Getting a baby mini rex in a few weeks-Any advice?

[Pixie]

I will be bringing home a male baby mini rex in a few weeks if all goes well.  I was wondering if anyone had any pointers since this is my first bunny since childhood.  I have a pretty big cage, a playpen, I read up on the best diet, etc.  I also chose this breed after researching others.  I had thought of also bringing home one of his litter mates, but the more I read it sounded as though maybe one was best to start with.  I only have 2 other animals in my household-spoiled lovebirds.  I don’t believe in keeping animals confined to cages so I let them roam when supervised and will do the same with the bunny in due time.  I am very aware of the “do’s and don’ts” for birds, but I newbie when it comes to birds.

Greatly appreciate any information and advice you could share.

Thank you!

Pam

[Bunnybuzz]

Hey Pam! That’s great! You must be so excited I used to have a rex as well, my first ever bunny. She was moody but I loved her anyway=D

I would suggest bringing home one of the litter mates as well as bunnies are very, very social animals and will need a friend, but I guess it’s up to you. I’m so glad you did your research! And the cage sounds perfect. I’ll list some tips for you here:

1. Give him/her a few days to adjust before petting; a great way to bond is to sit next to or in the cage and read or watch something. Let bunny make the first move, if she or he comes up to you let bunny sniff you and don’t reach out for pets.

2. Always have lots of hay available; bunnies need hay 24/7 so make sure you keep that in mind.

3. Steer clear from loud noises and picking bunny up; bunnies are prey animals so be careful and go slow.

Anything else you would like to know, we’re here to help!
Good luck and let us know how it goes

Finn

[Asriel and Bombur]

If you bring a litter mate do not just keep them together. Please separate immediately to avoid any potential disasters. Bunnies can and will fight to the death when hormones kick in, and bunnies are often mis-sexed until they have actually developed. Having two bonded bunnies is a long process that begins when both bunnies have been fixed, been through prebonding, and have increasing sessions in neutral then to semi-neutral territory.

[babblingbuns]

Aw, congratulations!!! Here’s three pointers that really helped me when I was new to bunnies, and I hope helps you, too:
-Try ceramic/heavier bowls to avoid the buns tipping them over.
-Find out their current diet, (in case you plan on changing it), for a smoother transition on their digestive systems.
-Sometimes gaining their trust takes a little while. Don’t be discouraged if they’re not very social with you at first.

Good luck with everything! I hope it goes well!

[Azerane]

Hi Pixie and welcome to the forum

In terms of specific advice, with Rex breeds, they are prone to getting sore hocks (sores on the bottom of their feet). So a variety of soft and padded flooring surfaces are ideal to ensure this is prevented. They don’t have the thick fur covering the hocks that other breeds do.

If you make any dietary changes, do so very slowly. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems and any changes should be done gradually. That includes changing between pellet brands and adding in new foods such as leafy greens. Unlimited grass hay, 1/4 cup of plain quality pellet (no seeds or grains or muesli mixes) until 6 months then you can reduce the amount, and from 3 months you can try to add in one leafy green at a time.

Bringing home a litter mate can be a challenge, while having a pair of bonded bunnies is fantastic, the process of bonding can be quite difficult and litter mates do not always get along past puberty. It is recommended that both bunnies to be bonded are already spayed/neutered before attempting bonding, so getting two young rabbits would only require separate housing until they were neutered and could be bonded properly. Rabbits are sweet creatures, but they can be extremely territorial and violent towards other rabbits in their territory.

Feel free to start new topics on any specific questions you may have

[Pixie]

Thank you so much for your advice!  I actually decided NOT to bring home his litter mate and just brought home the little guy last Friday. He has amazed me in that he seems unphased by much at all.  He is just curious and friendly (not overly friendly), but he comes over to me and lets me pet him, etc.  He has been using his litter box since Day 2 in one corner of his cage.  And even when he is allowed out to roam he still retreats back there to do his bunny business.  It has only been a week, but I was in love Day #1.

[Pixie]

Thank you.  This was very helpful.  I did decide to only go with one bun for now.  I didn’t want to take on too much that I could handle and not be able to care properly for them both.  

[Pixie]

Thank you.  I actually decided to just bring home the one. 

[Pixie]

Thank you!

[Pixie]

Thank you for all your help!

[Pixie]

Thanks to all for your help. I brought home Little Foot last Friday and so far he has been just awesome. He has 2 very large cages that I put together so he has room while I am at work during the day. Every evening he is allowed out when I get home in his playpen and then later I open it up more so he has more room to roam around. He has been using his litter box since Day 2 and only seems to do his business there (even when he is allowed out for long periods of time). He has not been shy at all-allows me to pet him and comes over to nudge me at times when I am sitting on the floor with him. Overall he seems more interested in exploring than he does in me. lol. I did decide not to bring home a litter mate as I had decided it wasn’t the best idea for me. He seems to be adjusting just fine.

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