Cuteness overload heads your way with PetPonder bringing you all you need to know about those fluffy little marshmallows, the Mini Rex rabbits.
Did You Know?
The Mini Rex is a European rabbit breed originating in France in the 19th century. However, it was recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) in 1988.
One look at Mini Rex rabbits is enough to be enamored with their infinitesimal cuteness. They’re diminutive, velvety-soft, and make really incredible pets.
But before you head right out and bring one home, there are a few things you need to understand. Caring for Mini Rex rabbits is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. These facts are sure to prove helpful.
Facts about Mini Rex Rabbits
► The Rex family comprises rabbits weighing between 8 to 10 pounds with their trademark velvety coats. The Mini Rex belongs to the same family, being named so for its petite size.
► This rabbit usually has a well-rounded back with finely developed shoulders, midsection, and hindquarters. The head should be shaped well, set on a short neck. The ears are thick and measure not more than 3.5 inches long. Its legs are rather short.
► The Mini Rex’s fur is the talking point of this breed. It is quite dense, straight, upright, and more spiky to look at. It is smooth to touch and quite silky as well. Competition parameters state that the fur must be between ½ inch to ⅞ inch long.
► Their jovial temperament makes them ideal pets for families with young children. Mini Rexes are friendly and enjoy human interaction from time to time. They are also relatively calm when being handled; however, young children must be taught the correct way to do so. Mishandling can result in serious injury to the rabbit.
► Although the Mini Rex carries the gene that causes dwarfism, you will notice that the effect is not as pronounced in most cases.
► These rabbits can be found in a wide range of colors including Blue, Ruby-eyed White, the Broken Group, Castor, Chinchilla, Chocolate, Himalayan, Lilac, Lynx, Opal, Otter, Red, Sable Point, Seal, Tortoise, Silver Marten, and White.
Caring for Your Mini Rex
► Your pet’s cage needs to be 4 to 5 times larger than its size. If you’re planning to place the cage in your yard, ensure that its make is sturdy because rabbits make attractive baits for dogs, cats, and even coyotes. Also, the material must be such that it provides protection from the elements.
► Never position the cage in a manner that it gets constant sunlight. Rabbits can be comparatively comfortable in colder weather owing to their fur, but summers can make them miserable.
► Rabbits are generally clean and do not require baths. You will need to occasionally groom them with a specially formulated comb.
► Their nails need to be clipped regularly, and you need to learn this from a groomer. Never attempt to do this without knowing how to because it may result in an injury to the animal.
► If your pet roams in your yard, you will have the added responsibility of cleaning the paws. Again, you need to learn this from a groomer before attempting it all on your own.
► Fresh drinking water is an absolute necessity for your rabbit, especially in the summer when they double their water intake.
► Opinions are quite divided on the right food to be given to rabbits. While some advocate the all-round benefits of pellets, which contain appropriate levels of protein, fiber, fat, and vitamins, there are others who support holistic organic food. The best solution would be to take the middle stance and feed your rabbit controlled portions of both. Mind you, obesity can cause serious health complications in rabbits, so please resist the urge to constantly feed them and fatten them up.