Black Otter Rex Rabbit: Info, Care, Diet, Pictures & More
Updated on
Rabbits are popular household pets, partly because they are beginner friendly, and children can easily handle them. Many different kinds of rabbits are in existence today, some with long, fluffy, luxurious hair and others with short, soft fur. Some are small and dainty, while others, like the Flemish, are considered giants. Here, we focus on the Black Otter Rex rabbit, a medium- to large-sized rabbit that can make an excellent family pet!
| Size: | Medium to large |
| Weight: | 7 – 11 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 5 – 6 years |
| Similar Breeds: | Standard Rex, Angora, American Sable, Blanc de Hotot |
| Suitable for: | Families with kids, those with some experience in rabbit care |
| Temperament: | Curious, affectionate, friendly, sociable, spunky, playful |
As part of the Rex Rabbit family, the Black Otter Rex has a short, thick coat that is soft to the touch. Their name is derived from their coat, as rex is a type of coat that’s caused by a gene mutation and otter refers to the markings on the coat. These rabbits typically have black body fur and creamy coloring around their eyes and on their bellies. Tan coloring is sometimes noticeable where the black and cream markings converge.
Originating from France, the Black Otter Rex rabbit is currently bred in many countries throughout the world, including Germany, Holland, and the United States.
Black Otter Rex Rabbit Characteristics
How Much Do These Rabbits Cost?
The average Black Otter Rex rabbit can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 when bought from a breeder or pet shop. Pricing can range from place to place depending on things like location, lineage, and show quality. It may also be possible to find one of these furry friends at your local humane society or rescue organization, though the chances are slim. Still, doing so can help save you money on acquisition costs and enable you to make a difference in a rabbit’s life.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Black Otter Rex Rabbit
The Black Otter Rex rabbit is considered calm yet curious. They are not rambunctious or overly outgoing, but they are interested in investigating new places and engaging in new experiences. These rabbits can be playful, especially in their younger years, so they should have access to a variety of different objects and toys to interact with.
These are sociable rabbits, so they don’t mind being handled and hanging out in a lap occasionally. They like to be active at night when everyone is asleep, but they typically have no problem coming out during the day to play and cuddle. Most Black Otter Rex rabbits are vocal, and owners often hear them squeaking and squealing.
The average Black Otter Rex is extremely maternal and tends to pay close attention to both their rabbit and human companions. They prefer not to spend all their time in their confined habitat and instead enjoy hanging out around the house and even hopping around in the backyard (in an enclosed place where they can’t go too far, of course).
Do These Rabbits Make Good Pets?👪
Like all Rex rabbits, the Black Otter Rex can make an excellent household pet. These friendly rabbits do well with kids and don’t mind being handled regularly. They like to explore and play, and they engage vocally, which can be both entertaining and funny. They can safely be left alone in their habitat while everyone is at school and/or work, though they do get lonely and should be interacted with daily.
Does This Rabbit Get Along With Other Pets?
These rabbits get along well with other rabbit companions, but it’s up in the air as to whether a particular Black Otter Rex bunny will get along with other household pets like cats, dogs, and hamsters. It comes down to their unique personality and temperament. Some don’t mind spending time around other animals, while others would rather hide away in their safe habitat and be left alone.
Things to Know When Owning a Black Otter Rex Rabbit
There are many things to learn before becoming the proud and privileged owner of a Black Otter Rex rabbit. You should know what their diet is, what their exercise needs are, the kind of training that they can safely participate in, and their grooming requirements. Here is a basic guide that covers these topics and others.
Food & Diet Requirements🥕
Black Otter Rex rabbits can eat various things to stay happy and healthy throughout their lives, but alfalfa pellets and/or hay should be their predominant source of calories. Commercially produced rabbit pellets are specially designed to provide your bunny with all the vitamins, minerals, and obscure nutrients that they need to thrive. Your Black Otter Rex can also eat a variety of fruit and vegetables, including:
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Sweet potatoes
Habitat & Hutch Requirements🏠
This rabbit’s habitat should include both living/sleeping quarters and exercise space. Their living space should be at least 12 square feet in size to ensure comfort and safety, though the bigger, the better! All rabbits, including the Black Otter Rex, need plenty of room to hop, play, and stretch their limbs. This is how they get exercise and enjoy mental stimulation. Therefore, their available exercise space should be at least 32 square feet in size.
The exercise quarters should be outfitted with food and water dishes and a litter box if you plan to litter train them (otherwise, you’ll have more cleaning up to do daily). The sleeping quarters should have soft bedding and spots to relax for naps. It’s important to thoroughly clean both quarters in the habitat at least once a week to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.
Exercise & Sleeping Needs🐇
Your Black Otter Rex rabbit does need daily exercise, but not like a dog does. There is no need for walks if they have an adequate exercise pen to take advantage of. Simply making a variety of toys available for your bunny to play with should give them enough opportunity for exercise for optimal health. They should also have access to their exercise pen and/or areas within your house for at least 4 hours a day, or they are likely to spend most of their time sleeping, which could lead to weight gain and health problems.
Training 🥎
Once you have built a strong bond with them, your Black Otter Rex rabbit can be trained. With rabbit-friendly treats and patience, you can teach them to come whenever you call their name, and before you know it, they will start hopping to you on command, even when treats are not part of the equation.
Grooming✂️
One thing that makes the Black Otter Rex rabbit a great pet is that they require little grooming. Their short, dense fur doesn’t shed much, but it can develop mats if not brushed regularly. Therefore, brushing your rabbit with a soft-bristle brush or comb a couple of times a week is crucial. In addition, it’s a good idea to check their ears and toes for dirt buildup once every couple of weeks, so you can clean the dirt away with a damp cloth and prevent bacterial infection.
Lifespan and Health Conditions🏥
When properly cared for, the Black Otter Rex rabbit can live for between 5 and 7 years. Some even live up to 10 years, but that’s not typical of the breed. As for their health, these rabbits are considered healthy, but there are certain conditions that they may be susceptible to.
- Rabbit hemorrhagic disease
- Myxomatosis
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi
- Dental disease
- Flystrike
Male vs. Female
There are a few differences between male and female Rex rabbits (and rabbits in general) that prospective owners should be aware of. First, females tend to be more territorial, independent, and dominant than males. However, spaying can help calm these behaviors. Second, males tend to spray more often when they aren’t fixed than females do. They are also usually protective of the females in their group. Finally, males may be more affectionate and needy.
The 3 Little-Known Facts About the Black Otter Rex Rabbit
The only difference between the Black Otter Rex rabbit and any other Rex rabbit is the color and markings of their coat. So, here are facts about the Rex rabbit in general because they all pertain to the Black Otter Rex too.
1. They Originated in 1919
This rabbit breed is said to have originated in France around 1919. They were the offspring of wild gray rabbits. Over time, they were developed by both breeders and those in the fur industry. The Rex rabbit was shown in public for the first time in 1924 at the Paris International Rabbit Show.
2. Their Fur Feels Like Velvet
The Rex rabbit’s fur is so thick and dense that it feels like velvet to the touch, making them extra fun to cuddle with. These rabbits lack guard hairs due to a genetic mutation, so each hair on their coat is even in length. There are three types of Rex fur: standard, short and curly, and long and curly.
3. There Are 16 Recognized Rex Rabbit Color Varieties
While there is only one color that the Black Otter Rex rabbit comes in, there are 16 different color varieties recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association for the Rex rabbit breed in general. Any of the 16 coat colors are eligible for showing.
Final Thoughts
The Black Otter Rex rabbit is a gentle, friendly, and family-oriented animal that can get along well in various household situations. They have super soft fur, they don’t mind being handled, and they tend to do well when left alone due to work and school. That said, these furry friends do require plenty of love, care, and attention, so a strong commitment is necessary to be a great pet caretaker as time goes on.
Related Read:
- How Much Do Rex Rabbits Cost? Price Guide
- Velveteen Lop Rabbit: Pictures, Care Guide, Lifespan & Traits
Featured Image Credit to: Chawannuch Njoy, Shiutterstock
