ABOUT HOLLAND LOPS

Holland Lop Rabbits: General Care & Information

Holland Lops are what I like to believe, one of the most popular breeds for pet and 4H / FFA rabbits. Hollands are known for their sweet 'golden retriever' type personalities, compact size, and signature lop ears. Making it easy for youth to handle and care for. 

Temperament & Personality
Holland Lops are generally friendly, social, and curious. In my experience I do prefer bucks over does for my 4H / pet families. With regular handling and gentle interaction, they tend to be affectionate and people oriented. Like all rabbits, each has its own unique personality, and keep in mind that around the 4-6 months age all rabbits both bucks and does will start to experience hormones, but the breed is well known for being calm and adaptable especially with daily interactions. Another thing to keep in mind is that by nature rabbits are prey animals and do not normally enjoy being carried or "cuddled". They are not like a puppy or kitten. 

Raised in a Safe & Loving Family Environment

At Ermish Ranch, our Holland Lops are raised in a safe, clean, and family-oriented environment. From an early age, they are gently handled and exposed to normal sights and sounds, daily health checks, grooming and posing. This helps my rabbits grow into a confident, well-adjusted rabbit for your family whether you are planning for 4H, FFA, Show, brood or pet. 

Size & Lifespan
Holland Lops are a dwarf breed, typically weighing between 3–4 pounds when fully grown. With proper care, they can live 8–12 years or longer. When enquiring about adopting a rabbit from me make sure everyone in the family is on board for a long-term commitment!

Diet & Nutrition
A healthy diet is essential for your rabbit. I feed BAR ALE, it's a 16% pelleted diet. Holland Lops should also have unlimited fresh timothy grass hay. I do not recommend alfalfa as this can be very rich and could possibly cause GI stasis. I do not give my rabbits fruits or veggies as they are high in sugar and may harbor bacteria or also be a culprit for GI stasis. For treats I give a sprinkle of rolled oats, shredded wheat squares or a tiny amount of black oil sunflower seeds on occasion. 

Housing & Environment
Holland Lops can thrive indoors or outdoors when kept safe, clean, and protected from extreme temperatures. They need enough space to stretch along with a clean litter area and enrichment like toys and chew items to keep them mentally stimulated. I do not encourage free roaming as this can be very dangerous for your rabbit. If you are looking for housing for your rabbit, I have KW cages linked under my resources page on my website. They offer many options for cages. 

Grooming & Health
Regular grooming helps keep their coat healthy and reduces shedding. Nail trims, ear checks, and monitoring teeth are important parts of routine care. Holland Lops should be seen by a specialized rabbit veterinarian for regular health checks and wellness care. I deworm my herd in the spring and fall. The HLRSC handbook has a fantastic list of medications that would be great to keep on hand. I'm not a licensed vet so I will not give any medical advice for your rabbit.