Sadly I am no longer breeding Velveteen Lops. I still have a passion
for this breed, and will continue to follow along the updates of the
development of this breed, and I am happy to help find reputable
breeders for those in search of a Velveteen Lop.
Here is tons of information about the Velveteen Lop breed that I have learned by working with the breed over the years, by talking to other breeders, and by researching... a lot! There are some great links I'd recommend checking out to learn more about this breed.
The Velveteen Lop is a new breed of rabbit that many V-lop breeders are trying to get recognized as a breed in the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association). We are trying to perfect the breed, by shortening their coat to get the soft plush fur that is dreamy to stroke, and lengthening their ears that gives them the cutest look. Many dedicated and serious breeders are also working to breed out any genetic diseases or unhealthy traits in the breed (just like any responsible breeder would do).
Personality
I always like to say that the Velveteen Lop is a puppy in a rabbits body. They are so lovable, always wanting attention from people, with just the most docile and sweet personality. They are the perfect breed for first time rabbit owners, sitting still for nail trimming, eating well, handling stress better than many breeds, and enjoy being handled. The Velveteen Lop is also very curious. They love to hop around and explore new areas, while making you laugh with their silly antics. Just like all animals, each different rabbit has their own personality, and it is so much fun to watch them grow and to figure out their personality as you play with them. I have one bunny who LOVES to dig, and another who must have leaves and sticks in her hutch with her at all times to chew on.
Most every Velveteen Lop I've owned just loves to eat. I've heard the same from many other Velveteen Lop owners and breeders, they just love to eat! Because of this, their diet needs to be monitored, and they must not be free fed - a fat bunny is an unhealthy bunny. It is fun to see how excited they get in the morning when they know its feeding time, or when they smell the fresh veggies they're going to get. Each of my bunnies have different favorite treats, and its always fun to find out who like what, and what vegetables they don't like.
Feed
With my 4 month old bunnies, I normally feed 1/2 a cup of rabbit pellets daily. With my adult velveteen lops (of course, it all depends on the body weight) I feed 3/4 a cup of rabbit pellets daily. I free feed Timothy hay to all rabbits, with fresh water daily. Salt and mineral licks are available at all times, it helps rabbits keep cooler in the summer time with the electrolytes they lose.
Fresh vegetables daily are also a healthy part of a rabbits diet. Please research which vegetables are healthy for bunnies to consume. Do not feed lots of fresh veggies to any rabbit under 6 months that has not been eating them on a normal daily basis. Rabbits have very sensitive stomachs, please Google any veggies or fruits you are uncertain about.
Grooming
I find that my Velveteen Lops grow their nails less quickly than my Netherlands. Do accustom your rabbit to having nails trimmed. Untrimmed nails are at risk of being ripped out. I try to trim all my babies nails before they leave for their new home. You can see in white nails, the pink part is the quick. It is a blood vessel the runs through their nails, and is painful is you cut it. Clip right before that part. Baking soda is a good blood clotting substance, or you can find some designed for pets at a local pet store.
In black or dark nails, you'll just have to do your best to guess. Sometimes, if the nails are a lighter color, you could hold a light up to them and see the quick. I can, with some rabbits, do a test squeeze with the clippers and if they pull back, its going to cut their quick. Please keep in mind, this is not the most accurate way to clip nails, some bunnies just hate nails trimmed, and will pull back their nails at any pressure they feel.
With the Velveteen Lop fur, you don't want to use a wire brush. It can damage their fur. A damp cloth to groom them works, or you can find a plastic bristle brush to gently groom them with. A special comb
Great links to learn more about your bunnies!
https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/velveteen-lop/
http://countrycoverabbitry.weebly.com/velveteen-lop-careinformation.html
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/
Personality
I always like to say that the Velveteen Lop is a puppy in a rabbits body. They are so lovable, always wanting attention from people, with just the most docile and sweet personality. They are the perfect breed for first time rabbit owners, sitting still for nail trimming, eating well, handling stress better than many breeds, and enjoy being handled. The Velveteen Lop is also very curious. They love to hop around and explore new areas, while making you laugh with their silly antics. Just like all animals, each different rabbit has their own personality, and it is so much fun to watch them grow and to figure out their personality as you play with them. I have one bunny who LOVES to dig, and another who must have leaves and sticks in her hutch with her at all times to chew on.
Most every Velveteen Lop I've owned just loves to eat. I've heard the same from many other Velveteen Lop owners and breeders, they just love to eat! Because of this, their diet needs to be monitored, and they must not be free fed - a fat bunny is an unhealthy bunny. It is fun to see how excited they get in the morning when they know its feeding time, or when they smell the fresh veggies they're going to get. Each of my bunnies have different favorite treats, and its always fun to find out who like what, and what vegetables they don't like.
Feed
With my 4 month old bunnies, I normally feed 1/2 a cup of rabbit pellets daily. With my adult velveteen lops (of course, it all depends on the body weight) I feed 3/4 a cup of rabbit pellets daily. I free feed Timothy hay to all rabbits, with fresh water daily. Salt and mineral licks are available at all times, it helps rabbits keep cooler in the summer time with the electrolytes they lose.
Fresh vegetables daily are also a healthy part of a rabbits diet. Please research which vegetables are healthy for bunnies to consume. Do not feed lots of fresh veggies to any rabbit under 6 months that has not been eating them on a normal daily basis. Rabbits have very sensitive stomachs, please Google any veggies or fruits you are uncertain about.
Grooming
I find that my Velveteen Lops grow their nails less quickly than my Netherlands. Do accustom your rabbit to having nails trimmed. Untrimmed nails are at risk of being ripped out. I try to trim all my babies nails before they leave for their new home. You can see in white nails, the pink part is the quick. It is a blood vessel the runs through their nails, and is painful is you cut it. Clip right before that part. Baking soda is a good blood clotting substance, or you can find some designed for pets at a local pet store.
In black or dark nails, you'll just have to do your best to guess. Sometimes, if the nails are a lighter color, you could hold a light up to them and see the quick. I can, with some rabbits, do a test squeeze with the clippers and if they pull back, its going to cut their quick. Please keep in mind, this is not the most accurate way to clip nails, some bunnies just hate nails trimmed, and will pull back their nails at any pressure they feel.
With the Velveteen Lop fur, you don't want to use a wire brush. It can damage their fur. A damp cloth to groom them works, or you can find a plastic bristle brush to gently groom them with. A special comb
Great links to learn more about your bunnies!
https://www.petguide.com/breeds/rabbit/velveteen-lop/
http://countrycoverabbitry.weebly.com/velveteen-lop-careinformation.html
https://rabbitsindoors.weebly.com/