"The King of Rabbits"
The Standard Rex is a variety of rabbit that exhibits a plush fur that is often described as having a velvety texture. The breed originated in France in 1919. Its origin was a litter of wild gray rabbits[6] and has been developed over the years by fanciers and the fur industry. The Rex Rabbit was first shown publicly at the Paris International Rabbit Show in 1924 and has been recognized as a standard breed in parts of Europe since 1925.[7] The Rex was first imported to the United States in 1924 following the Paris International Rabbit Show by American rabbit pioneer John C. Fehr and his partner Alfred Zimmerman.
Why Rex Rabbits?
Rex Rabbits can be used for pets, show, fur and meat production. The Rex remains the number one breed used in fur industry for garments and toys because their fur lacks protruding guard hairs which other rabbit breeds have to be shorn and plucked after the tanning process to resemble other animal furs. The bulk of furs produced in the United States are more of a by-product to the primary purpose of meat production
How long does it take to reach butcher weight?
Meat production favors harvest of young animals (70–84 days) which is not sufficient time for the rabbit to grow a high quality adult fur. The fur is best after 6 months and during the coldest part of the year. In the USA, Rex fur should measure 0.5 to 0.75 inch long, with 5/8 inch being ideal. Bucks should weigh up to 9.5 pounds (4.3 kg). Does weigh up to 10.5 pounds (4.77 kg).
With most of our litter going towards meat production rather than fur we butcher between 8 weeks for fryers and 12 weeks for roasters, When butchering for fur production in the cooler months we follow the above mentioned guidelines.