A Healthy Rabbit Habit

Rabbits are clever creatures. As prey animals, they won’t always let us know when they’re feeling under the weather. That’s why it’s a good idea to check them over every month or so, just to stay on top of things. It only takes a few minutes, and can make sure you head any problems off at the pass.

You can examine your bunny on the floor, or you might find it easier to pick him up and put him on a table. Be sure to lay a towel down first, for traction and to catch any
“accidents”.

Start by looking into your bunny’s ears. They should look pale pink, with no discharge or crusty spots. Then check his eyes. Are they bright? Clear? No discharge? That’s what you want to see. His nose should be clean and dry.

Many buns don’t like their mouths inspected, so you might need a willing accomplice to hold your rabbit while you check his teeth. Lift your bun’s upper lip to expose his incisors and gums. The teeth should be the same length, and the gums pink.

Now run your hands up and down your bun’s body, feeling for unusual lumps and bumps. Is his fur soft and tangle-free? Part the fur and check to see that the skin is smooth, with no flakes, cuts or scratches.

Next comes the tricky part! Carefully flip your bun over so he is lying on his back, paws facing upward. Inspect the bottom of his back paws for sore spots, known as “sore hocks”. Check all of his nails to see if it’s time to trim them.

Finally, gently move his tail and examine his nether regions. His bottom should be clean and dry, with no unpleasant odor. “Poopy butt” may call for a change in diet, or he may need his anal glands cleaned. This is easy to do with a Q-Tip and warm water.

You’re almost done! Now set him down and watch him hop. (You can expect him to hop far far away from you!) Check to make sure he is moving easily, with no limping or imbalance. Then take a look in his litter box. Are his poops round and firm? Are there a lot of them? The more the merrier, when it comes to bunny “output”.

You may want to keep notes from month to month so you can track anything that seems out of the ordinary. And don’t hesitate to call your bunny-savvy vet if you think something isn’t quite right. Let’s keep our rabbits healthy and happy!

Golden oldies

Feeling a bit stiff and creaky?  Old age seems to slip up on us while we’re not paying attention! Same goes for our bunny buddies. Are you living with an elderbun, one that’s seven years or older? Here are some ways to make her life as comfortable as possible.

You may notice that she is moving a bit more slowly, or having difficulty maneuvering stairs or getting in and out of her pen. Rabbits can develop arthritis just like humans. Your vet may recommend glucosamine and chondroitin, or prescribe a mild pain reliever.

Just as you appreciate sinking into your favorite recliner and your cozy mattress pad, your bun will thank you for providing her with a soft place to curl up and nap. Try a piece of egg-crate foam covered with a fleece pad, or add a thick layer of soft hay to her litter box (since many buns like to snooze there!)

Speaking of the litterbox, it may be harder for your bun to hop in and out, so consider  investing in a three-sided version, or use an old cookie sheet. Choose soft litter, like Carefresh or Yesterday’s News. Make sure you change it daily, as older buns are prone to developing sore spots on their hocks, and moisture can make this worse.

Do you notice that you’re reaching for your favorite sweater more often on windy, rainy days? Senior buns need extra warmth too. Make sure her pen is snug and draft-free. She will be grateful to have carpeting or throw rugs in her living area. Wood floors can be chilly!

Your elderbun may not be eating as enthusiastically as she once did, and she may be losing some weight. Your vet will be able to tell you if this is a problem, and offer suggestions to enrich her diet. She might need more pellets than usual, or a more calorie-dense type of hay.

A well-cared for house rabbit can live eight to ten years, or even longer. It just takes a bit of TLC to make her golden years happy. Little things can make a huge difference to your elderbun. Let’s give our senior sweeties the happy, comfortable lives they deserve!

Whistle while you work

Do you have some time and energy to spare? We could sure use your help on Sunday, July 17th, from 10-2, for our sanctuary Work Day. Keeping our property clean and inviting is a huge job. Our dedicated staff and volunteers work hard every day, but there’s always more to do. For those extra projects that need to be tackled, we hold Work Days.

Are you handy with a hammer? Our pig yard desperately needs fence repairs. Got a green thumb? The flower beds need weeding and the bushes pruned. Love to play with paint? Grab a brush and help transform our barns. Don’t mind getting a little grubby? Help us clean out and clean up our garage.

If you’d prefer to work directly with the animals, there are plenty of chores to choose from. We’ve got two barns full of pens to clean, food bowls to fill, and bunnies to brush. You’re welcome to bring your own tools, or use ours. We’ll supply snacks and beverages too. Stop by for an hour or two and be somebunny’s hero!

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to volunteer@rabbitsanctuary.org. Thanks! (And mark your calendars for our future Work Days–Sunday August 14th and Saturday September 17th.)

Heat wave

Scorching hot temperatures are being recorded all across the country, and it’s only July. You and I can escape to the pool with a cold drink when the temperatures start to rise, but our furry friends aren’t that fortunate. Rabbits in particular are extremely sensitive to heat. You can protect them from heat stroke or even death by taking a few simple precautions.

It goes without saying that your rabbit should be housed indoors, not out in the elements. But what if you don’t have air conditioning? Try an old sanctuary trick. Freeze bottles of water, and put one in your bunny’s pen for him to lie against.

If you use a fan to circulate the air, make sure it doesn’t blow directly on your bunny. The House Rabbit Society suggests draping a damp towel over part of your bunny’s pen, and allowing the fan to blow through that. (Be sure to keep the fan’s cord out of bunny’s reach!)

Try misting your rabbit’s ears. If your rabbit won’t tolerate a spray bottle, wet your fingers and stroke his ears. Few buns will argue with an ear rub! And be sure to provide plenty of fresh veggies, rinsed in cold water. This will not only keep your bunny cool, but healthy too.

Brush your bunny to remove excess fur. This is a good idea any time, to avoid hairballs, but your bunny will definitely appreciate it more in the summer months.

The House Rabbit Society website has more hot weather tips to keep your bunny safe and happy. Check it out here.

Hare hacks

Rabbits can be fairly high maintenance! We’re big fans of saving time, effort, and money. So when you’re assembling your bunny tool kit, consider a few inexpensive problem solvers.

One of the handiest tools we’ve found is also one of the simplest. A flea comb is a true multitasker when it comes to keeping your rabbit comfortable. Shedding season can be a challenge for those of us with fine-haired rabbits. Heavy duty brushes just can’t grasp wispy, flyaway fur. The extra-close bristles of a flea comb catch much more, and many rabbits find the sensation of being combed soothing. 

Has your rabbit experienced blocked tear ducts or an eye infection? Soggy wet fur around the delicate eye area can cause skin irritation and delay healing. Use your flea comb to gently separate the matted fur and lift it away from the skin. Do you have an older rabbit who sometimes sits or steps in her cecals? A flea comb will easily remove the mess from her tail or feet, no water needed.

Speaking of removing mess, many rabbit parents have extolled the virtues of basic lint rollers. If you’ve ever shown up at a job interview with fluffy white fur all over your slacks, or dreaded inviting your fastidious mother-in-law into your living room because of the fuzzy sofa, you need one of these. Actually, you’ll need more than one, so look for a multi-pack. 

A lint roller can clean off your couch, your clothes, and your car seat, and can even lift those tiny hairs off the carpet under your bun’s favorite sleeping spot more efficiently than a vacuum. The sticky sheets can even remove your rabbit’s stubborn, almost-ready-to-fall-out tufts of fur.

Anyone with more than one rabbit has faced the inevitable poop wars! Even well-trained single bunnies have a tendency to leave “calling cards” wherever they wander. Who wants to drag out the Hoover every day, or get down on all fours and pick each pellet up by hand? There’s a better way! Bring out your rechargeable handheld vacuum, like this DustBuster, and the mess will be gone in seconds. The DustBuster can handle smaller hay pieces and scattered litter too.

The cat’s meow

Predator and prey. Sworn enemies. There’s no way a cat and rabbit could live peacefully together. Or is there?

Truth is, cats and rabbits can make wonderful companions! In fact, many rabbits who can’t get along with others of their own kind because of temperamental differences often find success bonding with members of another species, like cats or even guinea pigs. The secret lies in the introductions.

If you have a young or particularly shy bunny, it’s best to set up a meeting ground on her home turf. Keep her safely in her pen, with a cardboard box to hide beneath if she gets too stressed. Allow the cat to investigate this strange creature, through the bars, with all her unusual sounds, smells, and movements. After a few days, or in some cases weeks, when they’ve gotten used to each other, try letting your rabbit out of her cage and watch them carefully to see how they react.

Stay close by with a squirt bottle of water in case Kitty gets too feisty. But most of the time, surprisingly, it’s the rabbit who’s the aggressor! In this case you don’t need to intervene, because nine times out of ten, the cat will simply walk away. Once Bunny has asserted her authority, she’ll stop charging and go back to whatever she was doing before, and peace will be restored.

Now that the pecking order has been established, it’s just a matter of time before the bonding is complete. Always use common sense and trust your instincts. If either animal seems too stressed, take a break and try again later. Never leave the two alone until you are fully confident that they’ve sorted out their differences and formed a peaceful truce.

On a side note, you’ll want to keep your cat’s food out of Bunny’s reach, since it can be harmful for a herbivore. Try feeding your cat on a counter top or in a room that your rabbit can’t access. If your cat tries to share the rabbit’s food, he will probably be firmly rebuffed, but rest assured that if he does eat it, it won’t hurt him.

Sponsor me!

Have you always wanted to own a rabbit, but didn’t have the necessary time/space/agreeable spouse? Do the next best thing. Become a bunny sponsor!

For about fifty cents a day, you can provide food, bedding, veterinary care, and toys for your favorite bun (or pig or cat!). Choose from over 70 of our residents. You’ll be able to download a biography of your new buddy, along with a full color photo that will cheer you up every morning while you’re reaching for your coffee or your car keys.

Sponsorships are $45.00 for three months, $90.00 for six months, or $180.00 for a year. Pay in full, or in easy installments of just $15.00 per month.

You can even make arrangements with our staff to meet your chosen rabbit “in person”! See for yourself the difference a caring sponsor can make. You’ll feel great, knowing you’ve done your part to give a deserving rabbit (or pig or cat!) a better life.

To sponsor a rabbit online, click here. To sponsor by mail, click here.

An ounce of prevention

Rabbits are a lot like toddlers. They can and will get into everything! Unlike toddlers, however, rabbits have razor sharp teeth and an insatiable desire to chew anything they can get their little jaws around. That’s why it’s important to carefully bunny proof your home. Here are some tips to get you started.

Electrical cords are everywhere in our homes, and they’re irresistible to bunnies. Try covering them with spiral cable wrap, which can be purchased at home improvement or electronics stores. Or use rubber tubing, which is cheaper and thicker. Buy it by the foot at hardware stores. Even with protection, it’s a good idea to keep cords out of bunny’s reach. Run them behind furniture whenever possible, or tack them up on the wall.

The underside of upholstered furniture is another bunny magnet.  Your rabbit may decide to burrow up and make a nest in your sofa cushions or box spring. To deter him, fashion a “furniture skirt” of cardboard or 2X4s. This will block your bunny’s access and also provide him with an acceptable surface to chew. Or fasten NIC panels together with zip ties to create a moveable barrier that can be folded up and put out of sight when company comes, if aesthetics are an issue.

Does your bunny like to gnaw holes in your carpet? Cover his favorite spots with inexpensive area rugs or sea grass mats. Does he make a beeline for your good wood furniture? Many rabbit owners have found success by rubbing a bar of Ivory soap over their chair and table legs. This will usually suffice as a deterrent but if your bunny does decide to sample the treated wood, Ivory soap is nontoxic.

Remember, rabbits love to dig and gnaw, so always give your rabbit plenty of acceptable chewing options. Wooden blocks, cardboard boxes, sea grass toys, old phone books—all these are good alternatives to distract your bunny and provide her with a pleasurable and productive outlet for her chewing instincts. Keep your home and your rabbit safe!

For more bunny proofing suggestions, click here.

It’s a bird…it’s a plane…

Move over, Men of Steel! There’s a new batch of Superbuns in town. You won’t find any capes, tights, or chiseled abs on these heroic hares. They’re content to hop under the radar, living a quiet, unassuming life, springing into action only when danger strikes…or when they get a whiff of banana…

Forgot to change the batteries in the smoke alarm? Then you’d better make sure you have a Rabbit in residence! Michelle and Gerry of Melbourne, Australia learned this the hard way. Peacefully sleeping in the wee hours of the morning, they awoke to frantic scratching on their bedroom door, followed by a frenzied thumping. Something had really ticked off their six-month-old rabbit, Rabbit.

Leaping out of bed, Michelle threw open the door. The hallway was filled with smoke. She yelled to her husband, grabbed Rabbit, and the three of them made a run for it. The house was a total loss, but thanks to Rabbit’s rapid response, Michelle and Gerry were alive and well.

New Jersey couple Jake and Mary also have a bunny to thank for their next breaths! They weren’t feeling particularly grateful when Blazer took a flying leap onto their bed and landed on Mary’s face at 2:30 AM. The little lop usually spent her nights quietly roaming the house, but that night she seemed determined to make as much of a disturbance as possible. She began honking loudly, walking back and forth over Mary’s head.

Exasperated, Mary shoved Blazer away and sat up. And then she smelled the gas. The house was filing with carbon monoxide from a defective stove fitting. The firemen who responded estimated that if Blazer and her parents had stayed in the house another two minutes, none of them would have survived.

It’s not always outward forces that threaten us. Sometimes it’s our own bodies. Just ask Emily and her mom Aundrea. They’ve been at war with Emily’s Type 1 diabetes since she was eight years old. Now 13, Emily’s blood sugar tended to drop without warning. But that night she felt fine at bedtime, so she said goodnight to her best buddy Hammie, and dropped off to sleep.

Several hours later, Aundrea woke to a terrible racket. Hammie was thumping like a madbunny and gnawing frantically at the wires of his pen. Aundrea raced into Emily’s room. Even amid all the commotion, Emily didn’t stir. Aundrea knew what that meant. She quickly checked Emily’s glucose levels–dangerously low. Aundrea administered treatment, and stayed with Emily until she stabilized. As soon as Emily opened her eyes, Hammie stopped thumping. The danger was over. His job was done!

Fine and dandy

Dandelions—we either love them or hate them. When that fuzzy yellow carpeting appears across your lawn, what’s your reaction? Are dandelions a beautiful exhibition of nature’s wonder, or an insidious blight upon the neighborhood? Delightful, or destructive? If you’re in the latter group, you might want to look a little closer at this much-maligned weed. Sure, it’s technically a “nuisance” plant, but the dandelion packs an amazing punch!

Those of us with rabbits have every reason to celebrate dandelion season. First of all, it’s free food! Rabbits LOVE dandelions, both the flowers and the leaves. Next time your bun wants a snack, don’t reach for the expensive commercial goodies. Step out into the backyard and collect a handful or two. Don’t have any? Take a baggie with you when you go for a walk or run errands. That empty field behind the supermarket could be a treasure trove.

They’re not just tasty. Dandelions are packed with nutrition—beta carotene, iron, potassium, and practically every vitamin you’ve ever heard of. And dandelions, especially the greens, have been shown to be beneficial for urinary health, good digestion, and a robust respiratory system. Some animal herbalists tell us that dandelions can also reduce the physical ravages of stress and strengthen bones.

The benefits aren’t just for our bunnies! All that goodness boosts our bodies too. You may be surprised at how many ways you can use dandelions in your own kitchen. Start your day with pancakes and dandelion syrup, whip up a quick dandelion green salad for lunch, and treat yourself to some fried dandelion or pasta with dandelion pesto for dinner. And don’t forget dessert! Try some crispy dandelion cookies served with a steaming cup of dandelion tea.

However you choose to use them, make sure you always harvest your dandelions in areas that have not been treated with herbicides or fertilizers. Generally, if you find them en masse, it’s a good indication they haven’t been sprayed. Try to avoid patches alongside well-travelled roads. Or grow your own! Dandelions adapt quite well to large planters, and as long as you keep the blossoms clipped, you won’t need to worry about reseeding.