Rex rabbits are highly sought after for their short, soft fur, which sets them apart from other breeds. There are varieties of many colors, such as white, amber, chocolate, red and black. If you have one, you will need to take care of it properly, taking care of its health, habitat and nutrition.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Protecting the Health of the Rex Rabbit
Step 1. Take him to a vet
Find one who is well versed in rabbits and who knows how to give them proper care. He must be specialized in exotic animals or, at least, have taken refresher courses on these animals. Have your Rex undergo a full examination once a year; take it even if it looks sick to you. Symptoms that may make you suspect it is include:
- It sheds a large amount of hair.
- It does not fulfill its own needs.
- It does not use its hind legs or does not jump.
- His urine is dark red or he does not urinate at all.
- He seems too tired, does not move or does not react normally to stimuli.
- It produces soft stools.
- It has a temperature of 40 ° C or higher.
- Has runny eyes or nose.
- Drool (has a wet chin).
Step 2. Have your rabbit spayed or neutered
This way you can prevent him from leaving his needs lying around the house and will also benefit his health. If you have no plans to have it reproduced, submit it to this operation.
An unsterilized rabbit could develop hormone-induced behaviors, such as marking territory with urine, guarding food, and fighting. Furthermore, females also have a high risk of contracting uterine cancer if not spayed
Step 3. Play with your Rex
To stay healthy, the rabbit needs to get enough physical activity. Try to keep him out of the cage at least 2 hours a day, making sure you:
- Don't let it play outside. It could be attacked by predators or contract parasites. The inside of the house is the safest place for him.
- Confine it in one or two rooms. You can use a playpen to prevent it from getting lost around the house and to make it easier to control.
Step 4. Don't let him bite on objects he shouldn't
Rabbits like to nibble on anything: door corners, interior wall coverings, chairs, table legs, carpet and wallpaper. This is why it is so important to monitor him while he plays outside his cage.
If you notice that he is chewing on something he shouldn't, don't get angry or punish him. Gently pick him up, carry him somewhere else, and give him something he can nibble on, like a cardboard box, cotton cloth, or slice of apple
Step 5. Cover the electrical cables
Your Rex will try to bite those too, but it could get hurt and your appliances could get damaged. Protect them with a hard plastic, tube or spiral cover. If you have nothing to do this with, keep them off the floor so the rabbit can't get there.
Step 6. Brush the rabbit as needed
This should be done about once a week to keep it from shedding too much hair and to keep the fur soft. Use a brush with natural bristles or one that also has metal teeth.
Don't let it get wet or wash it. It is an animal that does not like water and may even go into hypothermia
Method 2 of 3: Host the Rex Rabbit
Step 1. Keep it indoors
Keeping a rabbit outside is not a good idea, as it may be the target of predators, overheat, go hypothermic, or feel too lonely. It also means putting him at risk of premature death.
- Even if he is safe in his cage, he can easily get scared and have a heart attack simply at the sight of a predator.
- He may also develop antisocial behaviors if you keep him out of the house. For example, he may start to be afraid of people and become aggressive.
Step 2. Choose the suitable cage
There are fences of various models and sizes. You can keep it in a room that is rabbit-proof, in a puppy box, in a rabbit hutch, or in a regular cage. When choosing one, you need to take into account:
- Dimensions. It must be at least 120-150cm long and at least 60cm deep. The cage must be high enough for the rabbit to stand up without the ears touching the ceiling.
- Floor. Avoid cages with a slatted base, as this can damage the rabbit's paws. Try to get one with a metal bottom. If you can't find it, you can put a piece of plywood to cover the entire cage floor.
- Litter. Cover the bottom of the cage with at least two to three inches of litter. You can use straw, pieces of paper or shavings. Do not use cedar or pine shavings: if the rabbit comes into contact with these materials, the rabbit could develop respiratory and liver problems.
Step 3. Provide the rabbit with a place to hide
These animals like to hide when they are frightened or stressed, so it is important that they have a suitable place to do so. A cardboard or wooden box, with a hole to pass through, are perfect hiding places.
Place a den for every rabbit you own or they may fight over it
Step 4. Insert a litter box into the cage
If it is provided to them, rabbits use it willingly. Place one in a corner of the habitat where it lives and fill it with newspaper and hay. Change it every day to keep it from stinking.
- Pay attention to where the rabbit goes to fulfill its needs and place it there.
- Place one or two around the house so he will have a toilet even when he is out of the cage.
Method 3 of 3: Feed the Rabbit
Step 1. Give him lots of hay
It is an ideal food for rabbits because it provides nutrients and files the teeth, which are constantly growing. Make sure your Rex always has some available.
- Replace it at least once a day.
- Timothy hay is a very good variation for the Rex.
- Try filling an empty paper towel roll or cardboard box with hay.
Step 2. Give him some rabbit kibble
They are a good dietary supplement, but you shouldn't overdo it. Just 1/4 cup a day, unless your vet says otherwise. Make sure they are simple and not a mix of various types, because some rabbits eat only the tastiest ones and avoid the most nutritious ones.
For an overweight rabbit it is sufficient to fill only 1/8 cup with the kibble. If, on the other hand, she doesn't gain weight correctly, more will be needed. If you are unsure about the right amount to give, ask your vet
Step 3. Offer the rabbit fruit and vegetables
These animals like to munch on green leafy vegetables, carrots and some fruits. Try giving him something to chew on every day, such as carrot or apple pieces, as well as leafy greens. Here are some healthy foods, which are also goodies:
- Rocket.
- Broccoli stalks.
- Kale.
- Cabbage.
- Chinese cabbage.
- Carrot slices.
- Slices of apple.
- Slices of banana.
Step 4. Keep the rabbit hydrated
He must have fresh, clean water always available. Although you love to drink from ceramic bowls, they can tip over and mess up the cage. So if you put one on, make sure it's heavy enough and check it often. Another option is to use a drinking bottle, which does not tip over and into which the animal cannot throw hay or feces.
Fill your bowl or water bottle frequently and clean them every day
Step 5. Certain foods should be given in small quantities
Some can cause gas, bloating, and dysentery, so they should be given rarely. Among these we find:
- Broccoli.
- Cabbage.
- Cauliflower.
- Brussels sprouts.
- Spinach.
