At a glance the quick version
6-8 lb (2.7-3.6 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, curly rex fur
A Rex-type rabbit with a semi-long coat in which the curled hairs stand straight out from the body. It was bred to look like opossum fur and keeps the typical Rex character of shortened guard hairs.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 Opossum was an attempt to create a rabbit coat resembling opossum fur. In England, T. Leaver produced a curly, long-coated rabbit around 1924, and in 1928 Joppich bred a single male with similar hair from a German short-haired litter. It remains a rare breed in the Rex section of the British standard.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- British Rabbit Council
- Recognised in the Rex fur section; any BRC-recognised colour is accepted.1
- ARBA
- Not recognised.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Opossum Rabbit. 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 Opossum Rabbit?
Your Opossum Rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay every day, plus a measured portion of pellets and a daily handful of safe leafy greens. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refill hay daily and feed pellets according to the label and your vet's advice.45 Furry Diary plan
What should an Opossum Rabbit eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Hay should make up about 85% of the diet, with leafy greens and a small amount of pellets. Carrots are only occasional treats. Dangerous foods include avocado, chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and muesli mixes, never give these to your rabbit.456
Should I bathe an Opossum Rabbit?
No, rabbits keep themselves clean, so bathing is not needed. Routine care is regular hands-on checks of the coat, nails, and teeth. If the fur around the tail gets dirty, spot-clean gently; always ask your vet for advice on any skin issues.4 Furry Diary plan
Does an Opossum Rabbit need brushing?
Yes, because of its long, curly rex fur, weekly brushing is recommended, and daily brushing during moulting. This helps remove loose hair and prevents matting. Furry Diary's starting plan includes weekly brushing, increasing to daily when shedding.132 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after an Opossum Rabbit's nails and teeth?
Check nails every 6 weeks and trim if needed, your vet can show you how. Teeth never stop growing, so check them weekly and provide unlimited hay to keep them worn down. Furry Diary's plan suggests nail care every 42 days and a weekly teeth check.4 Furry Diary plan
How much space and exercise does an Opossum Rabbit need?
Your rabbit needs a secure living area at least 3m x 2m x 1m to hop, play, and hide, plus at least 4 hours of free-roaming exercise daily. Provide toys and foraging opportunities for enrichment.4 Furry Diary plan
Should an Opossum Rabbit live alone or with friends?
Opossum Rabbits are social animals and should live with at least one other rabbit. A neutered male and female pair is often the easiest match. Never keep them alone, they need a companion for well-being.4
How long does an Opossum Rabbit live?
Lifespan varies by individual and care, so there is no specific number for this breed. Ask your vet or a good breeder for guidance on what to expect with proper diet and housing.
Is an Opossum Rabbit a good pet for children?
This depends on the child's age and the rabbit's temperament. Rabbits can be nervous and need gentle handling. It's best to ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet for advice on whether this breed suits your family.
How do I hold an Opossum Rabbit?
Proper handling is important to avoid injury. Always support the hindquarters and hold the rabbit securely but gently. Since techniques vary, ask your vet or a good breeder to demonstrate safe handling.
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.