Category: Husbandry
Back in May, I wrote about the very deadly Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2, a fearsome sequel to the RHD virus that’s plagued European rabbits for years. Last year the RHD2 mutation spread to the U.S., taking many long-eared lives, both in the wild and in living rooms. But tails-up: there’s new developments.
Experienced owners know how rabbits express their opinions, from gentle tooth grinds of delight to loud disapproving thumps. But what if your bun could review your house on TripAdvisor? Would he give it five stars? To help find out, I’ve created an interactive quiz showing how your bun might rate the accommodations in your home.
As rabbit guardians, we faced the threat of more than one pandemic in 2020. While protecting ourselves from COVID 19, we grappled with keeping our furry charges safe from an even deadlier virus called Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease 2 (RHD2). But recently there’s some exciting news: There may soon be a new way to prevent RHD2.
When you see furballs as cute as rabbits, you immediately want to pet them. But do the objects of your adoration welcome your enthusiastic touch?
Consider my experience — not as a bunny, but as a kid. I used to dread greeting family friend “Uncle Jack” because he’d plant these incredibly sloppy kisses on our cheeks. Knowing it would be rude to rebuff his frothy howdys, I’d smile weakly until he turned away, then quickly wipe my face.
So, how can you avoid being the equivalent of “Uncle Jack” to the rabbits in your life?
Every rabbit adopter knows the deal: You fall in love with a graceful, adorable, wide-eyed, bundle of silken fur and bring him home. Then he hops onto your living room rug, and unveils his alter-ego: a 24/7 poop factory! Whether you’re just starting out or old friends, here’s the scoop on managing the poop. Continue reading “Bunny Litter Bin Basics (or, What to Do with a Load of Hare S—)”
OMG, our rabbits are fat!
That was the report from the vet last summer when we picked up our chunky charges from their RHD2 vaccinations. Like any loving pet owners our immediate reaction was… complete and utter denial. We strive to keep their diet healthy and provide ample opportunities to exercise. How could this be?
DEAR FLLOP: Unfortunately, yes. But take heart! These simple etiquette guidelines should put you in good bunny graces.
<KNOCK> <KNOCK> <KNOCK>!
“Police! Open up!” (Door cracks open) “Afternoon, sir. We have reason to believe you’re keeping a pet guinea pig.”
“Yes, Herschel. Want to help me brush him? You’ll have to be gentle.”
“Just the one pig, is it?”
“Only the Herschinator!“
“In that case, I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us.”
The breeder who sold her to me advised me to keep forcing her to be held multiple times a day, which I did, and eventually she relented. But I hated forcing her. Though she never complained after that, I always had in the back of my mind that it wasn’t something she would have chosen — it was a job she had to do.
Your rabbit is peeling the wallpaper off your wall. How do you seek help? Talk to rabbit-lover friends? Call the rescue you adopted from? Google it?
Ever ask your vet?
Bun owners like me often consult a vet about a behavior that we suspect has a medical cause. One example is urination outside the litterbox. It’s sometimes thought to be caused by a bladder infection, so the vet is the obvious person to consult. However, recently I discovered that some veterinarians can also be of help with behavior concerns that aren’t directly linked to an illness or injury.