
Bunny Basics
On this page, you’ll find all the most important information about Mini Lop bunnies in one place. Whether you’re a first-time bunny owner or already have a fluffy friend at home, these FAQs will guide you through the essentials of Mini Lop care. From feeding and grooming to housing and health, we’ve gathered everything you need to know to keep your bunny happy, healthy, and thriving.

Bunny Basics
โ๏ธ Nail Trimming
When: About every 4–6 weeks, though it depends on how quickly your bunny’s nails grow. Some may need it more often, others less.
Why: Overgrown nails can cause discomfort, affect the way your bunny hops, and even snag on carpet, fabric, or cage bars, leading to painful injuries.
How: Use small animal nail clippers and gently trim just the tip, avoiding the quick (the pink blood vessel inside the nail). If you’re unsure, ask a vet or groomer to show you the proper technique. Over time, most bunnies get used to nail trims if done calmly and gently.
Tip: Handle your bunny regularly so nail trimming becomes less stressful. A towel wrap (“bunny burrito”) can help keep them calm and safe during the process.
๐ฅ Feeding
Hay (the most important food): Fresh hay should make up 80% of your bunny’s diet. It keeps their teeth worn down, prevents digestive problems, and provides essential fibre. Good options are Timothy, oaten, rye, or meadow hay. Always offer unlimited amounts.
Pellets: Only a small amount is needed—about ¼ cup per 2kg of body weight per day. Choose plain, high-fibre pellets with no seeds, nuts, dried fruit, or colorful bits, as these are unhealthy.
Veggies: Fresh leafy greens are essential. Offer 1–2 cups per day. Great options include kale, bok choy, coriander, parsley, celery leaves, and carrot tops. Rotate veggies to give variety and prevent boredom. Introduce new ones slowly to avoid upset tummies.
Treats: Fruit and root vegetables (like apple, banana, berries, and carrots) are high in sugar, so only give a tiny piece 2–3 times a week.
Tip: Fresh food should always be washed before serving, and any uneaten veggies should be removed within a few hours.
๐ง Water
Bunnies must have access to fresh, clean water at all times. A heavy ceramic bowl is usually better than a bottle, as it encourages natural drinking and doesn’t drip. Always refill daily and wash bowls or bottles regularly to prevent bacteria build-up.
๐พ Exercise
Bunnies need at least 3–4 hours of free-roam playtime every day to stay fit and mentally happy.
Why: Exercise prevents obesity, strengthens muscles, and keeps their mind active. Without enough movement, bunnies can become bored or destructive.
Safe spaces: Always bunny-proof play areas by covering electrical cords, removing toxic plants, and blocking small gaps where they could get stuck. Supervise if needed, especially outdoors.
Fun idea: Provide tunnels, cardboard boxes, or a dig box filled with shredded paper to encourage natural behaviours.
๐ก Housing & Temperature
Indoor living: Indoor bunnies are safest from predators, extreme weather, and disease. A spacious pen, play area, or bunny-proofed room is ideal.
Outdoor housing: If kept outdoors, hutches must be secure, weather-proof, and predator-proof. Always bring bunnies inside during extreme weather.
Temperature:
Ideal: 10–24°C
Above 27°C: Risk of heat stress. Provide cooling tiles, fans (not directly blowing on them), shade, and plenty of fresh water.
Below 5°C: Provide thick bedding, blankets, or ideally bring them indoors.
๐งผ Cleaning
Daily: Spot-clean by removing soiled bedding, dirty hay, and droppings.
Weekly: Do a full clean—replace all bedding, scrub bowls and bottles, and thoroughly wash the litter tray.
Keeping your bunny’s space clean prevents smells, bacteria build-up, and health issues.
๐ฝ Litter Training
Yes, bunnies can be litter trained!
How:
Use a cat litter tray filled with paper-based litter (never clumping clay or wood shavings).
Place hay inside or near the tray—rabbits naturally like to eat and toilet at the same time.
Start with multiple trays in different corners and gradually reduce to one main tray.
Spayed/neutered rabbits usually learn faster and are more consistent with litter training.
๐ฉบ Vet Care
Vaccinations (Australia): Rabbits must be vaccinated against calicivirus (RHDV) as it’s common and deadly.
Check-ups: Annual vet visits are recommended for a full health check, especially for teeth and digestion.
Desexing: Strongly recommended to prevent unwanted litters, reduce hormonal aggression, and lower risks of reproductive cancers (especially in females).
โค๏ธ Social & Enrichment
Bunnies are very social animals. They thrive with a bonded bunny companion or plenty of daily interaction with their human family.
Enrichment ideas:
Chew toys (safe wood, apple sticks, cardboard tubes) to wear down teeth.
Tunnels and hideouts for exploring.
Dig boxes filled with shredded paper or hay.
Foraging games—scatter veggies or hide pellets for them to find.
A bored bunny may chew furniture or show destructive behaviours, so keeping them mentally stimulated is just as important as exercise.
Bunny FAQs
What is a lop bunny?
A lop bunny is a rabbit breed best known for its long, floppy ears that hang down on either side of its face, giving them an adorable and gentle appearance. Popular lop breeds include Mini Lops and Holland Lops, which are smaller in size, making them ideal for pets. Lops are loved worldwide for their sweet temperaments, playful personalities, and cuddly looks.
How big do lop bunnies get?
Mini Lops usually weigh between 1.5–2kg, while Holland Lops are slightly smaller, averaging around 1–1.8kg. Despite their small size, they have a sturdy, rounded build. It’s important to note that diet and exercise play a big role in keeping them a healthy weight, as bunnies can easily become overweight if overfed on pellets or treats.
How long do lop bunnies live?
With proper diet, housing, and veterinary care, lop bunnies can live 7–10 years on average, and some even reach 12 years or more! Their lifespan depends on genetics, diet, exercise, and whether they are kept indoors or outdoors. Indoor bunnies generally live longer because they are more protected from predators, disease, and harsh weather.
Do lop bunnies make good pets?
Yes, lop bunnies make wonderful pets! They are naturally gentle, affectionate, and playful, and many enjoy being around people. They can bond closely with their owners, learn routines, and even respond to their names. With proper care and attention, lop bunnies can become a loving and interactive part of the family.
Are lop bunnies good with children?
Lop bunnies can be great around children, especially when the children are calm, quiet, and gentle. Rabbits are delicate and can be easily injured if handled roughly, so adult supervision is very important. Teaching kids to sit on the floor and let the bunny come to them is the safest way to interact.
Do lop bunnies need a cage?
Not always! While they benefit from having a safe, cozy enclosure to rest in, lop bunnies also need daily free-roam playtime in a bunny-proofed area. Many rabbit owners choose indoor pens or give their bunny free range of a room or even the whole house, as long as wires, plants, and dangerous objects are kept out of reach.
What do lop bunnies eat?
A healthy bunny diet should be made up of:
80% hay – Timothy, oaten, or meadow hay keeps their teeth healthy and digestion running smoothly.
Fresh leafy vegetables – like parsley, kale, coriander, spinach (in small amounts), and bok choy.
Small amounts of pellets – choose high-quality, plain rabbit pellets with no added seeds or colored bits.
Occasional treats – herbs, carrot slices, apple, or berries can be given in small amounts.
Fresh water must be available at all times.
Can lop bunnies be litter trained?
Yes! Lop bunnies are naturally clean and can often be trained to use a litter box. Spayed and neutered rabbits tend to learn faster and are more consistent. Place hay near or inside the litter box, as bunnies like to eat and go to the toilet at the same time.
Do lop bunnies need grooming?
Yes, grooming is important. Short-haired lops should be brushed at least once a week to remove loose fur, while long-haired lops (like Cashmere Lops) need daily brushing to prevent knots and matting. Regular grooming also helps prevent hairballs, which can be dangerous for bunnies.
Do lop bunnies like being cuddled?
This depends on the bunny’s personality. Some love snuggling and will happily sit on your lap, while others prefer to sit beside you instead of being picked up. Rabbits are prey animals, so being lifted can make them nervous. The best way to build trust is to let your bunny choose when to come close.ed up. Rabbits are prey animals, so being lifted can make them nervous. The best way to build trust is to let your bunny choose when to come close.