Rex rabbits need solid floors to avoid hock sores. See why the Living World habitat with a deep plastic base is a top pick for preventing foot injuries.
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Best Overall: Living World. This habitat offers a generous 47 x 24 inch footprint, giving a Rex rabbit plenty of room.
Best Value: MidWest Homes. A reliable and affordable option with a 40 x 23 inch floor area.
Best Premium: STILLCOVE 2-Tier Rabbit Cage. A two-level design with a 48 x 24 inch base and a second level that adds vertical space.
Best for Sensitive Needs: Aivituvin 103.2" L Rabbit Hutch Indoor Outdoor Bunny Cage. This hutch features a solid, elevated floor and a separate enclosed area for nesting, whic.
When choosing a habitat for a Rex rabbit, the most important consideration is floor space. Rex rabbits are medium to large breed (typically 7.5-10.5 lbs) and require ample room to stretch out and hop. Their dense, plush coat (a recessive fur type) needs a solid floor to avoid hock sores and urine scald, so wire-bottom cages are not suitable.
Our editorial team researched habitats that prioritize safety, comfort, and ease of cleaning for Rex rabbits. We focused on options with sturdy construction, good ventilation, and enough space for a litter box, hideout, and feeding area. Below are our top picks based on these criteria.
Why this matters
We found that the most critical factor for a Rex rabbit habitat is a solid, non-wire floor to prevent foot injuries. Many owners overlook this, leading to painful hock sores. Prioritize a habitat with a deep plastic base or a solid wooden floor.
The Options
Types Explained
Indoor Rabbit Cages
Enclosed habitats made of wire and plastic, designed for indoor use. They offer secure containment and are often stackable or have multiple levels.
Rabbit Pens and Playpens
Open-top enclosures that provide more floor space and freedom. Best used in conjunction with a cage or for supervised exercise time.
Outdoor Hutches
Wooden or plastic structures with a sheltered area and an attached run. Suitable for outdoor use but must be predator-proof and weather-resistant.
The Rankings
Top 4 Picks
#1
Best Overall
Living World
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This habitat offers a generous 47 x 24 inch footprint, giving a Rex rabbit plenty of room to move. The solid plastic base prevents hock sores, and the included stand provides easy access. The deep base also contains bedding well, which is helpful for Rex rabbits that tend to be messy.
A reliable and affordable option with a 40 x 23 inch floor area. The plastic base is deep enough to hold litter and hay, and the wire spacing is safe for Rex rabbits (no gaps larger than 1 inch). Easy to assemble and clean, making it a practical choice for owners on a budget.
A two-level design with a 48 x 24 inch base and a second level that adds vertical space. The solid floor and ramps are gentle on Rex rabbit feet. The large doors make cleaning and interaction easy. Ideal for owners who want a more spacious, multi-level environment.
Aivituvin 103.2" L Rabbit Hutch Indoor Outdoor Bunny Cage
View on Amazon
This hutch features a solid, elevated floor and a separate enclosed area for nesting, which suits Rex rabbits that prefer privacy. The attached run provides additional exercise space. The design allows for good ventilation while protecting the rabbit from drafts, important for Rex rabbits prone to respiratory issues.
Rex rabbits need a minimum of 4 square feet of floor space for a single rabbit, but larger is better. A habitat that is at least 48 x 24 inches allows for a litter box, hideout, and separate feeding area.
02
Solid Flooring
Wire floors can cause hock sores (pododermatitis) in Rex rabbits due to their dense coat and heavier weight. Always choose a habitat with a solid plastic or wood base that is easy to clean and gentle on feet.
03
Ventilation
Good airflow is crucial to prevent respiratory infections, to which Rex rabbits can be prone. Look for cages with wire sides or ample mesh, but ensure the habitat is not in a drafty location.
04
Ease of Cleaning
Rex rabbits produce more urine and droppings than smaller breeds. A habitat with a removable, washable plastic base or a pull-out tray makes daily cleaning manageable and reduces odor.
05
Accessibility
Large front or side doors allow for easy interaction and cleaning. Rex rabbits are social and benefit from regular handling, so easy access is important for bonding and health checks.
06
Safety and Durability
The wire spacing should be no more than 1 inch apart to prevent escape or injury. Hardware cloth is safer than chicken wire. The habitat should be sturdy enough to withstand a Rex rabbit's digging and chewing tendencies.
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Setting Up the Habitat
Place the habitat in a quiet, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and drafts. Line the base with absorbent bedding (paper-based is best for Rex rabbits) and add a litter box filled with paper pellets. Provide a hideout box, hay rack, and heavy ceramic bowls for food and water.
Cleaning Schedule
Spot clean the litter box daily and remove uneaten fresh food. Replace bedding in the habitat weekly, or more often if the rabbit is messy. Disinfect the entire cage with a pet-safe cleaner monthly.
Enrichment and Exercise
Rex rabbits need at least 3-4 hours of supervised exercise outside the cage daily. Provide tunnels, chew toys, and cardboard boxes inside the habitat to encourage natural behaviors and prevent boredom.
Health Monitoring
Check the Rex rabbit's feet weekly for signs of hock sores (redness, bald patches). Ensure the habitat is clean and dry to prevent urine scald. Monitor for sneezing or nasal discharge, which may indicate respiratory issues.
Pro tip
Our team suggests adding a resting mat made of fleece or soft towel in the habitat, especially if the plastic base feels hard. This provides extra cushioning for the Rex rabbit's delicate feet and can be easily washed.
Frequently asked questions
Can Rex rabbits live in a wire-bottom cage?
No, wire-bottom cages are not recommended for Rex rabbits because their dense fur and heavier weight make them prone to developing hock sores. Always choose a habitat with a solid floor.
What size habitat does a Rex rabbit need?
A single Rex rabbit needs at least 4 square feet of floor space, but a larger habitat like 48 x 24 inches is ideal. The habitat should be long enough for the rabbit to stretch out and have separate areas for eating, sleeping, and using the litter box.
Is it okay to keep a Rex rabbit outdoors?
Rex rabbits can live outdoors if the habitat is predator-proof, weather-resistant, and provides shelter from extreme temperatures. However, they are more sensitive to heat and cold than some breeds, so indoor housing is often safer and allows for better social interaction.
How often should I clean the habitat?
Spot clean the litter box and remove uneaten fresh food daily. Replace all bedding and disinfect the habitat at least once a week, or more frequently if your Rex rabbit is particularly messy or has health issues.
What bedding is best for a Rex rabbit?
Paper-based bedding or aspen shavings are good choices because they are dust-free and absorbent. Avoid cedar or pine shavings, as the oils can irritate a Rex rabbit's respiratory system. Provide extra soft hay in the sleeping area for comfort.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Small Pets, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.
