caring for mini lop bunny

Question
We have brought a mini lop into our home within this past week.  I'm unclear on the proper way to clean his cage and how often the pine shavings need to be completely replaced.  Also, is it unusual that this little guy of 6 weeks eats and drinks constantly and therefore is quite regular with his "deposits" in the cage.  Last question is how old they live?  Received the bunny from a Canadian breeder of mini lops/dwarfs and chinchillas.  
Respectfully,
Dorothy
Canada

Answer
Dear Dorothy,

Congratulations on your new family member.  :)

It will be easier for me to explain how to clean his cage if you describe it, since there are proper and improper ways to house a bunny.  Most importantly, shavings are NOT an appropriate form of bedding for a rabbit (or any small animal, for that matter), as they exude potentially harmful volatile compounds that can cause respiratory irritation over the long term.

It is far better to provide your bunny with soft, 100% cotton mats and a litterbox filled with pelleted pine sawdust, which do not emit harmful substances, and are excellent at absorbing moisture and neutralizing odors.

Baby rabbits eat and drink a lot (herbivores tend to eat and drink more than carnivores for many physiological reasons), so be sure to provide him with a nice, heavy ceramic crock and always keep it full of very clean water.  You can learn more about how to feed and care for him here:

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

and here:

www.rabbit.org

A well-cared for, neutered/spayed house rabbit can live 10 years or more.

Please write back if you have more questions.

Dana