Caring for Mini Lops

Housing

At Mini Lop Wonderland, our bunnies are raised both indoors and outdoors, making them adaptable to either environment. If housing your bunny outdoors, a sturdy rabbit hutch with a small enclosed area for your bunny to feel safe and sleep is ideal. A triangle hutch is suitable for one bunny, while larger hutches can accommodate 2 to 3 adult bunnies. All outdoor hutches should be wired at the bottom to prevent your rabbit from digging out and positioned in a shady area.

There are special hutches for indoors which tend to be smaller and more lightweight. They can be used in combination with a playpen to offer your bunny more space to roam. Bunnies love a soft area to rest. You can use a blanket or bed as bedding, lined with hay for them to nibble on.

Diet

A healthy bunny’s diet consists of hay, pellets, and a portion of fresh fruit and vegetables. Access to hay should be unlimited which can be provided in their bedding or through a hay feeder. Hay helps rabbits maintain good gut health while keeping their teeth ground down. Rabbits must have 24/7 access to water to stay hydrated. They actually consume more water in proportion to their body size than dogs or cats.

Our Wonderland Mini Lops are trained to drink from water bottles. Bottles are convenient because they keep the water clean and free from dust and fur, unlike water bowls that need frequent changing in order to keep the water fresh.

Adult bunnies eat around 1 cup of pellets daily, while 8-week-old babies require 1/4 to 1/2 cup. As your bunny grows, gradually increase the feeding amount. Supplement their diet with a few vegetable leaves or carrots. Slowly introduce other foods like apples and pumpkins to discover what your bunny enjoys most. Feed your Wonderland Mini Lop once in the morning and top up their food in the evening.

Exercise

Rabbits require 3-4 hours of exercise per day, at least 5 days a week. Rabbit exercise doesn’t necessarily mean going for walks like dogs or intense running sessions. Bunnies naturally get their exercise by exploring their environment, hopping around, and performing zoomies or binkies. These bursts of energy and playful movements are a great way for them to stay active and healthy.

If your rabbit cage doesn’t include a dedicated run, exercise can easily be accomplished by putting your rabbit out in a sturdy, run/playpen during the day and returning them back to their hutch afterward. Ensure the playpen is predator-proof, shaded, and away from direct sunlight since bunnies can overheat easily. The exercise area can be enriched by having things like tunnels, logs, and toys to keep your bunny entertained.

Handling/Socialisation

Our Mini Lops are very social creatures and love to be with each other and interact with us. Aim to spend at least an hour with your bunny every day.

This can be done in shorter increments throughout the day. Activities such as petting, cuddling, hand feeding, and playing with your bun strengthen the bond and build trust between you and them. With regular handling, your bunny will become friendlier and more affectionate towards you. If you cannot provide this attention, it may be worth considering getting a companion for your bunny. This way, they can give each other company and play together while you’re not free to do so.

The appropriate position to hold your bunny is with one hand around the bottom for support and the other on the side or top, securing the outer front paw between the index and middle finger. Make sure to be very careful around their tummy as bunnies are very delicate.

Maintenace

Our Mini Lops are low-maintenance pets. Their short, plush fur requires minimal grooming, and a quick brush once a week is usually enough to keep their coat smooth and remove any loose fur. Occasionally, we may have Cashmere Bunnies available, which are a bit different. These bunnies have a much fluffier, wooly coat that is longer. While they’re still growing and have their baby fur, they’ll need daily brushing to prevent tangles. Once they reach about six months of age and shed their baby fur, they transition to their adult coat, which requires much less maintenance — brushing 1-2 times a week is sufficient to keep them looking their best.

Rabbits do not need to be bathed. A healthy rabbit shouldn't smell very strong (a mild rabbit smell is normal). They are excellent groomers and will regularly clean themselves. Submerging a rabbit in water can cause stress, potentially leading to shock or even heart attacks. Safer alternatives like dry baths or more frequent brushing to remove dust and loose fur are methods that can help maintain cleanliness without the need for vigorous cleaning techniques.

Give your rabbit's nails a clip once a month to prevent overgrowth. You can use pet clippers or even human nail clippers—both get the job done. Just be careful not to cut too close to the quick, the sensitive pink area inside the nail, as this can cause pain or bleeding. If you're unsure, it's always safer to trim a little less than risk cutting too far. Regular nail maintenance helps keep your rabbit comfortable and avoids potential issues.

Dealing with the weather

Hot summers and cold winters. Rabbits are highly sensitive to extreme temperatures, especially in hot summers. They cannot tolerate temperatures over 29°C. Due to their thick fur, they are prone to overheating, which can even lead to heatstroke. If your rabbit is outdoors and the temperature rises, it’s crucial to provide a cool, shady area. Better yet, bring your bunny indoors temporarily to ensure their safety and comfort. To help your rabbit stay cool, you can use a cooling mat or freeze a bottle of water and place it nearby. These simple measures can make a big difference in keeping your furry friend safe during the heat.

Healthy adult rabbits that have adapted to the transition from autumn to winter can usually handle colder temperatures and stay outside during winter, provided they have proper bedding for warmth. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 0°C. However, younger rabbits under six months are more vulnerable to the cold and should be brought inside at night during winter. Keep in mind that rabbits feel most comfortable in temperatures between 14°C and 20°C, which is slightly cooler than what humans typically prefer. Ensuring the right environment can help your rabbit thrive comfortably year-round.