Mini Lops were derived from German lops called "Kleine Widder" lops, but it is thought that a variety of breeds have been used in developing the Mini Lop that is found in the United States today. Mini Lops were recognized as their own accepted breed in the United States in 1982, but neither they nor the Holland Lop are yet recognized in England. Besides having the characteristic floppy ears, Mini Lops have a muscular build with broad shoulders, deep chests, and short, thick legs. Their adult size is generally only about 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 pounds. Mini Lop rabbits come in all colors. The recognized color groups are: Agouti: includes chinchilla, chestnut agouti, and opal. Broken: which are white with colored spots and /or pattern, including tri colors. Ticked: these have a steel gene and ticking, colors include: gold tipped or silver tipped black/blue/chocolate/lilac steel, silver fox, sable or smoke pearl steel. Self group, white pointed: these are a solid color with no ticking and include includes: black, chocolate, blue, ruby eyed white, lilac, etc. Shaded: these show shaded markings with colors such as: seal, sable point, sable, smoke or frosted pearl, tortoise, etc. Wide band: includes cream, red, orange, and fawn. Classifications include: solid pattern and broken pattern There are also many colors that are not recognized (though some are in the process of becoming recognized) including: harlequin, otter, silver marten, blue seal, broken pointed white, chocolate or blue point, etc.
DIET/FEEDING
Thankfully, the Mini Lop’s diet does not differ from any other rabbit breed, which means they require a diet consisting of 70 percent good-quality hay such as orchard hay or timothy hay (the occasional alfalfa grass should also be good for their overall health). The rest of the diet should be a good balance of fruits, leafy greens, vegetables, and pellets. Like hay, there are plenty types of pellets available on the market, some with higher protein content than others. Be aware of what kind of fruits, leafy greens and vegetables you have in your home as some are rabbit-safe and others are not. In fact, most leafy greens are unsafe as they can cause digestive issues, especially if you feed your rabbit a large amount of it. Feed your rabbit greens that are high in fiber and nutrients, such as romaine lettuce, and be aware of what kind of fruits you’re feeding (nothing too high in sugar).
Rabbit pellets contain essential nutrients like protein and fiber. When your mini lop is still a baby, give it unlimited pellets. Adult mini lops can get 1/8 cup of pellets for every 5 pounds of body weight. Throughout the rabbit's life, provide fresh vegetables to enhance its diet. 2 cups a day of spinach, collard greens, and turnip greens is the best choice, but you can also feed your rabbit the occasional carrot. You can also feed your rabbit a small amount of fruit, such as cut up apples, bananas and strawberries.
Do not feed your rabbit the following vegetables, which can hurt its stomach: corn, tomatoes, cabbage, iceberg lettuce, potatoes, peas, onions, beets and rhubarb.
Never feed your rabbit the following foods: seeds, grains, meat, chocolate, dairy, and any other cooked "human" food.
Other good food for your rabbit: Carrot, Silverbeet/Spinach, Celery, Banana and peel, Mandarin and Grapefruit peel, Pears, Dandelion, Milkweed, Milk thistle, , Chickweed, Plantains, Sorrel, Parsley, Comfrey, Pumpkin peels., Apple, Kiwi fruit, Artichokes, Kohl rabbi, Beans, peas and leaves, Bok Choy, Bran pellets, Pineapple, Broccoli and leaves, Rolled oats, Raspberry and Blackberry leaves, Radish leaves, Cauliflower and leaves, Chicory, Citrus peels, Strawberry leaves, Clover Cucumber, Swede and tops , Tomato, All melons Kale, Wheat germ, Coltsfoot, Shepherd´s purse.
CARE/TRAINING
Like all rabbits, Mini Lops need an adequate enclosure to spend time to eat, sleep, etc. Outdoor enclosures should be raised and have enough space for the rabbit to stretch their legs out comfortably. It should also have a ramp that lowers to the bottom of their fenced enclosure so they can feel some grass and ground beneath their feet. Indoor rabbits should have a wire enclosure that also allows them enough space to stretch out, and a corner to do their business. Their bedding should be spot-cleaned every day so they can lay down on clean, soft bedding and it should be completely replenished every week.
Many owners of mini lops like to take their rabbits out to play. Limit your rabbit's play space to one area that has been thoroughly "rabbit-proofed" so that the mini lop won't get hurt. Remove electrical cords and wires, fragile or heavy items that could fall over, and other items you don't want nibbled.
BEHAVIOR & PERSONALITY
The Mini Lop rabbit is sometimes categorized as laid-back because of being a Lop breed. But generalizations about smaller rabbits often characterize them as more hyper. The truth lies somewhere in between. Why? Because all rabbits are individuals. Making generalizations based on breed alone might cause false expectations. When choosing a rabbit, consult with the rabbit rescue operator, breeder, or whomever you are adopting from to decide about temperament. Take time to observe the rabbit to make your own conclusions about his or her behavior.
Rabbits are prey animals, so they are wary of sudden movements, new situations, and new people. Allow your Mini Lop to approach you on his or her own terms. Sit on the floor and let the Mini Lop come to you and explore in a rabbit-safe area. Offer treats and generally take things slowly to gain your new friend’s trust. Once your bunny is comfortable in your home, you’ll see his or her personality start to shine through.
HOUSING
Mini lops are small creatures, but they like to have plenty of space to hop around. Look for a cage or hutch designed specifically for rabbits. It should be 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) wide and 2 feet (0.6 m) deep. The bottom and sides should be made of wire, not glass, because the bunny will need plenty of fresh air to flow through the cage.
If you decide to go with an outdoor hutch, place it in a shady spot so that the rabbit doesn't overheat during the summer. You might need to heat the hutch during winter if the temperature drops low. It's also important to keep potential predators away. Foxes, dogs, cats, and birds of prey are all quite dangerous to a rabbit.
Line the cage with soft material. If you have a wire cage, first line it with wooden planks so that the rabbit's feet won't get caught, then cover the wood with hay or blankets. This way your rabbit will be able to build a soft, cozy nest.
Use only hay that is approved for use in a bunny cage. Never use old hay or hay from a source you don't know and trust, and never use pine or cedar wood shavings. The fumes can hurt rabbits' internal organs.
Place a litter box in the cage. If you place a small litter box in the mini lop's cage, he will relieve himself in that same spot instead of going elsewhere, making cleanup much easier. You can find a small, rabbit-sized litter box at pet stores. Line the litter box with newspaper, then place hay or newspaper pellets on top.
