My Two Cents

My Two Cents

This article is about lessons I have learned that you may not find in a book or online.  New advice will be added upon request so please leave a comment with any questions or topics you would like to see.  Thanks for visiting and hop on by again real soon.  *

First if you have a feeling you should do something (like add cardboard in the bottom of a nest because the nights are cold) just do it.  Most of the time your rabbit will forgive you for “destroying their creation”.  I read they have a short attention span and if you are their main caregiver, they will trust you the majority of the time.

Protect yourself when handling your rabbits.  Wear long sleeve shirt and additional coverage over your chest area.  Their nails can leave a pretty sever scratch.  I was told one lady got scratched up and it got infected.  Another fellow said his rabbit charged out of its cage, climbed up his chest and over his back and began to fall.  Next thing he knew, his rabbit was starting to fall so it bit his back pocket and was hanging there.  These animals domestic but retain the desire to stay alive.  When startled, they may do things that you surprise you. 

NEVER DISIPLINE YOUR RABBIT.  They must never have a reason to fear you.  Hitting or yelling at your rabbit WILL NOT CHANGE ITS BEHAVIOR in a positive manner.  It will only make HIM AFRAID OF YOU and then you will have more problems with behaviors resulting in his fear of you.

Do research every time you have a question.  If you have fellow breeders call and ask them if they have any advice.  Most are very willing to help.  You can always ask me.  If I don’t have the answer, I will help you research until we find the answer. 

Each time a “new situation” arises, I turn to the internet for more facts.  There are ways to “cure” or treat illnesses, infections and other common situations that can save you a trip to the vet.    THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU SHOULD AVOID taking your rabbit to the vet if it is seriously ill.  Research this topic and be aware of what a critically ill rabbit will do or look like.  Sometimes you only have moments to react.  Majority of the time, a seriously ill rabbit will not show signs until they are critical.  Get to know your rabbits.  It will pay off in the long run.

NOT ALL ADVICE is worth taking.  I was advised by a vet to “CULL ALL MY RABBITS  and start over next year”.  I did not take this advice and with a lime wash and a few other “chores” my rabbits were cured and totally recovered from ringworm.  I had only 3 bunnies’ show signs.  I believe it was from a pile of wood we stacked close to the rabbitry.  It was stinking with rot.  We moved it, washed all the rabbits with the lime wash, sprayed down the rabbitry with bleach water and the rash stopped, the bunnies healed and I have not had another problem.  This was a very difficult time for me.  I was very upset and cried at the idea of losing all (28 at the time) bunnies and kits.  Could you imagine if I had listened to the advice of THE VET???    

Comments about New Zealand rabbits FROM OTHERS:

• I absolutely love the New Zealand White Bunnies. I have been around Flemish Giants, Californians, Mini Rex, and the Flop Ear rabbits as well-but the New Zealand are my favorite. We have raised our buck since he was a baby and he is the best pet we have had ever. He loves to be held, gets really excited when he sees us, and you can tell he is content when he is being held and petted. You are absolutely right, too, we have noticed that bucks are better for inside pets compared to does. It just seems like they like being cuddled more, love to be pet more, and are a lot calmer around the family. I recommend this breed for anyone looking for a pet. They are simply amazing! 
•  We love our New Zealand white Bunny. His name is Bugs. I'm convinced he thinks I'm his mom. He loves my 2 yr. Old . He follows her around the house everywhere she goes . He also is very active and playful with my cat and dogs (both big and small.) They are also very curious. He is into everything. I learned tonight that they are also super smart because he knows his name and comes when he is called and he is only 7 weeks old. So I'm pretty excited to see how he will be when he is grown. He is a part of the family. And they are amazing pets.

*My experiences do not over-ride the advice of your vet and in no way be considered as professional veterinary care.  I share my experiences strictly as a learning tool.  Contact your local vet for professional care.