Minilop rabbits are known for their pretty appearance and stocky build, qualities for which they are considered excellent pets. Dwarf lop-eared rabbits (minilopes), like all rabbits, need a clean cage, a nutritious diet, and careful handling to thrive and be happy. If you would like to learn how to care for minilopes, follow the first step.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Providing Cell and Nutrition
Step 1. Purchase a rabbit cage
Minilopes are small creatures, but they like jumping space. Look for a crate designed for rabbits. It should be 90-120 cm wide and 60 cm deep. It should be a net, not a glass cage, to provide as much fresh air as possible for the rabbit.
If you intend to put the cage in the yard, choose a place in the shade so that the rabbit does not overheat in the summer in the sun. You may need a heater during the winter when temperatures drop. It is also important to keep rabbits away from predators. Foxes, dogs, cats and birds of prey are dangerous to the rabbit
Step 2. Cover the cage with soft materials
If you have a netting, first cover the bottom with boards to prevent the feet from getting stuck, and then cover the wood with hay or shavings. This way, your rabbit will make a soft, cozy mink for itself.
Use only hay or wood shavings that are intended for use in the rabbit's cage. Never use old hay, or hay from an unfamiliar place that you cannot trust, and never use pine or cedar shavings. Vapors emitted can damage the guts of rabbits
Step 3. Place the tray in the cage
If you place a small tray in the minilop's cage, it will defecate there and not anywhere else, making it easier to clean the cage. You can find a small rabbit tray at pet stores. Line the tray with newspaper, then add hay or newspaper.
Step 4. Give your rabbit a safe place in the playroom
Many minilop owners release rabbits from the cage to play with. Determine a safe area for the rabbit to play with so that it does not get hurt. Remove electrical cords, fragile wires and heavy objects that may fall, and other things so that they are not chewed.
Step 5. Provide a constant amount of hay
Both rabbits nest in it and also eat it, so put plenty of fresh hay in the cage every day. Timothy grass and bonfire grass are the best choices for feeding rabbits. There is no need to put hay in a bowl, just sprinkle it over the entire cage.
Step 6. Place the pellets and vegetables in a bowl
Rabbit pellets contain essential nutrients such as protein and fiber. When your minilop is still a cub, feed him pellets all the time. For adults, you can give 1/8 cup of pellets for every 2 kg of body weight. Throughout the rabbit's life, feed it fresh vegetables to enhance its diet. 2 cups per day of the most suitable vegetables such as spinach, greens or turnips, but you can also treat your rabbit with carrots from time to time.
- You can also feed your rabbit a small amount (glass) of fruits like apples, bananas, and strawberries.
- Do not feed your rabbit the following vegetables that can harm its stomach, such as corn, tomatoes, cabbage, lettuce, potatoes, peas, onions, beets, and rhubarb.
- Never feed your rabbit the following foods: seeds, grains, meat, chocolate, dairy products, or any food you eat yourself.
Step 7. Provide the rabbit with food to grind its teeth
Rabbit teeth grow constantly and it is important to provide chew toys as the teeth grow long and uncomfortable. You can purchase these items from the pet store and give your rabbit a new toy every week.
Step 8. Place the drinker in the cage
Rabbits need access to plenty of fresh water. Buy a drinker designed for a rabbit's cage (it is like a drinking bowl for a hamster's cage) or place a small saucer of water. Make sure you change the water every day and wash your saucer frequently.
Part 2 of 3: Handling and Playing with Minilopes
Step 1. Raise the minilop gently
When you pick it up, remember the first rule, never pick it up by the ears. Rabbit ears are very delicate and sensitive, and you can damage them. Instead, grab it with one hand under the hind legs and the other under the ribcage. Lean the rabbit against your chest and hold it tight. When you decide to put him down, sit down and gently release him to the floor.
- Don't throw your rabbit or let it jump from your hands to the floor. This could damage its legs.
- Do not lift the rabbit from the scruff of the neck. They do not have excess skin on the withers like cats.
Step 2. Caress your mini-lope gently
Minilopes are quite sturdy in physique, but they don't like to be treated carelessly. Carefully stroke the head, back and sides of the rabbit. Never drop it, push or pull it by its feet, ears or tail. If your rabbit is scared, don't force him to play.
Step 3. Give your minilope enough physical activity
Rabbits naturally enjoy jumping a lot and need to exercise for a couple of hours a day to stay healthy. Get your rabbit out of the cage and play with it every day. If you have an enclosed area outside the cage, you can leave the rabbit alone to play, but do not leave it out of sight.
- You can take your rabbit for a short walk with a sled or leash and follow along the path. Do not pull or drag it. Rabbits will not walk alongside the dog.
- Never leave your rabbit unattended outside the cage. Keep cats, dogs and other animals away from it.
Step 4. Offer the rabbit development toys
Don't let your caged rabbit get bored. He needs items for development and for chewing. Take some cardboard boxes or old phone books to his cage for him to chew on. You can also play with the bunny with a soft plush cat or a ball.
Step 5. Think about a pair of rabbits
Rabbits love to play together, and your minilop will be happier if he has a friend. Make sure the second rabbit is also a minilop breed and not any other. Sterilize or castrate them so that you don't eventually find the babies.
Part 3 of 3: Keeping Your Minilope Healthy
Step 1. Keep the cage clean
The rabbit cage should be cleaned every week. Keep the rabbit with your friend until you thoroughly clean the cage. Throw away old newspapers and hay, rinse the cage with soapy water, dry it, and fill the cage with clean newspapers and hay.
- Rinse your food bowl and drinker every couple of days.
- Replace the litter box every day.
Step 2. Brush your mini-lope's coat
Rabbits do not like to bathe as they take care of themselves on their own. However, they like easy brushing. Use a soft bristled brush to occasionally groom your rabbit's fur. Minilopes molt in adulthood; during molting, you can help remove excess rabbit hair with a metal brush.
- If your bunny gets dirty in the yard, you can bathe him in with bunny shampoo. Never use human shampoo on a rabbit.
- If you notice that your rabbit's claws have grown too long, you can trim them.
Step 3. Check your rabbit regularly with your veterinarian
It may be difficult for you to find a veterinarian who can examine your rabbit, as some veterinarians only specialize in cats and dogs. Seek an exotic animal veterinarian if your local veterinarian is not an expert in the field. Perform an annual check-up or when you notice symptoms of the following diseases:
- Runs out of the nose or eyes
- Refusal to eat
- Red urine
- Heat
- Diarrhea
- The head is constantly tilted
- Lumps or boils under the fur
Advice
- Play often with your rabbit.
- Read to your bunny. He will begin to recognize you by your voice.