Frequently Asked Questions
About Mini Lop Rabbits....

Feeding
Do not over feed your rabbit otherwise you will have a fat unhealthy bunny. Our feeding regime for all our rabbits is feed a good handful of fresh hay in the morning followed by an amount of a good quality prepared food such as "Chudleys Rabbit Royale" and only what can be eaten in approx 20 minutes. Always put their food in a bowl as it helps to reduce waste. Anyhow would you eat your food off the floor? We also give them treats of fresh greens, carrots, etc but only in small amounts as it can effect their digestion and give them runny bums. Never feed lettuce as this is a laxative and will make your rabbit ill. Always make sure your rabbit has fresh water to drink. This can be in a bowl but we prefer the bottle drinkers we supply with all our cages as they are easy to refill and keep clean with a bottle brush and soapy water. Make sure the water never freezes otherwise you will have a thirsty rabbit. Always make sure your rabbit has plenty of fresh hay to eat as this makes up the main bulk of their diet and makes sure their digestive system functions correctly.

Handling
Never, never pick your rabbit up by the ears. This is a mistake that a lot of new owners do. Not only does it hurt the poor fellow, but it will make your rabbit scared of you and cower away. We tend to scoop our rabbits up by placing a hand under their belly, and as you lift their feet clear of the ground place your free hand under their bum to support them. This way the bunny feels secure that you will not drop him. You can then lay your rabbit on your chest for a quick stroke keeping your hand under their bum. Young children should be supervised until they can correctly handle them out of the cage. Most children are happy just to open the cage and give them a friendly stroke at first.

Hygiene
Cages & Hutches should be cleaned out on a regular basis. This is especially important in warmer weather in order to prevent flies being attracted to the hutch, as this may result in an infestation of maggots. In the winter months, bedding can become damp and mouldy from extreme weather which can lead to your rabbit catching a cold. Would you want to live in a wet, damp cold hutch? No, well keep them clean.

Everyday
Remove any soiled or damp bedding.

Once a week
Remove all bedding. Thoroughly sweep out all the old bedding.
Rinse with warm water and mild detergent and wait until dry.
Spray inside of hutch with a rabbit safe disinfectant/deodorant and wait until dry.
Replace with clean bedding.

Housing

Do you want to house your rabbit outside?
The hutch should be placed in a position that is sheltered, out of direct sunlight. Extremes of temperature can cause stress which may result in discomfort or illness.

In cold weather there must be adequate protection from drafts, wind and rain. Repositioning the hutch can make the most of winter sunlight. Plastic sheets over the front of the cage can prevent rain from driving into the cage, but should allow for ventilation. Hutches should be checked before winter to ensure they are water and draft proof extra bedding should always be provided and check twice a day to be sure it is dry. If the bedding becomes wet or soiled your rabbit can suffer from hypothermia and die. Water is of concern during cold months as it can freeze. It is generally recommended that your rabbits be housed indoors in areas that fall below 45 degrees.

Place the hutch on bricks or legs to avoid becoming damp during wet weather. Ensure the roof is sloping to avoid poor drainage on the top surface, waterproofed and that the roof overhangs slightly on all sides. Always ensure hutch doors are locked to avoid accidental escape or access by predators.

Extreme heat is another concern as domestic rabbits are not used to very high temperatures and can succumb to heat stroke.

Despite all this a rabbit will thrive with its hutch outside if proper care is taken. Just don't forget they still need lots of company!

You must also provide a run for your rabbit that allows him plenty of room to exercise. Rabbits are naturally frightened of large, open spaces and love playing in a run that contains playthings, such as boxes, flowerpots, drainpipes and logs.

Do you want to house your rabbit indoors?
The cage should be large enough to house your rabbit comfortably. Anywhere in your home is suitable as long as its not kept beside a roaring fire or an open window or door. Rabbits can be taught to use a litter tray like a cat. the rabbit becomes part of "The family" rather than being left outside. Make sure you let them out of the cage to have a good runabout, just keep an eye on them as they will love to chew your electrical cables, speaker wires etc.

website designed and maintained by Paul Johnson 2006-2007