Q&A for How to Care for Lionhead Rabbits

If the rabbit has just a few fleas, combing every day with a flea comb and putting him back each day onto clean bedding (and disinfecting his hutch) can help. If you put him back into a hutch containing flea eggs, then it will take much longer to get his fleas under control. Alternatively, there are safe effective prescription spot-on products designed to take care of rabbit fleas. However, never use just any spot-on product, as rabbits are very sensitive to chemicals. Dog/ cat products are likely to prove fatal.

Yes, rabbits can suffer from heatstroke, as they don't sweat or pant. The inner surface of a rabbit's ears looks very pink when she is hot. She will breathe quickly through flared nostrils and seem reluctant to move. If the weather is hot, ensure the rabbit has shade, plenty of water, and perhaps a fan blowing on part of the cage to keep her cool.

A well-socialized, friendly rabbit should love cuddles, so yes, you can pick her up. However, if the rabbit is fearful, then she may struggle against you. This struggling could damage her spine. The best plan is to win her trust first by hand-feeding her and gently stroking in her hutch. Then, when she happily approaches you, sit on the floor to pick her up so that, if she wriggles, she doesn't have far to fall.

Lionhead rabbits are good-natured and great pets for someone who wants a pet that loves being around their owner. This is super if you want a lap pet, but not so good if you want a more independent pet.

While almonds are not toxic to rabbits, they are not an ideal food, as they are relatively high in fat. As with so many tasty foods, it's best to feed occasionally as a treat, rather than regularly. Remember, the ideal food for rabbits is growing grass or fresh, green hay, followed by a few rabbit pellets and a different type of fruit and vegetable every day.

Lionhead rabbits are so called for their attractive mane. However, the size and plushness of the mane varies considerably between individuals, even among purebreds. Their mane can also vary in size depending on whether they are molting or not, and the time of year. The important thing is that she's fit and well, which it sounds like she is.

It's important to keep the rabbit's rear clean because fecal soiling will attract flies. Speak to a local vet tech about getting the soft fur around her rear clipped off so that pellets don't get caught in it. Also, if the pellets are too soft, increase the amount of hay she eats as this will firm her up.

A well-cared for Lionhead rabbit has an average life expectancy of 7 to 9 years. Desexing, especially the females, has an important role in extending life expectancy since females are prone to womb cancer, which is responsible for the death of 75% of females over the age of 5.

Lionheads have a reputation for being very sociable and strongly bonded to their owner. In theory, with the right hutch and plenty of bedding, you could keep a Lionhead outside, but whether they would be happy away from you is a different question.

Bathing rabbits is controversial. The main reason is that rabbits can't raise their heads, so it's easy for them to accidentally inhale water and get pneumonia. If you do bathe a Lionhead, use a large bowl and put it on an angle so their head is well above the waterline.