I have a lot of enquiries regarding mini lops (especially) and standard rex relating to how good they are as pets, is it better to get a boy or a girl, how big will they grow to, how big a hutch should be etc etc.
I have decided to add this page for general information on 'MY' opinion based on 'MY' experiences (NOT ALL RABBIT BREEDERS) of both Mini Lops and Standard Rex.
Birth - 4 weeks
When all rabbits are born they have their eyes closed and no fur. I can only determine if they are patterned or tans. However I cannot determine whether a striped kit is a harlequin or a magpie.
Once born I count the kits and check for DOA babies. I do this every day up until they are at least a week old. Reason for this is DOA babies can make the nest cold and for larger litters some babies don't get as much milk as others; therefore I will give them an extra feed (off mom) to ensure they have all been fed. Mini lops are born with their ears up. Sex is not determined at birth.
Eyes open approximately 10-14 days later and their fur has fully developed.
This is where the fun beings!! Kits start to come out of the nest and explore the hutch. Weaning begins at this stage.
By 3 weeks kits are weaning fantastically and the nest has been destroyed by wriggling kits. Mini lop ears have begun to lop and rex ears begin to stand. By 4 weeks mini lops ears should have fully lopped, rex ears should fully stand (may take some kits a while longer to get their definitive ear placement) and kits should be a mini of their adult self. It is at this stage that I choose which kits to retain and each kit is sexed.
Once born I count the kits and check for DOA babies. I do this every day up until they are at least a week old. Reason for this is DOA babies can make the nest cold and for larger litters some babies don't get as much milk as others; therefore I will give them an extra feed (off mom) to ensure they have all been fed. Mini lops are born with their ears up. Sex is not determined at birth.
Eyes open approximately 10-14 days later and their fur has fully developed.
This is where the fun beings!! Kits start to come out of the nest and explore the hutch. Weaning begins at this stage.
By 3 weeks kits are weaning fantastically and the nest has been destroyed by wriggling kits. Mini lop ears have begun to lop and rex ears begin to stand. By 4 weeks mini lops ears should have fully lopped, rex ears should fully stand (may take some kits a while longer to get their definitive ear placement) and kits should be a mini of their adult self. It is at this stage that I choose which kits to retain and each kit is sexed.
Bucks or Does???
There is a lot of research suggesting that a buck will make a better pet than a doe. The reason being is when a doe comes up to breeding age they can get hormonal and protective of their hutch (this is a normal response). To prevent this the doe must be mated or desexed. Personally I have never had any issues with the does I sell biting or being nasty. However, all pet bunnies I sell I always recommend that they are desexed. This not only prevents unwanted babies but can be of a health benefit to them also. Bucks DO spray if not desexed and can also become aggressive.
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The Hutch...
My general rule of thumb is that as long as the bunny can hop 2-3 times and can stand up on their hind quarters then the hutch is big enough. Rabbits that are hutched should be let out for a run at least once for 30mins - 1 hour every 1-2 days (daily if possible). Adequate bedding, weather protection and flyscreening is needed.
NOTE: Rabbits WILL chew their hutch so sometimes a brand new hutch from a petshop is not needed and will save you money!
NOTE: Rabbits WILL chew their hutch so sometimes a brand new hutch from a petshop is not needed and will save you money!
Mini Lop v Standard Rex
Mini Lop
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Standard Rex
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Both breeds require attention and regular health checks, which can be done by yourself. I check each of my rabbits weekly to check for any signs of infection or disease. Ears, genitals, teeth, feet (including pads and nails) and eyes are to be checked. Their nails are cut approx once per 6 weeks or depending on length.
Any other questions please send me an email, call or text