Newbunny

Question
Hello I have some questions bout my new bunny I'll look at the houserabbit societys webpage shortly as well.

First let me give you some info on my new bunny, He is a holland lop and he is chocolate colored..I've never seen a rabbit this color. His name is Tyco I'd say he is about 7-8 weeks old, I bought him from a petcetera pet store he runs and play and eats and seems very healthy(no nasal or eye discharge and formed poop pellets).

My questions are;

When he is in his cage hopping about or just sitting Both of his ears lop over but when I put him in my lap one ear sticks up? is he just paying better attention or can a purebred lop not do this? He confirms to the holland standard, short stocky short ears flat nose ect ect but being from a pettore he may indeed be cross bred but he looks pure dispite this.

Secondly I handle him three to four times a day putting him in my lap and petting him will this be enough to tame him and make him a trusting pet bunny?

Does he really need to be let out indoors to run around daily? if so how long and does it need to be a very large area?(I can very easily bunny proof our small bathroom)

And I was also wondering how long a rabbit takes to reach its adult size?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Dear Tara,

I'll address your questions in order:

1.  Holland Lop ears are not as loppy as other lop breeds, and many individuals can lift their ears up to listen or when they're very attentive. This is even more true in babies whose ears have only recently lopped down.

2.  The more social interaction the better.  But he'll be more trusting if you don't always force him to be in your lap or be held.  Please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

3.  An emphatic YES.  Rabbits are highly intelligent, active, and need a LOT of free running time. The more, the better, especially when they're young and rambunctious.  Our rabbits are never caged and run free throughout the house, but a minimum of 4-6 hours a day is strongly recommended for physical and mental health.

4.  Different breeds mature at different rates.  But in general, a rabbit will reach full size by the age of 8 months to a year.

Hope that helps!  Be sure to visit www.rabbit.org/

Dana