What’s not to love about French lops as pets. Their distinct ears, twitchy noses, and hoppy legs are some of the reasons why many have been taken in by this bunny.
French lop rabbits are wonderful pets for adults and older children. When properly socialized while they are young, these rabbits will bond with their owners completely, making them excellent companion animals.
If you’re interested in keeping French lop rabbits as pets there are a few things you need to take into consideration. And here are some of the questions you need to ask yourself.
How Good Are French Lops as Pets?
They are docile, adorable, and appreciate a good cuddle making them great candidates for loving companion animals.
French lops are large so they’ll need lots of space where they can play. This is why they may not be a great option for people with limited space in their apartments.
They chew indiscriminately so you’ll need to keep the cables, shoes, or any other chewable valuable away from their reach. You’ll therefore need to keep them occupied with lots of toys they can chew.
French lops can be litter trained, but since they are rabbits, they’ll take some time to get the hang of it.
These gentle giants are known for their charming personalities. They are great with kids and can get along well with other pets in the house too.
Behavioral issues will not be a problem with this pet if it is well socialized while they are young.
If you’re thinking of introducing an adult French lop to a new rabbit companion, do it gradually and have lots of patience as they may fight. This is a normal reaction, so you’ll have to be patient. Just make sure to prevent them from injuring each other. One way of preventing French lops from fighting is by neutering them. Also, keeping a mixed-sex pair is suitable.
French Lop Lifestyle
Well kept French lops will live for an average of 5-7 years. Some important factors that may determine how long these rabbits may live to include:
1. Health
French lops are uncomplicated when it comes to health issues. One of the most common health problems you’ll have to watch out for is dental issues.
When given a poor diet, they tend to have overgrown teeth. Their diet should comprise high-quality hay and fibrous green vegetables to make sure their continuously growing teeth are worn down naturally.
You might need to check their teeth if you notice your French Lop is not eating as much or has fewer droppings.
A good diet will also mean fewer digestive problems which manifest as diarrhea. This may attract flies which may lead to flystrike – a painful condition caused by fly larvae during warm months.
2. Care
Pet French lops will need cages that are larger than the typical rabbit cage. Whether you’re keeping them outdoors or indoors, make sure they have enough space to play and run.
French Lop colors
French Lops have soft, short coats that come in two color types; solid and broken. There are a variety of colors within these two broad color categories including
- steel.
- blue,
- opal,
- fawn,
- Siamese (brown and cream),
- black,
- brown,
- white,
- sable,
- chinchilla, and
- agouti,
They don’t have any specific markings that define their breed from other rabbit breeds.
What’s the Cost of Getting a French Lop?
French lops cost an average of $75 to buy. Other costs of keeping French lop rabbits as pets include grooming, toys, healthcare such as vaccinations and neutering, food, insurance, and other equipment, among others.
How Big Can They Get?
French lops are giant rabbits. On average, adult rabbits weigh anywhere from 10-15 pounds. Their ears are long and hang below the jaw, varying between 5 and 8 inches in length. They have stout, thickset bodies and have large heads.
French lops have chubby cheeks, with a wide forehead and thick ears. They have short, straight front legs while their powerful hind legs are carried parallel to their bodies.
How Much Do French Lops shed?
French Lops can be categorized as hypoallergenic pets because of their short, soft, dense rollback coats. Their coats don’t need much attention most of the time but they will shed more during certain seasons.
A weekly brush is enough during seasons when they shed little. They shed most during springtime and during this time, you’ll need to pick up the frequency of the brushing to three or four times a week.
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