Rabbit Owner Chat V.2

[Raire]

Regarding the digging box: if you want to use sand, you can just buy the one that goes into sand boxes for children, it should usually be available in hardware stores (garden area).
Please do not use Chinchilla sand that can be bought in pet stores, it is too fine for bunnies, very dusty and thus not good for their noses/lungs. Also not very good for digging *lol*

[Blue_Aussie]

Kind of a weird question but, what topics do you guys think should be more focused on with rabbits?
I decided to write a rabbit care book because I feel like people don't realize what it actually means to own a bunny. Most books say to go to the store and buy your new bunny a small plastic cage and such, so I'd like to write a more accurate rabbit care book c:

[nervousdog]

Wow that's amazing blue_aussie !! Definitely update the thread as you get further in your book/when it is published etc !!
I definitely think illness/disease should be a topic looked into . Covering things like "generally concerning behaviors" that are symptoms of GI Stasis etc . How long can a rabbit go without eating/drinking before it should be brought to a vet, how much it should be pooping and what it should look like, urine colors and what's normal/ not normal . Since rabbits are fragile and can seemly pass unexpectedly I think it'd be a good idea the cover what to look out for if you think your rabbit is sick !! Maybe include some "home remedies" that are useful in certain situations/ if vet isn't available right away .

I also think going over what to do if their rabbit suddenly gives birth or is showing signs of pregnancy . This would be a good chance to talk about false pregnancies as well ! Depending on where they get their rabbit and how that rabbit was housed ( like at a pet store or farm when it possibly was kept with the opposite gender ) it would be good information to keep in mind just in case ( I adopted a hamster that gave birth a week after I had her- luckily I googled about it before hand because I never owned a female rodent before, but not everyone may think of that if they are only using books/aren't internet savvy ) .

Some info on bonding rabbits may also be a good topic !

Sorry for rambling, I'm in a rabbit group on Facebook and am trying to cover very common questions I see in the group !

[ivyy.]

Regarding the digging box: if you want to use sand, you can just buy the one that goes into sand boxes for children, it should usually be available in hardware stores (garden area).
Please do not use Chinchilla sand that can be bought in pet stores, it is too fine for bunnies, very dusty and thus not good for their noses/lungs. Also not very good for digging *lol*

I'll make sure to remember that! But, honestly, I think I like the shredded paper and cardboard digging box idea the best cause my bun loves to chew papery substances!

[Blue_Aussie]

Wow that's amazing blue_aussie !! Definitely update the thread as you get further in your book/when it is published etc !!
I definitely think illness/disease should be a topic looked into . Covering things like "generally concerning behaviors" that are symptoms of GI Stasis etc . How long can a rabbit go without eating/drinking before it should be brought to a vet, how much it should be pooping and what it should look like, urine colors and what's normal/ not normal . Since rabbits are fragile and can seemly pass unexpectedly I think it'd be a good idea the cover what to look out for if you think your rabbit is sick !! Maybe include some "home remedies" that are useful in certain situations/ if vet isn't available right away .

I also think going over what to do if their rabbit suddenly gives birth or is showing signs of pregnancy . This would be a good chance to talk about false pregnancies as well ! Depending on where they get their rabbit and how that rabbit was housed ( like at a pet store or farm when it possibly was kept with the opposite gender ) it would be good information to keep in mind just in case ( I adopted a hamster that gave birth a week after I had her- luckily I googled about it before hand because I never owned a female rodent before, but not everyone may think of that if they are only using books/aren't internet savvy ) .

Some info on bonding rabbits may also be a good topic !

Sorry for rambling, I'm in a rabbit group on Facebook and am trying to cover very common questions I see in the group !

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I didn't even think about mentioning false pregnancies. I am currently working on a chapter all about natural remedies for minor health issues, i thought it'd be fun to add since most rabbit books don't include medicinal herbs and such. I will certainly update you guys and you'll be the first to know when its finished. Ive never wrote a book before but I've wanted to for years, either about dogs or rabbits and I think rabbit care is a topic that isn't covered enough if you know what I mean c:

[Raire]

Regarding the digging box: if you want to use sand, you can just buy the one that goes into sand boxes for children, it should usually be available in hardware stores (garden area).
Please do not use Chinchilla sand that can be bought in pet stores, it is too fine for bunnies, very dusty and thus not good for their noses/lungs. Also not very good for digging *lol*

I'll make sure to remember that! But, honestly, I think I like the shredded paper and cardboard digging box idea the best cause my bun loves to chew papery substances!

:3 Definitely. My girl likes both, so she gets a digging box with sand and also cardboard to shred it herself, haha.

@Blue_Aussie
- vaccinations (RHD2, why it is important to vaccinate indoor buns too)
- water (why those bottles you hang onto the cage are not a good idea)
- minimum space
- diet (carrots = meh)
- tips for free roaming and litter box training?

[Blue_Aussie]

-snip-

@Blue_Aussie
- vaccinations (RHD2, why it is important to vaccinate indoor buns too)
- water (why those bottles you hang onto the cage are not a good idea)
- minimum space
- diet (carrots = meh)
- tips for free roaming and litter box training?

Thank you guys so much for the suggestions! It sounds like we all have the same thoughts on water bottles and small cages lol. I will definitely include tips for free roaming and how to litter train! c:

Edit- I just saw this rabbit kit in the archives and had to immediately get it... It looks exactly like my Netherland dwarf, Echo!!
Well... in kit form lol

[Tiger]

Didn't even think to check here! Glad to see fellow rabbit owners. I'm currently living with my holland lop and mini lop. ^_^

re: chewing: +1 digbox with shredded newspaper. Mine love a cardboard box tipped on one side filled with cardboard papers and shredded newspaper. Throwing a toilet paper tube in there too is often a winner.

There is indeed a spray to discourage chewing, it's branded as Bitter Apple Spray. You may have mixed results with this. I've heard plenty of success stories, but one of my buns is a lil' weirdo and decided he loved the flavor and will lick it incessantly.

You might want to look into what type of stick you're giving your buns. Sometimes they're really picky about the type/flavor (?) and will choose to chew furniture/walls instead. Mine refuse to chew on anything that isn't applewood. I learned that buying applewood sticks in bulk and giving plenty throughout the week prevents most furniture chewing in our case.

That being said, chewing is a totally normal behaviour since rabbit teeth never stop growing. All you can really do is try to redirect the chewing towards more appropriate materials.

I definitely think illness/disease should be a topic looked into . Covering things like "generally concerning behaviors" that are symptoms of GI Stasis etc . How long can a rabbit go without eating/drinking before it should be brought to a vet, how much it should be pooping and what it should look like, urine colors and what's normal/ not normal . Since rabbits are fragile and can seemly pass unexpectedly I think it'd be a good idea the cover what to look out for if you think your rabbit is sick !! Maybe include some "home remedies" that are useful in certain situations/ if vet isn't available right away.

+1! One of my buns is chronically ill (he actually got a liver lobe removed surgically a few years ago, long story, nearly lost him) and my vet made sure we have an at-home kit. The minute he starts sneezing mucus, refusing to eat or gets odd poops I watch his every move and have the kit at the ready until we rush him in

Our vet recommended infant simethicone for emergencies (until the office opens). Definitely consult a vet regarding dosage since I don't recall it off the top of my head and I don't want to give false information.
Other than that, we've got plenty of Critical Care (powder form in the pantry, mixed in the freezer) and IV fluids avaliable. My vet taught me this method of getting IV fluids in via making a "tent" with the skin and three fingers. I can't describe it very well, but ask for a demonstration if you can!

______________

On a side note, my minilop decided this morning that she really likes root vegetables. Caught her in the kitchen earlier pulling a yam out of the pantry. She managed to chew quite a bit of it. Fortunately I was advised it's not toxic, but it doesn't seem like something that's nutritionally sound. Not happening again!

I tried to get a picture of the yam compared to her body (seriously, it's huge!) and instead got a blurry shot of her desperately lunging for more. Noooooo. Gave her a dill treat instead.

[Raire]

Today I learned that two veggies are called "yam". Was totally confused when I saw you saying yam and then seeing your picture.
Those are indeed okay for bunnies to eat, albeit just small pieces when you have a healthy bunny.
If you do have one which needs concentrated feed, it is perfect though. Apparently it is usually hit-or-miss with bunnies.
Of course your bunny would pick such a big one! So greedy, haha!

[AdamJ]

hello!! im glad this exists.
i'm looking to get another rabbit (pet) sometime but ive had two (a rescue dutch mix- was "calico" of some sort)
and a lop gotten from a petting zoo lol.

the dutch lived to 9 years and the lop died at 6.
we were told "pneumonia " for the lop, but how can a rabbit get that? could it be somehow related to the other rabbits death?

anywyas, we are looking at the rescue center and such.