Sunday, July 3, 2011

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

      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.


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

Saturday, July 2, 2011

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.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Felix_Fassbinder