FF Bunnies Fact Sheet
Some Basic Information On Owneing a Mini Lop
Initial Considerations
• Do you have the space to put a hutch in your garden?
• Do you have the time to spend giving attention, feeding and of course cleaning out the hutch?
• Can you afford the initial cost of hutch, bowl, water bottle, food, hay, shavings and toys?
• Can you afford the on going costs including vet bills?
• Are you prepared to have a lot of fun with a fantastic and loving animal?
If you've answered YES to all of these then read on for more advice
How Big are Mini Lops?
They are the smallest of the lop breeds. The British Rabbit Council, who set the standards for rabbit
breeds, state the maximum size of a miniature lop as 3.4-3.8lbs (1.5-1.60kg). This is approximately
the size of a football, as a comparison.
General Behaviour
Rabbits are an inquisitive animal and as such you may notice a few of the following:
• Dashing back and forth - This is generally a sign of wanting some attention, so give it some.
• Thumping - Is often a sign of the rabbit being frightened. This reaction could be caused just by a
sudden movement.
• Jumping/Skipping - This is a sign of the rabbit being happy and is usually witnessed when the
rabbit is running about.
• Lowering of head - Usually seen on opening hutch. Again, the rabbit wants some fuss so gently rub
between the eyes.
• Chin-Rubbing - This is simply the rabbit marking out its territory. It has scent glands on its chin and
rubs them against objects to mark its territory.
• Spraying - Rabbits or bucks don't just rub things with their chins to mark territory, they will spray
urine as well .. on to ANYTHING!!!
• Lying Flat Out - This is actually the sign of a contented rabbit. It can look convincingly dead lying on
its back with its legs stretched out.
What Will I Need?
Rabbits are reasonably simple to buy for and once you have the necessities then that's all there is to
it.

Suitable Hutch A solid, sturdy wooden hutch on legs with secure latches. The minimum
length would be 4ft though we would recommend the biggest you can afford and fit into
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your garden. These traditionally have two compartments consisting of an enclosed
'bedroom' and an open living space. The hutch should be lined with just a thin layer of wood
shavings. Once a corner has been used by the rabbit for its’ toilet, a litter tray can be used in
that corner to keep things cleaner and more manageable.
During colder months, it would be ideal to add extra bedding in the enclosed compartment
and to use some tarpaulin or other waterproof covering to protect from the cold wind and
rain.

Suitable bowl preferably not plastic as the rabbit will chew it.

A water bottle at least 320ml for a single rabbit and constantly filled to ensure the rabbit has
fresh clean water at all times

A hay rack/ball is a welcome addition to ensure the hay for feeding is kept off the floor.
These can also be used for extra treats such as appropriate fruit and vegetables. Toys are
another thing which rabbits enjoy.

Run Rabbits are active animals and need exercise. Therefore a run is an ideal item to have in
your garden. They give the security of an enclosed space for the rabbit to play in but with
the ability to move around the garden to avoid soiling. Make sure the rabbit has somewhere
sheltered though so they can escape the wind, rain and hot sun.
The most important thing, aside from the above, that you can give your rabbit is lots and lots of
LOVE AND ATTENTION. The more you give, the more you'll get back and the less chance the rabbit
becoming bored and depressed.
Feeding
Your rabbit’s diet should contain pellet and or mixed feed and a unlimited amount of hay, and fresh
leafy greens. Though only small amounts of fresh greens are adviced. As too much food can harm
your bunny and give them a poorly tummy. Some times bunnies can become picky eaters so just a
pellet food may be ideal. Never give a bunny any Greens under the age of 12 weeks/3 months.
Parsley
Carrot
Celary
Beet greens (tops)
Basil
Brussel Sprouts
Broccoli Stems
Cilantro
Endive
Mint
Peppermint leaves
Spinach
Raspberry leaves
Pea pod(the slat
edible kind)
Kale
Dandelion Green &
Flower
Green Peppers
Collard Greens
Escarole
Watercress
Wheat Grass
Raddichio
Raddish Tops
Mustard Greens
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