At a glance the quick version
6-8 lb (2.7-3.6 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short, curly rex fur
A Rex-furred rabbit whose short, plush coat forms waves and crimped curls instead of lying flat. As in other Rex rabbits, the guard hairs are cut back to about the length of the undercoat, which gives the fur its velvety feel.132
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Rabbits keep themselves clean, so routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth.4
Home where they are happiest
Needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m so it can hop, play, stretch, hide and exercise, with toys and foraging opportunities for enrichment.4
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Hay should form the foundation of the diet, as constant chewing keeps the teeth worn down, with fresh leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets alongside. Carrots are best kept as an occasional treat.4
Company who they like around
A social animal that should live with at least one other rabbit; a neutered male and female pair is often the easiest match.4
The story where it all began
The Astrex appeared in Britain in the early 1930s as a curly-coated form of the Rex, itself descended from rabbits with the rex coat found in France in 1919. It was shown in Leipzig in 1936, and by 1996 rabbit author Sandford described it as very rare in Britain. A Canadian Astrex has appeared more recently.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised in the Rex fur section; any BRC-recognised Rex colour is accepted.1
- ARBA
- Not recognised.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Astrex. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily while moultingevery week
- Nail trimevery 6 weeks
- Teeth checkTeeth never stop growingevery week
- Fresh hayUnlimited hay every dayevery day
- Spot cleanevery day
- Full cleanevery week
- Bottom checkCheck the fur around the tail stays clean, especially in summerevery day
- Free roamAt least 4 hours of running space a dayevery day
- VaccinationsSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upevery year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Astrex?
Your Astrex needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a daily portion of leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and feed greens and pellets once a day, following the food label and your vet's advice for exact amounts.45 Furry Diary plan
What should an Astrex eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Hay should be the main food, with fresh leafy greens and a small amount of pellets daily. Carrots are only an occasional treat. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes, never give these to your rabbit.456
Should I bathe an Astrex?
No, rabbits keep themselves clean, so bathing is not needed and can be stressful. Just check the fur around the tail daily, especially in summer, and spot-clean if necessary.4 Furry Diary plan
Does an Astrex need brushing?
Yes, weekly brushing is recommended, and daily during moulting, because the short curly fur can still shed. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every 7 days, increasing to daily when moulting.4 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Astrex's nails and teeth?
Check teeth weekly as they never stop growing, and trim nails every 6 weeks or as needed. Provide unlimited hay to wear down teeth naturally, and ask your vet or a good breeder for nail-trimming guidance.4 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does an Astrex need?
Your Astrex needs a secure living area of at least 3m x 2m x 1m, plus at least 4 hours of free-roam exercise daily. Provide toys and foraging opportunities for enrichment.4 Furry Diary plan
Should an Astrex live alone or with friends?
Astrex rabbits are social and should live with at least one other rabbit. A neutered male and female pair is often the easiest match.4
How long does an Astrex live?
The lifespan of an Astrex rabbit varies, so ask your vet or a good breeder for specific information. With proper care, rabbits generally live many years.
Is an Astrex a good pet for children?
Astrex rabbits can be good for children with gentle, supervised handling. They are social and have a soft, curly coat, but always teach children to be calm and respectful around the rabbit.4
How do I hold an Astrex?
Support the rabbit's hindquarters and chest securely, never pick it up by the ears or scruff. Always hold gently and close to your body to keep it calm and safe.4
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- List of rabbit breeds - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for weight, origin, coat and ear type, BRC/ARBA recognition
- Rexkaninchen - Wikipedia (German) de.wikipedia.orgused for Astrex and Opossum-Rex history and coat
- Rex rabbit - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for rex coat structure and rex mutation origin
- Rabbits - RSPCA rspca.org.ukused for general rabbit care: diet, companionship, space, enrichment
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.