selecting

Lotsa Lops

~Selecting Your Lop~

Lopping ears do not make an English, French, Mini or Holland Lop;
pedigree papers showing three purebred generations do.

First, contact an established, reputable, active breeder who is a member via the American Rabbit Breeders Association

Visit the rabbitry. See the full size grown parents or ones similiar to what Lop you are interested in purchasing

View, handle and ask questions about the Lops for sale, and rabbits in general

Look the Lops over very well to see if there are any faults or blemishes that will cause you problems (especially if the animal is intended for show or breeding)

If receiving the pedigree papers for your animal, make sure it is complete and for the proper animal

Most asked questions:

Q: Why should I buy from a breeder rather than a pet store?
A: Buying from a breeder will allow you to see the full size your breed choice will grow to be. Can you handle and care for a 15-pound French Lop? Don't buy this big beast if you aren't prepared for him to grow this size. You can be assured of the rabbits actual age from accurate breed kept records. Pet stores tend to run different breeds all together, both sexes, they may be old enough to breed. This also runs a higher risk of the spread of illness to each other through direct contact as well as injuries from fighting.

Q: What sex should I consider?
A: There are Pros and Cons for either sex. Both bucks and does may spray. Does may become "grumpy" when coming of age for breeding. Either can be spayed/neutered and will make a fine choice. Both sexes may become more aggressive--grunting, growling or nip/challenge their owners. Handled correctly either can become tame and affectionate.
I personally have noticed that bucks seem to seek attention more than does.

Q: What age rabbit should I get?
A: No breeder should be selling ANY baby rabbits less than 6 weeks of age. Babies should start being weaned around 6 weeks and in the state of Illinois, it is illegal for retail sellers to sell baby rabbits before 6 weeks.
A baby's nails are very sharp, you are more at risk of being scratched. Younger rabbits can be more prone to disease/sickness at a younger age.
Don't forget with raising up a baby means you get to experience the "terrible twos" stage and the "rebellious teenage stage" of growing up! Don't pass up on the "older" rabbit just because you think raising the baby will be more of a "bondful experience". 6 months, 1 year, 4 years, these rabbits should not be forgotten, they are just as good of a pet or potential breeding animal as the next. Their personalities are more set so you know what you will be dealing with. The older rabbit may be able to tolerate more stressful situations better, like multi or younger children. A strong bond can be formed with any age rabbit if the time, effort and attention is put into them.

Q: How long will a rabbit live?
A: The average life expectancy of a rabbit can be around 7-10 years. It depends on the stress factors and care given to the rabbit. I have had people tell me their rabbit is 15 years old and lively as ever. I have also lost rabbits for unknown reasons at barely a year old (and younger).

Q: Can I have more than one rabbit per cage?
A: Rabbits can be territorial. They like their own cage space. If put in with the same sex, they may fight. Opposite sex and un-fixed, you'll have more than just two rabbits shortly!! Ideally, have one cage for each rabbit to call their own, then have a neutral area they can share and play together in, supervised. Some may get along fine in a large cage together, but you still will want to be prepared to seperate them if need be.

Q: Can I litter train my rabbit?
A: Yes, rabbits can quickly learn to use the litter box. They can also be trained to do tricks, learn their name/come when called, etc Rabbits are intelligent animals. With time, patience, and repeativeness, it can all pay off. Older animals have the tendancy to be easier/quicker to litter train, since they are the ones to establish a "potty corner" at the adult age.

Q: Can my new rabbit live with my other house pets or need to be around other rabbits/pets?
A: As with any new pet, it will take time to adjust and get acquainted with new surroundings and other pets. Rabbits are not "herd animals", they do not need to have constant companionship or to socialize with others. Some may prosper more from socializtion with another, but they really are happy to receive the attention you give them when you give it. Otherwise, they will go about their rabbit lives when you are not there. Some rabbits may live happlily together if they grow up together. Some will be fine being introduced at an older age as well. You will have to see how their personality is and know if they want or need other animal companion. Consider also, the addition of more than one rabbit, means that much more cage space, feed, care, cleaning, attention, etc is required.

Q: How hard is it to actually care for a rabbit?
A: Water, food, shelter and a little TLC.
A rabbit IS low-maintenance compared to a dog, cat, fish, etc. Rabbits do not need yearly vaccines and rarely need to see a vet. There actually are no approved medications/vaccines for use in rabbits. If you prefer, annual health checks can be done at your preference.
Find a knowledgeable rabbit vet and you'll be good to go!

So if you are ready to love and care for a rabbit, then hop to your local rabbit breeder and see if they have the rabbit your looking for!

There are many books and magazines available on rabbit care. A well informed rabbit breeder/seller will have a large variety of knowledge to share with you and have referances to recommend where you can find further information. Ask for any handouts/brochures they may have to aid you in your rabbit's care and handling. And be sure that your rabbit seller offers you future care or question answering services if you are ever in need!

[French Lops] ~ [English Lops] ~ [Mini Lops] ~ [Holland Lops] ~ [Velveteen Lops] ~ [Mini Rex] ~ [Others] ~ [For Sale]

[My Rabbitry] ~ [About the Rabbit] ~ [Care Page] ~ [Selecting Your Lop] ~ [Caging/Housing] ~ [Feeding/Nutrition] ~ [Rabbit ID]

[Health/Disease] ~ [Breeding] ~ [Rabbit Language] ~ [Genetics] ~ [Links] ~ [Warranty] ~ [Shipping] ~ [Showing] ~ [Upcoming Shows]

Since Lop Eared Rabbits are my main breed, I use the term "lops" for descriptive purposes toward the rabbit in general. The same can apply to the other breeds of non lops as well, in place of the term "Lop".

Care of the Domestic Rabbit -- Dr Chris Hayhow
Guide to Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies - ARBA

Rabbits for Dummies - Audrey Pavia
Domestic Rabbits and Their Histories - Bob Whitman
The New Rabbit Handbook - Lucia Vriends-Parent

Lop Rabbits as pets - Sandy Crook
A Fancier's Guide to the Lop Rabbit - Geoff Russell