camtang Posted August 12, 2014 Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 So my partner and I have been discussing getting a rabbit or two for our little girls and over the weekend we got given a hutch. I like the bigger ones, but for logic reasons, I think our hutch is too small for a big one. So what are the smaller types in NZ? Also what are some basics of them for keeping them friendly and alive. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted August 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Also if we get two, would two males or two females be the best option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted August 12, 2014 Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Lop eared rabbits stay friendly the longest, 2 females is good but rabbits can become territorial with age Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrienne Posted August 12, 2014 Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Keeping them friendly means daily handling. Good food and water and cover. Get a young rabbit - one is fine and if its a female less chance of it already being pregnant. More work for you (from personal experience) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted August 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Thanks guys! What about the best breed that size wise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mangolm Posted August 12, 2014 Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Females are more expensive to spay than males are to neuter if cost is a consideration. Daily handling will make them friendlier - the more you handle them the more they crave it. Also remember that hay should compose 80% of their diet, followed by veges and then pellets, not the other way around as i know some pet stores tell customers I know with male mice their urine smells much more strongly than female - does anyone here know if that is the same for rabbits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mangolm Posted August 12, 2014 Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Also the small hutch shouldn't matter if they are let out for most of the day to roam the house/yard and are just sleeping in it. I agree that you will need a bigger one if that is to be where they spend most of their time, but remember that rabbits can get bored and need enrichment (boredom often means destruction, as with most animals). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted August 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 We had planned on letting them out often, our yard is well fenced, so we are hopefully rabbit proof. Noted on the handling and food requirements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mangolm Posted August 12, 2014 Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Make sure the fencing goes a little underground too. I was just talking today to a friend who had her rabbit successfully dig under (but thankfully returned home). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted August 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Good point, will have a look at that over the weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livingart Posted August 12, 2014 Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 mini lops best for size and temperament will chew wiring in your house when loose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted August 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Great, thank you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted August 12, 2014 Report Share Posted August 12, 2014 Yes, rabbits dig! We used to have one in the bottom of our bird aviary and she dug so many huge holes it wasn't funny. Also allowed mice to get in :evil: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Li@m Posted August 13, 2014 Report Share Posted August 13, 2014 Used to have mini lops, they were friendly and easy to look after. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colour_genes Posted August 14, 2014 Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 Agree with the Mini Lops, little girls love them, very cute & cuddly looking. Also easy to source and not expensive. Partner's grand-daughter breeds them, and they appear fairly easy-care. Avoid the long-coated types until you are sure your girls are interested enough to spend significant time grooming them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted August 14, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 14, 2014 Thanks all. Mini lops are on the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted September 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 7, 2014 Meet Snowflake-Damien. Want to guess what part of the name is mine? We went with a SPCA rescue instead of getting one from a private breeder or what not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiraka Posted September 7, 2014 Report Share Posted September 7, 2014 I'm guessing you came up with snowflake? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camtang Posted September 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 8, 2014 Haha no.... That was the two girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ruby11 Posted October 6, 2014 Report Share Posted October 6, 2014 cute bunny looks like a californian netherland dwarf. I use to breed and show mini lops for around 10 or so years. Got to know every medicine and how it worked etc with bunnies i still get the odd vet ringing me up for info. they make great pets you can even house train them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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