Rabbits are generally healthy animals as long as they receive adequate care. The following are our recommended standards for care for a Holland Lop rabbit.
Housing
Housing is an important consideration for rabbits. Many people choose to keep their rabbits inside. They are easy to litterbox train, but impossible to keep from chewing. They will chew your baseboards, furniture and more dangerous, electrical cords. We recommend that your bunny has a place to themselves. If you want to try to keep you rabbit without a traditional cage, the House Rabbit Society has several recommendations.
If you choose a cage inside your home, we recommend at least one square foot per pound of rabbit. For an average adult Holland Lop, that would be 4 sq. ft. or 24″ x 24″. Your cage should have a removable bottom tray for cleaning. If you choose a wire bottom cage, you must provide a solid place for your rabbit to stand. Rabbits can get sore hocks (sores on their feet) from wire bottom cages.
If you live in a mild climate, your rabbit can stay outside. It is very important that they are sheltered from rain and wind. It is also very important that their hutch is secured against predators such as coyotes. When it gets cold, you should provide hay for your rabbit to burrow into and/or a heat lamp. Heat is very dangerous to rabbits. When it is hot, you can freeze water bottles and leave them in the cage for the rabbits to lean against.
Food and Water
Rabbits must have access to clean water at all times. A large bottle that you refill each day and clean at least every week is an easy way of accomplishing this. Some rabbits prefer to drink from a crock. You will need to clean and refill the crock at least twice per day.
A quality pellet is a staple of the domesticated rabbit’s diet. We recommend a pelleted food that does not include any other little shapes. Those are usually not a source of protein and vitamins, but are rather more of a treat. Our rabbits eat Purina rabbit pellets. If you buy one of our bunnies you will get a starter bag of food to take home. An adult Holland Lop should be fed 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pellets per day.
Timothy or Orchard Grass is vital to digestion. Rabbits can have unlimited access to these types of hay. Alfalfa is too high in protein for adult rabbits. I find that hay is much more affordable from my local feed store than the big box pet stores.
We purchase our rabbit supplies from KW Cages
Playing and Interaction
Our bunnies are handled daily from birth by our children and introduced to our friendly dogs. You should handle your rabbit daily so that it is comfortable with you. Some of our bunnies are happy snuggling on the couch, while others like to run around a bit. Sprinkles loves to chase our two year old son around the front yard. When you handle you rabbit consistently they can be a fun and affectionate member of the family.