Rex v. Mini Rex?

[sibley]

 I can’t decide which kind to get.  I haven’t seen any photos of them side by side so I’m not too sure of the size difference other than the mini rex is ~4lbs and the regular rex is ~7lbs.  I also think mini rex have shorter ears?  But are there any other differences?  A reason to prefer one over the other?  Is smaller or larger easier to keep in general?  Etc…

[Sarita]

Mini rexes are just a smaller version of the standard size. I have a standard and have had other standards as fosters and also at one time a mini.

As far as keeping or caring for they are equally the same in this respect. I guess if you are planning on adopting you should go based on who needs a home and meet them in person to see their personalities.

With both sizes you must be vigilant about weight – I don’t know why but the rex rabbits can have a tendency to gain weight easily – I’m sure someone has some theories out there as to why rexes are prone to this too but I don’t have any theories.

[sibley]

Thanks! It seems there are more mini rexes available for adoption (I guess since they’re pretty popular) but I was thinking I would prefer a larger rabbit. I was having such trouble deciding that I probably don’t actually care about size and will just try to choose whoever seems like the best match for me. Unfortunately the closest of either available right now is about 2 hours away. I don’t want to make the drive just to meet a rabbit with the possibility that it will be perfect so I think I’ll wait until I find one closer.

Do mini rexes also have curly whiskers like the regular rex rabbits do?

[Adalaide]

I’ve heard that there can be some personality differences betweent he minis and other buns. Not sure how true this is though, but something you may wanna research and consider, especially if there are small children. As if I have room to talk, we’re going to be trying to get pregnant soon and I brought a mini home, haha. I’ve just heard that they may not get along with kids as well and are more likely to be startled or annoyed into biting.

[Deleted User]

sibley, that is so great you are going to adopt! I love the rexes myself. As for Sarita’s comment on their tendency to gain weight easily, I’ve wondered about this also. I find that all really fat rexes I have seen had been living a caged life. My mini rex at home should be named EATSALOT because he is an eating machine, but he’s fit and trim. Maybe the rexes are prone to putting on the poundage because they generally are a high-energy animal and as such have big appetites… so when they can’t spend their energy sufficiently like in a cage the calories turn to fat.

[sibley]

I’m not too worried about the diet issues… I was able to lighten up my foster rabbit when I had him and he seemed quite satisfied with his food.

I’m 21 years old- just graduated from college on Sunday. Currently living at home but hoping to move into an apartment in the late summer (it’s depressing being stuck out in the ‘burbs when all my friends are in the city… I’m way too social to only see people on Saturday nights). I have a dog at home and want a rabbit that is bold around the dog. My foster rabbit used to climb all over her. The dog would ignore her until she started being chewed on, then she’d get up and run away. I think it would be good for my dog to have a bit of a companion.

Planning on going to law school in a year or two… but not planning on having any small children running around for many more years =)

[Sarita]

Well, you will love the rex rabbits whether you get a standard or a mini because they are so unique looking and I just love that soft velvety fur.

My rex is a standard – she is white with red eyes. Her name is Emmy.

Whatever rabbit you decide on will be very lucky to have you for an owner…okay, I know they own you, you don’t own them :~)

[jerseygirl]

If you do plan to adopt, perhaps the personality of the rabbit will be the deciding factor. You may even find one that has previously lived with dogs. You may have to consider your future accomodation to as the to size of rabbit you get. i.e. this may affect the size of the enclosure and run space you need. Also, consider how well handling 7+lbs will be to 4+lbs for things like monthly maintanence.

[Timber5]

We just adopted a neutered, male mini-rex. He is LOVELY. He uses a litter box exclusively and is great with the kids. We went with a rex because our son is very allergic to a lot of things – including cats. So far, the bun and the hay seem to not be a problem for him. I love the very short hair of the mini rex and of course, his sweet temperment. I think it will be temperment more than size that will make your potential rabbit the right fit for you. Good luck!

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