I would've thought carpet would be better for sore hocks?
Just to throw in some hope, not all rexes get sore hocks, I've had my rescue beatrice for 3 years now and she has not had any health problems at all. She is the healthiest rabbit i have had. Certainly be aware that problems may arise but they don't all get extra health problems.
Yeah, Jack is around 2 1/2 and he's super healthy
No idea about his heart though...would tests would he need to diagnosis heart problems? Xray? Or would I be seeing symptoms of heart problems?
:wave: I've got a rex who for the first 2-3 years of his life was fed straw as bedding more and mix and has good teeth although he now thoroughly enjoys his hay and is makinig up for lost time :lol:, I think he thought he'd died and gone to heaven the night I got him, cleaned him out and filled his hutch with hay - also I don't think sore hocks is caused by the surface being abrasive as such although I suppose friction can play a part, your aiming to make the paw sit as it would on grass and actually when I watch Jingle my rex and his paw posture on grass the best surface that is similar is a very thick layer of hay or straw then hay on top at least 2-3 inches thick. Ideally access to a grassed area for the majority of time would be ideal for them I think
I met your rexes briefly when they were boarding at Windwhistle when I went to get my new girly :wave: they are gorgeous.
Hmmm thank you everyone, I guess they are OKAY as housebuns but are better off outdoors on grass then :? Hmmm dont think the landlord would be impressed by the living room having a nice floor of hay :lol:
Its a shame they have such issues, they are such elegant bunnies!
This is a random thought and probably a weird question and impractical, but has anyone got little socks/booties made for their rexes? Just thinking if they were introduced to it young they wouldnt mind and would provide some cushioning...
:wave::lol: I think your getting me mixed up with Vikkivet - I don't mind that's quite a compliment - not sure she'll be overyjoyed though :lol: I agree her Rexes are lovely though, I only have one Jingle and he is gorgeous aswell though - I do think they are more suited to outside just from my experience of the layer of hay - your right I don't think your landlord would be impressed, I wonder whether something like seagrass matting or natural carpet would be good though and very trendy
oops I just saw Vicki and my mind went with it sorry!
hmmm I think I'm just gonna have to avoid the rexy babies I want and advise my friend to keep them outside if he gets them.... they are a very impractical breed!
Some Rex Breeders aim for a more 'cobby' face and this can result in Dental problems
As already mentioned Ulcerative Pododermatitis (sore hocks) is another condition that some Rexes are likely to develop, especially if the individual Rex already has furloss by 1 year of age.
Cardiac Disease does appear to be a condition seen in Rexes more frequently than in some other breeds. Again I believe this is largely down to poor breeding.
Orange and Cinnamon Rexes can have very poor eyesight. This may result in behavioural problems if it goes undiagnosed and appropriate action is not taken when handling or socialising the Rabbit.
As Rexes are usually exceptionally greedy Rabbits GI tract issues can very quickly result if they are overfed. Most Rexes will keep eating til they burst given half a chance !