The Start of an Experiment: Satin × Rex

Every now and then, there’s a project that starts not because it’s proven, but because it’s worth exploring.

This is one of those.

We just had our first litter from a Satin × Rex pairing, and with it, the beginning of a longer-term experiment here at Loki Farms.

The Goal

The idea is simple:

A rabbit with the dense, plush feel of Rex fur, combined with a subtle sheen from Satin.

Not something extreme or exaggerated, just a noticeable richness to the coat. A rabbit that still feels like a Rex, but catches the light a little differently.

That’s the goal.

A Realistic Expectation

This is not something that happens in one generation.

In fact, the first litter likely won’t show either trait at all.

Most of what we’re doing right now is building the genetic foundation, not producing the final result.

If this works, it will take:

• Multiple generations

• Careful selection

• A willingness to cull or move animals that don’t meet the goal

There are no shortcuts here.

The Genetics Behind It

Both Rex and Satin coats are recessive traits.

That means:

• A rabbit needs two Rex genes to show Rex fur

• A rabbit needs two Satin genes to show Satin sheen

When you cross a Satin with a Rex, the offspring usually:

• Don’t look like Rex

• Don’t look like Satin

• But carry one gene for each

These first-generation kits are what we call carriers.

They hold the potential for both traits, but it won’t show up until future breedings.

To bring those traits forward, we’ll need to:

• Breed carriers together

• Or breed back to Rex or Satin

• Then select carefully from what shows up

This is where the real work begins.

What We’re Starting With

Right now, our foundation is smaller:

• Satin: one buck and one doe (littermates)

• Rex: one buck and two unrelated does, both bred to the Rex buck this time for more Purbred Rex does.

The Rex side gives us some genetic diversity to work with, which is important early on.

The Satin side is more limited, so we’ll be using that carefully and likely expanding it later.

Where We Go From Here

This first litter is just the starting point.

Right now, we’re focused on:

• Raising healthy kits

• Watching how they develop

• Keeping the best individuals to move forward

No rush. No assumptions.

Just observation, selection, and patience.

If it works, it will show itself over time.

And if it doesn’t, we’ll learn something either way and have more in the freezer.