Bunny Basics


Holland Lops are the smallest breed of lop-eared dwarf rabbits, weighing 2 - 4 pounds when full grown (8”-10” from nose to rump when sitting).  The average life-span of a Holland is about 8 years.

 They are well known for their excellent temperament, being more docile, gentle, and cuddly than other popular breeds. They are very intelligent and easy to litter-box train. Hollands are by far the most popular breed as they make wonderful pets and are a perfect breed for young children, being easy to handle and craving affection. 

Bunnies are relatively easy to care for.  Proper shelter includes a location out of direct sun and rain with adequate air flow. They do not tolerate extreme temperatures, and may need to be housed in a climate-controlled area on days that exceed 90ºF or nights that drop below freezing.  Their cage size should be a minimum of 24 inches by 24 inches, with at least 18 inches in height and at least one area of solid flooring. The cage should also have an enclosed area with an opening just large enough for a full-grown rabbit to enter.  This “den” can be a built-in part of the cage, or just a small box that can be replaced from time to time, and can provide the solid flooring needed in a wire bottom cage.

 Rabbits require plenty of clean and dry bedding (we use CareFresh natural paper bedding) which should be changed weekly.  In addition to soft bedding, bunnies need a separate container (large enough for a full-grown rabbit to sit in comfortably (at least 8”x10”) filled with absorbent litter or pine shavings to use as a litter box.  Never use sawdust in a rabbit’s environment. 



 Holland Lops do well on a diet of pellets (we use Purina Complete) combined with Timothy hay.  They only require a small amount (¼ - ½ cup) of pellets each day, but should be allowed to eat as much hay as they want. After the age of 3 months, you may also add a small serving of fresh vegetables, leafy greens, carrots, or fruits (apples) to their daily diet, but be careful, as excessive amounts will cause diarrhea. Iceberg lettuce should never be fed to rabbits.  Rabbits must have access to water at all times.  A watering bottle is recommended as bowls tend to get knocked over during playful behavior...
Holland Lops love attention, and should be held and played with every day to maintain their bond of trust with their humans.  Bunnies are also playful.  Provide simple toys for the rabbit to play with and chew on, such as cardboard tubes or cardboard boxes with holes cut in them. Bunnies love to “dig” in a box of hay or shredded paper.  Some rabbits will even play with a small ball.  All rabbits will chew, so providing blocks of untreated/unpainted wood, branches of orchard woods (apple, pear, plum, cherry) or commercial rabbit chews from a pet store will help keep your bunny from chewing on furniture and wires in your home.  Never leave your bunny unattended out of its cage.
Supplies & Suggestions…

 Food Bowl:  The Kaytee Hay & Food Bin Feeder is the best food bowl we’ve found because it catches all of the little bits of hay in the food tray, so the bunnies will eat it instead of walk around on it.
Water Bottle:  We use the Lixit 20oz. flip-top water bottle.  It doesn’t have to be removed to be refilled!
Bedding:  In the main part of the cage, we use CareFresh natural paper bedding (Pet store or Amazon Prime).  
Litter Box:  We use pine shavings for our litter, as it absorbs the odor well.  The litter box should be a plastic container just large enough for a full grown bunny to sit in comfortably, with sides 3-4 inches tall to keep the shavings inside.  The litter box should be changed often (we do it daily) to keep your bunny from getting sore feet or haunches.
Pellets:  Purina Show is the pellet our bunnies are raised on because it is high in protein (16%). We buy ours in a 50 lb. bag from American Horse Products in San Juan Capistrano because the cost is only around $20, far less than any pet store.  50 lbs. of pellets fits perfectly in two 5-gallon buckets.  Pellets must be kept completely dry and out of the air to keep them fresh and usable, so we have twist-top “gamma” lids (Home Depot) on our buckets.  You may change brands of pellets, but be sure to transition your bunny to its new food slowly. Start with Purina Complete or Purina Show and mix in a small amount of your new food.  Each day add more of the new food and less of the Purina until, after a week, you are feeding just the new food.
Hay:  Bunnies should be fed Alfalfa until 6 months, then transitioned to Timothy hay as adults so they don’t become overweight. We order our hay in boxes online.  Feed stores only sell hay in full bales, but pet stores sell smaller bags.
Hutches:  Trixie products seem to be the best value.  They are well-made, easy to assemble, generally the best price for what you get, and usually available on Amazon with free shipping.  The specific product you want will be a personal choice that depends on your preferences and your space requirements.  We suggest that you search “rabbit hutch” on Amazon and go from there.

 Links to our favorite Bunny Basics…
Purina Complete Rabbit Diet Pellets:  (NOTE:  you may find this at a local tack/feed store for less than online)  https://www.amazon.com/Purina-Animal-Nutrition-Rabbit-Complete/dp/B00EF5WJO6/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1482362463&sr=1-1&keywords=purina+complete+rabbit+chow

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