Category: Selecting Materials for Rabbits

The Materials Needed & Recommended For Bonding a Pair of Bunnies

There are many materials recommended for rabbits that aren’t all that useful, but in some situations, maybe they could be. Today, these materials will get their stand and explanation of whether they will work for you. Many materials are necessary for every bonding session, but others, not so much, which is why this post will be going through what is necessary no matter what, and what will work for certain situations and techniques.

The Materials List:

  • Natural Treats: Natural treats are extremely easy to find, despite what you may or may not look for. For many rabbit owners, their first reaction would be to look for a packaged rabbit treat, but instead, I encourage any rabbit owner to use fruit for treats. This way, it’s so much easier to know what really is in the inside, not forget that it is so much cheaper, plus you can share!
  • Clothing That Won’t Attract Fur: The process of finding some sort of clothing that won’t attract, or show fur, is pretty hard. I find that grey athletic leggings, jeans, cotton shirts, and athletic sweatshirts aren’t all that bad. Check out my last bonding post from six days ago for more details. These clothing pieces should be found in any clothing store, if not, at sporting goods stores.
  • Carrier: A carrier or a small, enclosed area is necessary for stress bonding. This stress bonding session sounds and looks worse than it really is. Stress bonding is a great way to strengthen your rabbits’ relationships.

Why These Materials?

  • As for the clothing, it’s so easy to look in your closet, bins, dresser, whatever, and find clothing that won’t show, or attract, rabbit fur. The thing about rabbit fur is how fine it can become, along with how easily it sticks to all clothing, some more that the others. Personally, I feel that this is one of the most important steps, especially for anyone who lives with their family, who may or may not be bothered by a clump of fur stuck to your entire body.
  • Natural treats are great to reward your rabbit for their great behavior.
  • The carrier, like I said is a base/area where the rabbits will usually bond. This area is key to bonding rabbits.

Where to Find These Utensils & Materials:

Most of these materials can be found in these stores/areas:

  • Petstores
  • Hardware Stores
  • Convenience Stores
  • Home Goods Stores

Posting Dates and Times:

  • The Materials Needed and Recommended For Bonding a Pair of Bunnies: 9/23/2019: 7:15 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • The Giant Angora Rabbit Breed: 9/26/2019: 6:15 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • Rabbit Care Necessities: Rabbit Bedding: 9/29/2019: 5:25 P.M. Central Time (USA)
  • Bonding A Pair of Bunnies Step-By-Step: 10/1/2019: 5:30 P.M. Central Time (USA)

Rabbit Care Necessities: Bunny-proofing Supplies

The amount of times that bunny-proofing has made its stand on this blog is pretty large, but it’s all for a reason. Many rabbit owners don’t realize how simple bunny-proofing really is. With bunny-proofing, the amount of money that can be saved from destruction is quite insane.

Bunny-Proofing Shopping List

  • Cable protectors
  • Baby-proof outlet plugs
  • NIC grids
  • Zip ties
  • Natural Area Rug(s)/Sturdy rugs
  • Exercise pen(s)

Descriptions:

  • Cable protectors: Cable protectors are large plastic tubes with a minuscule slit in the top of which the cables can be slipped into. These cable protectors prohibit rabbit from targeting cables to chew on, and can protect the rabbit(s), and the cords from harm. These cable protectors can be found in almost, if not all, hardware stores.
  • Baby-proof outlet plugs: These outlet plugs are very well known for babies to prevent them from sticking their fingers in the outlets, the same goes for rabbits. Rabbit claws are susceptible to sliding into outlets, of which the rabbit may try to chew at the outlet in some way. The outlet plugs prohibit the rabbit from accessing the outlet, to then prohibit any injury. These plugs are available at nearly any store.
  • NIC/grids: NIC grids are small wire grids built together to form a large square of grids, which are usually used for organizers and shelving. These grids are absolutely amazing for blocking off small areas where the rabbit shouldn’t have access to. NIC grids are found at most home stores, if not, they can be found on Amazon.
  • Zip ties: Zip ties are lifesavers to most rabbit owners. Even though they may seem irrelevant, zip ties can really take a toll on your rabbit’s safety. With zip ties, putting together a barrier for a small area with the NIC grids is extraordinarily simple. Other rabbit owners use the NIC grids and the zip ties to make a cage door, or even a rabbit condo, it’s all up to the owner’s wants and needs. Zip ties are easy access in all hardware stores.
  • Natural Area Rug(s)/Sturdy rugs: Rabbit safe area rugs are a must for owning rabbits, more for those who don’t choose to use fleece and towels on the floor. These rugs are amazing for those who choose to free-roam their rabbit. These rugs allow a traction spot for the rabbit to run. With this, these rugs must be a sturdy and woven material without any fringes to be considered safe for rabbits. These rugs are most commonly found in home good stores.
  • Exercise pen(s): Exercise pens are magnificent for any large situations of which an owner may want to block off a very large area. With this said, these exercise pens have to be sturdy, tall, and long enough to work for a rabbit. Rabbit exercise pens should be made of a sturdy metal material, they should be pretty long, and should be at least 3 feet tall. These standard ensures that the rabbit will stay happy, healthy, and safe in their bunny-proofed area.

Reasons:

  • Cable protectors:
    • Save your cords
    • Save your rabbit
    • Save your money
  • Baby-proof outlet plugs:
    • Prevent chewing and clawing at and in outlets
    • Save your rabbit’s life
    • Prohibits hay from accidentally frying in the outlet
  • NIC/grids:
    • Prevent the rabbit’s access to unnecessary access spots, more commonly for small spots
    • Cage doors
    • Cage walls
    • Can be bent into a slotted cord organizer/shelf
  • Zip ties:
    • Repair cages and doors
    • Connect NIC grids
    • Reconnect doors to cages and carriers
    • Flip lid connector for hay racks
  • Natural Area Rug(s)/Sturdy rugs:
    • Allow appropriate traction
    • Prevent excess slipping
    • Padding to hocks
  • Exercise pen(s):
    • Prevent access to extremely large areas
    • Enclosure
    • Can be a cage itself

Posting Dates and Times:

  • Rabbit Care Necessities: Bunny-proofing Supplies: 9/21/2019: 4:45 P.M. CT., (USA)
  • The Materials Needed and Recommended For Bonding a Pair of Bunnies: 9/23/2019: 6:15 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • The Giant Angora Rabbit Breed: 9/26/2019: 6:15 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • Rabbit Care Necessities: Rabbit Bedding: 9/29/2019: 5:25 P.M. Central Time (USA)
  • Bonding A Pair of Bunnies Step-By-Step: 10/1/2019: 5:30 P.M. Central Time (USA)

Rabbit Care Necessities: The Exercise Pen

Exercise pens are very well known for pet dogs, but for whatever reason, many people out there don’t think to use them for other animals. Whether it’s for a cat to prohibit it from getting into an area, or for a rabbit from accessing dangerous areas of the house, these exercise pens are extremely important, here’s why.

Why Are Exercise Pens Necessary?

Many rabbit owners think that all rabbits need an exercise pen, but some really don’t. For the rabbit owners that choose to free roam, and bunny-proof, which I highly recommend, they really don’t need an exercise pen, they have the entire house! If you happen to choose to free roam your rabbit, some people may choose to use an exercise pen for bunny-proofing.

For those who aren’t free roaming, exercise pens are crucial for your rabbit’s health. Not only is it important give rabbits the 24/7 access to roam and play around, but they also need protection from certain areas of their room to prevent injuries. Rabbit exercise pens work great to spread across a wall as a barrier, and as an area for playtime outside of their usual area. Rabbits need plenty of enrichment from different areas of playtime, an exercise pen can make the process much easier.

Different ways to use exercise pens would be by making a wall to enlarge a rabbit’s area, rather than just a circle, but still blocking an area off. Another option would be to use the pen to prevent the rabbit’s access to a catastrophe of cords, or a large area of outlets that aren’t quite bunny-proofed. Some other ways would be using the pen for different playtime areas, for bringing a rabbit outside for playtime, etc.

What Are the Requirements For a Rabbit’s Exercise Pen?

The requirements that I would expect an exercise pen to meet, when regarding a rabbit would be that the pen should be sturdy, with an easy access door, and the pen has to be at least three feet tall. The reasoning behind this all is below:

Sturdiness:

Sturdiness is no surprise, especially when the subject is about containing an animal, in a safe, and reliable manner. Rabbits can be extremely stealthy animals, and making sure that a rabbit isn’t capable of escaping their pen is vital for your sanity, and their well being.

Easy Access Door:

An easy access door is great for those who are constantly going in and out. An easy access door is great for rabbit owners that have to go in and out of the pen to clean dishes, prepare veggies, grab hay, grab fleece, etc.

I find that having an easy access door on my rabbit pen is so extremely helpful, especially when the bunnies are following me around when my hands are full and my sister isn’t down in their room to help me. These rabbit pens can be very tedious, so staying in safe parameters is the best way to go.

At Least Three Feet Tall:

The reasoning behind why the pen should be at least three feet tall is very simple. Rabbits, by nature, are astounding at jumping ginormous heights, which brings in one of the most simple factors of keeping a rabbit safe, actually keeping them in their area.

If you find your rabbit outside of its pen, and there wasn’t any change to setup or positioning, I would recommend getting a taller exercise pen, just for your rabbit’s safety, and your own mindset and reassurance.

Where to Find Exercise Pens:

Pet exercise pens are practically everywhere, but I would recommend looking at online options for cheaper prices, or less there is a sale on an exercise pen in a store, then go right ahead. If I were you, I’d look into pens from the stores, and then resort to online stores, that way, you are allowing yourself to experience more options, and allowing yourself to have more fun.

Some places to look into for exercise pens would be:

  • Petco, Petsmart, or any generic pet store.
  • Hardware stores, such as Ace Hardware, Charlie’s Hardware, etc. The pens should be for sale in the pet section of these stores.
  • Otherwise, there are always the online stores, like Amazon, where literally everything is sold.

 

Posting Dates and Times:

  • Rabbit Care Necessities: The Exercise Pen: 9/15/2019: 4:55 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • Why Should Rabbits Be Kept in Pairs?: 9/17/2019: 5:25 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • The French Lop Rabbit Breed: 9/19/2019: 5:45 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • Rabbit Care Necessities: Bunny-proofing Supplies: 9/21/2019: 4:45 P.M. CT., (USA)
  • The Materials Needed and Recommended For Bonding a Pair of Bunnies: 9/23/2019: 6:15 P.M. Central Time, (USA)

Rabbit Care Necessities: Litter

Rabbit litter has been mentioned and talked about multiple times on the blog, but I feel that finding the correct litter for not only your situation, but your rabbit’s too. It’s so incredibly important to find a litter that fits your lifestyle and budget, along with what will work for your rabbit.

Finding the Right Litter For Your Situation, & Your Rabbit’s:

The following litter options that will be mentioned below will be hay, wood stove pellets, cat litter, paper bedding (Carefresh), and wood-stove pellets.

Hay:

There are rabbit owners that will use hay as litter, so that your rabbit can eat the clean hay, and ignore the soiled hay.

Reasons: Simple, easy to clean, convenient, and functional, very cheap.

To take into consideration:

  • Hay doesn’t absorb liquids
  • The pee may omit odors
  • The hay will be wasted
  • The litter pan will be very dirty without any protection

Wood Stove Pellets:

Wood stove pellets are great for anyone who happens to live in the country where wood stove pellets will be more commonly sold.

Reasons: Cheap, very easily accessed, absorption is definitely there.

To take into consideration:

  • May be dusty
  • Doesn’t have much of an odor control

Cat Litter:

Cat litter is absolutely great for anyone who already owns cats because you don’t need to worry about the new litter to buy.

Reasons: Very convenient, not too dusty, very helpful as for odor control reasons, some are environmentally safe.

To take into consideration:

  • Pretty expensive
  • Must be wood/paper pellets (no clay or clumping litter)
  • Has to be scent free to be safe for your rabbit’s respiratory system

Carefresh and Other Paper Bedding Brand:

Carefresh is great to get at pet stores for fun colors and different types of paper litter that is beneficial for the environment.

Reasons: Soft on hocks, very presentable,  makes exuberant and joyful themes.

To take into consideration:

  • Expensive
  • Isn’t very good with odor control, a better controlling litter will need to be underneath.
  • Dusty/messy

Horse stall Bedding:

Horse stall bedding pellets are great for easy access picking up at almost any store, and for great prices.

Reasons: Very cheap, convenient, very absorbent, odor control is great, wood smells nice, often found in bulk.

To take into consideration

  • The bag is often very heavy
  • Can be a little dusty, but not terrible overall

The Point of Litter:

The whole point of litter is to absorb liquids, that’s really what the run-down is. Even though finding the correct litter for your rabbit is a bit of a task because the average person would say something similar to, “It’s just litter,” finding the correct litter could save your rabbit’s life, and prevent plenty of pain.

Litter is very beneficial for many pets, and should be taken seriously, like any animal product should. The correct litter for the appropriate situation is key, so look out for the little tips that I gave out above, in case anyone would be willing to reread a bit.

What Happens to Rabbits Without Litter & Litter Boxes?

Obviously, for those who don’t know, any litter is meant to absorb fluids from pets, the most commonly known pet to use a litter box would be a cat. Rabbits are very similar in the way that cats would also use a litter box, besides the more serious side effects that come with avoiding the supplying process of a rabbit litter box.

I realize that this would most likely be the same for cats as well, but I feel that all cat owners already know that cats should have litter boxes, yet many out there don’t realize that rabbits should too.

The side-effects that come along when a rabbit isn’t properly litter box trained, or if the litter box isn’t even supplied include:

  • Potential indoor flystrike: Indoor flystrike is the same as usual flystrike, besides the fact that it is affecting an indoor rabbit. Indoor flystrike really is only possible if the rabbit has terrible hygiene, and if the litter and litter box isn’t properly cleaned and changed.
  • Other parasites and bug infestations: Realizing how many bugs and parasites come into access because a rabbit wasn’t given proper litter is just disgraceful. Keep in mind, these different creepy crawlies are also coming for you, because your rabbit lives in the same area as you. Why would anybody restrict a rabbit’s access to a litter box though? That’s like telling someone that they can’t use the toilet, even though they’re so easy access.
  • Matted fur: Matted fur isn’t all that bad right? WRONG! Matted fur can cause a rabbit’s set of stools to stick to it’s fur, which is a terrible situation to begin with, until the different illnesses that are more likely to occur show up because the stools are considered, it just makes everything even worse.

And the other side-effects that are guaranteed to occur and happen would be the terrible scent drifting around your house, along with the terrible hygiene that your rabbit was forced to live through. For most people, this alone would be enough to differ the person’s original perspective, but for others, maybe not. If this alone doesn’t persuade anyone, please read up on all of the predicaments that become major risks without proper litter and litter boxes.

Posting Dates and Times:

  • Rabbit Care Necessities: Litter: 9/9/2019: 5:45 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • Is a Pair of Bunnies Right For You? For Everyone? 9/11/2019: 6:00 P.M. CT., (USA)
  • The French Angora Rabbit Breed: 9/13/2019: 4:50 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • Rabbit Care Necessities: The Exercise Pen: 9/15/2019: 4:55 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • Why Should Rabbits Be Kept in Pairs?: 9/17/2019: 5:25 P.M. Central Time, (USA)

How to Form a Bond With a Newly Adopted Rabbit

Bonding with an adopted rabbit that recently came into the arms of your household can be somewhat confusing, and in some instances, very complicated. I like to make owning a rabbit as simplistic as possible, and because of that, I will be going over the steps in as much detail as possible. Please know that this is for the sake of your education and learning, so if the paragraph is more like an essay, it’s simply because I want to get an important point across, and include the details as well.

Step 1: Know What Strategy You’d Like to Use

Being confident in what strategy you would like to use for bonding, and in some ways training, with your rabbit, is actually very important. With bonding, you will have to show that even though you are soft hearted for your furry friend, that you’re also in control, still in a loving manner.

There are multiple different strategies to choose from, which have all been discussed in an abundance of details, just for you to understand and comprehend. These different opportunities, or strategies, are what you’ll plan on doing with your rabbit, to keep them active, reliant, and submissive. The rabbit is new to you, so keeping the pace steady and reasonable can be a make it or break it situation. Rabbits can’t speak, and they will become confused very easily, so running through your activity slowly, and in a comfortable, reasonable pace.

If you’d like to check out this post that I went over these different strategies and techniques, please click on the following link to lead you to the post, or just look it up by the title that I have it linked as.

Step 2: Know What You Need As For Materials

This step, like the last step, is also included in a post of mine, and if you’d like to know more of the details, please check out that post, I can promise you that there will be a tip in there that will help you, but if not, let me know, and I’ll gladly help you out.

Now that you should know the strategy that you’d like to use, I’d recommend looking into what materials you’ll need for the activity that you’ve planned for your rabbit(s). These materials are listed according to each activity in the post that I’ve done on this subject, so please check that out if you haven’t already.

Step 3: Spend Time With the Rabbit(s)

The 3rd, and most important step, is to actually bond with your rabbit, the main hint, is to simply spend a reasonable amount of time with your rabbit. The most simple actions taken when you’re around your rabbit could increase your bond with your fluffy friend, one of the possibilities could be sitting and reading on the floor near your rabbit. If you’d really like to, I guess you could even read to your rabbit.

The most simple acts and actions could really benefit your rabbit’s feedback and overall bond with you. The most important section of this step, is what it says, just spend whatever spare time you have, with your rabbit. I find that going to my rabbit’s room is one of the most enjoyable parts of the day.

Even if you only have a couple of minutes, just go to your rabbit’s area and spend some time with them. The more time spent with your rabbit(s), the more your rabbit(s) will grow to appreciate you, but also grow a stronger bond with you.

Step 4: Give the Rabbit Positive Feedback

Giving rabbits positive feedback after doing a trick, or even coming over to you, is essential. Rewarding rabbits with a new or favorite toy could be one way. Other ways could be petting your rabbit, giving them a treat, or even just talking in a positive and welcoming manner.

Positive feedback allows the rabbit to process in the perspective of whatever action they just took, is correct, and what you’d like to see from them. Rabbits are more physical learners, at least from my experience with them. Rabbits really do like to know when they are doing an act correct, so allow them to know what is being done correct, reward them.

Step 5: Keep Promoting Positive Reinforcement

Last, but not least, is that it is so incredibly important to promote and stress positive reinforcement through every action you decide to take around and with your rabbit(s). When you have recently adopted a rabbit, they’ll already be very stressed out from the move, and they’ll probably want nothing to do with you. This is something to be prepared for.

When a rabbit has been in a stressful situation in their past, they will hold on to that one situation, and will use it against you. It really shouldn’t take long to observe and learn about your rabbit’s past. Rabbits will make it very obvious when they aren’t in agreement with a decision of yours, especially when you’re handling rabbits. For those who have handled rabbits quite a lot, you’ll know a rabbit’s past problems, and maybe some of the rabbit’s background, just from their reaction. Most rabbit shelters will inform you with this information, they really should, but sometimes, the shelter just doesn’t know too much about that specific rabbit.

If you are working on touching your rabbit’s paws without a negative reaction, or handle him/her, allowing the rabbit to know that this is meant to be a simple and positive process is a must. Rabbits will need as much positive energy as possible at these moments. Allowing the rabbit know that they’re okay, and that they’re in good hands, is so incredibly important to allow this process to be successful.

Posting Dates and Times:

  • How to Form a Bond With a Newly Adopted Rabbit: 9/5/2019: 5:45 P.M. CT. (USA)
  • The Florida White Rabbit Breed: 9/7/2019: 4:00 P.M. Central Time, AKA CT., (USA)
  • Rabbit Care Necessities: Litter: 9/9/2019: 5:45 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • Is a Pair of Bunnies Right For You? For Everyone? 9/11/2019: 6:00 P.M. CT., (USA)
  • The French Angora Rabbit Breed: 9/13/2019: 4:50 P.M. Central Time, (USA)

 

Rabbit Care Necessities: Litter boxes

Litter training rabbits can really take a toll on whether families will allow a rabbit into their home. I, personally, feel that litter boxes aren’t discussed enough, especially with pet store companies selling tiny litter boxes that aren’t even large enough for a dwarf rabbit, but advertise it for a small to medium bunny.

Why Are Litter Boxes So Important?

If a rabbit wasn’t litter box trained, or didn’t have a litter box in general, it would be like a dog just constantly using the house flooring for a toilet because it couldn’t go in the backyard, or it doesn’t have a backyard.

Litter box trained rabbits are noted to live a happier, healthier, and longer life than rabbits without a litter box, and aren’t trained. This is because when a rabbit doesn’t have a “toilet” to use, they just go anywhere, which means they have the chance of stepping, laying, whatever, in it. This also means that the feces and urine are building up over time, which could attract bugs and cause many bug invasions, along with diseases that could potentially be carried by that bug. Don’t forget that the building up feces and urine could also build up on the rabbit’s fur, which would definitely cause many predicaments, including indoor flystrike.

I’d also like to stress the importance of keeping a rabbit’s area tidy. I just mentioned how urine and stools can attract different insects, but when you have these bugs trapped in the shelter containing the rabbit, the flies, mites, fleas, whatever, are also trapped, which means your rabbit is stuck with all of these insects that could cause plenty of unnecessary harm, all because you didn’t supply a litter box.

Litter boxes are very easily accessible, and there really isn’t an excuse to avoid giving an opportunity for a much more pleasant life by litter training a rabbit. Rabbits are excellent at learning new skills, and take it quite seriously, plus you’re adding years to your rabbit. These years that I’m expressing and stressing about are the years that you could add on to your rabbit’s life through preventing serious diseases from insects, preventing stress from the illnesses, helping the rabbit’s respiratory that is struggling from the smell, last but not least, the hygiene that is required for every rabbit to live an astounding life.

Think of rabbit care in a human’s perspective, humans need the hygiene, care, and products to live a healthy and beneficial life, so do rabbits. This is why they need litter boxes, it’s a rabbit product necessity for a great life, it encourages amazing hygiene, and allows the rabbit great care through keeping them more hygienic than what it would be without a good quality litter box, or a litter box in the first place.

Are Small Litter Boxes Bad?

Yes, small litter boxes are terrible for rabbits. Not only do they restrict movement and comfort, but the odds of your rabbit actually making the feces in the litter box is highly unlikely, especially if it’s crammed and undersized.

The biggest problem with small litter boxes, is the size itself, if it’s small, it’s too small! Small litter boxes will limit the rabbit’s movement in the box, make the rabbit uncomfortable, and most likely stick the feces to the rabbit’s back end, or the side of the box, definitely nothing you want.

What is the Problem With Pet Store Litter boxes That Are Made For Small Animals?

Rabbits aren’t really all that small of animals, especially when you consider their size compared to the “small animal” litter boxes, specifically advertised for rabbits and guinea pigs, even though they’re barely a decent size for the average guinea pig.

Small animal advertised litter boxes are NOT in any way large enough for a rabbit of any size, not to forget that the sides aren’t even sides, and the box itself will need daily cleaning. These litter boxes aren’t appropriately sized, and no rabbit owner should ever feel tricked when it comes to buying an advertised, “appropriately” sized litter box.

What Do I Recommend For Rabbit Litter Boxes?

Personally, as a rabbit owner and a person who enjoys researching rabbit care, now for three years, I feel that the best litter box for a mini & small to large sized rabbit would be any large sized cat litter box, with high sides, and a great width to allow a full 360 degree turn for your rabbit, with plenty of space and comfort.

The reasoning behind this is quite simple. A rabbit that is anywhere from a mini sized breed, to a large sized breed, that is able to spin a full 360 degrees in the litter box, with comfort and ease, will be willing to use the box. This should show the owner that the rabbit is comfortable with the size, and it fits well for the breed and size. For a small breed of rabbit, I would look for lower sides if they are very short, if they can jump just fine, and don’t struggle with hock issues, or arthritis, then you’re all set.

For any giant breed rabbit, I would recommend purchasing a large plastic tub that is commonly used for storage purposes, to be used as their litter box. Storage boxes will usually have very high sides, and an amazing area the work with. This allows a giant breed rabbit to be able to move appropriately, still in a comfortable manner.

If you find that the box is still too small, I would recommend looking into a full sized, covered, cat litter box base, just focusing on the base, this will ensure that the litter box itself is large enough for your not so little rabbit. If you would like to invest in a covered cat litter box for your rabbit, go right ahead.

Covered Litter Boxes?

Covered litter boxes are amazing for rabbits, especially for those who find joy in kicking the litter and hay everywhere. The cover will prohibit the rabbit’s access to shooting feces, litter, and hay across the enclosure, from one, simple, foot-flick. Covered litter boxes are also amazing for anyone who hosts plenty of gatherings, because the roof and sides of the box is enough to enclose and hide the rabbit’s feces.

Posting Dates and Times:

  • Rabbit Care Necessities: Litter Boxes: 9/3/2019: 5:25 P.M. Central Time (USA)
  • How to Form a Bond With a Newly Adopted Rabbit: 9/5/2019: 5:45 P.M. CT. (USA)
  • The Florida White Rabbit Breed: 9/7/2019: 4:00 P.M. Central Time, AKA CT., (USA)
  • Rabbit Care Necessities: Litter: 9/9/2019: 5:45 P.M. Central Time, (USA)
  • Is a Pair of Bunnies Right For You? For Everyone? 9/11/2019: 6:00 P.M. CT., (USA)

 

Materials Needed to Bond With a Rabbit

Since preparation is key for really anything related to rabbits, knowing what should be prepared for a bonding session with your rabbit is very important. Because of this, I will be going over what materials I feel you will need on hand to bond with your rabbit, along with recommendations and my favorite materials and products for rabbits for bonding sessions, not to forget the tips behind these products.

The Materials I Recommend and Where to Find Them:

The Materials I would recommend would be: Treats of some sort, preferably all natural, clothing that won’t attract rabbit fur, some agility course pieces, a clicker, or really any activity pieces.

  • Natural Treats: Natural treats are extremely easy to find, despite what you may or may not look for. For many rabbit owners, their first reaction would be to look for a packaged rabbit treat, but instead, I encourage any rabbit owner to use fruit for treats. This way, it’s so much easier to know what really is in the inside, not forget that it is so much cheaper, plus you can share!
  • Clothing That Won’t Attract Fur: The process of finding some sort of clothing that won’t attract, or show fur, is pretty hard. I find that grey athletic leggings, jeans, cotton shirts, and athletic sweatshirts aren’t all that bad. Check out my last bonding post from six days ago for more details. These clothing pieces should be found in any clothing store, if not, at sporting goods stores.
  • Agility Courses: Agility courses are very simple items that rabbits can really enjoy, but to buy them, they don’t seem all that enjoyable for the price. Because of this, finding different ways to make DIY agility courses would be best. You’re saving money, having fun in the process, and your rabbit is almost sure to love it.
  • A Clicker: This, as well, was mentioned in my last post. Finding a clicker for clicker training that isn’t overpriced can be tedious. The best way to save money with this is to use a pen and click it on and off.
  • Activity Pieces: Any other activity pieces can be new chew toys, new hideouts, fun accessories, different play stations, and more! I find that just rewarding a rabbit with these is great, and best of all, they’re extremely easy to DIY.

My Favorite Materials to Use When Bonding With a Rabbit:

  • Fruit: Very easy access, healthy, shareable, and cheap.
  • Clothing that won’t attract fur: Easy to find and access, can be cheap, minimizes fur across the entire house.
  • New toys: Very easy to make, easy to access in stores, can be cheap, great enrichment for any rabbit, can get a rabbit moving.
  • Food: Very easy access, should already be in the bunnies area, very motivating, etc.

Why I Recommend These Products:

These products are the most simplistic pieces that can do amazing wonders for your bond with your rabbit. I like to keep everything as simple as possible for you, and I feel that these are the easiest and most beneficial products for the entire process.

Fruit and food are so incredibly easy to find, especially since most, if not all families, will already have it in their house. Fruit is a great treat for rabbits, but the food I’m talking about is really just your rabbit’s food. Hand feeding rabbits their own food allows them to take in your scent and recognize you as a reliable person.

As for the clothing, it’s so easy to look in your closet, bins, dresser, whatever, and find clothing that won’t show, or attract, rabbit fur. The thing about rabbit fur is how fine it can become, along with how easily it sticks to all clothing, some more that the others. Personally, I feel that this is one of the most important steps, especially for anyone who lives with their family, who may or may not be bothered by a clump of fur stuck to your entire body.

Last but not least, new toys. Even though this may sound like one of the most tedious products/materials to get, it’s actually one of the easiest. Making homemade toys can be relaxing, enjoyable, and rewarding. I find that my rabbits are huge into chewing wood and cardboard, so I base my toy ideas off of that, it’s really what your rabbit prefers.

Why Is It Important to Prepare For a Bonding Session?

The preparation for anything with any animal is key, rabbits especially. With rabbits, they can be pretty unpredictable if you recently adopted them. This can cause some predicaments in a new rabbit and its owner.

Bonding sessions are no exception. Bonding with a new, or longer owned rabbit can be a struggle for anyone, that’s why I personally think that preparing for any situation is best. With all honesty, rabbits are amazing animals that get into a lot of trouble, but to avoid that, all you need to do is think ahead and prepare.

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From now on, I will be putting in little reminders at the end of my posts, instead of inputting an “outro.” The setup will be simply to remind my viewers when certain posts will be up, times, and more. If you find this helpful, please let me know, but until next time, continue to spread proper rabbit care!

Upcoming Posts and Their Posting Times:

  • Materials Needed to Bond With a Rabbit: 8/30/2019: 4:45 P.M. Central Time (USA)
  • The Flemish Giant Rabbit Breed: 9/1/2019: 4:15 P.M. Central Time (USA)
  • Rabbit Care Necessities: Litter Boxes: 9/3/2019: 5:25 P.M. Central Time (USA)
  • How to Form a Bond With a Newly Adopted Rabbit: 9/5/2019: 5:45 P.M. CT. (USA)
  • The Florida White Rabbit Breed: 9/7/2019: 4:00 P.M. Central Time, CT., (USA)

 

Rabbit Care Necessities: The Rabbit Care Haul

As a rabbit owner, the ginormous rabbit haul before you get your rabbit is probably the second most exciting thing, besides getting your rabbit. I, personally, enjoy shopping, especially when it’s for my pets. This time, I’ll be going over the different materials you’ll want to get, how to make the trip even more fun than it is, and how to select and detect the acceptable, and unacceptable products. (And more)

Stores and Shops to Go to:

For the different stores I’ll be listing and giving advice for, I’ll be going over actual stores, and online stores. Personally, I’d recommend going to an actual store, just because there are usually more options, cheaper prices, and of course, more fun. If you don’t find what you want in a store, then of course, you could resort to online stores, but I would go to an actual store first, then resort to online.

In Person:

Like I just mentioned, I would recommend to going to a store in person for rabbit materials, or really any materials. In store, there are usually more options, cheaper prices, and I find it more fun. This is the first resort if you were to take my recommendations.

  • Petco: Be cautious of what you choose. They care more for the sale, not exactly the facts.
  • Petsmart: Same as Petco, be aware.
  • Dr. Foster and Smith: They know their facts, feel free to ask questions.
  • Joann’s: You’re just there for bedding so, there isn’t much to ask.
  • Hardware Stores: Not much to ask besides where the different litter options are.
  • Any other pet stores: Just be aware of what is and isn’t safe for a rabbit.

Online:

Online would be my second resort of choice. This is only because I find that getting out of the house, getting a bit of exercise, and shopping with other animal lovers around is just so much better. If you can’t find what you would like in store, then online would be the way to go, just make sure to give your eyes a break when you’re on electronics ;).

  • Pet store websites: Yet again, be cautious of the products
  • Binky Bunny: They know what they’re doing, you can trust them
  •  Dr. Foster and Smith: Again, they know their facts
  •  Small Pet Select: They REALLY know their facts
  •  Bunny Supply Co.: A great site with great products, just know your facts, just in case. (They do seem very trustworthy though)
  • Rabbit Youtubers’ Online Stores (101Rabbits, StormyRabbits, Etc.): Extremely trustworthy

Materials to Put on the Shopping List:

The following items that I will be listing will be in categories, the categories being: Food, Bedding, Litter/Litter boxes, Habitat, and Miscellaneous.

Food:

  • Timothy Hay (Adult Rabbits)
  • Veggies
  • Rabbit Safe Pellets That Contain Healthy Ingredients (Optional)

Treats:

  • All Natural Treats
  • One Ingredient
  • Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Bedding:

  • Fleece
  • Towels (Old towels)
  • Foam Mats
  • Rugs

Litter and Litter boxes

  • Litter of Choice: Wood stove Pellets, Horse stall Pellets (My favorite), Yesterday’s News, Feline Pine, Etc.
  • Large Cat Litter box WITHOUT any sort of mesh, wire, etc.
    • High sides work best
    • Low sides for seniors
      • Can be cut down if necessary

Habitat:

  • Water Bowl
    • Large enough for at least three quarters of a glass of water
    • Changed 1-3 times a day
  • Exercise pen
    • At least three feet tall
  • Hidey House
    • Can be made out of a cardboard box
  • Hay Rack
    • Very easy to DIY

Miscellaneous:

  • Cat Nail Clippers
  • Rabbit Grooming Brush
    • Can be a DIY
      • All you need is a dog flea comb with large widths between the metal bristles that allow a cut rubber band to pass through.
  • Carrier
  • At Home Emergency Kit
    • Gauze
    • Baby Food
    • Critical Care
    • Syringe
    • Blood Clotting
    • Antiseptic
    • Pedialite
    • The Container itself

Making the Trip Even More Fun:

As a big shopper, the trip itself is already exhilarating and enjoyable, but for those out there that aren’t big into shopping, this section will help you out so that you aren’t complaining about how bored and annoyed you are, the average shopper, I know.

  1. Look at other items, despite the fact that you have things that you need for your rabbit, it’s still amazingly enjoyable to look through and buy the unnecessary items too.
  2. Look through the other animal items, because if you’re like me, you’ll find a way to make other animals’ items work for a rabbit.
  3. Look through all of the fun accessory items and the toys, really, please do, all of the exciting and adorable additives will be worth it when you get your rabbit.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Products: What to Look For…

This section is quite easy to interpret, but I would still like to incorporate how important it is to look at ingredients and the smallest little hints to interpret whether the product should be safe for a rabbit or not.

What to Look For:

What I prefer to do when I’m looking at a rabbit product, most likely food, is too look for what shouldn’t be in it. This way, the moment I find something that I wouldn’t want my rabbit in access of, I can immediately avoid that product, this way, you’ll save more time, more money, and prevent the stress of realizing how bad of a product you bought.

This is the same with toys. When looking for safe rabbit toys, avoid cloth toys to prohibit GI problems. Otherwise, what I will usually look to avoid in a rabbit toy would be corn of any sort, husk, artificial flavors, artificial colors, etc. These are the different additives that can potentially be very dangerous to rabbits, despite the fact that they like these materials most of the time, but please, avoid them.

These products will usually will have some sort of hidden description on the packaging. The hidden part is to prohibit lack sales, which shouldn’t be the case, but all that producers care about are the sales, not the thought or healthiness, at least this is the case for the usual chain pet stores, not exactly for other stores.

Acceptable:

Honestly, anything that isn’t unacceptable, should be okay for your rabbit. Please keep an open mind and use your brain and common sense. If rabbits can’t have corn husks, why would they be able to have corn? Plus, I have made a post on that subject.

Look for timothy hay, natural flavors, natural ingredients, one ingredient, etc. These are the main eye-catchers for a great quality rabbit product. Really any food with a small list of ingredients is a real eye-catcher.

Unacceptable:

Like I mentioned above, the different materials to avoid can be extremely hazardous, but so are the ingredients in some rabbit food too:

Food:

Food-wise, the additives and ingredients to avoid would be:

  • Corn
  • Added Sugars
  • Molasses
  • Wheat
  • Oils
  • Artificial Colors and Flavors
  • Any food that isn’t considered “safe” for a rabbit

Toys:

Like I mentioned before, the materials to avoid in rabbit toys would be:

  • Cloth and fabric chews
  • Treated wood
  • Artificially flavored chews
  • Corn or corn husk (anything corn)
  • Artificial colors

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Thank you so much for coming again to this post. If you found this post informational, please give this post a star and share this post with your family and friends. I post every other day, so if you would be willing to come back again then, that would be great. Until next time, continue to spread proper rabbit care, and I’ll talk to you soon.

Preparing For a Bonding Session: You and Your Rabbit

Having an amazingly strong bond with a rabbit can come very smooth, or extremely rough. I’m here to help you bond with your rabbit, and to make the process a breeze. Today, I’ll be going over the preparation steps to bonding with your rabbit. If you don’t have a rabbit yet, or you already do, and you would like to know more about finding the right space for your rabbit, click this link: Rabbit Care Necessities: The Room

Step 1: Materials

The first, and probably most important step, would be the materials you feel, may, or do need. The materials needed for each person and rabbit will vary. For some rabbit owners, the treats they use could vary from mine, or they might use a different bonding method, either way, these rabbit owners have the materials they do, or don’t need.

To get ready to go and gather these materials, make a shopping list of different bonding necessities, along with the additives and fun items that you feel that not only you, but your rabbit may enjoy. The process of making shopping lists for some people is annoying and stressful, even though some rabbit owners, like me, find it extremely relaxing and enjoyable. If you happen to hate shopping, and also hate making the lists for the trip, here are some tips to make the process so much more enjoyable.

  1. Remember that this is for you, and your rabbit. Think of all of the amazing things that will come out of doing this shopping trip, you’ll have a happy bunny, an affectionate bunny, last but not least, a happy owner.
  2. Remind yourself that this is for the good of not only you, but also your rabbit. When you do bonding sessions, you’re obviously creating a stronger bond, but you’re spending time with a sweet little animal that you have the privilege to have. Not many rabbit lovers are actually able to own a rabbit, let alone see and pet a rabbit for fun.                                                                                                                                          Honestly, you should be so incredibly grateful for this amazing gift of owning a rabbit, so make the most of the time that you have with your bunny. Honestly, spoil this little bunny like you haven’t spoiled them before, but still make sure that you are keeping them healthy and safe in the process :). Having a positive mindset, even though the sessions can be hard, but once you get going, and you start to feel the bond coming on, you won’t ever want to let go of your little fluffy-tailed bunny.
  3. Be confident in what you’re doing. Wherever you end up going for rabbit supplies, I can almost guarantee that there is either another rabbit owner there at that point of time, or there has, or will be sometime. There are so many more rabbit owners than you could ever imagine.                                                                                                             One of the times when I went to a hardware store for litter, the woman, who was the cashier, asked us is we owned rabbits. We were confused of how she knew, until I realized that after we had answered that it wasn’t for farm use, she could tell that it was for a house pet of some sort. It turns out, that woman, who was our cashier, owns her own rabbit(s) and uses the same litter. You never know who you will run into, but trust me, I’m sure that someday, you’ll happen to run into a rabbit owner, I can almost guarantee it.

Some different materials that I would personally look into buying or having right away would be:

  • Fruit: Whether you just want to have some good old fruit to share with your bunny, or you want to make them into treats, fruit is an amazing option for treats. Fruit is very high in natural sugars, which is great for humans, but not always for small animals or rabbits. Natural sugar, for rabbits, is the equivalent to added sugars for us, it isn’t that great for us.
  • A Clicker of some sort: If you would like to start with clicker training right away, I would recommend having a clicker of some sort ready. It’s a great idea to get your rabbit ready and used to the clicker as soon as possible if you would like to do a lot of clicker training with your rabbit. This way, you’re allowing your rabbit to get used to you, and you are giving them treats, which gives them a good vibe that is shared when the rabbit is around the owner.
  • Agility obstacle course: This is an amazing way to not only get your rabbit moving, but to bond at the same time. Rabbits love the activity and enrichment of moving around, learning new tricks, and of course, earning treats.
  • Clothing that won’t attract rabbit fur: This is essential for anytime that you pay a visit with your rabbit, if you plan to go out and about later, if not, I really wouldn’t care. I wouldn’t recommend wearing fleece, flannel, black clothing, or very fuzzy clothing near your bunnies. All of the clothing, besides the fuzzy clothing, will seriously attract rabbit fur, the fuzzy clothing will attract hay. (Messed That one up in my thumbnail image)

Step 2: Plan

The next step to the process would be your plan of what you will be doing with your rabbit. Whether you plan to just lay on the ground and let them interact with you, or if you plan to spoil them with treats and allow them to get used to you, here are some different options that I would recommend for a newly adopted rabbit’s first bonding session:

  • Laying on the Ground: This is the most simplistic way to bonding with a rabbit. You pretty much just lay on the ground, let the rabbit come to you, sniff you, and you can give an occasional treat.
  • Giving Treats: Giving occasional treats to your rabbit as you spend time by them is a great way for them to get used to your scent, and your overall personality, and actions.
  • Clicker Training: Clicker training is a much longer process that I would recommend for more experienced rabbit owners. It is a very simple process, but making sure that your rabbit trusts you enough before hand is the key to it all.
  • Agility: Agility is great for any rabbit owner, even though clicker training can be contributed, but you don’t have to include it if you don’t want to. Agility is an amazing way to enrich your rabbit’s natural lifestyle, along with having a good time. Clicker training and agility sessions should be kept short for the sake of your rabbit. Rabbit’s have very short attention spans, and shouldn’t be forced to do something that is meant to be fun, but instead, is being turned into work.
  • Petting & Handling your rabbit: While handling your rabbit, you’ll have to be extremely careful, but also decently experienced with doing so. Doing plenty of research before handling your rabbit would be best, whether you’re experienced or not, a time of refreshment could really help. As for petting your rabbit, being gentle and soft is the best way to pet your rabbit, especially if they aren’t used to you.

Step 3: Setup

To then become a little more prepared for the overall process of bonding with your rabbit, setting up the entire area and format is key. The process to this is:

  1. Having your materials ready and prepared. If you would like to do DIY treats for your rabbits, I would already have those done, and I would recommend introducing them to your rabbit, just to make they actually like them, because some rabbits can be extremely picky.
  2. Have your clicker device ready, along with the treats, if you plan to start clicker training. If you don’t feel like buying a designated clicker, you can simply just use a pen and use the click from the pen itself to be the clicker.
  3. If you would like to do agility, I would recommend having all of the obstacles and trick ideas ready to go, along with a clicker, assuming that you will be using clicker training as a reward, along with the treat of your rabbit’s choice.
  4. If you just want to lay on the ground, all I would recommend would be wearing an outfit that won’t attract rabbit fur, along with the rabbit treats of choice.
  5. Last but not least, if you plan to handle your rabbit, make sure to have treats on hand to give good reinforcement during the process of handling your rabbit. Getting your rabbit used to handling as soon as possible is key to having a smooth process in case of an emergency.

 

Step 4: Look For Tips

Looking for tips from other sources is a great idea. Even though many sources only want you to look at their facts, I don’t believe that should be the way that learning should be. When you look at multiple sources, you’re able to back up different facts, due to the fact that there are multiple reliable sources saying the same thing. If you happen to find a source that goes against a fact, keep looking.

As for bonding tips, some greats YouTubers would be LennontheBunny, StormyRabbits, and 101Rabbits. These are the three Youtubers that I feel are best with bonding with their rabbits, along with the content and facts, which always seem to be one point.

As for articles, the American Rabbit Association should have bonding and handling information, otherwise other rabbit bloggers could help. BinkyBunny.com and The House Rabbit Society are other amazing article options.

Step 5: Prepare

The preparation is pretty much completely done if you did all of these steps. Any other things to consider would be extra research, looking ahead into other steps (so keep an eye out for my bonding advice posts which are every six days), and to get advice, tips, research topics, and overall facts from multiple sources. Whether you like watching videos, or you want to read an article, it’s good to have facts to back up each other.

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Thank you so much for all of the love and support. If you happened to enjoy this post, leave a like, I would really appreciate the feedback. Please come back every other day for a new post, but until next time, continue to spread proper rabbit care (and spoil your little fluffy bunny 🐇 ), hope to talk to you again!

What Litter to Use?

Today will be a description of what litter would work best for you and your rabbit(s). This will include hay, wood stove pellets, cat litter, paper bedding, etc.

Hay

There are rabbit owners that will use hay as litter, so that your rabbit can eat the clean hay, and ignore the soiled hay.

Reasons: Simple, easy to clean, convenient, and functional, very cheap.

To take into consideration:

  • Hay doesn’t absorb liquids
  • The pee may omit odors
  • The hay will be wasted
  • The litter pan will be very dirty without any protection

Wood Stove Pellets

Wood stove pellets are great for anyone who happens to live in the country where wood stove pellets will be more commonly sold.

Reasons: Cheap, very easily accessed, absorption is definitely there.

To take into consideration:

  • May be dusty
  • Doesn’t have much of an odor control

 

Cat Litter

Cat litter is absolutely great for anyone who already owns cats, because you don’t need to worry about the new litter to buy.

Reasons: Very convenient, not too dusty, some are environmentally safe.

To take into consideration:

  • Pretty expensive
  • Must be wood/paper pellets (no clay or clumping litter)
  • Has to be scent free to be safe for your rabbit’s respiratory system

Carefresh or Any Paper Bedding Brand

Carefresh is great to get at pet stores for fun colors and different types of paper litter that is good for the environment.

Reasons: Soft on hocks, very presentable, fun for themes.

To take into consideration:

  • Expensive
  • Isn’t very good with odor control, a better controlling litter will need to be underneath.
  • Dusty/messy

Horse stall Bedding

Horse stall bedding pellets are great for easy access picking up at almost any store, and for great prices.

Reasons: Very cheap, convenient, very absorbent, odor control is great, wood smells nice, often found in bulk.

To take into consideration

  • The bag is often very heavy

 

Thank you for coming back for another post. Please come back every other day for a new post, and check out any past posts that you may have missed. I’ll talk to you then, bye.