Feeding a Rex: hay, greens and measured pellets
Rex : An adult rex gets unlimited hay and a pellet ration suited to its medium build, adjusted to its weight. An overweight rex puts extra strain on its already fragile feet, so portion control is also an orthopaedic matter.
An accessory from our shop for this use: Wooden hay rack with tray for rabbit, guinea pig and chinchilla (€21.90) · the whole shop
Outside our shipping area? The downloadable practical guide: The Pet Rabbit Handbook (€17)
In short: Between 3 and 4.5 kg as an adult, short and dense velvety fur, calm and affectionate temperament. A medium-sized rabbit, calm and people-oriented, that enjoys contact and ground-level play. The sparse fur under its feet rules out wire or slatted floors: thick mats and padded resting spots are the priority purchase.
Hay first, pellets second
A strict herbivore, the Rex lives on unlimited hay — 80% of its ration — topped up with daily greens and a controlled 60 to 100 g of fibrous pellets at 3 to 4.5 kg. Pellets are measured; hay never is.
What is specific to the Rex at mealtimes
Keep the hay rack full, introduce greens gradually (one novelty at a time), and ban bread, seed mixes and sugary shop treats. A rabbit that snubs its hay is a rabbit to watch: it is the first signal of a dental or digestive problem.
Gut health: watch-point number one
GI stasis is the classic rabbit emergency: a Rex that stops eating and producing droppings for 12 hours needs an exotics vet, not waiting. Prevention comes down to three words: fibre, water, movement. The rest of the profile is on the full Rex profile.
Frequently asked questions
How many pellets for a Rex?
60 to 100 g a day for an adult of 3 to 4.5 kg — alongside unlimited hay, which remains the bulk of the diet.
Which greens can a Rex eat?
The safe bets: endive, carrot tops, coriander, basil, celery leaves — always one novelty at a time. Iceberg lettuce, potato and fermenting vegetables stay in the fridge, and doubt means abstention.
The guides that apply to you
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- Rabbit probiotics: a study finally puts numbers on disease and mortality effects
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