The Castor Rex Rabbit (now simply known as the Rex Rabbit) was first developed in France during the early 20th century. The Latin words for King (Castor or Beaver) and King (Rex) gave the name its origin. They are intelligent and active. However, they also have calm sides. They are a great choice for family pets. Although the original Rex rabbit was named after the color of a beaver’s tail, it can now come in many colors, including black, white, lynx, or otter.
Castor Rex Rabbits: Quick Facts
| Species Name: | Castor Rex Rabbit |
| Family: | Rabbit |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, friendly, calm |
| Color Varieties: | Various |
| Lifespan: | 7-10 years |
| Size: | 7.5 to 12.5 lbs |
| Diet: | Hay, pellets, and fruit and vegetables |
| Minimum Cage Size: | 6’x2′ cage w/ run |
| Compatibility: | Can You Live Together |
Cast Rex Rabbit Overview
Castor Rex Rabbits were first bred in 1919 by a French farmer who noticed a genetic mutation among wild grey rabbits. The Rex’s thick, luxurious coat is a result of this genetic mutation. He bred the Rex with the help of a priest who was an expert rabbit breeder.
The Paris International Rabbit Show introduced the Castor Rex in 1924. It was named after its Beaver color and its Regal hair. After being exported from France, he quickly became a popular pet and is still popular all over the world.
Rex mutations can occur in many animals, including rabbits. Rex genes can cause hair to grow differently. The Rex Rabbit’s hair grows outwards rather than flat. It also has the same length of guard hairs as the undercoat. This results in silky smooth, velvety hair similar to a thick pile carpet.
The Rex mutation in the natural world is very rare. This happens because a Rex crosses with another non-Rex, resulting in a nonsex. To pass on the Rex gene, both breeding rabbits must possess it. There are some breeding plans that aim to preserve the Rex gene, although it is rare. This breed has many benefits for pet owners. It is a very popular breed.
What Does Castor Rex Rabbits cost?
Castor Rex rabbits are priced between $20 and $60. This is about the same price as a domestic rabbit. Make sure you only buy one from a trusted breeder. To get an idea of the character of your Rex, you should be able to meet the parents and possibly some siblings.
Rex Rabbits are often found in shelters or local sanctuaries due to their low cost. Adoption costs can vary, but they are usually between $10 and $20.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
The Castor Rex is a very maternal breed. They are calm, playful, energetic, and quiet when they mature. Castor Rex enjoys being with other rabbits so they can be kept together or in families. However, it is important to properly sex them and keep the different sexes separate. They are popular with children because they love to play with their babies and jump around.
Castor Rex is intelligent and can be house-trained. Your Rex will be more comfortable living in your home if he has been house-trained. With practice and training, you can walk your Rex on a leash.
Appearance and Varieties
Castor Rex Rabbit’s fur is distinctive because it has shorter guard hairs than other rabbits. It has a velvety texture.
The Rex is characterized by a large head and a round body. The Rex can typically weigh between 12 and 13 pounds. However, a smaller version weighs about half that.
The standard and mini versions can be made in many colors. However, the Castor Rex, which is strictly a Castor or Otter color, cannot be customized.
How to Care for Castor Rex Rabbits
Habitat, Hutch & Setup
Rex is a gentle breed and will be at their best when they are indoors. Rex is happy to share space and can be a friendly pet if they are socialized regularly. Your rabbit will thrive if you provide all the necessary care.
Are Rex Rabbits able to live outside in winter?
The Castor Rex Rabbit, like other breeds of rabbits, can live outdoors. Although they can withstand very cold temperatures, the Castor Rex Rabbit is able to survive outside. To do so, you need to provide protection from three sides as well as shelter from rain and wind. If they are wet, rabbits can become seriously ill and even die.
The Hutch
Castor Rex hutches should not exceed six feet in length and two feet in width. Your rabbit will have enough space to move freely, stretch out fully, and can eat and play without getting in the way of walls. A run of 32 feet should be provided for your rabbit to play and run in. It should be surrounded by a fence and dry. A good hiding place is something that your Rex will love. You can also provide a litter box for your Castor Rex to use, which will increase the chances of your rabbit using it.
Bedding
The bedding should cover the floor of the hutch by 2 to 3 inches. You can use a straw, shredded cardboard, or paper as bedding. Avoid using cedar or pine shavings as they can cause respiratory problems.
Are Castor Rex rabbits compatible with other pets?
Castor Rex can be considered friendly and docile. The Castor Rex may seem lively in the beginning, but once this stage is over, he will become a calm little pet. Castor Rex can be a great companion for other pets. One breed, the Rex, will do well living with other Rex. Your rabbit could become depressed and sick if it is left alone.
The doe is a maternal being and can often be very persistent in mothering small rabbits. The Rex is less likely to wander off than other rabbits and may not be as prey to predatory cats or dogs. However, you should still take extra care when introducing them to animals with prey instincts.
How to feed your Castor Rex
Your rabbit should be fed the same food as it would in the wild. Your Rex should be fed 90% hay. This is the same amount as what it would eat in the field. High-fiber pellets should be 5% of Rex’s diet. This will ensure that it has a healthy digestive system and a sense of fullness. You can also include fresh vegetables, and some fruits, in the rest of your rabbit’s diet. Fresh water should be available to your rabbit whenever it needs it.
Keeping Your Castor Rex Rabbit Healthy
You should ensure that your rabbit is fed a healthy diet and provides fresh water. It can also be exercised regularly by being put in the large running.
This breed doesn’t require much grooming. They tend to be tidy and clean. Their fur could be damaged if they are too brushing. Use a damp, warm cloth to clean your Rex’s fur. Dry them completely afterward.
Breeding
Two Rex parents are required if you want to breed Rex rabbits. You will have a litter of non-Rex rabbits if you cross a Rex and a non-Rex. The Rex gene must be present in both parents.
Rabbits are well-known for their ability to breed and produce many offspring. Because they are prey animals, having many offspring is crucial for the survival of the species. Although it can be difficult to raise rabbits in the wild, persistence, knowledge, and good stock will make it easier. Because rabbits are the third most commonly found animal in shelters after dogs and cats, it is important to make sure you want to breed them. You won’t make a lot of money breeding rabbits for pets.
A litter usually contains 7 to 15 kittens, but it can also include as many as 15. You might be able to care for all of them if none of the kittens are adopted.
Castor Rex is suitable for you?
Rabbits make great pets. Castor Rex Rabbits are happier and healthier when they are indoors with at least one other Rex Rabbit. They are very friendly with humans and are easy to take care of. Although they do require a decent-sized run and hutch, they are house-trained and can be trained to do so. They also do not need to be bathed or groomed often and enjoy being around all the people in the house. They are great family pets.
T Rex rabbits live how long?
Larger rabbit breeds, on average, do not live as long as smaller varieties. The same may be said about Rex rabbits. Rex rabbits live for an average of 6 to 8 years. While they may survive for up to 12 years, such longevity is uncommon.
What is the value of a Rex rabbit?
Rabbit Rex They are no longer expensive, and you should expect to pay between $50 and $75 for one. Most people like this species for its velvety coat, which comes in sixteen distinct hues, including white, red, and black.
What is the rare rabbit breed?
The animal, now known as the Sumatran Short-eared Rabbit, was reclassified as Nesalogus netscheri nineteen years later and has been recorded seldom since. There are just thirteen museum specimens known to exist, all of which were acquired in the first two decades of the twentieth century.
Do Rex rabbits require vaccinations?
Rabbits, unlike dogs and cats, do not often require vaccines.
How far can a Rex rabbit leap?
This breed is low to moderately active and may jump up to three feet.
Do Rex rabbits have any health issues?
Mini Rex rabbits experience the same rabbit health issues as other rabbit breeds. To mention a few, malocclusion, GI stasis, pulmonary sickness, mites, and uterine cancer in unspayed females.
Can you bathe the Rex rabbits?
Bathing on a regular basis This is completely needless and might be quite dangerous to rabbits. Rabbits do not require routine bathing, and in fact, frequent washing, with or without shampoo, strips the rabbit’s fur of its natural oils, which aids in the maintenance of the rabbit’s coat.
Can you keep Rex rabbits outside?
Rabbits can be maintained outside all year, although their resting spot should preferably be moved into a shed or disused garage with natural light and ventilation for the winter months, or else sheltered from inclement weather with a tarpaulin. A run for exercise should also be provided at all times.
Can Rex rabbits consume lettuce?
Myth #3: Rabbits consume lettuce. A rabbit’s diet should not consist of lettuce. Some lettuces (such as icebergs) should be avoided by rabbits because they contain lactucarium, which can be toxic in excessive quantities.
Can Rex rabbits live in the house?
It is ideal to keep Rex rabbits indoors since it decreases their danger of hypothermia, overheating (heat stroke), predator attacks, and loneliness. Furthermore, if Rex rabbits are raised outside rather than inside, they are considerably more likely to die young.