Monday, October 6, 2025

Meet the Breeds – Rabbits

If you’ve ever spent time with rabbits, you know they each have their own unique charm. At Andersen Acres, our rabbitry is home to a few very special breeds — the soft and affectionate Rex, the spunky and expressive Holland Lop, and the calm, majestic Flemish Giant. Together, they show just how much variety can exist within one species.

Each breed brings something different to the farm — in personality, in purpose, and in presence. This post is our chance to introduce these wonderful rabbits and share what makes them so special here at Andersen Acres.


Rex Rabbits – Velvet in Motion

If there’s one word that describes a Rex rabbit, it’s luxurious. Their fur is unlike anything else in the rabbit world. Instead of the long guard hairs most rabbits have, the Rex’s coat stands straight up and feels like soft velvet to the touch. It’s the kind of texture that makes you want to keep petting them forever.

Appearance

Rex rabbits are medium-sized and come in a variety of colors — from pure white to rich chocolate, blue, and even broken patterns. Their plush fur gives them a unique look and feel that’s both elegant and comforting. On our farm, they’re often the rabbits people fall in love with first, just because of how irresistibly soft they are.

Personality

Our Rexes are sweet, calm, and caring. They’re affectionate without being demanding, the kind of rabbits that enjoy company but don’t need constant attention. They’re easy to handle and gentle with both people and other animals. When you picture the ideal farm rabbit — one that’s loving, easygoing, and a joy to care for — that’s the Rex.

Why We Love Them

The Rex is the rabbit that turns even casual visitors into rabbit people. Their sweetness and calm make them a pleasure to raise, and their fur adds that extra bit of wonder. Around Andersen Acres, our Rexes are the peacemakers of the rabbit barn — quiet, cuddly, and always ready for a head scratch.


Holland Lops – The Tiny Dynamos

If the Rex is our calm and collected friend, the Holland Lop is the mischievous little spark of the rabbitry. These small, floppy-eared rabbits are packed with personality, and they know exactly how cute they are.

Appearance

Holland Lops are compact and muscular, with their signature floppy ears and a round, chubby face that could melt even the toughest heart. They usually weigh only 2–4 pounds, making them one of the smallest breeds on the farm. But don’t let their size fool you — what they lack in stature, they make up for in spirit.

Personality

Our Holland Lops are curious, spunky, and full of attitude. They’re the explorers, the little comedians of the rabbit barn. They’ll nudge your shoe to get your attention, toss toys around, or hop right up to investigate the camera when you’re trying to take photos.

They can be opinionated — if they don’t want to be picked up, they’ll make it known — but that’s part of their charm. You never have to wonder what a Holland Lop is thinking. They’ll show you.

Why We Love Them

Holland Lops bring laughter wherever they go. They have a way of brightening the barn just by being their spunky selves. Watching them hop, flop, and toss their ears around reminds us not to take life too seriously.


Flemish Giants – The Gentle Giants

And then, there’s the Flemish Giant — the calm, majestic ruler of the rabbitry. These rabbits can grow to over 15 pounds, and when they stretch out, they’re as long as a small dog. Despite their impressive size, they’re known for their laid-back and affectionate nature.

Appearance

Flemish Giants have long, strong bodies with soft fur and big, soulful eyes. Their size alone is enough to make people stop in their tracks. When visitors first meet ours, they usually say the same thing: “That can’t be a rabbit!” But it is — just a very large, very lovable one.

Personality

Our Flemish Giant is the picture of calm. Nothing rattles him. While the Holland Lops are bouncing around and the Rexes are watching quietly, the Flemish is content to sprawl in the hay and observe. He’s friendly, easy to handle, and has a gentle presence that makes him a favorite with visitors of all ages.

Why We Love Him

He may not hop around as energetically as the others, but his calm confidence brings balance to the rabbitry. He’s the anchor — the quiet reminder that sometimes slowing down is the best way to enjoy farm life.


Life with Rabbits on Andersen Acres

Our rabbits may all be different, but together they make up one of the most peaceful parts of the farm. Each morning starts with the rustle of hay and the sound of soft hops. The Rexes come forward for attention, the Lops play with their toys, and the Flemish just watches over it all like a benevolent king.

Rabbits are often underestimated on a farm, but we’ve found they add just as much joy as any of our larger animals. They teach gentleness, patience, and the art of noticing small things — a twitching nose, a happy flop, a moment of quiet companionship.


Tips for Keeping Rabbits

  1. Space to Move – Even small breeds need room to hop, stretch, and explore.
  2. Proper Diet – Good hay is essential, with pellets and fresh greens as supplements.
  3. Gentle Handling – Rabbits can be startled easily. Move slowly and build trust over time.
  4. Shade and Shelter – Keep them cool in summer and protected in winter.
  5. Social Time – Rabbits thrive on companionship, whether from people or other rabbits.

Why Rabbits Belong on a Hobby Farm

Rabbits bring softness and serenity to the rhythm of the farm. They’re quiet, efficient, and full of heart. For us, they represent the quieter side of farm life — the moments that happen between the big chores, when you stop to breathe and just enjoy being surrounded by life.

Our Rexes, Holland Lops, and Flemish Giant each have a different energy, but together they remind us of what makes Andersen Acres special: variety, balance, and the simple joy of caring for animals that make every day brighter.


Conclusion

The rabbits of Andersen Acres may not make much noise, but they make a lasting impression. From the velvety Rexes to the bouncy Lops and the gentle Flemish Giant, each one adds warmth and wonder to our little farm family.

Next in our “Meet the Breeds” series, we’ll be introducing Shadowfax, our miniature horse — the farm’s spirited star and a daily reminder that personality doesn’t come in one size.

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