Mini lop rabbits are known for their sweet nature and strong build, qualities that make them excellent pets. Mini lop rabbits, like all rabbits, need a clean cage, nutritious food and gentle handling in order to survive and be happy. If you want to know how to take care of your mini lop, see Step 1.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Providing Shelter and Food
Step 1. Buy a rabbit cage
Mini lop rabbits are small animals, but they love to have plenty of room to jump. Look for a cage specifically designed for rabbits. Preferably 90-120 cm long by 60 cm wide. The base and edges should be made of wire, not glass, as rabbits need fresh air flowing into the cage.
If you decide to put the cage outside, place it in a cool place so the rabbit doesn't overheat during the summer. You may need to heat the coop during the winter if the temperature drops dramatically. It is important to protect rabbits from potential predators. Foxes, dogs, cats, and birds of prey are dangerous to rabbits
Step 2. Cover the cage with a soft material
If you have a wire cage, first install a wooden plank to keep the rabbit's feet from snagging, then cover the wood with straw or wood shavings. That way the rabbit can build a soft and comfortable cage.
Use hay or wood shavings certified for use in rabbit cages. Don't use old hay or hay from sources you don't know and trust, and never use pine or spruce shavings. The steam can make the rabbit's internal organs hurt
Step 3. Place the litter box in the cage
If you put a small litter box in a mini lop cage, your rabbit will continue to defecate in the same place instead of defecating elsewhere, this will make cleaning the cage easier. You can find a litter box that is as small as a rabbit at a pet store. Line the litter box with newspaper, then place straw or newspaper crutches on top.
Step 4. A room where the rabbit can't get out where the rabbit can come out to play
Many mini lop pickers take the bunny out to play. Limit the "rabbit-safe" play area to prevent the mini lop from getting hurt. Get rid of electrical wires or wires, fragile or heavy objects that could fall, and the rabbit could chew on.
Step 5. Provide plenty of hay
Rabbits nest with hay and eat a lot of hay, so you need to put plenty of fresh hay in the cage every day. Timothy and brome hay are good choices for rabbit food. No need to put straw in a plate; just spread it around the cage.
Step 6. Place the pellet and vegetable holder
Rabbit food pellets contain essential nutrients such as protein and fiber. When the mini lops are still babies, give them as many pellets as desired. An adult mini lop can eat 1/8 cup of pellets for 2.5 kg of body weight. During the rabbit's life, provide fresh vegetables to enhance his diet. A daily 2 cups of spinach, collard greens, and turnip greens is fine, but you should also feed your rabbit an occasional carrot.
- You can also feed your rabbit small amounts, such as sliced apples, bananas and strawberries.
- Don't give your rabbit any of the following vegetables as they can make his stomach hurt: corn, tomatoes, cabbage. Iceberg lettuce, potatoes, peas, onions, beets and rhubarb.
- Never give a rabbit these foods: grains, meat, chocolate, dairy products, and other cooked "human" foods.
Step 7. Prepare a rabbit chew toy
Rabbits teeth grow throughout their lives and it is important to provide them with something to chew on so that their teeth do not become too long and uncomfortable. You can buy chew toys at the pet store, and give your rabbit a new chew toy every week or so.
Step 8. Place the water bottle in the cage
Rabbits need lots of fresh water. Purchase a water bottle designed for rabbit cages (looks similar to those used in hamster cages) or place the water in a small dish. Make sure you change the water every day and clean the dishes regularly.
Part 2 of 3: Holding and Playing with Your Mini Lop
Step 1. Will mini lop gently
When picking up a rabbit, the first rule to remember is that you shouldn't pull on the ears. Rabbit ears are delicate and sensitive, and this can cause permanent damage. Just put one hand on the back of the body and the other hand between the front legs. Lift the rabbit close to your chest, and hold it tightly. When you are ready to let go, squat down and gently lay down on the floor.
- Do not drop the rabbit or let the rabbit jump to the floor from your hands. It could hurt his legs.
- Do not pick up the rabbit by pulling the skin on its upper neck. Rabbits don't have extra skin in these areas like cats do.
Step 2. Carefully stroke the mini lop
Mini lops are fairly strong rabbits, but don't like being handled roughly. Gently pat the head, back and side of the body. Do not throw, push or pull the legs, ears or tail. If your rabbit is scared, don't force him to play.
Step 3. Invite the mini lop to exercise
Rabbits naturally love to jump around, and they need to do it several hours a day to stay healthy. Take the rabbit out of its cage and play with it every day. If you have an enclosed outdoor area, you can let your rabbit play alone, but don't leave it out of your sight for too long.
- You can walk the rabbit on a leash. Don't pull the rabbit. Rabbits won't walk next to you like dogs.
- Don't let your rabbit play outside of its cage unsupervised. Keep cats, dogs and other predators away from rabbits.
Step 4. Offer toys
Don't let your rabbit get bored in its cage. Rabbits need interesting things to explore and chew on. Put in some cardboard boxes or an old phone book to chew on. You can also play with the rabbit using a cat toy or a soft ball.
Step 5. Consider buying two rabbits
Rabbits love to play together, and mini lops will be happier with their friends. Make sure you buy another mini lop, and not another type of rabbit. And make sure both rabbits are spayed so you don't get a lot of baby bunnies.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping Your Mini Lop Healthy
Step 1. Keep the cage dry
Rabbit cages should be cleaned weekly. Ask a friend to look after the rabbit while you clean the rabbit cage. Remove the hay and old newspaper, wash the cage with hot and soapy water, dry it, and fill it with hay and clean newspaper.
- Clean the pellet holder and water bottle every few days.
- Change the litter box every day.
Step 2. Take care of your mini lop body
Rabbits do not like to be bathed, as they take care of themselves. But the bristles will be good if a little brushed. Use a soft bristle brush to brush the rabbit's fur once every few times. Mini lops molt as they mature, and when this happens, you can remove the fur with a wire brush.
- If your rabbit is dirty outside, you can wash it using rabbit shampoo. Do not use human shampoo on rabbits.
- If you notice that your rabbit's nails have grown too long, you may want to trim them.
Step 3. Take your rabbit to the vet for regular checkups
It can be difficult to find a vet who can examine your rabbit, as some vets only treat cats and dogs. Look for an "exotic animal" vet if your local vet can't check your rabbit. Take your rabbit in for a checkup once a year and any time you notice any symptoms of illness, which may include:
- Watery nose or eyes
- Do not want to eat
- Urine is red
- High fever
- Diarrhea
- Permanent tilted head
- lump or abscess under the hair
Tips
- Play with your rabbit often.
- Read a book to your rabbit, so he can recognize your voice.
