When it comes to rabbits that blend luxury with practicality, the Rex rabbit undoubtedly hops straight to the top of the list. With their famously plush coats, gentle personalities, and surprising adaptability, Rex rabbits have charmed their way into the hearts of homesteaders, hobbyists, and bunny enthusiasts alike. But these adorable furballs are more than just a pretty face—they offer unique opportunities for farming, companionship, and sustainability. Let’s dig into the velvet-lined world of Rex rabbits and explore why they’re so beloved.
The Velvet Coat That Started It All
First, let’s address the soft, velvety elephant in the room: Rex rabbits are most famous for their coats, which feel less like fur and more like the rabbit equivalent of a luxury velvet throw. This unique texture comes from a genetic mutation that gives them shorter guard hairs, causing their plush undercoat to take center stage. The result? A velvety pelt prized in the fur trade and equally admired by pet owners for its irresistibility.
The Rex rabbit’s luxurious fur emerged in the 1920s in France, and it didn’t take long for breeders to recognize the potential of this fancy fur bunny. The original “Standard Rex” breed was refined for its coat quality, and today, Rex rabbits are available in a dazzling array of colors, from classic whites and blacks to mottled patterns and hues like chocolate, lilac, and otter.
Personality: More Than Just a Pretty Coat
Rex rabbits don’t just look good—they’ve got the personalities to match. Known for being gentle and calm, they’re among the more laid-back rabbit breeds, making them a fantastic choice for families, beginners, or anyone who prefers a rabbit that won’t act like it just drank three espressos.
This breed is generally sociable and gets along well with humans, other rabbits, and even some household pets. They’re curious creatures that love to explore their surroundings, and their calm temperament makes them easy to handle, which is a major plus for grooming, playtime, or showing them off to the neighbors (because, let’s face it, Rex rabbits are total show-offs).
Caring for Your Rex Rabbit: Tips and Tricks
If you’ve decided to welcome a Rex rabbit into your life, congratulations! You’ve chosen a breed that’s as rewarding to care for as it is cuddly. However, like all pets or livestock, Rex rabbits have specific care requirements to ensure they’re healthy, happy, and living their best bunny lives.
Housing: Think Bunny Buckingham Palace
Rex rabbits are versatile when it comes to housing. Whether you’re raising them as pets or part of a small-scale rabbitry, their living conditions should be clean, secure, and spacious. Here’s what to consider:
- Space Matters: Each Rex rabbit needs at least 12 square feet of living space, with additional room for exercise. If you’re raising multiple rabbits, make sure they have separate areas to prevent territorial disputes.
- Bedding: Provide soft, absorbent bedding like aspen shavings or paper-based materials. Avoid cedar or pine, as these can release harmful aromatic oils.
- Security: Rabbits are prey animals, so their housing should be predator-proof. Whether indoors or outdoors, their enclosures need sturdy construction, proper ventilation, and protection from extreme temperatures.
Diet: Hoppy and Healthy
A balanced diet is essential for keeping your Rex rabbit in tip-top shape. Here’s their menu:
- Hay, Hay, and More Hay: Hay should make up the bulk of their diet, providing essential fiber to keep their digestive systems running smoothly.
- Pellets: High-quality rabbit pellets offer additional nutrients but should be given in moderation to prevent obesity.
- Fresh Veggies: Think of vegetables as a side salad for your bunny. Leafy greens, carrots (in moderation), and herbs are all great choices.
- Water: Always provide fresh, clean water. Rabbits drink more than you might expect, so check their supply daily.
Grooming: Easy on the Comb
Rex rabbits are surprisingly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Their short, dense fur doesn’t mat easily, so occasional brushing is all that’s needed to keep their coats in excellent condition. During shedding seasons (spring and fall), brushing more frequently will help manage loose fur.
Pro tip: Avoid over-brushing. Rex rabbits’ fur is delicate, and excessive grooming can damage its plush texture.
Breeding Tips: Building Your Bunny Dynasty
Whether you’re breeding Rex rabbits for their fur, meat, or as pets, it’s important to approach the process with care and respect. Successful rabbit breeding requires planning, preparation, and an understanding of rabbit genetics.
Selecting Breeding Stock
The quality of your breeding stock is crucial, so choose rabbits with:
- Healthy, well-proportioned bodies
- Good temperament
- High-quality fur (free of bald spots or irregularities)
- Strong reproductive history (for does)
The Breeding Process
- Timing is Everything: Rex does (female rabbits) can be bred as early as 6 months old, while bucks (males) are ready around 4-5 months. Avoid overbreeding—does should have no more than 3-4 litters per year.
- Neutral Ground: Always bring the doe to the buck’s territory for breeding. Does can be territorial, and this setup reduces the risk of aggression.
- Gestation and Nesting: Pregnancy lasts around 31 days. Ensure the doe has a nesting box filled with soft hay or bedding two weeks before her due date.
Rex Rabbits on the Homestead: Sustainability and Utility
For homesteaders, Rex rabbits offer more than companionship—they’re a valuable addition to sustainable living practices.
Fur Production
Rex rabbits are often raised for their pelts, which are among the softest and most luxurious in the rabbit world. Ethical fur production involves humane care and respectful harvesting practices, making it a viable option for those looking to craft clothing, accessories, or textiles.
Meat Production
While their fur is their claim to fame, Rex rabbits are also raised for their meat. Rabbit meat is lean, high in protein, and environmentally sustainable. For homesteaders seeking a dual-purpose rabbit breed, Rex rabbits check both boxes.
Manure for Gardening
Rex rabbits don’t just give you fur and meat—they also produce manure that’s a gardening goldmine. Rabbit manure is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it a fantastic natural fertilizer. Best of all, it can be applied directly to plants without composting.
Why Rex Rabbits Are a Homesteader’s Best Friend
So, why do Rex rabbits earn such glowing reviews from farmers, homesteaders, and rabbit enthusiasts? In addition to their beautiful coats and friendly personalities, they’re incredibly versatile. They thrive as pets, show animals, or production rabbits, making them one of the most adaptable breeds out there.
Final Thoughts: The Rex Rabbit Renaissance
Rex rabbits are more than a breed—they’re an experience. Whether you’re cuddling their velvet-soft fur, marveling at their gentle demeanor, or reaping the practical benefits they bring to your homestead, Rex rabbits offer something for everyone.
Ready to bring these delightful creatures into your life? With proper care, housing, and a balanced approach to their needs, you’ll soon see why Rex rabbits have earned their place as a favorite for homesteaders and hobbyists alike. From their luxurious coats to their practical utility, Rex rabbits truly are a breed apart.
