How to Care for a Live Silky Rex Rabbit

Rex rabbits are known as some of the softest rabbits. Their fur is considered to be a silky texture, but, because it's not very long, doesn't require much grooming, as some other rabbits do. Rex rabbits can grow to weight about 10 lbs., although there is also a mini Rex variety that grows to half that size. Rex rabbits can live up to 12 years when properly cared for, and make friendly, loving pets.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire mesh cage
  • Resting pad
  • Hiding box
  • Bedding material
  • Food dish
  • Water bottle
  • Various rabbit foods
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Instructions

    • 1

      Provide a wire mesh cage that is at least 30 inches wide by 30 inches long. The cage also needs to be tall enough that your Rex rabbit can stand upright in it. Approximately 2 feet tall is the best choice, although the cage can be slightly shorter if necessary.

    • 2

      Place a resting pad, such as a small rubber mat, in the cage. Many rabbit cages have mesh floors, through which waste drops into the bedding below. This helps keep things clean, but can hurt the rabbit's feet after a prolonged period of time. The resting pad solves this problem.

    • 3

      Provide a hiding place for the rabbit in its cage. A wooden or cardboard box with a hole cut in it works well.

    • 4

      Place a bedding material, such as straw or pine shavings, in the hiding box and on the resting mat. Rabbits sometimes feel the need to dig or rearrange bedding materials to make a comfortable nest. This bedding material can also be used to fill the bottom of the cage, where it will catch waste.

    • 5

      Place the rabbit cage in an area where the temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Rabbits can be kept outside if the temperatures are near these requirements. Temperature over 80 degrees can cause heat stroke. Outdoor rabbits will need to be brought indoors in areas where hot weather exceeds this temperature. Rabbits can usually tolerate much colder temperatures, but it's often best not to risk the rabbit's health. Bring your rabbit indoors, or provide a heater, in colder weather.

    • 6

      Place the cage in a calm, quiet area. Areas that are constantly loud or busy can stress the rabbit, causing health problems. The cage also needs to be secure enough that no predators, such as cats, can get in.

    • 7

      Let the rabbit loose in the house or in a large pen at least once a day. Rabbits need exercise and attention just like other furry pets. Rabbits can even roam about the house freely, but anything dangerous to a rabbit, such as electrical cords that they can chew on, need to be placed out of reach. Otherwise, supervise your rabbit. Leave the cage door open so that the rabbit can quickly get back to a safe place if it feels stressed.

    • 8

      Place a heavy food dish in the cage. A heavy dish will prevent the rabbit from knocking it over.

    • 9

      Place a drip water bottle in the cage, and keep it full of fresh water.

    • 10

      Feed the rabbit a mix of grass hay, such as timothy hay, and green foods, such as Brussels sprouts and romaine lettuce. Some fruits and other vegetables can also be given as treats occasionally. Feed the rabbit in the morning, feeding enough for the whole day, and remove any uneaten fresh foods at the end of the day.

    • 11

      Change the dirty bedding in the cage twice a week. Wipe down the surfaces of the cage once a week.