Dear visitor, I'd like to introduce you to The Wonderful World of Lops – a particularly special kind of bunny rabbit!





My family and pets reside in a leafy suburb in the city of Canberra, Australia. Unlike other states we experience 'true' seasons – typically mild spring, spectacular autumn, chilly winter and hot summers.
The name of my rabbitry is called 'Bonreiki Lop Stud'. The Polynesian interpretation of 'bonreiki' means 'to grow', which I thought was perfectly apt considering that tiny newborn rabbit kits develop at such an amazing rate. See photos of 'A Kitten's Week by Week Growth Chart' (coming soon)

When visitors see how my rabbitry has been blended into the backyard, at first they react bemused and then pleasantly surprised. To look at the backyard from the house, you only see a landscaped garden of trees and shrubs. It is when you take the path that goes behind the screen of greenery you will find blocks of hutches and various exercise pens.

Because I have an outdoor rabbitry, the hutches need to be weather resistant. They are made of quality ply, have overhanging roofs (wooden and metal) and are mozzie
proof – most also have aluminium security doors.

Having the rabbitry outdoors provides good ventilation as well as pleasant scenery. Since my buns are also under shady trees they are usually quite comfortable in summer.

Since 1989 I have supplied the community garden (equivalent to English allotments) with most of the hutch bedding and every plot has reaped the benefits. Rabbit waste makes such excellent compost and mulch that we don't need to add any other fertilizer.

The soil is rich and friable and naturally the vegetables are prolific, healthy and delicious. Furthermore I can collect yummy rabbit vegetation all year round and the buns are most appreciative.

Apart from providing a smorgasbord variety of fresh organically grown vegetables my bunnies are fed lots of other foodstuff. Depending on what is growing in my garden or seasonally available (grass, weeds, autumn leaves, shrub or tree pruning) they also receive pellets and hay. Pellets are offered in measured portions – otherwise they'll end up overweight with rolls of fat or worse.
 
My bunny's favourite hay (and therefore mine too) is oaten followed by meadow hay (otherwise known as grass or timothy hay). Sometimes I offer lucerne hay though because it is so nutritious I mix it with other hays while cutting back on pellet rations.

I think exercise is important for health and well being however I found it's more convenient and less stressful (for bunnies and humans!) to have an enclosed run. Although confined they still have a great time frolicking in playpens. Those that are easily caught or willingly return to their hutch at the end of the day, can of course freely roam around the backyard.

The types of runs I have vary from a converted chicken pen, extra large hutches and puppy/dog pens. Due to safety issues I have since replaced this fixed enclosure with a modified puppy playpen.








I've also invested in a run which is marketed as suitable for medium to large dogs. It measures 240 cm long x 160 cm wide x 150 cm high and has the convenience of a latched door for easy access.




From personal experience (not to mention the inestimable number of owners relaying how their pet was destroyed) I've learnt that at anytime trespassers are liable to attack and kill bunnies during outdoor exercise. You may think being fully fenced would provide adequate protection, but you would be surprised at the sheer craftiness and agility of predators. The majority of rabbit killers are ordinary pet dogs – perhaps your neighbours or any that happen to roam suburbia or wherever you live. Precautions need to be taken such as diligently keeping an eye on your bunny and providing safe, predator proof exercise pens.

To prevent digging I cover the base with aviary wire or weed mat then a layer of fine bark chips. They absolutely love racing up and down ramps and zooming in and out of a pipe or hollow logs.

It's certainly fascinating to watch them at play, the passage of time seems to stand still and all too easily you could find yourself being entertained for hours on end . . .
 
Warmest regards
Christine

Who has experienced almost a lifetime of unwavering enjoyment of lovable bunny rabbits and a bound and determined dedication to promoting them!

Part of the fascinating journey has lead to the introduction of several Lop breeds in the ACT, qualifying as a rabbit judge, helping to establish the Canberra Rabbit Club and last but by far not the least, wrote The Wonderful World of Pet Rabbits book. Find out more about it by clicking on the 'My Book' page.