A Simple Guide for a Happy & Healthy Bunny

There is a lot of information available online about bunny care. The following guidelines are intended to provide a simple, reliable foundation for raising a happy and healthy Holland Lop.

💧 Water

• Always provide fresh, cool water.

• Our kits are raised using water bottles, which they are already comfortable drinking from.

• Water crocks/bowls may also be used, but they can be easily tipped or soiled, so check them frequently.

🥣 Feeding: Birth to 6 Months

• Hollands under 6 months of age receive unlimited pellets.

• We feed Kalmbach 18% Best in Show.

• Other quality pellet brands we also like and trust include:
  Oxbow and Mazuri.

• If you choose to switch feeds, do so slowly to avoid digestive upset.

• We provide transition feed to help with this process. Mix:

  • ½ transition feed

  • ½ new feed
    Gradually reduce the transition feed over the first week.

Oats (Under 6 Months)

• Feed 1 teaspoon of old-fashioned oats (not quick oats) once weekly

• If your bunny digs or dumps the food bowl, offer the oats in a separate small dish.

Hay

• Provide fresh, unlimited timothy hay or orchard grass daily.

• ❌ No alfalfa hay — it is too rich for Hollands.

🥕 Feeding: 6 Months & Older

• Pellets:

  • ½ cup per day (either all at once or split: ¼ cup morning & evening)

• Hay:

  • Fresh, unlimited timothy hay

• Oats:

  • 1 teaspoon of old-fashioned oats once weekly

• No food treats before 6 months of age

🍎 Treats (After 6 Months)

• Treats should be very limited and given no more than weekly.

• Too many treats can cause weight gain, digestive upset, diarrhea, or even be fatal.

Holland-safe treats include:

·        Strawberry tops

·        Timothy hay sticks

·        Dried papaya (very limited amounts)

·        Dandelion greens

·        A few sprigs of fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or cilantro

💩 Digestive Health

• If your Holland develops watery liquid diarrhea:

  • Remove pellets immediately

  • Feed hay and oats only (no treats)

  • Provide plenty of water

  • Add a water bowl in addition to the bottle

• Resume normal feeding only after droppings return to normal.

Hollands dehydrate easily and have very sensitive digestive systems.
If your bunny stops eating or drinking, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Cecotropes (Yes, It’s Normal!)

Hollands produce soft clusters of droppings called cecotropes in addition to normal round pellets. Your bunny will eat these — this is completely normal and essential for maintaining a healthy gut.

🛁 Grooming & Bathing

• Do NOT bathe your Holland.
  Young Hollands are extremely sensitive to cold, and stress or chilling can be fatal.

• Hollands groom themselves and ingest fur, which is why unlimited hay is essential — the fiber helps move fur through the digestive system.

• Brush your bunny regularly to reduce shedding.

• If stool becomes stuck:

  • Try brushing it out first

  • Carefully trim soiled fur if needed

  • As a last resort, gently wash bottom only with mild soap and warm water, then dry thoroughly

✂️ Nail Care

• Trim nails once monthly using a cat nail trimmer.

• Only trim up to the quick (the visible blood vessel).

• Dark nails make the quick harder to see — use good lighting.

🧸 Enrichment & Play

Hollands can get bored and need enrichment. We recommend:

• Plastic treat balls

• Cardboard

• Wood blocks

• Straw tunnels

• Boxes

• Apple sticks (also help keep teeth healthy)

If your bunny has outdoor playtime, ensure there is ample shade, as Hollands can overheat easily.

🐇 Spaying & Neutering

Once your bunny reaches hormonal maturity (typically 4–6 months), we strongly recommend spaying or neutering if breeding is not planned.

Hormones can cause:

• Mounting behavior

• Urine spraying

• Nipping

• Territorial behavior

• Litter box regression

Spaying/neutering often helps maintain a calmer, happier temperament.

❤️ Settling In

Please allow your new Holland time to transition and adjust.
Too much handling or change too quickly can cause stress. Take things slow and enjoy getting to know your new bunny.

📞 Contact & Social Media

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out:
Text: (330) 461-2655

Follow us on social media:
📘 Facebook: @LaRoseLopsRabbitry
📸 Instagram: @larose.lops