Enjoy a cute video!

Have a nice Veterans Day! Watch a video of happy bunny Ed zipping all over the bed!

Courtesy of Alexandra

The Adventures of Bunnies

Hello everyone! The Daisy here! Just some comics I put together to show the hilarious antics of our fellow rabbits. Enjoy!

 

My Favorite Article in SmallAnimalChannel.com's magazine Critters USA

My favorite article in the 2013 Critters USA magazine is definitely Handle with Care. I feel that it is very important to learn how to handle your small pet to avoid any injury. As an owner of two pet rabbits and a hamster I agree they are both delicate species that should be handled with extreme caution. Caroline Charland certainly explained this well along with her wonderful photos. A lot of critters die from falls because they were being held improperly, therefore, the boxes below that list ways NOT to hold your pet are vital to any inexperienced pet owner. I use this article frequently when someone asks me about handling their critter and it has been a reference during those times.

 As for my pets, Mickey, a fancy Russian dwarf hamster, probably enjoys the article called Clean Hamster, Happy Hamster. Not only has it provided his owner(me) with lots of helpful info about cage cleaning, I'm sure MIckey appreciates it as well. 

Mickey looks a lot like one of the hamsters in the article which is obviously the same type!

One of our buns, Daisy, certainly loves this magazine as well. Her favorite article is Don't You Want Some Bunny To Love?, mainly because it has helped us bond over the years.

My loveable bun-girl grooming me while I stroke her.

Nibbling on some hay

Our other rabbit, Lily, is being bonded with Daisy, and this article has been giving us some pointers on bonding them safely and effectively.

The other magazine, Rabbits USA, has also helped me in creating a better environment for our house rabbits and led me to choose pens over cages. 

Thanks to Small Animal Channel's Critters USA (and Rabbits USA), our pets are living a healthy and happy life and I, as their pet owner, am satisfied with the magazine's articles and fun games, tips, and more! I will miss Critters USA issue publications, but I certainly give credit to them for guiding me in pet ownership with reliable and detailed information I really needed over these years. My pets and I thank Critters USA and the website for making their safe and happy lives possible! (:

Great Bunn Products for Rabbits and their owners by Daisy!

Hello, It's Your favorite bunny... Daisy! 

 

What's goin' on, you ask? Well the buzz around here is some new rabbit products I've been checking out for all my bunny friends to see. My friends include some great bunn-bloggers like the ones at My House Rabbits Bunny Blog or Lola the Lovely Lop... Well you get the picture! 

The first product all you rabbits out there need this fall is a very nice pen on Amazon.com. It comes with a red material thing underneath it. Finally, a pen specifically for bunnies! On the market! Mine works just fine, but this is great! 

Next up, we have a product for house bunny owners out there. 

Support HRS and their bunnies in need with DVDs about rabbit ilnesses and care. I think it's extremely important to be able to see the signs and it helps rabbits that HRS rescues. Please go to rabbit.org for more information.

Next we have a Marshall Pet Comfort Harness decked in cool fall colors. This is great for rabbits who love to take walks outdoors like me. The leash and harness is secure and comfy for bunny and owner. I would TOTALLY wear this trend!

Next we have a cool looking product by Fins, Furs, & Feathers inc. This looks great to chew on and fun to hide in. It would be a great addition to your home and the wood is 100% safe!

Finally a product my owner has and proudly can say she LOVES! This is a great down-to-earth guide for both beginners and experienced bunn owners! T his should be the first guide you purchase before you add a bunny to your heart and home! 5 star rating from a bunny like me and it has GREAT medical info that can save your pets life!  

Pen or Cage Options for Your Pet House Rabbit -It's Rabbit Week!

Recently I discussed the location of your rabbit's cage, but I have gotten so MANY requests for some ideas and guidelines for creating the perfect "rabbitat." 

Cages = a bad choice?

If you go the cage route, you need something that goes with the rabbit's breed and age. A cage with multiple ramps makes for a faulty cage if you are using it for a large or old rabbit, whereas a smaller spry, young rabbit may fit better with that option. I do not recommend cages very much, only because they are so expensive and so small. All cages have wires on the bottom, and ones that don't have any are "starter kits." Not only that, the cages are harder to clean.

Some Prefer Pens

 I love puppy pens because there is easier clean-up(sweep out and DONE) and the rabbit gets more access to your daily life. Another reason I love pens because you can generally conform them to particular shapes creatively, and the one I use was cheaper. The pen can be left open for free-range rabbits; a smaller pen can be used solely for a safe hideaway for a rabbit, or it can be put out for the rabbit to stay in at night. I am a rabbit-pen-user at heart. They are comfortable, spacious, the rabbit has more access to your life, inexpensive, perfect for bunn-proofing, and easy to clean. Pens tend to give better ventilation and even if your rabbit is shy, you can find some creative ways to have a proper in-pen hut or shelter for the rabbit to retreat to. 

Before starting....

Remember that although I do not prefer cages, some environments and households can find a way to use cages while still keeping the rabbit happy. Check both options first before deciding cages are a bad idea. Overall, cage, pen, WHATEVER, you always should purchase the best option for your rabbit, not for you. I know people don't like pens because they are big and don't look pretty, but (along with showing off your love for rabbits) it doesn't matter if the housing choice doesn't look good, it's the safety and comfort for the rabbit(and other household members) that counts!

Not a Rodent!

Even people who gravitate towards rabbits positively, still think rabbits are rodents. They are lagamorphs, meaning "hopping creature". Cage-whise, rabbits should only have cages just for them. Not ferrets, not rats, NOT chinchillas.... RABBITS! Even the most energetic rabbit cannot climb in the way a rodent could, so why would you give them a cage with ramps and ledges that only rodents can climb?

Pawse to consider- Rabbit's feet are JUST fur!

Another reason I don't like cages is because of the wire bottoms. Both rabbits are recovering from minor sore hocks(due to past cage-living history) and even in the pens, they have 24/7 resting pads and towels for comfort. They have no pads on the feet. Just thick hair! It's very important to consider a rabbit's feet when choosing a cage.

Hutches - No point!

No house rabbit owner I have met keeps their rabbits in a hutch. Hutches are MEANT to keep rabbits protected from harsh weather and predators, which they have no exposure to inside. Most hutches are off the ground, which I would find a problem when I open the pens to let them play and explore to their extent. Plus, all hutches are covered except for the mesh doors. This may provide protection for their outdoor counterparts, but all rabbits should be exposed and open to people walking and talking o rdin the home, which these types of habitats lack incredibly. PLUS, these expensive hutches are generally small and cause urine burn. All hutch residing rabbits are shy, and whenever the door is opened they will run to the back of the hutch, unexcited and frightened. 

A final word

Whenever choosing a rabbitat, remember to consider the rabbit's needs and desires before choosing one on impulse because it looks "fancy" or "cool." The rabbits house is the most important part of your rabbit purchases. Remember to do research and think like a rabbit for housing options.

Continue the entire week with Rabbit Week: a fun critter post extravaganza!

Exciting NEWS: Rabbit Pen Update

Hi everyone! Today I must learn again how to use a keyboard. This is the first time in a very long while that I have sat down and used the computer. I used to use the iPad or other mobile device when the internet was not set up in our new house. So, bear with me. Okay, fine. For a proud mom of two awesome house "bunns", it's exciting. We managed to get out "ye old playpen in garage that nobody uses ever since the baby grew out of it" and set it up for Daisy.

(wait a second while I exit out of Firefox and go to Google Chrome because "This server does not support 'www.Blogger.com' due to loading problems." Wha?)

Okay, I'm back.
Anyways, the rabbits have successfully switch-a-rooed from their old cages to new cages/pen. (: They love the new set-ups - the only change is all the room they get! Daisy was getting so big and even with supervised out of cage time and the hours she spent frolicking around our house, she needed more space! We now have the big baby pen up with comfy resting pads and her stuff; she adores it! Lily loves her new(Daisy's old) cage and has enough room to play. Although our bunnies have plenty of room, we always let them out once a day to romp and have fun with the family.(And of COURSE, watch TV! What rabbits goes without watching football at least once a day?)

Daisy is more comfortable in her pen than her smaller cage.

I can agree!

I just read this blog and I think you should read it as well. (Also check out her Critter Care blog)
crittercorner-emily.blogspot.com

Bunny Grooming Head-to-Toe!

Your bunny has specific grooming needs that you have to fulfill every month. To start, put your bunny on a table and get ready to groom!

Get a Head Start

Your bunny's face and head is very important. Eyes and ears catch build-up, and teeth need to be checked for overgrowth. 

Eyes

Carefully look at eyes. Get a dry washcloth and gently wipe away any crusty "sleep" that had built up in their eyes. Yellow or white is normal, but dry blood or black, brown, or green ooze is very bad. Immediately contact the vet.

Test the eyes by pretending to poke the eye. If the rabbit blinks, he has good eyesight. But if he does not blink, you should probably know that this means blindness.

Nose and Ears

Gently look up the nose and into the ears. With a cotton swab, CAREFULLY swipe out any "earwax" into view. This means only the area you can see. NEVER, and I mean never, put the cotton swab into the base of the ear. This could fall down and get stuck, cause irritation, or burst the eardrum.

Mouth

Most rabbits don't like for their mouth to be opened by someone else, but it has to be done. Pull the lips aside gently to see the teeth. Examine them for decay, chipping, overgrowth, bleeding, and then see the other set of teeth. Check the gums for abscesses(they look like white bumps with fleshy spots) and cuts obviously caused by long teeth. Be sure to reward your pet with a treat for good behavior.

Best Foot Forward

Feet on a rabbit can be very delicate. Toes and nails should be checked with care.

Nails

Nails on rabbits grow quickly. Rabbits with curled-in nails cannot walk and will get arthritis. Lay the rabbit in a cradling position. If he feels more comfortable curled in a towel, this is also fine. (Daisy does better sitting for her front paws and I simply lift each paw! This probably won't work for your bunny) Start by trimming each toenail. Remember to avoid the quick(The pink/dark vein in the nail.) since it hurts them if it is exposed. Styptic powder helps this problem. Since Daisy's nails are dark, a flashlight really helps to see the quick! When you are done, carefully file the nails to make them less rough and then, if you like, use a wet cotton ball or swab to clean off any debris.

Toes and paws

Check toes to make sure there are not any cuts. Front and back paws need a special amount of steps. First, check for baldness on the feet. Make sure there is no Sore Hocks(A minor foot disease caused by rubbing against wire bars and sitting in urine). You can determine this by baldness, dried blood, and/or purplish-red bumps all on the back feet. Treat this with Neosporin and contact the vet to give tips and possible treatments for the feet. Use a wet cotton ball to clean off the feet if there is dirt and/or dry feces and urine.

Just Fur You

Time to brush the fur! You will need most of these combs and brushes on hand: (Ask vet about long-haired rabbits) Tip: Rabbit's tummies do not need to be brushed. It is a sensitive area that can hurt them. Plus, most "belly fur" comes off during normal activities.

• Rubber Comb
• Slicker Brush
• Flea Comb(optional)
• Cat Brush
• Bristle Brush
• FURminator (optional)
• Blunt Scissors(for long fur)

First of all, start by using the bristle brush. Skim the fur with this brush. Use this brush to carefully groom the head. 

Next, use the rubber comb to stroke down the back. Do this for a while until it seems to have gotten cleaned up.

Use the flea comb to search through the fur for any parasites.

Use the slicker brush to brush the fur.

Now use the cat brush(usually curved) to comb out all the fur.

Use your hand to slide down the rabbits back to make sure you have combed and brushed the fur well. 

REMEMBER TO NEVER BATHE YOUR BUNNY! THIS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES TO YOU AND YOUR RABBIT.

The End

Finally you have to check the tail. 

Tail

Urine and feces can get stained in the fur on and around the tail. Use a wipe to remove major stains in the fur.

Scent Glands

The scent glands under a rabbit's chin don't need to be cleaned, but there are two that do. They are located near the tail, close to the genitals. There can be a build-up here, so it is recommended they should be cleaned every time you do your daily grooming routine. Rabbit's scent glands look like a pocket in the skin. When clogged up, they have dark residue stuck in them. Sometimes bits of dried urine and feces can get in here too, so it's and added bonus to clean these out. Get a cotton swab and put warm water on it. With your rabbit cradled between your knees, loosen the debris by gently holding it open between two fingers. Rabbits normally don't like this,(who would?) so remember to give him a special snack or treat when you are done. He probably deserves it!!

QUIZ: What Kind of Small Pet Is Best For You?

Enjoy Critter Corner's FIRST Critter Quiz! Friday's fun quiz is about the best small pet for you! Print out the page or use paper to keep track of your score. Have fun!

1. Do you have a lot of time to care for a pet?

A) No, I go to work or school.

B) I have plenty of time.

C) Yes, I have a lot of time, but I spend it doing other activities.

2. How big is your house?

A) Very small.
B) Average.
C) Gigantic!!

3. How many kids/siblings do you have?

A) Many.

B) 2-4 kids.

C) 0-1 kids.

4. Are you squeamish when it comes to smell?

A) Yes.

B) Not really.

C) Not at all.

5. Are you squeamish when it comes to type of pet?

A) No.

B) Not really.

C) Yes.

6. What pet-wanting personality do you have?

A) Affectionate

B) Active/Hilarious

C)Cuddly/Friendly

7. How much maintenance are you willing to have to be responsible for?

A) Hopefully not a lot.

B) I don't mind how much.

C) As much as I need to.

8. Are you a first time pet owner?

A) Yes.

B) I have had a few pets in my lifetime.

C) No, I have lots of experience.

9. How long do you want your pet to live?

A) Not a very long time.

B) Average.

C) Long.

10. Do you really promise to love and care for your pet?

A) I will try.

B) Yes.

C) YES!!

RESULTS: (see below the post and click on the tags or use the search box to learn more about each animal.)

Mostly A's: A gerbil, hamster or mouse. 

Mostly B's: A ferret, guinea pig, or rat.

Mostly C's: A rabbit, chinchilla, or hedgehog. 

Senior Buns

Daisy: This post is all about senior rabbits, or "buns," a nickname for the word "bunnies." I personally wonder why I have to have something to do with this blog, because I am not, what you may say, old. I am, in fact, nearly 3 years old, which is like, a mature adult in the rabbit world, like, say, 25, or even 30. Okay, not 30, but like, 20. Yeah, 20. When you are anywhere between "weeks" or "days", you are a kid. When you are in "months," it's like a teenager, and in "years", you are an adult. When you reach 7 years you are an old rabbit, like 75 years. A rabbit that lives over 10 years is like a 110 year old person! Wow! I don't know if that is good or bad, but..... Well, I had better stop now. You know how I get carried away!

Signs of an Aging Rabbit

Sleeping More Often

Your rabbit will not want to romp around the house, but instead, you will find him snuggling in a certain place. A good idea is to get a little dog or cat bed and put it in a place where you are very often. You will also notice he does not climb stairs or other things like he used to.

Not using the Litter-Box

Rabbits can get arthritis, so he may not be able to hop into his litter-box like usual. Low opening litter-boxes are good when you cannot be there to lift him into his box.

Not Grooming as Well

Your pet bunny will almost always get arthritis as he gets older. Soon, it will be difficult for him to groom himself like normal and this could lead to a smelly pet. A baby wipe or barely wet washcloth can help this problem.

Care Tips

Excerpts about senior rabbit care from Bunny Bunch S.P.C.R president and founder of the rescue organization, Caroline Charland. The complete article can be found in the Rabbits magazine, which can be purchased online at www.smallanimalchannel.com.

Living Quarters

Keep living quarters safe, comfortable, and clean. Remove any item that could have potential danger to your rabbit. At Bunny Bunch, we cover bricks in fake sheepskin to give our rabbits something to lean against.... Rabbits also enjoy having pillows to rest their heads against too.....We also use washable pee pads for our rabbits via litter boxes because it hurts their feet with or without a metal grate.

Another Rabbit

I strongly recommend that rabbits live with at least one other rabbit.... In old age we see rabbits do amazing things for each other. Some rabbits will clean each other's eyes or groom their fur...... A rabbit that has become blind does much better when living with another rabbit...... They will guide the other one around and let them lean on him.

Lots of Love

Spend time with your rabbit. Senior rabbits are very sweet and they rarely ever want to be left alone. Even the friskiest rabbit here at Bunny Bunch becomes calmer and laid-back once he is older. 

Happy Days for Rabbits

Nowadays, many pet rabbits are spending their life enjoying free-run of a house or a special room. The danger of outdoor living is gone. Today's house rabbits are living to be 12, 13, or even 14 years old. 

People are more aware of rabbit care now. They are taking their pet rabbits to the veterinarian, feeding them safe foods, and making sure they are living in a good environment, not making the horrible decision of living outdoors. At the Bunny Bunch Burrow, the organization I founded, people come to learn about rabbits. Every day a rabbit gets a loving home as a true member of the family. As more and more people own rabbits, people will start to notice them and understand them better. They will realize that rabbits are like a cat or dog, a pet rather than a wild animal. At Bunny Bunch, we care for our rabbits in the best way possible, which contributes to giving our rabbits a longer life span, and hopefully a great home with a caring family.

Go to www.bunnybunch.com to see rabbits you can adopt today and give a loving home forever!

From Bunnies to Magazines and More...

Unlike my usual post about the care of pets, today I have to announce the upcoming magazine, The Daily Critter. It is a home-printed magazine, and it cannot be sold to the blog-readers,  but Critter Corner will put excerpts online for you to see! The picture is here and can also be seen in the Gallery. 

Another magazine-related announcement is that Nature Girl has decided to order a Critters magazine on www.smallanimalchannel.com, an awesome website that you should check out if you have not yet done this. Even better, you should buy and read the magazine, which can only be found online. The magazine, which is filled with articles, quizzes, and more about critters, is a yearly issue, so it is very thick and has more than 120 pages of critter enthusiast-friendly stuff for you and your critter that has experts you can count on!

Finally, I remember a rabbit loving someone saying "that dogs and cats seemed to have endless websites and nobody ever devotes any websites truly to rabbits." Well, this is not true. If you look extra hard you can find some great websites just for these furry-eared pals, along with other some other great critters too. Of course, it is hard to spend a lot of time searching for them, so I found these rabbit-safe websites that you can add to your Favorites list so you can always find them.

 Bunny Bunch Boutique, www.bunnybunchboutique.com

 Bunny Bytes, www.bunnybytes.com

 The Busy Bunny, www.busybunny.com

 Cats & Rabbits & More,  www.catsandrabbitsandmore.com

Leith Petwerks, www.leithpetwerks.com

Marshall Pet Products, www.marshallpet.com

Oxbow Animal Health, www.oxbowanimalhealth.com

The House Rabbit Society, www.thehouserabbitsociety.com

ASPCA, www.ASPCA.org

Rabbit Shop, www.rabbitshop.com

SuperPet Pet Products, www.superpet.com

Vet RX, www.vetRX.com

American Rabbit Breeders, www.ARB.com

LM Animal Farm, www.LManimalfarm.com

I hope this helped!

Your Pet and Grooming

Although baths are not a good idea for your small pets(See the post "Wet N' Wild"), grooming using a brush and comb is something your pet needs to have done at least once a week. Most pet owners have enough time to do this every other day, but everyone has a different schedule so it's hard to commit to something like that.


Grooming Benefits

Grooming pets not only creates soft, glossy fur, but it can also have other benefits too. For instance, when you groom your pet, he can trust and bond with you better. Petting or brushing an animal releases a substance that calms you and makes you happy, closely related to the effects of chocolate. Best of all, sitting down with your pet and grooming him is another way of spending time with him, and only then can you really enjoy your pet and your surroundings.
Like I said before, grooming also helps your pet's well-being and immunity. Animals involved in neglect and abuse have very dirty, mangled fur because their owner didn't care or had no time to take care of them. Of course, anyone who reads this blog probably doesn't need to worry about that happening, because they surely treat their pets with love.


When It Isn't an Option

Animals with long fur need grooming attention often, likely every day. Most people prefer short-haired animals rather than ones with long fur because it is hard to promise to always care for their fur. That's why people are always rescuing long-haired dogs like Maltese and poodles because they have been running around for months, letting their fur get outgrown and getting moss, leaves, branches, and even live animals live in their fur. A dog held an accidental world record because he had 4 1/2 foot tall, twenty-five pound fur and he couldn't get up! They found mice and bugs in the fur after they removed it. Him and hundreds of others of dogs get outgrown fur just because nobody wanted to take care of the dog and left him.
So hopefully you groom your pet's fur well, especially if his coat is long.


How To Groom Small Pets

Once a week, have a pet "mini-spa." You will need an assortment of brushes: a flea comb, a bristle brush, a curved brush, and a clean bottle-brush or tooth-brush if you have a very small pet like a hamster. You will also need a dry washcloth, a mirror, animal nail clippers, a few baby wipes, a clean nail file, and some cotton swabs.

A Rabbit: For a pet rabbit, put a hand towel on a card table or counter-top, then place your bunny on top. Run your hand over his whole body, feeling for bumps or tangles. Separate every area of fur and look for mites or fleas. Pinch each tuft of fur between your middle and pointer finger, then brush the flea comb through the tuft. Next, use the curved brush to comb down his back, neck, and sides, then take your bristle brush and do the same. Gently take the clean tooth-brush and brush his head, being extra careful around the bump at the very edge of the back of his head between his ears. Now examine his face and use the baby wipe to wipe away any discharge under his eyes.(Brownish-yellow dry crusty stuff under his eyes is normal, like what humans have in the morning, but green liquidy snot stuff in his nose, eyes or ears is bad!) Look in his mouth for a normal pink tongue, gums and cheeks, and good teeth. If not, get a non-scented nail file and file down his teeth. If it is so long that it has cut into his gums, then consult a vet at once. Turn him over and look at his belly and check for bloating. Then examine his tail to see whether it is broken or not. Set him back down and cut his nails, avoiding the white/pink quick. Now he is done!

Any Small Rodent: Put your pet rodent in a plastic Tupperware container without the lid. Do all the yellow highlighted things above. Now, use the tooth-brush or bottle brush to brush his whole body. If you can, cut his nails, but be extra careful not to remove a toe. Look at his teeth and if they are ingrown, file them with a clean nail file. Use the dry washcloth to gently rub his underbelly. Do not use the bottle brush or tooth-brush, because they are very sensitive there.


Chinchillas: Use a chinchilla or pumice-stone brush to brush his fur. Check his teeth and nails.



Thanks for reading Critter Corner! Please comment if you have any questions or other things to say!

Beyond the Front Door

All experienced bunny-owners know that a little outdoor exercise is good for a healthy rabbit. Fresh air benefits your pets want to play, and while he is romping in the grass, you may notice him kick up his heels with joy!

BORED BUNNY

A bored rabbit is likely to chew and gnaw on his cage, and maybe even attempt to chew on a rug or blanket, even if he is well-trained. While living full-time outside isn't a good choice, playing for a limited time is a fun way for your rabbit to exercise fully. Most owners think it is unsafe for a bunny to play outdoors, but they are wrong. However, rabbit owners who are careless leave bunnies to play on their own, left to fend for themselves in the open. But a serious bunny-caretaker doesn't live their pets where the great outdoors could pose a threat to their precious carrot-munchers. If you have a fenced-in yard, your pet will have a little more free run of the outdoors just as well as he does indoors. It is still fun to have a harness on hand, in case your rabbit is brave enough to walk on the leash down the sidewalk! Daisy has her very own red harness that she adores, although she really rather would prefer "taking the reins" and racing around our yard. Still, your pet may enjoy either form of exercise when going outside, because there are many exciting things to see and do.



CAREFUL PLAY

Dogs or cats love rabbits, and not to be their friends, but for a nice dinner. Some dogs or cats do live peacefully with a rabbit, but the strange dogs that aren't yours are the ones to watch for. Be careful that the harness is tight enough! It may look fine when your pet is happily nibbling on grass, but if he is attacked, he could wiggle out. Also, don't tighten it too much, because your bunny could choke when running or walking, and the spine could be damaged beyond repair if your pet became frightened. Even calm rabbits could be seriously hurt, though! Most plants, like grass, pansies, and dandelions, are safe, but some, like hastas, are poisonous. Then why do wild rabbits eat them with no sign of injury? Well, this is because wild rabbits are truly equipped for the outdoors. They can live in the coldest conditions, unlike domestic rabbit breeds. Your domestic pet needs protection, and you can supply it!



KEEP IT QUICK AND FUN

Rabbits need that positive human affection, because they will get bored and aggressive without it. Instead of holding onto your rabbits leash while talking to the neighbor, or sitting on the porch "watching" him lay in the yard while you read the newspaper, play with him! That's right, get down on your knees! Offer him treats and play fun games that rabbits like! You got it!


ALL DONE!

When bunnies lay down, it usually means they are saying, "C'mon, I am pooped! No more play!" When he lays down in the grass, pet him and talk to him. When it gets long, and you think you should be heading in, say a key word, such as, "Inside!" or, "All done!" That way if you need your bunny to wrap it up, you can say the word. He will do it immediately. To show him, pick him up and take him in. After a few weeks of saying it, it will "click." Cool, huh?




I hope you enjoy playing outdoors with your bunny or other pet as much as I did! Remember to be safe, have fun, and go beyond the average indoor playtime!

Get the Scoop on Litter-boxes!

Rabbits are extremely popular small animals because of their intelligence. Their personalities vary in the same way as human's personalities do. Some can be lazy, some can be energetic.....  But those kind of differences aren't the reason humans share their homes with these amazing creatures--it's the gentleness and affection they show towards their people that counts. It isn't the same as a dog's drooly lick when you get nuzzled with a bunny's cool, wet nose; neither is it the same when a rabbit shoves you off of "his" chair while you're trying to watch TV. Rabbits are naturally clean animals; they wash themselves at least 7 times a day, and they use the bathroom in the same place as long as they've been shown love and human care. When your rabbit was a baby bunny, he or she learned things like this from his mother before he was introduced to your home and family as a grown rabbit. These animals are a lot like cats when it comes to hygiene and cleaning, therefore, they are beloved by many.

Litter-Training

Not much effort is needed during the training process of litter-boxes. The main thing to do is, on a daily basis, scoop some of the waste from the rabbit's "bathroom corner", and place in in the litter-box. In a few weeks, the bunny will start to catch on, and he'll want to sit inside the box. Rabbits spend most of their time on the litter-box, and not just for when they have to "go". Your rabbit will enjoy eating, resting, and even grooming while sitting on their box. Whenever I look at Daisy in her cage, she's sitting in her litter-box and chewing on her salt-lick that is attached to her hay feeder!


What to buy

Bulky litter-boxes made for cats are not for in the cage. Most rabbit-owners keep them handy during the day, when the bunny is roaming the house and he just might be upstairs when his box is downstairs in the cage. Critter Corner recommends keeping a box on each level. For example, if you have a 2-story house plus a basement and the cage is on the 1st level, put one upstairs and one downstairs. Bathrooms are a good location to put the box, so when you clean it, the mess doesn't get all over. But what about at night, when it's time to round your bunny up and put her back in the cage for a long rest? In the Small Pet area of your local pet-store, you can look for boxes that fit your pet's cage. If you don't see any there, ask a clerk who specializes in small pets if he can get some in stock. If you do find some, choose one that fits your rabbit's size well. Remember that a baby bunny grows!
Also remember that your rabbit is prone to Sore Hocks, which is a disease to the foot by sitting on urine often. Buy a litter-box that has good plastic that can't be chewed, and also a lock that locks a grate into place so your pet's waste falls below, and doesn't get all over your pet's feet.

A Final Word

So, remember that once your pet has been litter-trained, he will not go on the floor or any other place. If you are positive your pet is trained, and he or she is still getting urine on the floor, that means he or she has a rare disease that causes him to be unable to control his or her bladder.



Tip: Boy rabbits need a higher litter-box because they spray when urinating, so it could get all over your wall.


Thanks for reading today's post! See you next time on CC!

Are you sure you're OK??

Bunnies can't just get your attention and say: "Uh, I don't think I am feeling good", or "This really hurts!"

The most they can do to allow you to notice them is squeak or grunt--and sometimes you can hardly even tell what those grunts mean. Signs having to do with behavior changes or unexpected things your bunny may do can also be confusing. Here are some "Help my bunny's" that can help you determine what is wrong!

"Help, my bunny's......

abdomen is swollen"

This may be a sign of severe gas or acute bloat and must be treated immediately with simethicone to save the rabbit's life. 

coughing/choking"

Rabbits may occasionally cough, choke, and snort during mealtime. Gently take a clean soft cloth and wipe the rabbit's face and the nostril area. If the coughing continues for more than a minute, consult a veterinarian. 

ears are hot!"

While petting your bunny, you may notice either hot or cold ears. This indicates that the rabbit is either feeling very hot or very cold. Keep your rabbit inside at all times, unless you are letting them out on a harness for a little while, because they do not deal with high or low temperatures very well.

leg is dangling!"

Most likely the leg is broken, or cut so badly it has gotten so swollen they cannot bend it. You can easily tell by the size and how normal-looking the leg is. Do not, and I mean NOT try any "home remedies" such as a home-made cast or any sort of ointment on the rabbit, just take them to your trusted vet who helps with emergency care. (P.S: Choose the best vet who specializes only in emergencies, even if your other vet who only does check-ups claims to do this kind of care. Believe me, he could make the leg even worse...)

lying on the floor not moving"

Well, this can be many different things. One, it could be as simple as your bunny is catching some "Z"s. But if the rabbit is panting or breathing very slightly, the rabbit may die soon or is already dead. In these cases, you may only have one choice, and that is to take bunny to the vet for his last time.

For more rabbit first aid tips, go to: smallanimalchannel.com/rabbit first aid

Keeping your Bunny away from Boredom!

A rabbit's choice of housing is important. Daisy has a big area to play and groom.

Playtime is a very important thing for your big-eared furry friend. You can't just buy a bunch of toys and pile them into the cage, figuring they'll play with the toys while you are gone. You have to take your bunny out and physically interact with him or her. Rabbits are very social creatures that instinctively know that play is a way to learn how to interact with their environment, to keep their bodies in shape for things that they do everyday. But what if you have a rabbit and you simply do not have enough time to sit down on the floor and play with the bunny every single day? You shouldn't get rid of your bunny, but get another one! Two or three rabbits have a few pros and cons. They will live longer, be happier, and never get lonely during those long hours when your away at work or school. Of course, this doesn't mean you can hide the cage somewhere in a dark shed, or leave the cage in a place where cannot observe and pet your bunny(s) from time to time as you walk from room to room. The location of your bunnies' play space should be where the rabbit likes to be. Does Flopsy enjoy a high-traffic area where you are a lot, or does she prefer a quieter, low-traffic area, such as a living room or bedroom? Another thing to ponder is: Where will the bunny play? A place where the toys are, surely. A poll on a rabbit website stated that rabbits like homemade toys the best, but even more than that, they love their humans. If your bunny loved you that much, and trust me, he does, wouldn't you want him to be in a place where he wouldn't be neglected? Rabbits love attention from anyone, and many say their rabbits love to be where house visitors come in. Without a proper "play area," bunnies can get bored, and even aggressive.


ENOUGH PLAY! 

Given the fact that rabbits are unable to vocalize their thoughts, feelings, and emotions to us,  rabbit owners must know their bunnies well enough to realize when enough is enough in regards to playtime. Overexertion is the last thing we want our bunnies to experience. Keep a close eye on your pet's body language and vocalizations during play to keep it fun!!!!

1 Times up! Though laying down is
usually a sign of contentment, if you've been playing with your rabbit for awhile, and he proceeds to lie down, it may be a sign your pet is hot and tired and wants to rest.
Supply fresh water and keep the cage in reach just in case the bunny needs to hop in, in order to relax.

2 Boxed in    Rabbits see their litter-box as their personal space, and 50% of the time, they're sitting on it. If your bunny hops into his litter-box during playtime, it means they're done playing for the time being.

3 Grunt, Grunt   Have you ever heard a grunting sound come from your rabbit's throat? This is another way rabbits vocalize towards people or other rabbits when they're trying to tell them that they want them to stop. If your bunny does thing, leave him alone, as he may be a little tired of you shoving toys in his face(in his point of view).

4 Catch ya' later    Sometimes your rabbit will not do any of the above; he'll simply hop away and leave you in the dust. At times like these, playtime is over. Attempting to chase him and continue the game may lead to angering your rabbit. Allow your pet to do what he wants, as there is really no such thing as telling him what to do; rabbits are extremely stubborn, so if you do own a rabbit, it may be the other way around.

Daisy enjoys a toy I bought her

Rabbits love toys they can tear up--especially if there's treats inside!