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20
JUN
2014
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Rabbits require mental and physical stimulation and toys are the perfect way of keeping your bunnies fit and their minds occupied. Just like small children, rabbits get bored and this is when they go and look for their own fun. If you don’t want chewed carpets and curtains and a ruined garden then you’ll need to provide your rabbits with alternative activities.
Different rabbits are going to enjoy different toys, so you may need to test a few before you find the ones that your rabbits will prefer. Changing toys around will prevent your rabbits from getting bored.
The problem is that pet shops sell toys but lots of them won’t be suitable for your rabbits. Spending a fortune isn’t necessary; there will be plenty of things lying around your house that you can turn into bunny toys for free.
Paper and paper bags
Shredded and screwed up paper, telephone directories etc… all of these things will make fun types of toys. Try hiding treat.. [More]
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Tips For Rabbit Enrichment , Making Your Own Rabbit Toys
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15
JUN
2014
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There is no escaping the fact that a trip to the vet has the potential to be very unsettling for all concerned, especially the first time. Here we take a look at how to organise the vet’s visit so that it goes as smoothly as possible.
Choosing your rabbit’s vet
Where possible, it is always a good idea to find a vet that specialises in small animals. Although many owners do not feel that taking a rabbit to the vet is necessary, it is certainly reassuring to know that in the case of emergencies, there is an experienced person at the end of the phone, or in the surgery. Before choosing the right vet for you, do your research: check that they have relevant experience with rabbits, what their costs are, and how close they are to you. Speak to friends with rabbits and see who they use, and check out organisations online, as many offer information regarding recommended vets.
Don’t wait for an emergency
Many owners put off visiting the vet until th.. [More]
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Organising Your Rabbit’s First Trip To Vet
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15
JUN
2014
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Oats been called the super food of the world from reducing asthma risk, control appetite hormones, part of gluten free diet, improve insulin….etc. In recent case, it is used more frequently as a supplement for small animals – providing necessary fattening agent and nutritional benefits.
Unknown to many, rolled oats are steamed groats that have literally been rolled out and flattened, with the bran (nutritional part) discarded. When most people think of “oats,” they’re thinking of rolled oats.
The main problems with oats are the phytic acid and the avenin, a protein in the prolamine family (along with gluten from wheat, rye, and barley, and zein, from corn). As far as phytic acid (or phytate) goes, oats contain less than corn and brown rice but about the same amount as wheat. Phytate has the tendency to bind minerals and prevent their absorption. So, even if a grain is rich in minerals, the presence of phytate prevents their full absorpt.. [More]
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Are Oats Healthy for Small Animals?
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15
JUN
2014
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Anyone owning or considering owning rabbits should give serious consideration to the housing they offer these animals. A small hutch hidden away in the garden is not sufficient and we need to move away from the notion that rabbits can be locked away 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This is WRONG!
In the wild a rabbit will cover an area equivalent to 30 tennis courts each day. Think about your own rabbits; if they are locked away inside a hutch all day it would simply be impossible for them to cover even a fraction of this distance. You should also consider the fact that wild rabbits also love to jump, dig, forage and hide – you should therefore offer your rabbits the opportunity to do the same.
Bear these factors in mind when shopping for a hutch and run. Buy the biggest you can afford and don’t forget that it may be cheaper to make your own. The hutch should offer each rabbit its own “bedroom area”, with a separate toilet area and a l.. [More]
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Providing Suitable Rabbit Home
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12
JUN
2014
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Like all domestic pets, rabbits need their fair share of attention and care. As one of the most popular pets in South Africa, these animals are coming ever closer to our hearts. And, we are learning increasingly more about the proper way to love these pets so they can live long, healthy and happy lives.
A great deal of media attention has been paid to proper housing of domesticated rabbits, and every year around Easter, the public is urged not to adopt bunnies arbitrarily as gifts as this leads to a surge in rescue efforts annually.
One area that receives exceedingly little attention, unless tied to overall digestion is oral health and hygiene. Fortunately, rabbits do not need to brush their teeth, but they do have terribly specific concerns. Rabbit owners should know the main concerns, how to spot them – and more importantly, how to prevent them.
What Big Teeth You Have!
Unlike humans, rabbit teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetime. On a.. [More]
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Caring For Rabbit's Oral Health , Maintaining Good Rabbit Teeth , Rabbit Food South Africa , Pet Rabbit Dental Care
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08
JUN
2014
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House rabbits make wonderful pets and can live happily indoors throughout the year, provided you meet all their welfare needs. There are a number of considerations you need to make before committing to owning house rabbits so you can be sure that this is the right pet for you, and vice versa.
Companionship
Rabbits are social creatures and thrive in the company of others. We would always advise owning more than one rabbit; neutered males and females usually make a great pairing, especially if they have been brought up together. If you own a rabbit and are adding a second rabbit take time to introduce them slowly. You may find that they are initially hostile towards each other so seek advice from your vet or local rescue so that you understand how to bond your rabbits successfully.
Exercise
You need to provide your house rabbits with the opportunity to dig, graze and exercise, just like they would do in the wild so why not grow trays of grass, and provide c.. [More]
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Tags :
Keeping House Rabbits Happy , Pet Rabbit South Africa , Pet Rabbit Food South Africa , Pet Rabbit Hutch , Pet Rabbit Cage , House Rabbits , Bunny Home , Bunny Food
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06
JUN
2014
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If you are a rabbit owner or are considering adopting a rabbit as a pet then there is something you need to know about these adorable creatures; they LOVE company!
Rabbits are naturally sociable animals and in the wild they co-exist happily with other rabbits. If they are kept in solitary confinement as pets they can become extremely lonely and this can have a negative impact on their emotional health and well being. If your rabbit growls at you when you go near him or if he kicks aggressively at you then it could be loneliness that it causing this behaviour.
With this in mind always seek to adopt rabbits in pairs at the very least and the best combination is a neutered male and a neutered female. It is worth noting that neutered males will often fight, which is why a mixed pairing more than likely will work best.
Neutering is important – without this you WILL get pregnancy and new rabbits and there are way too many rabbit rescues throughout South Africa s.. [More]
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Rabbits Love Company , taking care of pet rabbits in South Africa , Pet Rabbits South Africa
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05
JUN
2014
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Rabbits eat mainly carrots, right? Wrong! There are lots of misconceptions about what rabbits should eat. Find out what rabbits really should eat to stay healthy!
Myth #1 - Rabbits eat carrots
Carrots shouldn’t be main source of food. Rabbits don't naturally eat root vegetables/fruit. Carrots/fruit are high in sugar and should only be fed in small amounts as occasional treats. Rabbits need mainly hay and/or grass, some leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets.
Myth #2 - Hay is just bedding
Hay isn’t just bedding. Fresh, dust–free hay should be their main source of food available at all times. We recommend Timothy hay because it is high in protein and other nutrients and has lots of beneficial fibre.
Myth #3 - Rabbits eat lettuce
Diets shouldn’t be lettuce based. Rabbits shouldn’t eat some lettuces (e.g. iceberg) as they contain laudanum which can be harmful in large quantities. Some lettuce is "worse".. [More]
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Tags :
Common Rabbit Diet Myths , Pet Rabbits South Africa , Pet Rabbit Care South Africa , Pet Rabbit Food South Africa , Food for bunny , petfood for bunnies , buy Timothy Hay South Africa
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02
JUN
2014
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Pets make a delightful addition to many families. But, furry friends, just like their human counterparts need daily care and a bit of affection too. It applies to rabbits as much as it does for some of the more persistent pets (did anyone say puppies?). Fortunately, bunnies tend to exercise themselves, given enough room to run, which takes that strain off owners who are not keen for a nightly walk. But, they do require veterinary care and immediate attention if they become ill or contract a disease. However, rabbits do not tend to let their owners know when they are suffering – you’ve just got to be alert. Not sure what you are looking for or need to know?
Illnesses Requiring Annual Vaccinations
Myxomatosis
What Is It? Myxomatosis is an extremely fatal virus. Most rabbits are unable to recover once they contract this disease. It is spread through biting insects like mosquitoes and fleas. Occasionally it is also spread through direct contact w.. [More]
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Tags :
Rabbit Health What Owners Need To Know , Know Your Rabbit Diseases in South Africa , Pet Rabbit Health
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30
MAY
2014
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Getting a pet should never be taken lightly, before you rush into picking up your very own bundle of fluff, give it some good thought. Here are some points to consider before you get a rabbit.
Rabbits like company
Rabbits are naturally social creatures and enjoy company. Your first consideration should therefore be to take on not just one rabbit, but at least two. We always advocate adoption; there are many rabbits living in rescue across South Africa right now. If you adopt more than one rabbit then ask the rescue for their advice on bonding, neutering etc.
Do you have the time?
You may think that rabbits are a low maintenance pet. They are not. You need to be committed to giving your pet the happiest and healthiest life possible, perhaps for many years and this involves interaction with your pet, plus time devoted to feeding, cleaning, trips to the vet etc. If you’re adopting or buying a rabbit for your child, can you trust them to keep looking after the.. [More]
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Tags :
Your First Rabbit - Things To Consider , Getting Your First Pet Rabbit in South Africa
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