rexs though, and they are wonderful and playful, no matter what they are. Emma Rain 2009-06-18
I bought a mini rex from the local pet store a week ago. She is the sweetest thing ever! When I let her out of the cage she runs across the room doing crazy jumps!Anyone who wants to buy a rabbit and doesn't know what kind to get should get a mini rex. You will not regret it! mandy 2009-06-11
I have been raising Mini Rex rabbits for about 6 years now and I absolutely LOVE them! Their fur is the softest (other than the Rex's) that I've ever felt! People always come to us asking for lop eared rabbits and we used to have to say "we don't have lops... but come see these!" and they fall in love with them! We have been raising Rex rabbits for about 5 years now, and I'm just starting to raise Holland Lops. If you'd like to see our rabbitry the website is route66rabbits.tripod.com but we are known and registered as Me & Em's Rabbitry. Emily 2009-06-11
If her fur is not velvety, then it sure sounds like it might be a Californian. Anonymous 2009-05-29
Some of the coolest comments:
Rabbits make wonderful loving pets. I raise mini rex rabbits. I show and do 4-h and fairs. Our bunnies all have names and are family raised. Mini rexes are beautiful, soft bunnies. Loads of personality and all our are litter box trained, even in their cages they have litter pans. Some learn overnight. Good quality pellets and clean dry hay are essential. Fresh water and if they have to be outdoors, keep them out of the sun and drafts. Give them frozen water jugs for them to lay against in the hot weather, heat will kill your rabbit if it gets hot. ALWAYS freeze empty milk jugs to keep on hand so you can rotate them when they thaw. Give them safe things to chew on. Rabbits love toys too; boxes, ramps, tunnels, stumps, etc. Always make sure your cage is preditor proof. Mini rexes can live a good long life if cared for properly. Sandy ARBA member 2009-03-16
I've had mine for quite a long time now. He's called Jasper, he's 3 this November 08 and he's castor brown. My experience with him has been lovely and I recommend all you guys out there on getting one. They feel like velvet and I sometimes watch eastenders with him on my lap :D haha. He sometimes bites my clothes when I'm not looking, but overall he's a generally relaxed bunny. We keep him indoors because he's not neutered and we feel it's healthier for him because he's out of the damp. You may need to get them a new chew toy every say, 6 months, because they do love chewing which is good for their teeth. Their eye lashes can get quite long and so can their claws so always keep nail cutters handy ;). I love Jasper and I always will. They like to have little holes to go in like their burrows in the wild. They're a bit like dogs because they have the same affection. Anyway .. hope you get one :p Gemma 2008-11-10
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
Wow thanks for all the info, it was truly great. Let me tell you, I'm 11 years old and I really want a bunny. I wrote a 70 page notebook of nothing but what to do for a bunny I love them oh so much, and well my parents said most likely no! But I have faith and I promised that I'll pay for most of that stuff. But anyways I want to get it at the state fair coming up in April 9-13th 2008. I can't wait, I hope my parents say yes. I love them but I love animals. Why start when I'm old when I can start when I'm young and well you know, have a fresh start. But well I don't know, I hope they say yes. I just dont think that they understand what I need for my sake. Well anyways, I really thank you guys out there for listening, I appreciate it! = p ha ha, Hannah Kirscbaum! Hannah 2008-03-25
thank you for informing me about rabbits! stephanie alexander 2007-02-10
i enjoy raising mini rexes too. i was just looking at your web page as i am just looking for some info on mini rexes for the fair. Macy 2005-06-29

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