Black Otter Rex Rabbit   

otter rex against a white background

Are you thinking of getting a rabbit for a pet? Well, buns are great animal companions, so you can expect to have lots of wonderful experiences with one. However, you might find the selection process quite challenging with the number of breeds to choose from. More so because all bun types are so adorable. One breed you may want to consider is the black otter rex rabbit, a favorite among many fur parents.  

This cuddly and sweet-natured bun will surely be a delight to you and your family. If you want to know more about the this breed, you’re in the right place. We’re here to provide you with the info you need so you can decide if the otter rex rabbit is right for you. 

What’s a Black Otter Rex Rabbit? 

Rex rabbits are distinguished by their beautiful short, plush coat, described as a furrier’s dream. The black otter has the gorgeous fur texture of the Rex breed. Other distinctive features of black otter rex rabbits are black fur on the back and head, and cream-colored hair around the eyes, under the belly and chin. The coat also sports a tan-colored boundary where the cream and black fur meet.  

History of the Rex Rabbit 

The breed came from a French village upon the discovery of a litter of wild gray rabbits in a barn. Although the baby buns weren’t much to look at, they did possess the fabulous fur that the modern-day Rex rabbits have. After a vigorous breeding program, buns with the unique Rex coat began appearing in different countries such as Belgium, Germany, England, Holland, Switzerland, and the US.  

Between 1924 and 1929, the Rex breed became extremely popular in the US. Such popularity led to new varieties, eventually leading to the black otter rex rabbit that became one of the country’s favorite pets.  

black otter rex in grass

Black Otter Rex Rabbit Characteristics   

General Appearance  

Buns belonging to the breed typically have broad heads and erect ears. Their whiskers curl around the mouth and nose, giving their appearance a whimsical air. They have well-proportioned bodies, with short straight legs.  

The females or does are usually heavier than the males or bucks in adulthood. Does tip the scales between 8-11 pounds compared to the 7-9 pounds of their male counterparts.  

Coat   

The coat is what makes the black otter rex rabbit stand out. It has a super-soft velvety finish and a gorgeous shine. The fur’s texture and uniform length throughout the body give this Rex type its exquisite looks.   

You can see five colors on a black otter rex rabbit; black, cream, tan, slate blue, and fawn. The black fur typically grows on the head and back, along with a slate blue undercoat. Meanwhile, the undersides of this rabbit breed show a combination of black and cream. The fawn color can be seen on the inside of the ears.  

blue otter rex sitting in grass

Temperament  

Black otter rex rabbits have a calm and sweet nature. Along with their laid-back personality, they are also curious and enjoy experiencing new things. Giving them toys will provide them with the mental stimulation they need while cuddling them on your lap will enhance the bonding process.

Like other rabbits, this breed is more active during the twilight hours but will gladly come out to play with you any time of the day. Rex rabbits are vocal creatures and will squeak and squeal with excitement and happiness.  

These rabbits don’t shy away from handling and petting. In fact, they love receiving attention from their owners. As such, they make great pets for homes with seniors and first-time bun owners.  

Taking Care of Black Otter Rex Rabbits   

black otter rex sitting in a white background

Fortunately, black otter rex rabbits don’t require a lot of maintenance. Still, you’ll need to give your pet the things he needs to turn into a healthy and happy rabbit.  

Housing  

The important things to consider regarding your bun’s housing are size and material. The enclosure should be spacious enough for your pet to hop around, eat and rest. An average-sized black otter rex rabbit needs at least 12 square feet of living space alone. Provide a connected area of about 32 square feet for stretching out, playing, and litter needs.  

Make sure that your enclosure is made with rabbit-safe materials, such as solid wires that your bun won’t be able to chew. Also, provide a solid bottom for your bun to stand on. Avoid using wires for the bottom of the enclosure. Standing on wires for long periods can lead to sore hocks in rabbits.   

Your pet’s living quarters should have bedding materials for comfort and moisture absorption. You can opt for commercially available bedding or go the DIY route by shredding newspapers or paper towels.  

Temperature  

Extremes in temperature can harm your pet. Rabbits prefer a temperature range of 65 to 85 degrees, give or take a few degrees higher or lower. Indoor buns won’t need any special accommodations as the temperature inside a home is already regulated. However, if you house your bun outdoors, be ready to provide a space heater during winter and a fan during summer.  

Activities  

Because rabbits are intelligent animals, they can get bored and lonely with nothing to do. Remember that black otter rex rabbits love human companionship, so sticking them inside a cage all day won’t be a good idea.   

Giving your pet some toys will keep him busy and stimulate him mentally, but he’ll love being with you and your family. That’s why interacting with your bun should be part of your daily routine.  

Safety  

Like most rabbits, buns from this breed love to chew. So bunny proof your home if you let your pet roam free. Otherwise, he might chew on wires, which poses safety risks, or nibble on your walls. Provide chew toys to your black otter rex rabbit to redirect his chewing instinct.  

Diet  

Black otter rex rabbits have the same nutritional requirements as other breeds. That means a diet composed mainly of good quality hay (around 70%), some fresh leafy veggies, and a bit of carrot and fruits as treats. Remember to top up your pet’s supply of fresh, clean water.  

Grooming  

Be careful in grooming your black otter rex rabbit so as not to damage his gorgeous coat. You’ll need to gently brush your bun to get rid of loose hair when he molts. Removing the dirt and debris may require you to run a damp cloth over your pet’s fur. We don’t recommend frequent bathing as this activity can be pretty stressful for rabbits.  

Black otter rex rabbits are relatively easy to care for. That makes them great pets for first-time owners. If you’re looking for a calm and friendly bun who’s also a feast for the eyes, then this breed might be your ideal companion animal.  

 

We hope you enjoyed this post! If you did, will you give it a share or two 🙂 Thank you! ~from Every Bunny Welcome

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