Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Quick Facts

• Adult weight: 500g–1.7kg
• Lifespan: around 8 years
• Age we sell from: 7 weeks and over
• Temperament: curious, alert and full of personality
• Worming: every 3 months (4 times a year)
• Best for: owners who want a small, playful rabbit with lots of character

Netherland Dwarf Rabbits for Sale in Sydney

Birdsville sells purebred Netherland Dwarf rabbits at our store at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria, open 7 days. Our babies are at least seven weeks old. We never sell a rabbit younger than this, as they may still be suckling.

Our stock changes regularly, so please call us on (02) 9669 1766 or visit in store to see which Netherland Dwarfs are available. From time to time we also have adult rabbits looking for new homes. They make beautiful pets and are often already litter trained, so ask our team if you’re interested.

What Is a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit?

The Netherland Dwarf is the smallest domestic rabbit breed in Australia, weighing between 500g and 1.7kg as an adult, about the size of a large guinea pig. Because of their dwarf genetics, they have large, rounded heads, small upright ears and compact bodies, which gives them a baby-like look their whole life.

Are Netherland Dwarf Rabbits Good Pets?

Yes. Netherland Dwarfs are curious, alert and full of personality, and they are hardy enough for gentle cuddles from children. Baby rabbits need a little extra care in their first couple of weeks while they settle in. They litter train very easily and can get along with other pets, including guinea pigs and birds, with proper introductions and supervision.

Netherland Dwarf vs Mini Lop: Which Should I Choose?

Both breeds make excellent pets and have the same diet and care needs. The main difference is temperament and size:

• Netherland Dwarf: small upright ears, 500g–1.7kg, the smallest breed, more curious and alert.
• Mini Lop: floppy ears, 0.75–2.5kg, the most relaxed and beginner-friendly breed.

If you’d like a rabbit with lots of personality and curiosity, the Netherland Dwarf is hard to beat. If you want the calmest, easiest rabbit to handle, see our Mini Lop rabbits for sale.

What Do Netherland Dwarf Rabbits Eat?

Netherland Dwarf rabbits eat mostly hay, which should make up 70–80% of their diet and be available at all times. The rest of their diet is quality pellets, fresh leafy greens and occasional treats. Rabbit digestion is sensitive, so getting these ratios right is one of the best ways to keep your rabbit healthy.

• Hay (70–80%): Oaten, meadow, rye, timothy or a blend. Timothy is the leanest choice for overweight rabbits. Never feed straw instead of hay, as it has no nutritional value. We recommend fresh Australian-grown hay.
• Pellets (up to 10%): Vetafarm Rabbit Origins, Selective, Peckish or Petsville pellets. Avoid supermarket brands, and don’t overfeed, as too many pellets can cause obesity.
• Leafy greens: Carrot tops, bok choy, broccoli, spinach, endive, Asian greens, dandelion and herbs like parsley, coriander, mint, basil and dill.
• Fruit and root veg (small amounts): Carrot, sweet potato, capsicum and blueberries. Carrots are high in sugar, so feed them sparingly.
• Legumes (occasional treat only): Lucerne, alfalfa and clover.

Never feed your rabbit: lettuce, cereal, avocado, onion, garlic, sugar, corn, beans, bread, sweets, chocolate, biscuits, grains, nuts or any garden plant you can’t confirm is rabbit-safe.

Without enough hay, rabbits can develop gastrointestinal stasis, which can be fatal.

What Kind of Enclosure Does a Netherland Dwarf Need?

A Netherland Dwarf needs an enclosure big enough to move freely, stand upright and stretch out fully without touching the sides or toys. There is no such thing as an enclosure that is too big.

• Indoor enclosures: A solid plastic base is easiest to clean and won’t harbour bacteria like wood can.
• Outdoor hutches: Must protect your rabbit from sun, rain and predators at all times.
• Cleaning: Rabbit urine is acidic and can burn their skin. Clean regularly with a rabbit-safe hutch cleaner such as CSI, Vetafarm, F10 or Aristopet, as household disinfectants can be toxic to rabbits.

We stock both indoor and outdoor enclosures in store, so ask our team for a recommendation to suit your space.

Can You Litter Train a Netherland Dwarf?

Yes. Rabbits are one of the easiest animals to litter train, because they naturally toilet in one spot. Place a litter tray in a corner of the enclosure and use a different material in the tray from the rest of the enclosure. If your rabbit has an accident, move the droppings into the tray and the scent will guide them back.

Good litter choices include hemp, Cat’s Best, wood pellets and paper pellets. Never use hay as bedding, as it confuses the food and toilet areas.

Can You Train a Netherland Dwarf Rabbit?

Yes. With patience and treats, you can teach a Netherland Dwarf to come when called, jump onto your lap and respond to simple commands like sit, stay, come and up. Two five-minute sessions a day work best. Reward the right behaviour straight away, and hold treats under their nose rather than at eye level, as rabbits rely on smell and whiskers up close.

It’s normal for a new rabbit to seem tame at first, then become shy for a day or two while they adjust. Keep handling gentle and consistent and they will settle.

How Do You Groom and Handle a Netherland Dwarf?

Netherland Dwarfs have short coats and need only a weekly brush, using a wire brush during moulting to stop them swallowing loose fur. If you bathe your rabbit, only use a rabbit-safe shampoo. Human, cat and dog shampoos are too harsh for rabbit skin.

When handling, always support your rabbit’s bottom with both hands and never lift them by the ears. Give a new rabbit one to two days to settle in, until they are eating and drinking normally, before you pick them up. For outdoor time, always use a rabbit harness, never a collar.

How Often Should You Worm a Netherland Dwarf?

Worm your new Netherland Dwarf 10 days after bringing them home, then every three months (four times a year). The wormer is simply added to their drinking water.

We also recommend a mite and mange spray every 12 weeks, even if you have no other pets, plus a monthly flea treatment. All treatments are available in store.

When Should You Vaccinate a Netherland Dwarf?

Many vets recommend vaccinating rabbits at 12 weeks of age, though some newer vaccines can be given earlier. Keep your rabbit indoors or under mosquito netting until they are vaccinated. Desexing can also make toilet training easier, so it’s worth discussing at the same vet visit.

Common Netherland Dwarf Health Issues

If you notice any change in your rabbit’s behaviour, appetite, appearance or energy, act promptly. Common issues to watch for include:

• Overgrown teeth: prevented with plenty of hay and chew toys.
• Hairballs: prevented with a high-fibre diet and regular brushing.
• Sore hocks: sore feet caused by unsuitable flooring or uncleaned urine.
• Fur loss or dandruff: usually a sign of mites or fleas.
• Snuffles: a respiratory infection with wheezing, runny nose or eye discharge. See a vet promptly.
• Fly strike: more common in outdoor rabbits during warmer months.

Not sure whether your rabbit looks healthy? Bring them in and we’ll do a complimentary visual health check and show you what to look for.

What Do I Need to Bring a Netherland Dwarf Home?

Here is everything you need for your new Netherland Dwarf. Our team can put it all together for you in store.

• Enclosure or hutch (indoor or outdoor)
• Chew-proof carrier
• Quality pellets (Selective Junior for under 6 months, Selective Adult for over 8 months, Peckish, Rabbit Origins or Petsville Small Animal Mix)
• Hay (oaten, ryegrass, timothy, pasture or a blend)
• Hay feeder
• Salt lick or mineral block
• Drink bottle
• Heavy, low-sided food bowls
• Litter tray and litter
• Bedding (straw, sawdust, paper pellets, hemp or wood pellets)
• 4–6 toys, rotated regularly
• Wooden hide
• Rabbit-safe hutch cleaner
• Wormer
• Mite and mange spray
• Treats for bonding and training

Rabbit Vets in Sydney

We recommend these experienced rabbit and exotic vets:

• SASH – Small Animal Specialist Hospital: Level 1, 1 Richardson Place, North Ryde, (02) 9190 6806
• The Wild Vet: 22A Bridge Road, Glebe, 1300 945 383
• SERV – Sydney Exotics & Rabbit Vets: 57–63 Herbert St, Artarmon, (02) 9436 4884
• Southern Cross Vet: 60 Princes Hwy, St Peters, (02) 9516 0234
• Carlingford Animal Hospital: 772 Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford, (02) 9871 6036

Netherland Dwarf Rabbit FAQs

How long do Netherland Dwarf rabbits live?
Netherland Dwarf rabbits live for around 8 years with good care.

How big do Netherland Dwarf rabbits get?
Adult Netherland Dwarfs weigh between 500g and 1.7kg, making them the smallest rabbit breed in Australia.

How old are your Netherland Dwarfs when you sell them?
Our Netherland Dwarfs are at least seven weeks old. We never sell younger rabbits, as they may still be suckling.

Are your rabbits DNA sexed?
No. We always give our best expert opinion on a rabbit’s sex and are happy to show you how we check, but it isn’t a guarantee, especially in very young rabbits.

Do Netherland Dwarfs get along with other pets?
Yes, with proper introductions and supervision. Many live happily with guinea pigs and birds, and some even with cats and dogs.

Do you board rabbits?
Yes. We offer rabbit boarding at our Alexandria store.

Visit Birdsville to Meet Our Netherland Dwarfs

Come in and meet our Netherland Dwarf rabbits at 684 Botany Road, Alexandria. Look for the sunshine yellow building on the corner of Botany Road and Gardeners Road. Our team will help you choose the right rabbit, answer your questions and set you up with everything you need to bring your new companion home.

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9:30am–5:30pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–5pm
Phone: (02) 9669 1766