Getting a Pet Rabbit...

Question
I have a few questions for you concerning a future pet rabbit. My sister and I (15 and 11 years old) are interested in getting a pet rabbit to share. We found someone who breeds them but I was wondering about some things before I buy. First: Is there anything I should look for when I go to look at them on Saturday? Second: It's going to be young, so what should I feed him/her when I bring him/her home? It will either be a Holland or Mini Lop.

Answer
Hi Lauren,

First, I must applaud you for doing research prior to adopting a rabbit.  If more would do that, fewer rabbits would be in shelters.  And since we are a rescue, I urge you to consider a shelter rabbit first.  You would be saving two lives....the one you adopted and it would free up space for another bunny in need.  And most shelter buns are already spayed or neutered which helps to prevent behavior problems and some serious medical issues down the road.  The foster parents also know the personality of each rabbit and can help match one up to your personality.

Holland Lops are really cool.  They tend to be smaller....usually no more than 4 pounds....as they are a cross between a mini-lop and a Netherland Dwarf.  They are generally very easy going and fun to play with.  Holland Lops are prone to some health issues.  They have very small ear canals which lends itself to breeding bacteria that causes ear infections.  An ear infection in a rabbit is a very serious event and very difficult to treat.  They are also somewhat prone to dental concerns due to the shape of their face.  These conditions are rare but do show up in Hollands more than other breeds.

Mini-lops are larger lops....usually topping out around 6.5 pounds.  They are very hardy rabbits.  The only thing we have seen with them is that most have come into rescue overweight...which isn't their fault.  The minis don't seem to enjoy the fun and games as much as Hollands....they seem to be a more serious type personality but are still very good rabbits.

If you do get a rabbit from a breeder.....look at their fur.  It should be clean, soft and well kept.  Make sure their is no signs of urine or poop underneath.  Remember to handle a rabbit gingerly since they have a very delicate spine.  Their rear feet should always be supported when picking them up.  Make sure their eyes are bright and clean with no discharge.  The nose should be clean.  Look at their incisors to make sure they align with each other....it's difficult to see the molars.  Watch them run.  Make sure they seem comfortable in their surrounding.  They should be at least 8 weeks old as domestics don't fully wean until about that time.  Hand weaning rabbits is quite difficult and most people fail....and that's not good for the rabbit.

As far as feeding....the breeder or rescue should supply you with some of the food they are already eating.  Hopefully it will be a high quality pellet without the cute little treats.  Make changes in a rabbit's diet slowly over a period of several days.  If the pellets they are being fed aren't top quality, I would slowly convert them to a high quality pellet.  Until they are about 6 months old, they should receive free choice pellets and hay....including alfalfa hay.  Provide them with all the alfalfa hay and pellets, along with fresh water, as they can eat.  Their bodies grow quickly and need lots of calories to grow up to be healthy rabbits.  As they reach 6 months old, pellets should be limited since they add too much weight.  The primary diet of an adult rabbit should be unlimited grass hay along with limited amounts of pellets and greens.  We use pellets only to maintain weight and body conditioning and is dependant on the individual rabbit.  Most people overfeed pellets.  Most will tell you they should not have greens until they are about 6 months old.  If you do offer greens, very small amounts of something like romaine lettuce or dandelions.  Too many greens will cause digestive system upset and that can be very bad.

Hope this helps....feel free to contact me again if you have any questions.  And a personal note....I really like Holland Lops.