Lop-eared rabbits are very beautiful animals with drooping ears. Now there is a wide variety of similar breeds, all of them have the same characteristic features. Which ones? Well, first of all, these are hanging ears with an auricle turned inward. Secondly, it is a head that is similar to a lamb.
These rabbits are not bred very often, as they are not particularly fertile. One rabbit on average brings five to six rabbits. But, despite the low fecundity, lop-eared mothers are caring, they feed well, protect their cubs.
Let us briefly describe the popular types of rabbits with drooping ears.
French ram
Let's start with this breed. She appeared in 1850. The breed turned out as a result of crossing a fold rabbit and a giant. By nature, this is a very peaceful animal, but such rabbits are not recommended to start families with children due to their large size. The French ram needs long walks. It is also advisable to keep such a rabbit in a spacious enclosure, so that he has a place to roam.
English ram
This type of rabbit has the longest and widest ears, and at the same time a graceful body. The hind legs of such a rodent are larger than the front. The color of rabbits can be black, white and light gray. Their ears reach a length of 60 cm and a width of 16 cm. Due to the inept content, these lop-eared rabbits can become shy. It is advisable to keep such animals in large enclosures, otherwise they may simply step on their ears because of crowding.
Meissen ram
This type of rabbit appeared as a result of crossing French and English rams. The breed first appeared in 1906. These lop-eared rabbits are medium in size, their body is elongated, and their necks are strong. The ears of these animals are overgrown with hair. Colors can be different: yellow, light and dark brown. By nature, these lop-eared rabbits are calm, meek. They are great for home maintenance.
Unfortunately, this species is on the verge of extinction, therefore, in its homeland (in Meissen) it is under protection.
Dwarf fold rabbit ram
This species was obtained by crossing dwarf and French fold rabbits. For the first time, representatives of the breed appeared in Holland. The breed did not turn out right away, there were difficulties, but still managed to achieve the desired results.
The weight of such a beast is about two kilograms, the hair is delicate, colors are different. By nature, the animals are calm, friendly. Well respond to training.
The content of lop-eared rabbits
I would like to note that before you get a rabbit, you need to remove the wires. Since these animals are not indifferent to such things. You will also need cages larger than 0.7 x 0.5 m. It is advisable to buy a house, because these rodents are used to living in holes.
It is worth putting the cage in places of impassable, illuminated, protected from drafts and direct sunlight.
It is possible to put a toilet in the cage, as a fold-eared dwarf rabbit usually relieves the need in the same place.
For food, you need bowls, it is advisable to choose heavy ceramic, in order to avoid a mess in the cage. For water, it is worth buying a special drinker.
I must say that you should definitely let your rabbit run around the house for about two hours a day.
Feeding lop-eared rabbits
Of course, for rabbits, nutrition is of great importance. It is advisable not to give rodents raw vegetables, fruits and greens up to six months. After 6 months, you can supplement the diet with the above products, but in small quantities. The basis of the diet is, of course, grain mixes and hay. All this can be purchased at the pet store. You also need to buy a special mineral stone, as well as crayon, so that the animal can grind its teeth.
Lop-eared rabbit: price
Such a beast can be purchased both at the pet market, in the pet store, and in the club. Of course, much more will have to be paid for an animal from a pedigree than for a rabbit bought in a bazaar. The minimum cost of this rodent is 500 rubles. For a thoroughbred rabbit with a pedigree, you will need to pay from 2,000 to 10,000 rubles.
Little conclusion
Now you know what lop-eared rabbits are, what they are. We briefly talked about their types, a little touched on the topic of nutrition and content.