Meet Winston

To adopt Winston or any animal, visit geneseehumane.org or call 810.744.0511.

Winston is a 6-year-old Holland Lop. He is deaf, but that doesn’t slow him down. He is very soft and sweet. His adoption fee is $50. Adopting a deaf Holland Lop doesn’t change the fundamentals of rabbit care, but it does change how you interact with them and how they experience the world. The biggest shift is that everything becomes visual, tactile, and scent-based instead of sound-based.

Startle response is a big deal
A deaf rabbit won’t hear you coming, so:
· They can panic if suddenly touched or approached
· Always get into their line of sight first or gently create vibrations (like lightly tapping the floor) before touching them
· Approach from the front or side, not behind
Building trust here is critical—once they learn you’re predictable, they relax a lot.

Communication becomes visual and routine-based
You’ll rely on:
· Hand signals (simple, consistent gestures for feeding, “come here,” etc.)
· Light cues (turning a light on/off to signal your presence)
· Consistent daily routines (feeding at the same time, same movements)
Rabbits are excellent at picking up patterns, even without hearing.

Bonding may take a bit more patience
Because they can’t hear reassuring sounds (your voice, footsteps), they may:
· Be more cautious at first
· Take longer to trust handling
But once bonded, they’re just as affectionate as hearing rabbits, sometimes even more tuned in to your physical presence.

Safety adjustments in the home
Since they can’t hear danger:
· Be extra careful with other pets (dogs/cats can startle or approach unnoticed)
· Watch for hazards they can’t hear (like approaching people, vacuums, etc.)
· Avoid letting them roam where they could be surprised suddenly

Environmental enrichment matters more
Without sound stimulation, give them:
· Plenty of chew toys
· Tunnels, platforms, and things to explore
· Different textures and safe objects to interact with
This keeps them mentally engaged.

Health considerations
Deafness itself isn’t always a major health issue, but:
· It can sometimes be linked to genetics or inner ear issues
· With Holland Lops, continue to watch for ear infections; their ear shape already makes them prone
Regular exotic vet visits are still essential.

Handling and lifting requires extra care
Because they can’t hear your approach or calming voice:
· Move slowly and deliberately
· Use gentle, predictable touch
· Support their body fully to avoid panic kicking (which can injure their spine)

Every shelter animal has a story … Let’s change their ending.