Rabbit Cage

Question
Hey Dana
I know this is a little bit off topic, but I need your advice for a rabbit cage.  I want to buy a cage for Mocha (my mini rex), but I have no clue what size I should get. I never purchase any cages for a rabbit before. Sure, I have Marshmallow, but she was never put in a cage.  She just roams around my backyard freely, and sometimes in my house. With Mocha, I want to buy a cage that she can stick with when she becomes an adult.  That way I don't have to put out too much money getting her another cage months from now.  I honestly don't want to buy a cage for Mocha because I want her to have the freedom to roam around like Marshmallow.  Like I mentioned before, I can't let Mocha roam around without Marshmallow attacking her, so I think a cage is best for Mocha right now.

In addition, I never had a mini rex before, so I was wondering if you could tell me how big a mini rex can generally get?

Who are usually bigger as an adult? a dwarf or a mini rex?
By the way, Mocha is just really really shy. I read your articles, and I did attempt to do what you wrote.  But I don't see any difference.  I read online that mini rex have great personalities, are lovable, playful, good with children, etc.
Mocha wouldn't even go out from behind the trashcan and eat unless I cater to her.  I feel really sorry for her and wish there is something I can do so she can feel comfortable around me the way Marshmallow felt around me.
To be honest, I feel really bad.  I feel like I'm not doing a good job enough to make Mocha feel comfortable.  Or maybe I'm just trying too hard.

Answer
Dear Pauline,

Don't worry about Mocha's shyness.  There are as many personalities as there are bunnies, and you can't predict personality by breed, no matter what the breeders tell you.  She'll either calm down with your patient care, or always be a little shy.  Only time will tell.  I think I sent you this before, but just in case:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

Depending on her genes, Mocha could grow to be anywhere from 3-6 pounds, which will be larger than a dwarf.  But size doesn't mean she'll ever be dominant over Marshmallow:  attitude is everything when it comes to pecking order and bunnies!

Instead of a cage, I'd recommend making her a large playpen.  Much cheaper and more pleasant for her!  If she's not a jumper, you can use Nic cubes (available at places like Target) and make a short pen.  If she (or Marshmallow) are jumpers, you can stack the panels to make a higher pen.  You can see what I mean here:

http://www.google.com/products?q=wire+cube+shelf&btnG=Search+Products&hl=en&scor...

Just don't make cubes.  Use the interconnectable panels as fencing.  I use cable ties from Home Depot to connect them.  Works like a charm!

Provide the pen with 100% cotton mats with traction backing, a couple of litter boxes filled with pelleted sawdust litter and fresh hay, a nice cardboard "hidey box" with two holes cut in for in and out, and a few toys, and voila!  Bunny haven!

I hope that helps!

Dana