Lop Eared Bunnies as Household Pets
Lop eared bunnies are one of the most popular small animals kept as pets today. They are intelligent, affectionate and adorable, making them great pets for adults and children alike. There are many different varieties of lop eared bunnies available as pets, each with the notable characteristic of low hanging floppy ears.
While it is unclear which country originally began breeding lop eared bunnies, evidence of this type of rabbit has been found dating back to the 1700’s. Originally these and all other forms of rabbits were selectively bred to become a better meat producing animal. Lop ears are compact in size but still maintain dense muscles. It wasn’t long that these animals were used in exhibitions and raised as pets. The floppy ears that give these bunnies their name is also one of their most adorable attributes. People all throughout Europe, especially in England, began breeding and raising their own versions of loped eared rabbits. Once the breed was introduced to the United States around the 1970s, they became one of the most popular breeds of rabbits kept as pets. Today, there are as many as eight breeds of lop ears, all can trace their origins back to the English lop eared rabbit. Some of these breeds include: the German lop, the Meissner lop, the Dwarf lop, the Miniature lop, the French lop, the English lop, the Holland lop and the Cashmere lop. Many of breeds are available for purchase from local pet stores, and hard to find breeds may be purchased from breeders.
Bunnies make good pets for several reasons. They are relatively small in size, and can be easily kept within the home. There are many ways to house or cage rabbits, many with simple devices to help keep the animal clean. They are also friendly little animals and enjoy the company of humans. They can even be quite affectionate if properly socialized. Rabbits are also relatively intelligent creatures and can be taught to use a litter box. More than one rabbit can be house together as well, they can be social pets. General daily care for bunnies is easy. Food, bedding and watering devices can all be easily purchased from local pet stores. These stores will also carry treats, beds and toys to give to your bunny. Rabbits require only minimal daily care to be happy. These animals require fresh water, food and a clean environment located in a dry and warm place. Food for rabbits can be bought as commercial pellets for easy distribution to the animal, and alfalfa and hay can also easily be found. Bunnies also enjoy fresh vegetables like carrots, celery and lettuces as a tasty and healthy treat.
There are some general precautions that one should take if they intend to bring home a lop eared bunny as a pet. Rabbits in general are susceptible to upper respiratory infections, so they need to live in a dry and warm environment that is free from drafts. Due to the risk of respiratory infections it is also best to avoid using cedar bedding products. Rabbits can develop diarrhea from stress and quickly become dehydrated. Look for excrement matting into the fur at the rabbit’s backside. Medicine to treat this diarrhea is available as most pet stores. It is also important to keep the cage or living quarters of rabbits clean to prevent infections and hair problems. A wire bottomed cage allows messes to fall through, but always give a rabbit a soft place to get off of the wire to prevent foot problems. Clean the litter box or tray often to prevent smells and problems from developing. By managing just a few of these basic principles, you will be able to enjoy one of these adorable lop eared bunnies as a pet.