faq

Bunny Trail Farm

Here are some common questions asked by potential of current rabbit owners.

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. You must follow the care instructions diligently being sure the
rabbit gets plenty of fresh hay daily.

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.

Q. Do bucks always spray?

A. We have a number of bucks that never spray and a few who have sprayed
for a short period in their lives. The problem of spraying is overstated, in our
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 Lops 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 clots 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. Red in urine is undigested protein.

Q. When can my Holland Lop begin having treats?

A. We think it's best to wait until the Holland Lop is at or near adult weight
before giving treats. Rabbits are at adult weight at 6 months of age. 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. Baby
rabbits can and often do die if shipped so this is not recommended. We do not
ship rabbits.

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. 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.

Rabbit FAQ'S