Rabbit Behaviour: The Importance of Companionship

The importance of companionship to a rabbit cannot be overstated. A solitary rabbit is an unhappy rabbit, it really is as simple as that. Companionship can be provided by us as owners but by far the best scenario is a pair of happy, bonded rabbits.

Why do rabbits need companionship?

In the wild, rabbits live very closely in a network of burrows called a warren. Within this warren this is a strict pecking order, with one male and one female at the top of the tree. Beneath this are many more mated pairs, youngsters who haven't yet made a mating pair and outsiders who are unable to find a mate. Rabbits rely on each other to keep an eye out for predators and warn of danger. They also groom each other, sleep close together and forage together.

This behaviour is still relevant to domestic rabbits, with the best pairing being neutered male and spayed female i.e. a "mated pair".

Why boy / girl is best

For rabbits, sex is the cause of most arguments. Therefore, neutering / spaying has a huge effect on rabbits' behaviour, calming them down and removing the driving force that causes males to fight and females to be territorial. However, male/male and female/female pairings are still more difficult than male/female. In this way, rabbits stay true to their roots and how they would live in the wild by wanting to be in a "couple". A male/female bonded pair can be likened to a happily married couple, with the bond growing deeper year by year. Bonded rabbits feel grief and will mourn the loss of their partner; luckily, they usually accept a new partner readily.

Companionship from other sources

Solitary house rabbits can bond very well with their human owners. They may follow them around, "groom" them, even sleep in their bed with them. This is sufficient companionship for the rabbit but there is always the problem of what happens when the human has to go away. Rabbits often pine for their companions with a resultant loss of appetite; something which is very dangerous in rabbits and can lead to death.

Rabbits can also bond with cats or dogs although this is more rare and depends a great deal on the nature of the cat / dog. In many cases, the rabbit becomes the "boss", taking a superior position over the cat or dog. However, nature dictates that cats and dogs are predators and rabbits are prey so no relationship can ever be entirely safe.

Rabbits have traditionally been kept with guinea pigs for companionship but rabbits tend to bully guinea pigs and they do not make good companions for each other.

In summary, rabbits are gregarious animals and companionship from another rabbit, or their human owners, is vital to their emotional wellbeing.

Copyright 2011 Hannah Davis / Bunnyhugga.com All Rights Reserved

Hannah Davis writes for Bunnyhugga.com, an online information library for rabbit owners.

The simple guide to rabbits takes beginners through every aspect of rabbit ownership http://www.bunnyhugga.com/guide-to-rabbits.html

For experienced rabbit owners, the A to Z is a handy information library of documents and links http://www.bunnyhugga.com/a-to-z.html

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Angora rabbit jumping crazy

My New Lion Head Bunny

Five Ways To Organize Your Pet For Summer

Summer is coming. How do you mark the arrival? Do you stock up on suntan lotion? Buy yourself a new beach bag? Maybe you're thinking about a summer vacation and planning where and when you'll go. You've probably already sent in the deposits and medical forms for your children's camps and signed everyone up for swimming lessons. In the midst of all this planning, have you given any thought to your four-legged and furry friends? Take a few minutes and check these five for Fido off your list:

1. Hydration. You don't leave for a day at the beach without packing a cooler of snacks and drinks, right? Well, your dogs and cats need the same tlc during the hot summer months. If your animals are able to go outside, buy an extra bowl or two for outdoor hydration. If your exercise plans during the warmer months include taking along your dog, make sure you bring along a collapsible bowl or water bottle.

2. Fur Care. You make appointments for your highlights and hair cut, so make sure you give your pet the same amount of attention prior to the summer. Flea and tick baths and dips are a priority, so make appointments at your vet or groomer now to avoid problems later. The same goes for those pets with long fur. Book a trim now and you'll find your dog panting with happiness, not heat stroke.

3. Shade. If your animals spend a lot of time outside, take stock of your yard and see if you have appropriate spots for shade. If you don't, figure out where you can hang a temporary sheet in a corner of the yard and purchase the equipment you'll need. If you don't like that idea, go in search of a real dog house.

4. Put Together A Pet Care Bin. Throw one in your car and stash one by your front door or mudroom, especially if you live near a beach. Keep a towel, soft brush, and collapsible water dish in a canvas bag. That way you'll always be ready for fun, and the wet sandy paws that tend to go with it.

5. Doggy Day (and night) Care. Going on vacation? Chances are everybody else in your town is too, so line up your pet care now not at the last minute. If you're giving the job to your neighbor's daughter, have her do a trial run while you are there so you're comfortable with her knowledge. No matter who you are leaving in charge of your pet, make sure they have critical information about your pet (including appropriate shots and paperwork) before you leave. If you don't have that organized, there are many great pet organizers on the market, be sure to research and get the one that fits your families needs.

Follow these 5 tips to keep your pet safe this summer!

Buttoned Up is dedicated to helping stretched & stressed women get organized. Co-founders Alicia Rockmore & Sarah Welch team up with a group of Gurus to give you tips & products for all your messy, stressed needs & introduce "imperfect organization." Visit http://www.getbuttonedup.com to see which Guru matches your style & get info on Everyday Life, Life Essentials & Life Events

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Anggora Rabbit you-tube

Very Funny Rabbits/Bunnies

What to Do When Your Pet Has Recurring Urinary Infections

About one out of every seven pets become infected with a urinary tract infection serious enough to require treatment, with about half of those infections becoming a chronic long-term condition known as a recurring urinary infections. It is also safe to say that seventy percent of all cases will be female and that most will involve pets who are advanced in age, have diabetes mellitus, are prone to stones in the urinary tract, have some sort of bladder condition, or are on long-term corticosteroid therapy.

As you can see there are many reasons that could make a pet susceptible to recurring urinary tract infections. It might also be helpful to know that infections of the urinary tract can be acquired through oral ingestion of bacterial laden food or water that is spread through the blood or by opportunistic bacteria gaining access through the urethra and working its way up the urinary tract to the bladder and worst case scenario to the kidneys.

*So the first rule of thumb for ridding your pet of this condition is to make sure they don't accidentally ingest any food or water that might contain bacteria. No pet owner would intentionally feed their pet food teaming with bacteria but I know with my pets sometimes they can find, and eat or drink, gross stuff including old food and unclean water.

*As we briefly touched on above these types of infections typically become recurring in older animals primarily due to a weakened immune system which is no longer capable of eliminating and repelling bacteria that happens to gain access to the urinary tract. For these pets special care should be taken to make sure that they don't come in contact with feces while urinating or eliminating. For pets using litter boxes the threat is even greater since they are prime breeding grounds for bacterial and should be kept very clean and checked regularly. Additionally, a daily exercise routine should be implemented to boost waning immune system function.

*Another area of concern in older pets with arthritis. Pets that require long-term corticosteroid medication to reduce bone and joint pain are at high risk for developing recurring urinary tract infections. If your pet falls into this category switching them to a natural arthritis remedy containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate might be something worth considering since both of these substances have been shown to help animals (especially cats) with recurrent urinary infections.

*As we have mentioned bacteria generally enters through the urethra and works its way up the urinary tract. In order to accomplish this feat it must be able to adhere to urinary lining and then to the bladder wall. Certain compounds called ellagitannins help prevent this from happening. Blackberries and raspberries are good sources with cranberries and blueberries having similar action. Since most pets aren't going to beat the door down to get to your blackberry stash adding low sugar fruit juice to their water regularly probably is the simplest and cleanest delivery method.

*And lastly adding a homeopathic urinary tract supplement specially formulated to relieve bladder discomfort, reduce urine leakage, boost immune function, and improve overall bladder and urinary tract health could be an idea worth considering. One advantage of these types of natural remedies is they can be safely used in conjunction with other therapies (antibiotics) commonly used to hold recurring urinary tract infections at bay.

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Farting Bunny Rabbit - Sadie has no manners!

Farting Bunny Rabbit - Sadie has no manners!

Howard's Big Dig

How To Care For Your Pet

Animals have been a part of our world since the very beginning and if you read the Bible, animals were actually created first before humans. There are almost thousand kinds of animals living with us and most of them are present upon becoming our food, pets and source of medicine. Some of them also act as our clothing and other daily equipment. We may not notice it but animals are extremely important to us. For thousands of years, they took care of our lives starting from being our food up to our protection.

Pets, being one of the animals' best contributions to us are actually very helpful when it comes to our means of living. They care for us humans, as we care for them. They provide us enjoyment, adventure, protection and a lot more. Also, having a pet gives us an opportunity to understand and have an open communication with their world; how they feel and how they react upon various situations.

Pets are actually very caring especially to their masters. Some of them had spent the rest of their lives looking after their owners. Dogs, for example, are very known for their friendliness as well as their huge concern for their masters. Cats, in the other hand, do the same things and provide us with almost the same opportunities.

However, it is somehow a sad fact that some of us humans lack the knowledge upon how to properly manage and take care of our pets. Let us accept the reality that there are some pets that die of starvation, cold, sickness, and other certain issues that happen because of our negligence and lack of concern. That is why, here are some of the best things to do to show our pets how we care for them and how they can feel that they are not taken for granted.

1. Feed them - It is probably a no-brainer for most of us that we should feed our pets. Like us, animals have to eat too. You can consult the nearest pet store or the internet for the right types of food that you can give them and how frequent should they eat everyday.


2. Give them shelter - Like humans, our pets need a warm and comfortable place to rest. If they are not kept inside our houses, it is better to build them a small but comfortable house in our garden or somewhere that is near us. We should make sure that the shelter that we are going to build will be strong enough to handle the weather and other factors similar to this.


3. Play with them - Our pets need to enjoy too! Playing with them will help upon developing our relationship and build a stronger friendship. Also, this ill somehow act as their exercise to have a stronger and more active well-being.


4. Get them insurance - There are certain times that our pet have to undergo medical treatment because of sickness. It would be better to get them insured so that it would be less expensive and also, you can have a lot of choices when it comes to the type of doctor and treatment that they would be getting. There are a lot of pet insurance companies available today that could help your pet when it comes to maintaining their health.

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Lionhead Angora Bunny Being Groomed

How to Groom an Angora Rabbit

Angora rabbits make wonderful and loving pets, but are also prized for their long and soft coat. Spinners find this luxury fiber a joy to work with and angora rabbits an excellent first fiber animal. If you are considering an angora rabbit or have just added one to your family, learning how to keep your bunny's coat looking beautiful and make sure the fiber is of good quality is critical.

1. • 1

     Start by making sure that your angora rabbit is clean. Bathing is an option when necessary, but regular brushing and grooming will reduce the need. Consider litterbox training your angora bunny to eliminate the need for messy bedding throughout the cage or wire bottomed cages that can be bad for rabbit's feet.

   • 2

     Put a towel on your lap to avoid scratches or accidents. Make sure the angora rabbit is calm and relaxed. Take the time to pet the rabbit and maybe offer a favorite treat. Grooming time should be relaxing, for both you and the rabbit.

   • 3

     Grooming angora rabbits is primarily about brushing. Brush through the coat with a small slicker brush. Some spinners choose to save the combings as well as the harvested angora from their rabbits. Patience is required with this process, as an angora bunny in full coat may have a very long, dense coat.

   • 4

     Rest the angora rabbit on his back. Brush through the belly, legs and underside of the tail. Much of the time, the coat harvested from this part of the rabbit is of slightly lower quality, but may blend well for spinning with other fibers, like alpaca. Some rabbits may object to this part of the grooming process. If that is true, wrapping the rabbit gently but firmly with a towel may help to make grooming angora rabbits a bit easier.

   • 5

     Trim the angora bunny's nails with a set of pet nail clippers. Be aware of the quick within the nail, and trim quickly but gently. When the nails are trimmed, you reduce the risk of scratches and of possible injury to the rabbit.

   • 6

     Use a flea comb or small grooming comb to finish tidying the ears, face and top of the head. This is especially important for English Angora rabbits.

   • 7

     When it is time to harvest the angora rabbit's coat, your time spent grooming will be well worth it. How you harvest the fiber is a matter of breed and preference. French and English Angora rabbits are often plucked gently while German Angoras are typically clipped.

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Read more: How to Groom an Angora Rabbit | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_4525318_groom-angora-rabbit.html#ixzz1Q3f108cl

Traveling In Cars With Pet Rabbits

Most rabbits are not fond of car rides, but with a little bit of time and attention, you can make the trip much more comfortable for them. The right setup can let them learn that a car trip might not be fun, but it isn't to be feared, either.

Proper traction is essential if your rabbit is going to feel at ease. Unlike dogs and cats, who have pads of bare skin on the bottoms of their feet, rabbits have pads of thick fur. This means that they cannot get any traction on the smooth plastic floors of most carriers. A rabbit carrier, which has a wire bottom, or a folded towel other rough-surfaced item, will allow them to avoid slipping and sliding around.

The carrier or cage that your rabbit is traveling in should never be in the front seat. If it is in the backseat, it should be belted down so that it can't slide or move if you stop quickly. If it is in the rear of a station wagon or hatchback, it should be firmly held in place by other items, such as a bungee cord. Rabbits should never be placed in the trunk.

Rabbits are very clean animals who don't like to soil their 'dens'. This is why they can be litter box trained and why even those that aren't often choose a favorite corner in which to do their business. This means that they don't want to soil their carriers, either, and should be provided regular breaks and chances to use a litter box, if possible.

Most bunnies won't eat while the car is moving, but going without eating for more than 12 hours can be extremely dangerous to their unique digestive tracts. This means that regular stops where you offer the rabbit water and food are essential. Bring the same food from home that your rabbit usually eats. In most cases, a bunny's tummy will be stressed out by the trip and they don't need this to be compounded by being introduced to a new food.

Keep your car in good shape, and make sure your roadside assistance is paid up, especially during the hot summer months. Rabbits suffer from heatstroke easily, and should your car break down in a hot area, your priority must be to get them somewhere cool as quickly as possible.

Avoid unnecessary car travel. Rabbits are easily stressed, and do not enjoy change. But if you must travel, be sure to prepare your vehicle to accommodate your furry friend.

You can learn how to find the best car insurance quickly and easily. When you are comparing rates for ins renewals, getting comparative quotes will help you to get the best rates for the coverage that will meet your needs and requirements.

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