Our Minilop Rabbits

At Hokonui Hoppers, we breed beautiful Minilop rabbits in Gore, New Zealand. Discover what makes our bunnies so special and why they make wonderful companions.

What Makes Our Minilops So Special?

Our Minilop rabbits are undeniably cute and special due to their unique physical characteristics:

  • Floppy ears – Their soft, droopy ears frame their faces and make them look gentle and cuddly.
  • Round face & big eyes – Mini Lops have compact, baby-like faces with large expressive eyes that give them a sweet, innocent look.
  • Chubby cheeks – Their short, rounded heads give them a “puffed-cheek” look that makes them resemble little plush toys.
  • Compact size – They’re small but sturdy, like a living stuffed animal, which makes them extra huggable.
  • Soft fur – Their dense, velvety coats make people instinctively want to stroke and cuddle them.

Minilop Personalities

Our Minilops are known for their wonderful personalities:

  • 🥰 Affectionate & Loving

    • Many Mini Lops enjoy close bonds with their humans.

    • They may nuzzle, lick, or flop next to you as a sign of trust.

    • They often like being near people, even if they don’t always want to be picked up.

    🐇 Playful & Curious

    • Mini Lops are adventurous explorers — they love to hop around, investigate new spaces, and climb into boxes or tunnels.

    • They can be mischievous (chewing wires, nibbling furniture if not bunny-proofed).

    😌 Gentle & Calm

    • Known for having a relatively easygoing nature compared to some breeds.

    • They adapt well to family life if handled gently and given space to feel safe.

    🤓 Intelligent & Trainable

    • They can learn to use a litter box, come when called, and even do tricks with positive reinforcement.

    • Puzzle toys and food games keep them mentally stimulated.

    🎭 Expressive

    • Mini Lops communicate through body language:

      • Binkies (joyful jumps/twists) = happiness

      • Flopping onto their side = relaxation and trust

      • Thumping = warning or fear

    • Each has their own “quirky” personality — some are more outgoing, others more reserved.

    👯 Social & Companion-Oriented

    • They thrive with another rabbit companion (especially a bonded, desexed pair).

    • If solo, they need lots of daily interaction with their human family.

    👉 Overall, Mini Lops are often described as “sweet-natured little clowns” — gentle, affectionate, playful, and full of personality.

Keeping Our Bunnies Healthy and Happy

We ensure our Minilops are healthy and happy by providing:

  • Space – Large enclosure or pen with room to hop, stretch, and stand upright.
  • Toys – Cardboard boxes, tunnels, chew toys, willow sticks.
  • Companionship – Rabbits are social animals and thrive when together.
  • Handling - Bunnies are handled and health checked from a very young age.

Healthy bunnies are active, curious, eat constantly, and have glossy coats with regular droppings.

Hokonui Hoppers Bunnies live outdoors on the ground, where they can play and dig, making for healthy, happy Bunnies with great immunity.

Bringing a Minilop Home?

Thinking of bringing one of our Minilops home? Here’s what you should know:

  1. They Need Space & Time
    • A hutch isn’t enough — they need a roomy enclosure plus several hours a day to run, jump, and explore safely.
    • They thrive when they’re part of the household routine, not kept isolated.
  2. Diet is Everything
    • 80–90% hay diet to keep teeth trimmed and digestion healthy.
    • Fresh veggies daily, pellets in moderation, and unlimited clean water.
    • Treats (like fruit or carrot) are occasional only.
  3. Companionship Matters
    • Rabbits are social animals. They’re happiest with another rabbit (desexed, properly bonded).
    • If kept solo, they need plenty of daily human interaction.
  4. They’re Prey Animals
    • They don’t like being grabbed or carried too much. Sitting on the floor with them and letting them come to you builds trust.
    • Sudden noises or movements can frighten them, so a calm environment is best.
  5. Health & Vet Care
    • Rabbits need regular vet visits, vaccinations (in some regions), and desexing.
    • Common emergency signs: if they stop eating, or droppings suddenly decrease — this can be life-threatening.
    • Find a rabbit-savvy vet before you bring one home.
  6. Grooming & Maintenance
    • Mini Lops have dense fur — weekly brushing (more during moulting) prevents hairballs.
    • Nails need trimming every 6–8 weeks.
    • Litter training is possible and makes cleaning easier.
  7. Commitment & Lifespan
    • Mini Lops live 8–12 years with good care.
    • They’re a long-term commitment — more like a cat or dog than a “starter pet.”
  8. Enrichment & Bonding
    • They love cardboard boxes, tunnels, chew toys, and puzzle feeders.
    • Patience and gentle handling will help their sweet, affectionate personality shine.

✨ In short: a Mini Lop will reward you with affection, playfulness, and companionship — but they need daily care, safe housing, proper diet, and lots of love.