6-8 lb (2.7-3.6 kg).
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
Rabbits keep themselves clean, so routine care is mostly regular hands-on checks of coat, nails and teeth.4
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
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
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 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
A typical home-care rhythm for an Astrex. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Encourages rabbits to eat more hay while giving them a tasty treat.
How much: One skewer per rabbit per day
Recipe from PDSA
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
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 Pet Wiki plan
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
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 Pet Wiki plan
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 Pet Wiki plan
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 Pet Wiki plan
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 Pet Wiki plan
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
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.
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
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 Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.
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