How to Care for Miniature Rex Rabbits

Miniature rex rabbits are a small variety of standard rex rabbits. Rex rabbits are distinguished by their very soft, dense fur. They are also considered a particularly intelligent breed and usually very easy to house train. All rabbits need about the same amount of time and monetary commitment as a dog, and while they can make good family pets, they are not suitable as "starter pets" for children. Miniature rex rabbits, despite being exceptionally small, soft and fluffy, are no exception. Rabbits are relatively high-maintenance pets. They need suitable accommodation, exercise, basic training and a balanced diet. They also require patience and don't take well to being picked up too often or handled roughly.

Things You'll Need

  • Hutch
  • Pet carrier
  • Bowls
  • Litter trays
  • Old newspapers
  • Rabbit bedding
  • Hay
  • Rabbit pellets
  • Chews or non-toxic twigs
  • Exercise pen
  • Plastic tubing
  • Paper towels
  • Dustpan and brush
  • Pet nail clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assemble all the necessary supplies. The basics are a hutch for sleeping, a pet carrier, water and food bowls, litter trays, newspapers, bedding, hay and rabbit pellets, chews and an exercise pen, if you do not have a spare room entirely for the rabbits.

    • 2

      Rabbit-proof any rooms you plan to let your rabbits have access to. In particular, protect wires and cables with plastic tubing. Cut through one side of the tubing lengthwise and snap over any exposed cables.

    • 3

      Feed your rabbits with the prepared pellets as directed on the package, usually about a ¼ cup of pellets per rabbit per day. Provide unlimited hay and supplement with several cups of fresh, raw vegetables. Fruits are fine as an occasional treat, but because they are high in sugar, do not provide too much at a time. For example, a quarter of an apple for each rabbit each day is plenty.

    • 4

      Arrange a veterinary appointment for an initial checkup and to organize necessary vaccinations and neutering. Neutering or spaying prevents serious health issues in females and behavioral problems, such as aggression, in both genders. Ask your vet to show you how to trim the rabbits' nails.

    • 5

      Litter-train your rabbits. This is normally straightforward. Confine the rabbits to their room or pen until they are house-trained. Place one or more litter trays where the rabbits prefer to defecate and urinate and wipe up all little accidents immediately with paper towels, which you can then put in the litter tray to provide a scent reminder of where the rabbits are supposed to go. Rabbit droppings are dry and nearly odorless. You only need to sweep them up and deposit in the tray.

    • 6

      Trim the rabbits' nails when necessary. Miniature rex rabbits have short hair and do not normally need brushing or other grooming unless their fur becomes soiled or matted.