When you’re looking to adopt a bunny, it’s easy to fall in love with the cute little kits (baby rabbits) at the pet store. The truth is, those little kits will grow up and they might not be as little as you first imagined.
How big do Rex rabbits get?
An average male Rex rabbit can grow to around 12.5 inches in length and an average weight of between 7 and 9 pounds. A female Rex rabbit can grow to about 12 inches, but they are slightly heavier than males. The Mini Rex rabbit weighs between 3 and 4.5 pounds and is about 10 inches tall.
If you’re considering adopting a Rex rabbit, this guide will provide you with all the rabbit breed information you need to help you.
Are Rex Rabbits Big?
The Rex rabbit breed is categorized as a medium to a large-sized rabbit, with a large round body type.
An average-sized Rex rabbit can weigh anywhere from 7 to 9 pounds, with a length of about 12 inches. The female Rex rabbits are slightly bigger and heavier in size.
Let’s take a look at some Rex rabbit facts:
1. Rex rabbits come in various colors (16 to be exact), such as amber, black, blue, chocolate, lynx, and opal.
2. They have big upright ears.
3. Their bodies are round and plump.
4. They have short, thick fur that stands up.
5. They have broad heads that are set close to their bodies.
6. They have a good temperament and make great pets.
Fun Fact: Mona Berryhill introduced the first Mini Rex rabbit by breeding a Lynx Red and black Dwarf Rex rabbit in 1986.
Rex Rabbit Sizes
A Rex rabbit has the rex gene (they are named after this gene). The gene gives your bun its soft, velvety-like fur.
Several other rabbit breed types have the rex gene such as the Astrex rabbit, the Canadian Plush Top rabbit, and the Velveteen Lop rabbit, but their fur is the only thing they have in common.
Let’s take a look at the difference between a standard rex rabbit and a mini Rex rabbit:
Standard Rex Rabbit
Standard Rex rabbits measure around 12 inches and weigh between 7 and 9 pounds once they’re fully grown. The female rabbit is slightly heavier and she has a dewlap (a flap of skin under her chin where she can pull out fur for her nest).
These rabbits have short straight legs and medium-sized bodies.
Mini Rex Rabbit
A Mini-Rex rabbit is basically a mini version of the standard Rex rabbit. The average, fully-grown Mini Rex rabbit weighs between 3 and 4 pounds and has a length of around 10 to 11 inches.
They’re much shorter and stockier-looking than the standard Rex rabbit.
However, they are larger than most dwarf rabbits (such as the Netherland Dwarf rabbit). The Mini-Rex is more active than the standard Rex rabbit.
Did you know? Breeding Mini Rex rabbits with standard Rex rabbits would alter their sizes and make it almost impossible to tell the difference between them.
At What Age Do Rex Rabbits Stop Growing?
Rabbits reach their full size very quickly, and this is because they’re prey animals. With all the predators around, rabbits need to grow and breed faster than other animals to ensure their species’ survival.
Just because your bun is domesticated doesn’t mean their natural instinct to procreate has disappeared. By 2 months old, your bun’s fat and protein requirements will increase to help them through the sudden growth spurt.
The growth is quick enough that you will notice the difference weekly. Here’s a look at what age a Rex rabbit stops growing:
- The ideal weight for a standard-size Rex rabbit is between 7 and 12.5 pounds. They stop growing at around 9 months old.
- The ideal weight for a Miniature size Rex rabbit is between 3 and 4 pounds. They stop growing by 7 months old.
Let’s take a look at some of the factors that can affect the growth of a Rex rabbit:
- A genetic mutation can lead to stunted growth
- An unhealthy and unbalanced diet
- A small living environment
How Long Do Rex Rabbits Live?
Depending on your bun’s health, Rex rabbits are known to live between 7 to 8 years. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that your Rex rabbit is getting old:
- Cataracts start developing in their eyes
- They don’t react to sounds or when you talk to them
- They may lose their eyesight
- Battling to eat, which leads to weight loss
- Sleeping more often
- Difficulty moving around
- Feeling the temperature a lot more (shivers when it’s cold)
- The fur coat starts turning gray
Once your bun turns 5 years old, it’s a good idea to take them to the vet at least twice a year to ensure they are in good health.
Tips to Help Your Rex Rabbits Reach Full Size
Follow these simple tips to help your floppy-eared friend reach their full size:
Natural Light
Place your bunny’s cage or enclosure in a spot that will get some natural light, but be careful not to overexpose them as the heat can negatively affect their mood.
Habitat
Ensure your bun’s living environment is protected from dangerous elements such as electrical wires.
Their living space should be 4 to 5 times bigger than their body size. Make sure your bun can sit upright on its hind legs and move freely in its cage or enclosure.
Diet
Giving your bun a balanced diet is crucial for their health and growth.
Ensure your bun has enough Timothy grass hay, pellets, and a healthy serving of leafy greens and fruit. Make sure that your bun always has access to fresh water.
My Last Bunny Thoughts
These medium-sized bunnies are a great addition to any family. They have an excellent temperament and enjoy being carried around or lounging on your lap.
There are many different colors to choose from, and each bunny has a unique personality.
As a bunny owner, you want your bun to reach its full size and live a healthy and happy life. As long as you provide your bun with plenty of love, healthy food, and a suitable living environment, they will grow and flourish before your eyes.
Related Articles: