Bunny Q & A

How big do Mini Lops get?

Despite the word “mini”, Mini Lops are a medium-sized breed. Fully grown at 6-7 months, they weigh around 1.8-2.2kg.

Should I vaccinate my rabbit?

We highly recommend vaccinating your bunny which can be done from 10-12 weeks of age. Vaccination protects against the deadly strains of Calicivirus which can be transmitted from wild rabbits via flies and mosquitoes. Vaccinating can potentially save your bunny’s life.

Is it necessary to desex my rabbit?

Desexing may not be necessary in all cases, however, there are benefits of doing so and may be something you would like to consider. It helps promote friendly behavior, cleanliness and better wellbeing, limiting the risk of uterine or testicular issues. Desexing at the appropriate age also minimizes unwanted hormonal-related behaviors that can occur when two unfamiliar rabbits meet, particularly if they are the same gender. These behaviors may include territory marking in males and false pregnancies in females.

Males can be neutered at (4-5 months) and females spayed at (5-6 months). Desexed bunnies are generally easier to introduce to new companions, increasing the chances of a successful bonding. Another reason for desexing could be if you have a male/female pair and want to avoid unwanted litters providing you with peace of mind and contributing to the wellbeing of your rabbits.

Should I get a girl or a boy?

Both genders make excellent pets. Personalities are more of an individual thing rather than based on gender.

Unlike some mammals, females do not go into heat and rarely become aggressive. The main reason defensive behavior occurs is when the doe is genuinely pregnant or has recently had a litter and is trying to protect her kits.

People often hear that males are territorial and spray. The chances of this are actually very low with a single male bunny. They only exhibit this type of instinctual behavior when they are in the scent range of another unknown buck they have not grown up with.

Overall, boys and girls are all great choices and their genders do not necessarily dictate their temperaments.

Childrens pets

Mini Lops are fantastic pets for children of all ages. Their perfect size makes them ideal for petting and cuddling.

However, young children, such as toddlers, should always be supervised when interacting with a bunny until they learn how to handle them gently and properly. At this stage, children aren’t quite ready to start picking bunnies up yet but can learn how to softly and gently pet the bunny on their lap or a mat. As your child gets older and your bunny becomes more accustomed to your handling, you can begin teaching your child how to properly hold it.

Children aged 8 and above are typically ready to begin taking responsibility for a pet. At this age, they can assist with caring for their bunny and safely hold it without adult supervision, due to their increased dexterity and understanding of safe handling.

Caring for a Mini Lop helps children develop social skills like empathy, patience, and responsibility. It teaches them compassion, improves communication, and encourages nurturing behavior as they learn to care for a pet.

Litter training

Litter training is relatively straightforward with bunnies as they naturally prefer to be clean and usually choose to toilet in one specific spot. Line a litter tray with some wood shavings and mix in some of their poo and pee in it to encourage them to use it. Otherwise, if they go potty in a specific spot, place the tray in that area along with the smells. Clean away any other traces of litter or urine to avoid confusion. It may take a few attempts, but most bunnies catch on quickly and start using the litter box once they recognize the scent. Be patient during the process and always reward your bunny for good litter box habits to reinforce positive behavior.

Is it better to have one or two rabbits?

Rabbits thrive off company from people as well as each other. With a single bunny, they look to their owner for love, care, support, and interaction which they require every day. However, with a pair of bunnies, they can provide each other company meaning they will also not require as much daily attention.

Two bunnies can bond to each other, give comfort, and play together. One bunny is perfect for anyone who can spend quality time with their pet every day. Two bunnies are great for anyone who wants their bunny to have a friend of their kind. It’s also worth considering if you can’t dedicate as much time to your pet every day so they can keep each other entertained while you are not free to do so. This may be more convenient for your schedule while ensuring your bunnies are happy and content.

If getting two bunnies, should I get them from the same litter or get one and introduce the second later on?

The best option for adopting two bunnies is to get them from the same litter. Since they’ve already been bonded from birth, you won’t need to go through the bonding process, making the transition to their new home much smoother. Having each other’s comfort helps them settle in more easily.

We would recommend two siblings of the same gender. Two girls are just as good as two boys for company. The reason why the two bunnies should be the same gender is that with a boy and girl, you will have to keep them separate from 3 months old until they are desexed. Any accidental or intentional inbreeding can cause genetic mutations and problems in their offspring.

If you already have a bunny and are considering adding a second, there are two options for introducing them. Option 1 is to introduce the new bunny when both are still young, ideally under 3-4 months old, before their hormones start to kick in. Introducing them at this age increases the likelihood of successful bonding, as they are more likely to accept each other without the territorial instincts that can develop as they grow older.

Option 2 is suitable for introducing a younger bunny to an older one. To increase the chances of a successful bond, it’s best to have the older bunny desexed before introducing the younger one. Always supervise your bunnies during the introduction process to ensure they are getting along and to prevent any accidents. Opposite-gender pairs tend to have a better chance of getting along, especially if they haven’t met before, or you can also consider a pair of females. Introducing older male bunnies (5-6 months or older) to other males can be more challenging, particularly if both are past the 5-6 month mark.

Be aware that the bonding process for older bunnies takes more time, and if not done correctly, there’s a risk of fighting and injury. In some cases, the bunnies may simply not get along, but with patience and proper bonding techniques, a well-bonded pair can be a joyful and lasting relationship for your bunnies for their lifetime.