Mini Lop Info
Appearance
Miniature Lop rabbits are a small breed of rabbit, and have an ideal weight of 1.5-1.6Kgs. Ideally their body should be short, broad and well muscled. Mini Lops come in a wide variety of different colours
History
Dwarf lops and Mini lops are relatively new rabbit breeds and have only been available in Australia since 1998. The Dwarf lops and Mini lops in Australia today have been bred from rabbits which originated in America and England and arrived via breeders in New Zealand. They have been developed from the Lop which is one of the oldest rabbit varieties. The term "Lop" stems from the characteristic ears of this rabbit which are extremely long and wide and hang either side of the head, touching the ground.
The Dwarf lop was the first of the two varieties to be developed. This was achieved by introducing the dwarf gene to the French Lop rabbit. The Dwarf lops were then further dwarfed to produce the Mini lop.
Temperament
Most rabbits get along fine with other pets, such as guinea pigs, if introduced properly. Mini lop’s are no different. They were developed with the intention of creating a rabbit which was easy to handle and hardy enough to withstand cuddling from children.
Handling
Never lift a rabbit by the ears. Instead, place one hand under its front legs and the other hand under the bottom and lift holding it firmly and supporting its body. If held firmly the rabbit should feel secure and not wriggle. Never allow children to grab the rabbit, run with it or rough it up.
Health and lifespan
Most problems relate to inadequate diet. Ear mites are common. Mosquitoes and rabbit fleas can carry myxomatosis, a fatal disease which cannot be vaccinated against in Australia. Screen hutches and use flea powder if exposed to wild rabbits. Rabbits can be vaccinated against the Calicivirus (Rabbit Haemorrhagic disease) if this disease is considered to be a problem in your area. Rabbits are susceptible to extremes of heat or cold, especially if kept permanently outdoors. 'Snuffles' is the term given to a common infectious respiratory disease (Pasteurella multocida) seen in rabbits which are kept in draughty or poorly ventilated conditions. Other diseases to look out for include Coccidiosis (a protozoan parasite in the liver or intestine), Enteritis (a potentially fatal condition caused by sudden changes in diet).
Feeding
Rabbit mixes are available at pet and produce stores and should be given daily. Alternatively, commercial rabbit pellets can used but only half to three quarters of a cup of pellets should be given once a day only as unlimited access to pellets can lead to obesity. It is essential that fresh water is always available. Vegetables such as cauliflower, parsley, spinach, corn on the cob, brocoili, cabbage, lettuce and carrots can be offered weekly. If possible, move the hutch around the lawn to provide fresh grass but avoid any grass which has been sprayed with herbicides
Exercise
All rabbits should have an area in which to exercise outside their hutch. They love coming into the house for a play and being easily litter trained makes them ideal for both an indoor and outdoor pet. The lop is not a very active rabbit and does not require a great deal of exercise but care must be taken that it is not overfed. Exercise will also assist rabbits to wear down their nails and to maintain body tone.
Grooming
Mini lops don't need much grooming, just a brush through the coat once a week. As they grow, they will gradually lose their baby fur and acquire an adult coat. It may be necessary to groom them with a wire brush to remove patches of fur when they moult. It is important to remove moulting hair as Mini lops can die if they ingest too much hair.
Ideal Owner
Mini lops are a good size for children and have a better temperament than the dwarf rabbit making them the ideal family pet. Ballarat Rabbits and Mini Lops match owner to pet.