Bunny sitters are hard to find. From reading blogs and online groups, it seems that lack of bunnysitters is a major deterrent for people who’d otherwise consider house rabbits for their companions as well as a reason some give up their bunnies.
I’m one of the lucky ones. I have two exceptional ‘critter sitters’, who take good care of both the bunny and the hound when I am away. However, neither started out as accomplished sitters. I took a lot of time educating each on the needs of both of these delicate creatures. Both have spent a lot of time on the House Rabbit Society education pages and each time I am away I leave a folder with detailed instructions and printouts of important information articles, especially those that educate people about noticing the signs that could mean your bunny is sick. I also leave a basket filled with the things bunny will need both basket and items are labeled for reinforcement—eg brush (every evening) etc.
Not only is the bunny vet contact information available, including driving directions, but also information about the 24-hour emergency facility and instructions to tell them to contact the bun’s regular bunny vet. I also leave the information packet from Bond Animal Hospital where we see Dr. Laurie Hess.
If your primary bunny facility does not have a similar package with instructions for feeding, behavior, and what to do in an emergency, etc., I’d encourage you to ask them to put one together.
I’ve also noted on some of the chat sites that people are sending out SOS for a bunny sitter days before they need one. I suggest you start early, find at least 2 people who are good candidates and begin their education 8-10 weeks in advance. Send them to web sites, download and print important information and make sure they are familiar with the unique needs or your bun. I recently read a plea that said the bun had free roaming of the apartment including bedroom- would that be a problem? In the same way human sitters need time to be trained so do the buns. For example, when I am away I know neither sitter is going to make the usual breakfast time. So for at least a week or longer I slowly reschedule feeding time so the bun is not only used to later breakfast, but gets used to a bit of unpredictability yet remains confident food is coming.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Herbal Remedies for Rabbit
I learned from a fellow fiber person on ravelry.com some herbal remedies for sick bunnies. I know about herbal remedies for human healing, but did not know good for bunnies also.
Knitterbunny provides a disclaimer as follows.."a compilation of remedies that were put together by several rabbit breeders and added to by myself. Please use caution ...
Unless otherwise indicated, herbal remedies should be used in the amount of one-two leaves once a day per rabbit.
Blackberry- Use leaves and fruit; this is soothing to the rabbit and can help to cool the animal by increasing circulation, it is good for pregnant does, especially on hot summer days, and can also help to stimulate appetite while Borage- increases milk flow and is slightly laxative
Chamomile- flower has cleansing and calming properties, it helps to relieve pain used as an infusion (tea) calms nervous animals, the tea is also helpful as a wash for weepy eye
Clover- great roughage fresh or dried, somewhat sedative, both the leaf and the flower can be fed, should not be given to young rabbits, and should be fed sparingly to prevent acidosis
Comfre- the active ingredient is cholin, a very powerful healing agent, you can feed the root or foliage (though I use only the foliage), will stimulate appetite, and is generally good as a treat, a compress can also be applied to bruised or sprained areas, use a partial leaf of this as the leaves are very large and Dandelion- use as an appetite stimulant or treat, also helpful to prevent wool block and ease wool block, roots or leaves can be used (though I only use leaves), be sure that the leaves are free of pesticides and from a dog free area, wash well, use up to three leaves at a time. Dill- increases milk production, increases appetite, increases intestinal health, leaves work, but seeds are stronger, use a sprinkling of seeds (side effect, bunnies have “pickle” breath for a short while). Garlic- protects against most disease as well as preventing shock, highly antiseptic, but rabbits don’t like the taste
Mint- dried or fresh mint will increase intestinal health and decrease milk flow (perfect for does that have lost their litter to dry off the milk)- We just tried mint tonight for our bun with undiagnosed bouts of stasis. So far, so good.
Nasturtium- Highly antiseptic, both leaves and flowers are edible and use up to four leaves
Oats- low in starch, high in mineral content (especially K, P, Mg, and Ca), feed very sparingly in summer and do not feed to young animals. Parsley- rich in iron and copper, contains apiol which is useful in the treatment of urinary problems, seeds, leaves, and roots may be used, roots are used for constipation and intestinal obstruction. Raspberry- treats retained afterbirth by encouraging bloodflow to the organs, inproves does condition during pregnancy, ensures a speedy strong birth, and increases intestinal health and Rosemary- flea killer (very good flea killer, if you an get them to eat it), also prevents flea infestation. Sorrel- soothing and cooling, increases blood flow.
Strawberry- antiseptic properties as well as cooling to the rabbit by increasing blood flow, use leaves, roots, and berries, specifically the leaves are rich in iron and supposed to prevent miscarriage, may be ued externally for inflammation, sore eyes, and rashes. Thistles- great to stimulate the appetite, when used with saltines thistles can bring a rabbit back from the brink of death related to intestinal inflammation. Willow- bark contains salicin which cures intestinal inflammation, a branch may be given to weanling babies every day to prevent diarrhea (I have not tried this one myself, no willow trees nearby)
Some additional all natural remedies, not necessarily herbal.
Apple Cider Vinegar- two tablespoons to a gallon of water, fill bowl as necesary, this increases the appetite, and stimulates weight gain. Baking Soda- use as a paste by mixing with a little water to relieve the pain of a nail cut too short, a scratch, or sore hocks (sore hocks should also be treated with an antiseptic, steps should be taken to prevent the exacerbation of the sore hocks by giving the rabbit a piece of drywall or plywood to sit on or moving them to a wooden floored cage)Banana- due to the vitamin B12 and potassium, it encourages weight gain and stimulates appetite, use the peel and banana, both dried chips and thin slices an be used (I freeze them in the summer as an extra treat!) Papaya- stimulates appetite and encourages a healthy coat, (this is fantastic stuff, I use it dried as a treat too)
Knitterbunny provides a disclaimer as follows.."a compilation of remedies that were put together by several rabbit breeders and added to by myself. Please use caution ...
Unless otherwise indicated, herbal remedies should be used in the amount of one-two leaves once a day per rabbit.
Blackberry- Use leaves and fruit; this is soothing to the rabbit and can help to cool the animal by increasing circulation, it is good for pregnant does, especially on hot summer days, and can also help to stimulate appetite while Borage- increases milk flow and is slightly laxative
Chamomile- flower has cleansing and calming properties, it helps to relieve pain used as an infusion (tea) calms nervous animals, the tea is also helpful as a wash for weepy eye
Clover- great roughage fresh or dried, somewhat sedative, both the leaf and the flower can be fed, should not be given to young rabbits, and should be fed sparingly to prevent acidosis
Comfre- the active ingredient is cholin, a very powerful healing agent, you can feed the root or foliage (though I use only the foliage), will stimulate appetite, and is generally good as a treat, a compress can also be applied to bruised or sprained areas, use a partial leaf of this as the leaves are very large and Dandelion- use as an appetite stimulant or treat, also helpful to prevent wool block and ease wool block, roots or leaves can be used (though I only use leaves), be sure that the leaves are free of pesticides and from a dog free area, wash well, use up to three leaves at a time. Dill- increases milk production, increases appetite, increases intestinal health, leaves work, but seeds are stronger, use a sprinkling of seeds (side effect, bunnies have “pickle” breath for a short while). Garlic- protects against most disease as well as preventing shock, highly antiseptic, but rabbits don’t like the taste
Mint- dried or fresh mint will increase intestinal health and decrease milk flow (perfect for does that have lost their litter to dry off the milk)- We just tried mint tonight for our bun with undiagnosed bouts of stasis. So far, so good.
Nasturtium- Highly antiseptic, both leaves and flowers are edible and use up to four leaves
Oats- low in starch, high in mineral content (especially K, P, Mg, and Ca), feed very sparingly in summer and do not feed to young animals. Parsley- rich in iron and copper, contains apiol which is useful in the treatment of urinary problems, seeds, leaves, and roots may be used, roots are used for constipation and intestinal obstruction. Raspberry- treats retained afterbirth by encouraging bloodflow to the organs, inproves does condition during pregnancy, ensures a speedy strong birth, and increases intestinal health and Rosemary- flea killer (very good flea killer, if you an get them to eat it), also prevents flea infestation. Sorrel- soothing and cooling, increases blood flow.
Strawberry- antiseptic properties as well as cooling to the rabbit by increasing blood flow, use leaves, roots, and berries, specifically the leaves are rich in iron and supposed to prevent miscarriage, may be ued externally for inflammation, sore eyes, and rashes. Thistles- great to stimulate the appetite, when used with saltines thistles can bring a rabbit back from the brink of death related to intestinal inflammation. Willow- bark contains salicin which cures intestinal inflammation, a branch may be given to weanling babies every day to prevent diarrhea (I have not tried this one myself, no willow trees nearby)
Some additional all natural remedies, not necessarily herbal.
Apple Cider Vinegar- two tablespoons to a gallon of water, fill bowl as necesary, this increases the appetite, and stimulates weight gain. Baking Soda- use as a paste by mixing with a little water to relieve the pain of a nail cut too short, a scratch, or sore hocks (sore hocks should also be treated with an antiseptic, steps should be taken to prevent the exacerbation of the sore hocks by giving the rabbit a piece of drywall or plywood to sit on or moving them to a wooden floored cage)Banana- due to the vitamin B12 and potassium, it encourages weight gain and stimulates appetite, use the peel and banana, both dried chips and thin slices an be used (I freeze them in the summer as an extra treat!) Papaya- stimulates appetite and encourages a healthy coat, (this is fantastic stuff, I use it dried as a treat too)
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Bunny Health & Wellness 2
Rabbit health and wellness also requires exercise and socialization. A house rabbit needs at least 4 preferably 6 hours of out of cage time. Once out in the world it is important to be sure the extended area is rabbit-proof-- no wires or other dangerous items for you bun to get into or treasured items for him/her to destroy.
House rabbits also need social time and for the one-rabbit family that is with humans. Petting, fussing, playing games is very important for rabbit health and wellness. In our other post when our bun had a bout of ileus, one of the remedies Dr. Hess recommended was exercise.
When your rabbit is ill, one of the most important treatments is to keep your rabbit company (even if it means sleeping on the kitchen floor) and fussing! Fussing includes telling your bun how important he/she is to you, and a crooned lullaby doesn't hurt either.
For our buns part of the health and wellness routine has included 24X7 NPR (National Public Radio) adio on the background.
House rabbits also need social time and for the one-rabbit family that is with humans. Petting, fussing, playing games is very important for rabbit health and wellness. In our other post when our bun had a bout of ileus, one of the remedies Dr. Hess recommended was exercise.
When your rabbit is ill, one of the most important treatments is to keep your rabbit company (even if it means sleeping on the kitchen floor) and fussing! Fussing includes telling your bun how important he/she is to you, and a crooned lullaby doesn't hurt either.
For our buns part of the health and wellness routine has included 24X7 NPR (National Public Radio) adio on the background.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Bunny Health & Wellness
Although it can be difficult to determine when your rabbit needs an emergency visit to the bunny vet, some important steps include: offering your bun a favorite treat, at least twice- if he/she refuses then it is time to check temperature. Ask your rabbit veterinarian to teach you.
Next is to listen to your bunny’s intestinal sounds. Total silence could mean gastrointestinal stasis Ileus), a potentially life threatening emergency while loud gurgling could mean gas. The gas pains could push the bunny into ileus, so gas should not be taken lightly.
This past week we’ve gotten through both kinds of rabbit health and wellnessexperiences. The first was clearly the bunny emergency and in addition to the subtle behavioral signs we found a small trail of tiny, hard cecals that she’d passed during the night. The cecals for us meant don’t walk, run to the bunny vet. Last night HRH was suffering from gas, and the recommended bunny massage along with sympathetic attention and lots of fussing got us through the night. By about 2 a.m. she nibbled some timothy hay- of course holding out for the long green stalks, and by noon today she was eating again and passing cecals.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Rabbit Cost, What to Expect
So Yes a Joy even though rabbits are perhaps expensive. Although you can bring a bun into your home for a nominal fee to a rescue organization or shelter, you should consider the costs for a suitable cage, food, toys etc. It is possible to cut costs and get optimum products if you use the internet. You'll find that you will not buy everything your rabbit needs at one store.
I've seen some great pictures and videos on the internet of creative bunny digs using a wide variety of products including cubes. We use a combination of a large portable dog crate (the door is always open) in a protected area of the kitchen and an interesting placement of x-pen fencing reminiscent of the Great Wall.
We've also learned from Dr. Hess that fresh veggies trump pellets. So our 'big girl' Rex is a bit less than 1/4 cup of Oxbow Timothy pellets in the morning and evening. And of course lots of hay. Spring, summer and fall the bun gets treats from the garden including local grass snippings. Her fresh veggies and occasional fruit treats are affordable as the bun benefits from the wide variety and competitive prices of NYC produce vendors. We estimate bun food at about $20 month for fresh and hmm $10-12 for the pellets and hay.
We also shop the sales at the online stores including Drs. Foster- Rabbitstop, etc.
I've seen some great pictures and videos on the internet of creative bunny digs using a wide variety of products including cubes. We use a combination of a large portable dog crate (the door is always open) in a protected area of the kitchen and an interesting placement of x-pen fencing reminiscent of the Great Wall.
We've also learned from Dr. Hess that fresh veggies trump pellets. So our 'big girl' Rex is a bit less than 1/4 cup of Oxbow Timothy pellets in the morning and evening. And of course lots of hay. Spring, summer and fall the bun gets treats from the garden including local grass snippings. Her fresh veggies and occasional fruit treats are affordable as the bun benefits from the wide variety and competitive prices of NYC produce vendors. We estimate bun food at about $20 month for fresh and hmm $10-12 for the pellets and hay.
We also shop the sales at the online stores including Drs. Foster- Rabbitstop, etc.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Bunnny Vets
So for me and many other bunny folk finding a good bunny vet is certainly on the joy list.
This week we had our first vet emergency with HRHEP. I do believe things happen because they are supposed to (notice not necessary for 'a reason'). So the supposed to on Thursday morning was I overslept. Resigned I'd be late for work I did not overly rush the morning and engaged the usual routine. Feed the hound, feed the bun, brush the hound and do daily hygeine, spend time with the bun.
Like most other human companions to buns, I'm sensitive to anything just not right and both bun and hound are creatures of habit and routine. So there was an intuitive sense something was amiss but then there was telltale sign! itty bitty small hard cecals in the corner.
Of course panic set in- after all this was the first anniversary of the passing of beloved Clover. But Dr. Laurie Hess and the team at Bond Animal Hospital saved the day and the bun!
For me the elements of a good bunny vet--
- the practice answers the telephone in a competent and kind manner (kudos Bond)
- the vet is in or if not the practice knows where he/she is available to see your bun-- and the alternate site is close by
- the practice understands potential bun crisis and is willing to fit in new clients
-the vet is a bunny specialist ( as well as other small animal and exotic but grounded in bun care)
- the vet and/or the techs educate you and help you with bun aftercare
-the bun vet has a back up plan for emergencies, letting you know the best place to take your bun when he/she cannot be reached; and has an established professional relationship so the emergency group will contact the bunny vet.
-the vet and/or tech is available for follow up guidance telephone calls.
This week we had our first vet emergency with HRHEP. I do believe things happen because they are supposed to (notice not necessary for 'a reason'). So the supposed to on Thursday morning was I overslept. Resigned I'd be late for work I did not overly rush the morning and engaged the usual routine. Feed the hound, feed the bun, brush the hound and do daily hygeine, spend time with the bun.
Like most other human companions to buns, I'm sensitive to anything just not right and both bun and hound are creatures of habit and routine. So there was an intuitive sense something was amiss but then there was telltale sign! itty bitty small hard cecals in the corner.
Of course panic set in- after all this was the first anniversary of the passing of beloved Clover. But Dr. Laurie Hess and the team at Bond Animal Hospital saved the day and the bun!
For me the elements of a good bunny vet--
- the practice answers the telephone in a competent and kind manner (kudos Bond)
- the vet is in or if not the practice knows where he/she is available to see your bun-- and the alternate site is close by
- the practice understands potential bun crisis and is willing to fit in new clients
-the vet is a bunny specialist ( as well as other small animal and exotic but grounded in bun care)
- the vet and/or the techs educate you and help you with bun aftercare
-the bun vet has a back up plan for emergencies, letting you know the best place to take your bun when he/she cannot be reached; and has an established professional relationship so the emergency group will contact the bunny vet.
-the vet and/or tech is available for follow up guidance telephone calls.
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