Aggressive Mini Lop Rabbit?

Mini Lop rabbit care?

• I have never owned a rabbit before and am interested in getting a mini lop. I want to make sure I get things right before I bring it home. If I have a play/living area for it, can I use pody rugs as their flooring? Can my cat play with it if he behaves? Does loud noises bother them, like rock music? What is the best way to handle them so they get used to being pet and held? What is the best kind of food? What is the best kind of litter? Do I need to trim its nails? Can I bring them outside with me? Is there anything else I should know before owning a mini lop? Thanks!

• Answer:

  What are "pody rugs"? lol Rabbits are real strong chewers, and any type of rugs on the floor will probably wind up getting tattered at the edges. You can definately introduce the rabbit to other pets, but only once he settles down. Give him at least a couple weeks to get used to and trust you first. Once you gain his trust, you can introduce him to the cat, but only if you cat will behave as well. And also be aware that rabbits will -totally- freak out when something spooks them, so having two people in the room helps control both of them when needed. Eventiually, they can be friends (if your kitty is mellow enough). Not necessarily loud noises, but sudden noises. Rabbits need a quiet and calm environment. Blasting ultra loud music will not work out. If you play it quietly, or in a differrent room, it sould be fine. At first, you will want to avoid touching it as not to spook it too much. Give it a few days untouched just to get to know everything. Once it gets used to your home, start slow by offering treats from your hand, and petting it. Only when he is alright being touched, then start holding him. Just keep calm and relaxed around him, and give a treat always afteryou pet or hold so he associates it with good things. Do this a few times a day, every day, and he'll get used to you in no time. You will need a high quality rabbit pellet feed for the regular feedings. You need to give him fresh veggies regularily as well, but as treats. And you always must have hay in the cage! As long as you avoid pine or cedar, and litter is fine including aspen, carefresh, or yesterday's news. You can also litter train the rabbit, and use carpeting or old blankets to line the cage rather than bedding. Some rabbits do need trimming, some don't. It's best to have a vet show you how to do it first. Not while he is still timid, and not into a place he can escape from. So you must have a playpen ready. But you should only take him to quiet areas without many people or otehr animals. And only take him after he gets shots. You MUST get him/her neutered/spayed. And you should take him to a vet to get the initial set of shots. And PLEASE adopt! Bunnies thta would make great pets are dying because no one wants them :( Have a look in some shelters or here: http://www.petfinder.com You also MUST read these: http://www.rabbit.org/ http://www.ontariorabbits.org/diet/diet_care.html http://www.fuzzy-rabbit.com/phpBB2/index.php