People love to pet Mini Rex rabbits. Their soft, dense, velvety fur overlays a plush undercoat that keeps the rabbit warm.
This adorable rabbit is a smaller version of the Rex rabbit and was created through selective breeding in 1984. With a calm and friendly nature, these little bundles of joy make fantastic pets for families and individuals alike.
Mini Rex rabbits make great pets for children who are at least eight years old.
They don’t require any special care that you don’t need to give any other rabbit, but you need to know about the following:
- The right diet for your Mini Rex rabbit.
- The right housing for your Mini Rex rabbit.
- Providing play space and companionship for your Mini Rex rabbit,
- And how to interact with your Mini Rex rabbit’s unique temperament and personality.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about taking care of and getting the greatest enjoyment from your Mini Rex rabbit.
We’ll also review the history of this popular pet rabbit breed and answer some frequently asked questions about Mini Rex rabbits. But first, let’s review the essential facts about this breed.
Essential Facts About Mini Rex Rabbits
Size: 3 to 5 pounds (1.2 to 2.3 kg).
Colors: Ble. If you have a sable- or tan-colored Mini Rex, you won’t be able to enter it in an ARBA-sanctioned show, although children may be able to show it at 4-H events.
Temperament: Calm, playful, enjoys being picked up if it feels safe.
Longevity: 8 to 12 years.
Baby rabbits (kits) per litter: 2 to 4.
Good choice for: Singles, seniors, first-time rabbit owners, children over the age of 8. Because this breed is small and fragile, it is not a good choice as a pet for younger children.
Mini Rex Rabbit Pros and Cons
| Pros of Mini Rex Rabbit | Cons of Mini Rex Rabbit |
|---|---|
| Soft, velvety, pettable fur. | At risk of developing kidney stones when fed alfalfa hay. (Give them timothy hay and timothy hay pellets such as Sweet Meadow and Zupreem instead.) |
| Will let anyone they trust pick them up. | Too small and too easily injured to be a pet for children under age 8. |
| Small enough to be kept indoors. | Vulnerable to outdoor predators and larger pets. |
| Playful, intelligent, easy to house train. | |
| Can live in an apartment. |
Also read: Are Rex Rabbits Good for Meat?
The History and Unique Genetics of the Mini Rex Breed
Rex rabbits have a uniquely soft, velvety coat.
These rabbits carry two copies of the recessive rex gene. Every Rex rabbit is the offspring of two other Rex rabbits.
This gene changes the keratin protein in each hair so that it stands up rather than lying down.
The guard hairs, which conduct moisture away from the rabbit’s skin, are the same length as the hairs in the rabbit’s coat and undercoat.
In most breeds, the thick, scratchy guard hairs are longer than the hairs of the coat and undercoat. Because they are the same length as other hairs in a Rex rabbit car, the fur is luxurious and pettable.
The first litter of Rex rabbits was the offspring of a pair of wild rabbits.
This unusual litter was noticed at a rabbitry near the French village of Louché-Pringé in 1919. Rabbit breeders began refining the fur characteristics and introduced the Rex breed at a show in Paris in 1924.
It wasn’t long before Rex rabbits became popular in the United States, but the Mini Rex didn’t appear until the 1980s.
A famous rabbit breeder in Texas named Monna Berryhill crossed a Dwarf Rex buck with a Lynx Rex.
The result was a litter of bunnies that are larger and more manageable than dwarf rabbits, but easier to take care of than regular Rex rabbits, which can weigh as much as 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
Berryhill showed them at an American Rabbit Breeders Association-sanctioned show in 1985.
The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognized the breed in 1988. Mini Rexes have been enormously popular ever since.
Appearance of the Mini Rex Rabbit
The first thing you will notice about a Mini Rex rabbit is its colorful coat.
Mini Rex rabbits come not just in the black, white with blue eyes, white with red eyes, chinchilla, castor, chocolate, Himalayan, lynx, lilac, red, opal, sable point, silver marten, seal, smoke pearl, tortoise, tan, and sable colors mentioned above, but in broken patterns of white and color that make them show-stoppers.
All Rex rabbits, no matter what their size, are well-proportioned. Their heads are close to their bodies.
Their bodies are neither unusually long nor unusually short. Their legs are short, straight, and muscular, and the ears are held erect.
When you pet your Mini Rex rabbit, you will notice the luxurious, velvety feel of its fur. The main downside of owning a pet rabbit with thick, velvety fur is that it will shed.
Size and Weight
Mini Rex Rabbits are a small-sized breed, weighing around 3.4 to 4.8 kg (about 7.5 to 10.5 pounds).
Despite their small size, they have a compact and rounded body.
Head and Ears
Their head is relatively small and proportional to their body. The neck is short, giving the rabbit a compact look.
Mini Rex Rabbits have thick, upright ears that often give them an alert appearance. Their eyes are also alert and bright.
Legs and Feet
The legs of a Mini Rex Rabbit are straight and not as short as other dwarf breeds. Their feet are strong and help support their compact body.
Temperament and Personality of the Mini Rex Rabbit
Mini Rex rabbits are sweet, playful, affectionate rabbits that like to be picked up and held—most of the time.
Here are some key characteristics you should know about their personality:
- Friendly: Mini Rex Rabbits are generally very friendly and affectionate, making them a perfect companion for both children and adults.
- Docile: They are usually docile and accepting of being gently handled, which makes them easy to care for.
- Sociable: These rabbits thrive on human interaction and enjoy spending time with their owners.
If you “crowd” your Mini Rex by holding it too tightly or by picking it up without a proper introduction (it should know you for about two weeks), it may bite.
Rabbits can do serious injury to their spines by twisting the hind legs in an attempt to escape you. Don’t let this happen,
Taking Care of Your Mini Rex Rabbit
The secret to success with Mini Rex rabbits is avoiding things that they just can’t handle very well.
Rabbits are naturally frightened by loud noises. Give your Mini Rex a calm, quiet environment.
Rabbits instinctively flee from the scent of urine, which they associate with predators, or blood, which they associate with rabbits being injured or killed.
Rabbits like company. If you do not give them a companion rabbit, they will need you to spend an hour or two with them every day.
Rabbits don’t like being petted on their backs, stomachs, or tails. Pet them on the head, so they will not feel like they are being preyed upon.
Rabbits become agitated if you put clothes on them. A Christmas hat, sunglasses, or a little vest may look adorable, but your rabbit will feel threatened. Dress them up for photos with Photoshop instead.
Rabbits need hiding places. Even if you give them the secure protection of an indoor hutch, they need a secure, dark place inside their cage where they can shut out the outside world.
Housing
Can your Mini Rex rabbit live outside?
Mini Rex rabbits cannot live outdoors without protection from extremes of heat and cold and from predators.
Their velvety coats are actually quite thin, so they will not keep your Mini Rex warm in the winter.
Rabbits cool off by increasing the circulation of blood to their ears, and your Mini Rex will have a lot of trouble maintaining its core temperature when the air temperature is below 40° F (5° C) or above 85° F (29° C).
Mini Rex rabbits are happiest in a two-story hutch with a ramp connecting the two stories.
The top and edges of the hutch should be wired, for good air circulation.
Wire is OK for the floor if it is coated with rubber to prevent injury to your rabbit’s toes. A removable, waterproof bottom tray is ideal for poop cleanup duties.
Diet
Rabbits can be perfectly healthy without ever eating carrots.
But Mini Rex rabbits will reward you with a luxurious coat that is just as healthy in hot weather and cold weather if you feed them about a tablespoon (15 grams) of carrots every day.
Your Mini Rex rabbit can convert the beta-carotene in carrots and kale into vitamin A. Scientists have confirmed that vitamin A gives Mini Rex rabbits a heat-resistant coat.
Vitamin A, however, is not the only consideration in a healthy diet for your Mini Rex.
Every rabbit needs a high-fiber diet. Fresh, clean, dry timothy hay is best. But rabbit pellets made from timothy hay that contains around 20% fiber are OK.
About half a cup (50 grams) of chopped leafy greens, such as carrot tops, radish tops, raw cabbage, and so on, per day, is ideal, along with all the fresh, clean water your rabbit wants to drink.
Rabbits digest their food twice. This means that they eat their own soft poops.
Place soft poops in your rabbit’s litter box for second digestion. As a thank-you, your rabbit will house train itself.
Grooming
Mini Rex rabbits benefit from gentle combing of their fur (outdoors, to simplify cleanup) twice a week.
Grooming them daily during shedding season keeps hair from building up inside your home.
Avoid giving your rabbit a bath.
They become extremely anxious. If your rabbit becomes excessively dirty, wipe off debris, detritus, poop, and vomit with a warm, damp washcloth.
Health Concerns
All pet rabbits are at risk for bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections when they come in contact with wild rabbits or wild animals.
They can also get serious infections by stepping in or ingesting the urine and feces of other animals (although they will eat their own).
Keep your rabbit separate from other animals to avoid infections.
Otherwise, keeping ears clean and mite-free and making sure your rabbit has a high-fiber diet will prevent the most common health problems.
Potential Challenges of Keeping Mini Rex Rabbits
Despite their many advantages, Mini Rex rabbits also come with a few challenges that you should consider:
- Cost: The initial price of a Mini Rex rabbit can vary, but you should also take into account the ongoing costs of food, bedding, and veterinary care. Make sure to budget for these expenses to provide the best care for your pet rabbit.
- Handling: Although Mini Rex rabbits are friendly, they need to be handled with care, especially around younger children. Teach your kids how to interact with your pet rabbit safely and responsibly.
- Maintenance: Mini Rex rabbits require regular grooming due to their short, thick fur. Make sure to brush your rabbit often to prevent matting and shedding.
By considering both the advantages and potential challenges, you can make an informed decision about whether a Mini Rex rabbit is the right pet for you and your family.
Popular Bunny Names for Mini Rex Rabbit
Here’s a table with popular Mini Rex Rabbit names, reflecting their breed characteristics.
The Mini Rex Rabbit is known for its small size, soft velvet-like fur, and playful personality.
Many of these names are inspired by their unique appearance and lively nature.
| Boy Bunny Names for Mini Rex Rabbit | Girl Bunny Names for Mini Rex Rabbit |
|---|---|
| Velvet | Daisy |
| Tiny | Bella |
| Cuddles | Velvet |
| Biscuit | Honey |
| Peanut | Lily |
| Rascal | Cookie |
| Munchkin | Petal |
| Buttons | Pippin |
| Nibbles | Buttercup |
| Wiggles | Star |
These names emphasize the velvet-like fur, small size, and playful temperament of the Mini Rex Rabbit breed, making them fitting choices for your rabbit.
Also read: Popular Rabbit Names
Frequently Asked Questions About Mini Rex Rabbits
How much will a Mini Rex rabbit cost?
Sometimes you can find a recently weaned Mini Rex rabbit for as little as $10. You will usually pay $50 for a Mini Rex from a breeder, up to several hundred dollars for a show-quality rabbit.
How big do Mini Rex rabbits grow?
Mini Rex rabbits are a small breed, with most adult Mini Rexes weighing between 1.4 and 2 kilograms.
Females usually weigh slightly more than males. Their compact body and smooth appearance make them a popular choice among rabbit enthusiasts.
What distinguishes a Mini Rex from a Rex rabbit?
The main difference between a Mini Rex and a Rex rabbit is their size.
Mini Rex rabbits are a smaller version of the Rex rabbit, with adults weighing around 4 pounds, while adult Rex rabbits can weigh around 10 pounds.
Both breeds are known for their plush, velvety fur, which gives them a unique aesthetic
Where can I find a Mini Rex rabbit?
It’s always best to buy rabbits from professional rabbit breeders.
They will have given your bunny a happy and healthy start to life, and they will have screened the parents to eliminate genetic problems and to enhance qualities that could win you best in the show.
You can find Mini Rex breeders on the Mini Rex Rabbits Near Me page of the American Rabbit Breeders Association.
You may be able to find a rescue Mini Rex rabbit through the Petfinder Rabbits for Adoption page.
Are Mini Rex rabbits good pets for first-time owners?
Yes, Mini Rex rabbits can be great pets for first-time owners.
They are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them a suitable choice for families with children.
However, like any pet, they require dedicated care and attention, so it’s essential to do your research and be prepared for the commitment involved in owning a rabbit.
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