Monday, February 24, 2014

Protection for Bunny

Ever thought about what might happen to bunny if something really bad happened? (i.e. she got stolen or lost or went missing in a terrible storm).
Lots of people live with no protection for their pets. So that doesn't mean that you should. If bunny gets lost, stolen, or you loose her during a bad storm you will soon realize what you needed to do.

What if bunny gets stolen?:
PREVENTION-Bunny should not be left outside alone. A rabbit hutch should be kept in an area not visible to the general public. She shouldn't be tied tied up outside like you would a dog. Don't take bunny out for a walk with no leash on and then turn your back. Lock your house and don't leave windows open while your gone. You could always install a camera in the yard where bunny is kept or in your house where bunny is in her cage.
WHAT IF IT DOES HAPPEN-You can file a police report. Don't wait too long though if you want to file one or it will take longer to address the problem. Put up signs in your neighborhood to let people know to watch for bunny and offer a reward. 

What if bunny gets lost?:
PREVENTION-Rabbit proof your yard and make sure you watch bunny when she is out there. Don't leave bunny attended in your yard unless she is safely in her hutch/secure bunny pen. If you are walking her do not take her off of the harness. You can ask your vet if you can microchip bunny.
WHAT IF IT DOES HAPPEN-Put up signs in your neighborhood. Keep a look out for bunny. Safety note:Don't put a collar on bun.

Thankfully this rarely happens to rabbits. It is more common with dogs and cats.

If you never see bun again remember, its OK to be sad. Don't take it out on your family. If it is someones fault forgive them. Don't be bitter. If it is your fault for something don't kick yourself for it.
Remember the good times with bunny. Give thanks for the time you had with bunny. 

BUNNY LUV 







Thursday, February 13, 2014

Dealing With an Aggressive Rabbit

Do you have an aggressive bunny? I did. Fuzz-Butt (Snowberry's nick-name) was a pretty mean girl. When she wanted to be that is. (Just like her lovely mamma)! 'Twas such a nightmare! Everyday when I tried to feed her or clean up her cage it was the same: Open the cage, get bite, open the cage, get bit. Being a 9 year old rabbit owner to a 6 month old aggressive dwarf rabbit was not easy! So, since I understand how you feel let me share with you what I learned. Remember......
Be kind to a mean bunny. Don't be mean or cruel to her. This will only make it worse. Sometimes it has to do with you. Think for a moment. Do you ever speak sharply to bunny or make "aggressive" movements? Do you forget to feed bunny? Clean her cage?
If bunny bites you or scratches you then give her sharp NO and put her in her cage. Do not give her treats.

APPROACHING THE CAGE & DEALING WITH THE AGGRESSIVENESS:
Approach casually. Don't be nervous, bunny'll see that as weakness. Speak calmly, in a quiet voice, and a little firm. Place your hand above bunny's head and then take her out. If bunny bites, say, "NO!" very loudly and don't give her treats! Do not hit bunny. Seriously consider getting bunny fixed. Unfixed bunny's can be very territorial and aggressive. 90% of SnowB's aggression went away after we fixed her. Be considerate to bunny. Respect her. Talk to your vet about bunny and se if he has any ideas about what you can do to help bunny be nicer.

NOTE: Bunny bites can get easily infected. Please keep all scratches and bites clean. Never  lash out at bunny in anger.


So who is the boss? You or bunny?

my beautiful lil' devil



Monday, February 3, 2014

Walks, Swimming, and Baths

I'm sure that at one time or another you've seen a person walking their pet rabbit. Maybe a friend had a party with their bunny in a lil' kiddie pool. So, is walking bunny bad? Is it OK to let bunny have a dip in the pool or in the shower with you?

WALKING--  Walking bunnies has become a little more common in the past few years. However, it has also become even more hazardous. Why? Well, dogs for one thing, animal diseases, loud noises, and even people can sometimes be a bit of a hazard. Bunny can also very easily catch fleas, ticks, and other bugs. A dog could easily attack a bunny while you are walking her or if she is not being properly watched. Heatstroke, cold wind, rain, hail, or sudden thunderstorms can lead to a sudden panic attack. (VERY dangerous.) I personally don't recommend walks for bunny, but if you want to-with adult supervision-you may walk her. REMEMBER: Bunny should have all her shots and should be on a HARNES. NOT A LEASH. Always have bunny on a leash that is attached to a harness. Always. Take bunny out on nice days. Don't let young children walk her (6 years or younger). Don't let friends that are little walk her. Don't run with bunny. Hold her if you see a dog.

SWIMMING AND BATHS. No lie, bunnies can actually be pretty good swimmers! So does that mean that bunny should get a dip in your big/kiddie pool? How about sprinklers? NO. DO NOT EVER take bunny into the pool with you. Bunny will not like you for it. She could end up sick, or drown and then die. Bunnies are very susceptible to the cold and could get sick. She could also get water in her mouth and get germs from that.
"But she loves the pool", "But I'm having a pool party. Come on." Sorry, no. It is not a good or safe idea. It may be a good idea to avoid sprinklers too.