Standard Rex Varieties Care Guidelines The Caged Rabbit Photos Home 100% of all proceeds earned from rabbit sales are donated to our local churches and church sponsored charities. "O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." Psalm 34:8 "Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil - it has no point." Billy Graham K&H Rex Rabbits is a proud member of: American Rabbit Breeder's Association National Rex Rabbit Club Central TN Rabbit Breeder's Association

General Care Guidelines for Rex Rabbits Life/Size Expectancy 10-12 years with proper care (as noted below) Up to 6 years reproductive ability 7 to 10 ˝ pounds Cage Junior (less than 6 months of age) – Minimum 24”x24x18” Senior (6+ months of age)– Minimum 30”x36x18” Rabbits like to stand up tall on their hind legs, so cage height is important also. 24” is considered optimal, but 18” is acceptable Resting pad – At least 1/3 of the cage should be a soft rubber mat or carpet for the rabbit to sit on and rest his feet. You can also supply a clean plastic box with a piece of carpet or shavings inside. Provide un-treated wooden blocks and/or hay cubes for chewing and they’ll be less likely to chew their resting pad Feeding Alfalfa pellets – Any commercial pellet EXCEPT Sprout brand from Fleet Farm is acceptable Hay given free choice at all times Timothy Alfalfa Hay Cubes (compressed alfalfa or timothy) Vegetables and Fruit – No citrus, potatoes, artichokes, candy, or high acid foods Lettuce (any type in moderate amounts) Cabbage Parsley Fresh spinach Celery Carrots Apples Prunes Raisins Whole wheat bread Oatmeal Dry cereal (non-sugared varieties) Nuts (walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, macadamia, etc. in SMALL amounts occasionally) Small wedge of pineapple every month to help remove fur from the gutt (Citric acid breaks down mucous that binds fur in ball form – this is the ONLY time a rabbit should get citrus fruit) Dandelion greens and flowers that are FREE of pesticides, fertilizer, or any other chemical Fresh grass that is FREE of pesticides, fertilizer, or any other chemical Apple tree branches that are FREE of pesticides, fertilizer or any other chemical Water Free choice every day Fresh every day to avoid bacterial contamination Handling – Petting Minimal until about 4 weeks of age After 8 weeks, all GENTLE handling, holding, and petting is fine NEVER pick up rabbit by the ears or around the abdomen! Support hindquarter with one hand and tuck head under your arm Be aware that rabbits have personalities just like any other animal and are capable of inflicting damage on a human if handled improperly, scared, or stressed in any way Health Concerns Fur balls (see preventative measure under the “Feeding” section) Sore hocks (always use resting mats to prevent sores from forming) Ear mites (if mites are observed, simply squeeze capsules of Vitamin E oil into the ear twice a day for 3-5 days. Leave oil sit all day, and then wipe with cotton before re-applying. Repeat as necessary) Rabbits generally do not need vaccinations – check with your veterinarian if you suspect a disease If you suspect your rabbit has worms, see your veterinarian for treatment (swollen belly, weight loss, rough hair coat) Housing Rabbits can be left outside as long as proper shelter is given from wind, sun, snow, rain, etc. Fans are absolutely necessary when temperatures rise above 80F External heat source is not needed unless temperatures fall below -10F for adults and 20F for babies If temperature is cold, provide a deep pile of hay for rabbit to burrow in. Make sure that the rabbits are thoroughly protected from dogs, rodents, wild animals, startling noises, and stress Rabbits can live inside the house as long as you supply the necessary provisions Litterbox with paper shreds or pine shavings (NO CAT LITTER!) Cage with door left open to provide a “home base” for the rabbit Electrical wires protected with PVC tubes Constant observation to prevent chewing of wood or cloth items Securely closed cage when supervision is not available Protection from cleaners, deep containers of liquid, poisons, noxious plants, and aggressive dogs/cats/children Reproduction NEVER attempt to breed your rabbit until he/she is at least 6 months of age! At that time, breeding may be possible, providing the following items are taken into account: You have THOROUGHLY read and researched rabbit reproduction, development, and kit (baby rabbit) care You have provided the proper housing and nestbox requirements for the doe You are certain that the doe is physically and emotionally healthy You have provided a sound diet for the doe as outlined above You are prepared to fund a veterinary visit for the doe, should it become necessary anytime during the pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum period You are certain you have a pet, show, or butcher outlet for your juniors You are prepared to care for juniors properly until they are either butchered or re-homed