Training

Q. How long do Holland Lops Live?

A. Holland Lops live between 7 and 10 years although up to 12 years is
becoming more and more common. To extend the life of your pet Holland Lop,
consider neutering or spaying. Excessive breeding of does can shorten a doe's
lifespan.

Q. My new Holland Lop has ears that stand up straight. Will they ever
lop?

A. Ears on Hollands will lop sometime between 3 weeks and 6 months, and
perhaps occasionally later (even as late as three years). Bunnies that have
narrow crowns or are slow-maturing will lop later. Bunnies with wider crowns or
long and heavy ears, and those that mature more quickly will lop sooner. Almost
all Holland Lops can exhibit ear control when they are excited. Ear carriage
should be evaluated when the bunny is relaxed.

Q. Which gender makes a better pet?

A. Generally, bucks have a better pet personality. Does can become defensive
of their potential nesting areas. Does won't have a problem with this if they are
not bred. Spaying or neutering makes either an even better pet. It is worth
mentioning that a number people have unaltered pet does that are wonderful.

Q. Do bucks always spray?

A. I have a number of bucks that never spray and a few who have sprayed for a
short period in their lives (after moving here, for example). I have had no bucks
spray. The problem of spraying is overstated, in my opinion.

Q. Do rabbits like carrots and lettuce?

A. Yes, they do like them. But carrots should be regarded as a sugary treat and
lettuces should be avoided altogether. A 1-inch slice of a large carrot or one
baby carrot is enough for a daily treat. Some of the higher fiber leaf lettuces may
be tolerated by some rabbits, but head lettuce can cause a watery diarrhea and
lead to death. By the way, most rabbits actually prefer the green carrot top over
the carrot itself. Some pet rabbits have been killed by being fed carrot-only diets
or too much iceberg lettuce. See my care page for more information on the
subject of feeding your rabbit.

Q. How much do Holland Lops weigh?

A. My adult Holland Lops have ranged from 2 pounds 12 oz. - 4 pounds 12 oz.
Holland Lops may be a bit smaller or a bit larger than that, but most fall between 3
and 4 1/2 pounds.

Q. Do Holland Lops need shots?

A. Being caged animals, Holland Lops do not require shots such as rabies.
Vaccinations are not necessary.

Q. How big should a Holland Lop's cage be?

A. I believe that 24" x 24" is the smallest size that a doe with kits should have.
Bucks, young rabbits, and dry does can be housed in a 18" x 24" cage. Indoor
rabbits may be housed in a slightly smaller cage (15" or 16" x 24") as long as they
spend part of their day outside their cage.

Q. How much money do you make breeding and selling Holland Lops?

A. Raising and showing Holland Lops is a hobby that generally costs more money
than it generates.

Q. Is red urine from my Holland Lop a sign of a medical condition?

A. No, unless the consistency is more like blood than urine. Normal rabbit urine
ranges from a color that looks like lemonade with milk in it, to orange juice with
milk in it, to fruit punch with milk in it. Sorry if I just ruined all of your favorite
beverages. Red in urine is undigested protein.

Q. When can my Holland Lop begin having treats?

A. I think it's best to wait until the Holland Lop is at or near adult weight before
giving treats. It's always possible that a treat would not agree with your rabbit and
cause a reaction such as diarrhea. An adult-size rabbit has a better chance of
coping with the change in the diet and any resulting reactions. Treats should be
introduced slowly, one at a time, with observation of any ill effects on your rabbit.

Q. How old should a Holland Lop baby be when it goes to a new home?

A. Unless a kit is being sold with its parent, it should not leave the barn until it is
between 6-8 weeks old and fully weaned.

Q. When is Holland Lop fully grown?

A. A Holland Lop is considered to be a senior at six months of age. He or she is
fully sexually mature at that age, too. Although a Holland may gain a few more
ounces in weight after this age, they are pretty much the size they will be by then.
Holland Lop bucks especially continue to mature towards their optimum showing
potential until about 18-24 months old. Then, they may continue to be shown until
age 5 or after. (Note: Holland Lops could breed as early as three months old,
which is not healthy for the doe.)

Q. How are rabbits shipped?

A. Rabbits are shipped by airplane in a specially prepared carrier through a
special program offered by the airline for companion animals. They are taken to
the airport shortly before their flight and should be picked up promptly when they
arrive to minimize any stress the trip would cause. Don't worry. Rabbits aren't
mailed! The cost of shipping is in the neighborhood of $200.

Q. Can my Holland Lops share a rabbit cage or rabbit hutch?

A. Generally, Holland Lops should have their own cages. Occasionally, unaltered
does raised from birth together may be able to pair bond without incident. Altered
rabbits (spayed or neutered) may become a bonded pair and live happily
together. Otherwise, you can expect does to scrap by the time they are 6 months
old, at the latest. Bucks may begin to scrap around 3 to 4 months old. Pairs of
opposite gender may breed as young as 3 months old, with disastrous results.

Q. My Holland Lop is sneezing a lot and has white mucous coming from its
nose. Its front paws are wet and matted from the discharge. What should
I do?

A. First, separate the bunny from any other rabbits you have. Your bunny may
have snuffles, which is like a human cold. But unlike a human cold, it is deadly.
Read up on snuffles on the web and give your vet a call. This condition is passed
on from rabbit to rabbit which is why it is important to get a rabbit from a good
breeder and not pick out a rabbit in a store where rabbits kept together. Also
rabbits sold at pet and other stores come from all different environments and this
condition can stay dormant and not show up until the rabbit is stressed.

Q. Can my bunny live outside during the winter?

A. In all but the coldest of US winters (and hottest of summers), bunnies can live
safely outside (0 degrees is no problem, but I can't vouch for -30 or 110 degrees).
It is important that your rabbit have a place to get in from the rain, wind, and
sunshine, though. A roof and one solid side is minimum, but a small wooden
enclosure is better. You may want to cover your hutches with tarps during really
bad weather and bring bunny inside anytime there is a severe weather warning
for outdoor animals. If you live in an area of extreme weather, try to locate
breeders in your locale for specific tips for your location.

Q. How can I get into showing rabbits?

A. Children can join a 4-H program to learn how to breed/show rabbits. The
specific breed clubs and the American Rabbit Breeders Associations are also
great places to find more information. You can join breed clubs and talk with
other breeders on Rabbit Talk In Ohio. All of the links to these organizations are
on my links page. The Nature Trail Rabbitry link below also has some great show
information as well as on breeding rabbits.

Rabbit FAQ'S

Alexandria & Roberto

Information provided byTthe Nature Trail Rabbitry

Did You Know?...
Forty interesting facts
about rabbits.