Bunny Camp News Feb 11

8/7/2019 Bunny Camp News Feb 11

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Another two weeks and...

The clocks will be going forward which means that spring is in the air.

Can't you just small that lush new grass already?

An important reminder though, under no circumstances should you give arabbit grass clippings from your lawnmower, as these begin to ferment very

quickly and can cause serious digestive problems or even death!

Millie Bun.

Don't forget our website. Please come and visit often at

http://www.bunnycamp.webs.com/

Volume 9 Number 2 February 2011


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BUY CAMP SACTUARY

SPOSOR FORMI would like to sponsor______________________________________________________

Is the sponsorship for yourself or a gift p

Paid for by: Title:-Mr, Mrs, Miss, Ms or other please state__________________________

Forename_____________________________ Surname____________________________

Address__________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________Postcode_____________________________ Tel No______________________________

E Mail Address____________________________________________________________Do you want sponsorship posting or E Mailing

Where do you want the sponsorship sending to:

You or if a gift to another address

Details of Gift Name and Address: Name________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Postcode___________________________ Tel No________________________________

E Mail Address____________________________________________________________

If you wish to send a message give details a maximum of 8 words:___________________

_________________________________________________________________________Sponsorship costs a minimum of 20.00 per year or 2.00 per month by standing order method of

Payment cash Cheque payable to Bunny Camp Sanctuary

(if paying by standing order you will need to get a form from the sanctuary to give to your bank)

Please allow up to three weeks for deliveryBunny Camp Sanctuary

4 Stoney Ridge Avenue

HeatonBradford

BD9 6PA

Tel No:- 01274 821665 E Mail Address:-www. bunnycampsanctuary.com


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SPOSOR BUIES

ELLIE Born about July 2008 in a home where she was neglected and not

given the veterinary treatment that she needed so has damage to her eye.

LUCIDA an agouti continental giant born 12th January 2008. She is one ofthe sanctuarys working bunnies who goes out on educational visits. She is

very friendly and loves attention especially when theres a treat involved.

PETE came into the Sanctuary in June 2006 he was very small

although fully grown. His little boy bits were very badly damaged

and infected due to living with other male bunnies, as boys don't get

on very well. The damage was put right but he still needs a lot ofTLC

BROOKLY. A dwarf lop who was brought into the sanctuary by an

RSPCA inspector he had been found wandering the streets we estimate he

was born about Oct 2006. He was a little thin and was not eating so was

taken to the vets and checked and it was found that his back teeth were in a

very severe state so they were filed down and will need doing frequently.

MICKAYLAis a fawn lionhead bunny born 13th February 2007 at the

sanctuary and was paired up with Madhulika for company as she was

missing her beloved Bailey who passed over the rainbow bridge in

November 2006. She is a cheeky little monkey but very much loved.

KISEY a white lionhead with blue eyes born approx August 2004.

He came into sanctuary with another bunny that was rehomed fairly

quickly. He is very nervous so comes across as aggressive.

BERYL is an agoutie and white cross netherland dwarf dutch bunny

approx 8yrs old in September 2010, she came into the sanctuary from

another rescue so we are not aware of her background. She is a little

grumpy at times but loves a cuddle.

MO. A cross lionhead she was an unwanted pet born approx July

2004. She is a little stroppy at times but is a gentle when picked upand cuddled.


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REHOMIG BUIES

ROGA & PAULAROGAN a neutered brown and white Dwarf lop born July 2003, he is fit and well despite

his age and has quite a strong personality. PAULA a neutered black and white English

cross born July 2006, she is also fit and well and has a much quieter personality and can

be a little nervous when you first meet her. The pair have been together since Paula was

four months old so must be homed together. They came into the sanctuary from a very

good home and despite Rogans age are very young at heart. They came into the

sanctuary 7th May 2010 CA YOU OFFER THIS PAIR A GOOD HOME I

ROGAS TWILIGHT YEARS.

MAGICMAGIC black and fawn cross born October 2005, she is a very gentle natured bunny who

loves playing out and cuddles. She was brought into the sanctuary from a home where

she was used for breading in her younger years. She was loved and cared for before

coming to the sanctuary. She is neutered and would be a great companion either to

someone at home a lot of another bunny. She came into the sanctuary 16th October 2010

CA YOU OFFER HER THE HOME SHE EEDS I HER TWILIGHT YEARS.

BRAD & BIGOBRAD a neutered grey Dwarf lop born September 2009, he is a very friendly he doesnt

mind being picked up and loves cuddles. BINGO a neutered ginger and white lop born

September 2009, he is more dominant than his brother but is still very friendly and also

likes a cuddle. The boys came into the sanctuary as unwanted pets on 17 th January 2011and must be homed together CAN YOU OFFER THIS FRIENDLY YOUNG BOYS A

HOME.


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HumourHumourHumourHumour


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If you like the Bunny System then buy the book atwww.indyplanet.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=4373


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An Essay by Roslyn CassellsYear of the Rabbit brings new threats to the rabbits at the University of Victoriaand elsewhere in British Columbia.

Finished reading your horoscope? Done with the dim sum? It's the Year of theRabbit and there are some real rabbits that need your attention!Unless you've been living in a burrow, you'll have heard about the UVic rabbitsand the "battle of the bunnies". Well it ain't over yet, people. Despite a successfulrelocation campaign, during which over 800 rabbits have been trapped, sterilized,and relocated to Ministry of Environment permitted sanctuaries, the University of

Victoria plans to begin killing rabbits again. They say any rabbits left on campusafter Feb. 28, 2011 will be trapped and "humanely killed"...this from the institutionthat decapitated and bludgeoned to death over 100 rabbits this past spring. (http://communications.uvic.ca/rabbits/ )Advocates are petitioning the university to continue placing the animals insanctuaries. Sanctuaries are applying to extend their permits for this purpose. Inany case, despite UVic's contention "the permits are running out" the earliest anyof the permits expires is at the end of March 2011 (Laura Leah Shaw of TRACSfor Texas Rabbits, and Sorelle Saidman of Rabbitats), with some permits ongoing(provincially permitted wildlife rescue centers including EARS). In addition, all

costs for the rescue effort have been borne by the community. Any futuretrapping and killing of rabbits will come directly out of the taxpayer's pocketthrough the provincially funded integrated pest management budget.


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A coalition of groups is also petitioning the Ministry of Environment to allow

private landowners to place enclosed rabbit habitats on their land as a means ofcolony management without the current requirement for permits. All rabbits in theproposed "rabbitats" would be sterilized, and colonies are proposed to range insize from 6-60 animals. Due to antiquated legislation, under the Wildlife Act theMOE classifies all rabbits (including domestic European rabbits) as "wildlife" andanimal rescue groups are required to undergo an onerous and expensivepermitting procedure to help homeless rabbits. The necessity of acquiring apermit has created a bureaucratic and economic nightmare for resource-strappedanimal rescue groups still reeling from provincial clawbacks to charity gaminggrants that caused many rescue centers to close their doors or reduce theirservice levels.

The lack of regulatory control of the sale of fertile domestic rabbits in the provinceof British Columbia and in particular in the municipalities in the Greater VictoriaRegional District has resulted in the irresponsible breeding and abandonment ofrabbits and the attendant increased animal suffering. Nowhere has this beenmore evident than on the campus of the University of Victoria, the dumpingground for abandoned rabbits from surrounding communities. The lack of statusof this gentle and fascinating species is exhibited time and time again by peoplewho abandon their former pets without regard for the individual, their offspring, ortheir community. To date not a single person has been charged under any of therelevant laws for the abandonment of a former pet rabbit, despite provisionsunder the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, the Wildlife Act, and the CriminalCode.


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Absent from any significant efforts to resolve the situation of these defenceless

creatures are the two regulatory bodies who could and should defend them. TheBritish Columbia Society for the Protection of Animals, and the provincial Ministryof Environment have instead sat on their hands during this entire debate, ignoringthe pleas of the citizens of this province, and the advocacy groups who, in theabsence of any official interest, have taken up the cause of the animals. TheBCSPCA is responsible for the enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty toAnimals Act (http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96372_01 ), yet the unspeakable cruelties that rabbits suffer is rarely acted upon, andcertainly not applied to groups of rabbits being killed for "rabbit management".They refer to these rabbits as "feral rabbits" even though they are without doubt

abandoned pet domestic European rabbits. To call the UVic rabbits "feral" is amisnomer...wave a carrot and they practically knock you over (BCSPCA on feralrabbits: http://www.spca.bc.ca/assets/documents/welfare/position-statements/feral-rabbits.pdf).The BCSPCA discredited themselves again when they reaffirming their support ofthe planned killing of abandoned domestic rabbits by UVic. In fact, their websitehas links to the American Veterinary Medical Association killing methods theyendorse, which include such ghastly practices as beheading, strangling, beatingto death, and gassing. If the BCSPCA enforced the Prevention of Cruelty toAnimals Act, which is their responsibility, the rabbits would have a powerfuladvocate. Instead the association has turned its back on these animals, amongothers. (BCSPCA approved killing methods:http://www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/euthanasia.pdf). The BCSPCA


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website crows about the "hundreds" of rabbits they took into their shelters, andignores the thousands they turned away or killed. Supposed wildlife rescuecenter Wild Ark, a subsidiary of the BCSPCA, often refuses to take baby rabbits,or takes them and unbeknownst to the public, kills healthy young rabbits in aback room. Such is the duplicitous face of animal welfare in BC.

Although the Wildlife Act and information sheets on the Ministry of Environmentwould lead to believe otherwise, in practice, the Ministry of Environment oftenrefers people to exterminators if they have a "rabbit problem", a misnomer indeedand a stance of blaming the victim...instead of dealing with the root societalcauses, or suggesting non-lethal exclusion methods. There are even ministrynumbers you can call to listen to recordings that list the hunters, trappers, andexterminators in your neck of the woods, should you wish to kill wildlife on yourproperty. In this day and age, education and promotion of sustainable, humane,non-lethal methods of rabbit control should be the central focus, not a knee-jerkredneck attitude towards defenceless animals.

The ministry had a perfect opportunity to correct matters for rabbits and otheranimals when amendments to the Wildlife Act (which it enforces) were beingproposed a few years ago. A simple change, taking the domestic Europeanrabbit off the list of "wildlife" was all that was asked by advocates. This wouldhave allowed rabbit rescue groups to capture, sterilize, and rehome abandonedpet rabbits. The current law does not permit adoption (which incurrs significantlongterm costs), and the procedure to establish a sanctuary is onerous andexpensive. Despite the pleas of rabbit advocacy groups there were no changesto the Wildlife Act with respect to domestic rabbits.The domestic rabbit is currently, at least on paper, to some extent "protected"under the Wildlife Act, but the ministry has never brought charges against anyonefor violations of the Act pertaining to rabbits. There have been many instanceswhen the Wildlife Act could have been applied to help the animals, yet it neverhas been. Rabbits in this province have been subjected to terrible cruelties dueto the lack of political will of the responsible institutions and those who neglectand abandon their former pets. (lWildlife Act:http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/26_340_82)

A microcosm of the plight of rabbits province-wide, the battle for the lives of therabbits living at the University of Victoria, came to a head in 2010 after decadesof the UVic administration ordering the killing of the campus rabbits on the slyduring study breaks. UVic initially used animal researcher Michelle Martin astheir advisor for the campus rabbits. She of course recommended they be killed.Then the university commissioned a report from exterminators LGLEnvironmental Consultants Ltd., who recommended a nightime shooting spree.The BCSPCA has twice sided with the administration in advocating killing therabbits, and the Ministry of Environment has stood by and recommended legalmethods of killing...kind of like the BCSPCA. Considering the odds, it's amazingthat any rabbits made it off campus alive.

The periodic slaughtering of the abandoned rabbits was combined with theongoing use of bromadiolone poison which effects the baby rabbits who can


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access the poison boxes, as well as any other small wild animals and birds, andany predator who eats them. Bromadiolone is an anticoagulant poison ten timesmore lethal than warfarin and know to have serious lethal effects on wildlife inboth primary and secondary poisoning. In 2006 Health Canada's PestManagement Regulatory Agency issued a new regulation banning the use of this

toxin and many others in outside areas accessible to wildlife ( http://dsp-psd.pwgsc.gc.ca/Collection/H113-12-2006-11E.pdf). Despite the availability ofnon-lethal exclusion and management methods, UVic continues to fund its use,and has taken no action against those who snare rabbits on campus, nor thosewho abandon them either.A constant public information campaign, protests (including one this Wednesdayorganized by a coalition of animal groups), (http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/foa/files/UVic-Rabbit-March.pdf), establishmentof sanctuaries, a large spay/neuter grant from Furbearer Defenders (http://furbearerdefenders.com/blog/july-2010-archives/14-fbd-saves-uvic-rabbits

), the threat of an international boycott of UVic, and ultimately a challenge in theBC Supreme Court (http://www.rabbitadvocacy.com/pdf_files/UVic%20Rabbit%20Injunction%20Judgment.pdf) convinced the university to allow the rabbits to go to permittedsanctuaries, at least for a time.During this brief period over 800 rabbits were removed from UVic with around600 rabbits relocated to EARS sanctuaries on Vancouver Island (www.earthanimalrights.org ), and the remainder to TRACS for UVic Buns (http://tracs-bc.ca/uvicbun.html) who went to a Gig Harbour, Washington refuge (http://rabbithaven.org/ ) and the Wild Rose Rescue Ranch in Texas (http://www.wildroserescueranch.com/index.htm ), and the Rabbitats group - foreventual placement in Washington ( http://uvicrabbitrescue.com/ ).Despite information campaigns, petitions and the public outcry against lethalmethods of population control, there were no public policy changes to deal withthe issue on Vancouver Island, where the situation for rabbits is most dire.Responsible institutions remained inert. Municipalities in the Greater VictoriaRegional District have been notable in their lack of policy development or bylawsto halt the influx of fertile rabbits into their communities, and by their abdication ofresponsibility in this matter. The City of Victoria recently amended their animal

control bylaw but made no changes for rabbits, despite intense public pressure.(see Jan 21 2011 entry on: http://blog.thevictoriavegan.com/) The reality is,trapping and killing of the rabbits goes on quietly in many municipalities anddistricts, and taxpayers' dollars are used to cruelly end the lives of these gentlecreatures out of public view.Fortunately for rabbits elsewhere in the province, municipal politicians weretaking note of events on the island and in their own communities and progressivebylaws for rabbits were passing in many municipalities in the lower mainland,Kelowna and elsewhere. Provincially, Vancouver Island's South Saanich MLALana Popham bandied about a private members bill to stop the sale of fertile

rabbits in pet stores in the province, but it went nowhere, due to lack of politicalwill. National and international animal welfare groups took an active interest inthe plight of the rabbits, contacting university officials and other community


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leaders. The local, national, and international media has focused attention on thetreatment of the campus rabbits by UVic. Alumni and donors withheld theirdonations, students threw out their application papers or refused to register,refusing to continue studying at such an outmoded institution. Support groups forthe rabbits sprung up everywhere. Facebook groups appeared, in many

languages, all with a similar focus.In the meantime other unnecessary and scientifically outmoded practices result incruelties being done to rabbits at UVic, behind closed doors, and under the guiseof "education" and "research." Tens of thousands of rabbits suffer and die everyyear in animal research in BC. Among other cruelties, the University of Victoriauses rabbits and other animals in biowarfare experiments on tularemia. UVic'sprofessor Francis Nano started this research around 20 years ago after receivinga $500,000 grant from the US military. He then infected 500 rabbits with thedisease and watching them die slow painful deaths. UVic and other animalabusers like the University of British Columbia (where over 100,000 animals die

in labs each year) refuse to share research details with the public, despite thefact they are publicly funded institutions. A vocal group called Stop UBC AnimalResearch is making inroads on this issue ( http://stopubcanimalresearch.org/ ).At UVic, inquiries about animal research are ignored and the interested partiesare referred to the UVic Communications Department.Rabbit Advocacy of BC reports that the rabbit meat and fur industry in BC andelsewhere perpetuates tremendous suffering of rabbits and other animals, allbehind closed doors and without regulation (http://www.rabbitadvocacy.com/no_laws_to_protect_canadian_live.htm ). Thisresults in horrific fear and pain during slaughter, and inhumane conditions (http://www.rabbitadvocacy.com/breeding_facility.htm ) in many rabbit meat andfur farms. Similarly unregulated, the pet rabbit industry (http://www.rabbitadvocacy.com/rabbit_advocacy_group_of_bc.htm ), often oneand the same as the meat and fur industry, views rabbits as a saleablecommodity not as individuals. As with breeders of other animals, babies with the"wrong colour" or "wrong features" are often left to die, starved to death, gassed,or strangled. Life is cheap if you're born a rabbit, in Canada about $4 a pound($10 a kilo). Slaughter often occurs without loss of consciousness and in horrificconditions (http://www.rabbitadvocacy.com/meat_rabbits_and_some_statistics.htm). There

are no plans at any level of government for change in legislation in the nearfuture.When sustainable non-lethal humane solutions to rabbit management and animalexperimentation are available, the suffering and killing of these animals is notonly unnecessary, it is morally and ethically unacceptable. With respect to rabbitmanagement, the Greater Victoria Regional District's municipalities can takepositive progressive action instead of hiring trappers to kill the rabbits. And IfUVic starts to kill rabbits again at the end of February as they have stated, theywill simply be revictimizing the victims, not working towards a solution to what isclearly a human caused societal issue, not a "rabbit problem". The BCSPCA

and the Ministry of Environment owe a duty of care towards the rabbits and thecommunity. They must follow their mandate, do everything in their power,including enforcing their respective Acts, to provide a positive solution to what is


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ultimately a human problem.If the BCSPCA and the Ministry of Environment do not do their duty to theanimals, this will undoubtably become an issue in the next provincial election.Provincial politicians have received letters, reports, and press releases on this

matter for many years and yet few have taken an interest in the plight of therabbits or other animals impacted by the lack of action of the two provincialbodies responsible for their welfare (the BCSPCA and the MOE). Bothinstitutions receive provincial tax dollars, and the BCSPCA receives money fromsome municipalites for "animal control" contracts in cities that have not yetadopted the "no-kill" best-practises model. While animals cannot yet vote, peoplewho care about them certainly can...and concern for animals is increasinglybecoming a pivotal point in the election of politicians worldwide. Ignore them atyour peril, political and spiritual.by Roslyn Cassells

founder Action for UVic Rabbitspetitioner for the rabbits in BC Supreme Court


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For the most updated information on the UVic rabbits visit the Action for UVicRabbitsfacebook:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=114989635192281&ref=tsor join the email update list by sending a request to [email protected]

Roslyn Cassells is a social justice activist and Canada's first elected Green. Sheis an ardent animal and human rights activist, and writes, teaches and campaignsfor positive social, economic and ecological change everywhere. @roslyncassellson Twitter, Action for UVic Rabbits facebook and Roslyn Cassells facebookPhotographs are by Susan Vickery


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Admitted charges . . . Gemma and Jason

Huntley

A COUPLE who left their rabbit so

hungry it started eating its own hutch

have been sentenced for animal

cruelty.

Gemma and Jason Huntley have been

banned from keeping all breeds of

rabbit for three years by Oxford

magistrates.

The pair were sentenced at the citys

magistrates court after earlier admitting

two counts of causing unnecessary

suffering to an animal.

One of the charges related to failing toensure their rabbit, Snowy, received an

appropriate diet and the other was for

failing to provide a suitable environment.

The prosecution was brought by the RSPCA after it received an anonymous tip-

off claiming the rabbit was dying.

An inspector visited the couples home in Thame Road, Warborough, on March

31 last year, but found that Snowy had already died.

An RSPCA spokesman said: An initial post- mortem was carried out and found

that Snowy was in a lean body condition and had no subcutaneous fat.

Although there was a small amount of paper in her mouth, her stomach and

small intestine, no food was found.

Warborough couple given ban on

keeping rabbits after RSPCA

prosecution

2:34pm Thursday 17th February 2011


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The couple said that they had been feeding and watering Snowy daily, and that

she had always been thin.

Speaking after the case, RSPCA inspector Will Rippon said: It was clear that this

rabbit had not been fed or looked after properly for weeks.

She was left in a hutch where she had gnawed away at the middle section, and it

was in a filthy condition.

This couple had walked past the hutch every day, but failed to help Snowy even

though it was clear she was losing weight.

Sadly we are finding more and more rabbits being neglected, because they are

just left in their hutches in gardens and forgotten.

No matter what type of animal you own, pet owners have a responsibility to

ensure that all their animals welfare needs are met.

In addition to their ban on keeping rabbits, Gemma, 30, and Jason, 40, were

each given a two-year conditional discharge and told to pay 500 costs between

them.


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Phyllis O'Beollain

Dayton Small Pets Examiner

Bunny poop earrings by Alora Designs

February 27th, 2011

Looking for that one-of-a kind gift item? Got one of those hard-to-buy-for

friends? Dont worry - Alora Designs has you covered. Well, they have

somethingcovered. In silver.

Bunny poop earringsBunny poop earringsBunny poop earringsBunny poop earrings

Bunny poop! Yes! As any rabbit fancier can tell you, bunny poops are hard,

odorless balls of well-processed hay, and arguably the ultimate indicator of a

bunnys digestive health status. As GI stasis is a not-uncommon life-

threatening situation for houserabbits, bunny owners are always happy to see

bunny poops, the markers of our pets health.

Now we canNow we canNow we canNow we can wearwearwearwearthemthemthemthem

These earrings not only looklike little pooh balls, they were madewith little

pooh balls. Laura Corbier dries the choicest of recycled hay balls and then

applies many coats of Silver Metal Clay (.999 fine silver). After drying and

sanding, the Silver Poops are fired in a kiln at almost 1700 degrees for two

hours. The firing process burns away the pooh, leaving very fine ash inside

the ball. The earrings may then be finished with various patinas, monograms

and other details so that no two pair are alike (see the slideshow).

Sterling silver bunny poop earrings are available on sterling silver wires or

hoops ("Poop Hoops"), with or without crystals, and with various surface

designs and patinas starting at $29.00 a pair. Earrings can be ordered directly

from the artist at her Etsy site, and soon the Colorado HRS will be selling the

earrings in their gift shop.


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Says artist Laura Corbier, These quirky little gems are the perfect gift for any

bunny slave or a hilarious gift to give that "not so bunny supportive" friend or

family member. (Now thatsfunny!).

Bunny poop earrings (along with many other beautiful bunny and non-bunny-

related items) can be found on Lauras Etsy site, and photos of works-in-

progress can be found on Alora Designs Facebook page.


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Rabbits, chinchillas, guinea pigs and other rodents

benefit from dental care.

Rabbits are lagamorphs and they have teeth too!

Cats and dogs can live without teeth. Rabbits cannot live without teeth!

Any rabbit that is ill needs to have the teeth evaluated because many healthissues are secondary to dental problems. In the great majority of rabbits with

dental problems, the "cheek (premolars and molars) teeth" are the primaryproblem and the incisors typically grow too long as a secondary problem. It is

critically important to understand that trimming the incisors without addressingthe cheek teeth often results in serious problems for rabbits.

Incisor and cheek tooth malocclusion are common in domestic pet rabbits.Malocclusions may cause coronal and root (reserve crown) elongation, reservecrown disease, enamel spurs, spikes or ramps. Oral trauma and periodontal

disease can also occur secondary to malocclusion. Veterinarians oftenperform periodic "clipping of the incisors" to address incisor malocclusion. Dr.Kressin discourages "clipping teeth" because it is an inaccurate, painful and

stressful procedure for the rabbit. Clipping teeth is difficult to control and may

result in tooth fracture which often worsens the malocclusion and may leadto tooth infection. A more effective approach is to use a dental burr to trim theteeth. The cheek teeth as well as the incisors must be evaluated and addressedin each case.

Rabbits have continuously growing (erupting) teeth. It has been estimated thatthese teeth grow between 1-5 mm per week. The rate of teeth growth varies

between the different teeth and between individual animals. The caudal cheek

teeth erupt 1 to 2 cm (10 to 20 mm) per month. The upper incisors growapproximately 2 mm per week which is slower than the lower incisors, which

erupt at rates of 2.4 mm per week. Dental growth can be influenced by age,health, gender (pregnancy) and nutrition. The balance between tooth eruption


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and tooth attrition (ware) from normal occlusion is thought to be heavilyinfluenced by correct nutrition.

This creates unique problems for rabbits. Any rabbit that is not eating, is eating

less than normal or is eating the wrong feeds, will develop over-grown teeth.Rabbits need long stem hay as their primary diet. They like hay and it is veryimportant to their dental and overall health. Be careful about feeding pellets

and various treats. Commercial pellets are hard and cylinderically shaped.

Crushing pellets is accomplished from a vertical (up and down) choppingmotion. Little additional grinding motion is required to swollow pellets. This

limited grinding activity can result in less tooth attrition and relative toothelongation. Hay as the primary diet promotes side to side grinding motion

required to controll dental overgrowth.

Recent research (Comparative Observation of Skeletal-Dental Abnormalities inWild, Domestic, and Laboratory Rabbits, Journal of Veterinary Dentistry,

Vol.24, #4, Dec 2007) has shown that domestic pet rabbits tended to haverelatively higher crowns, severe root elongation and advanced periodontitis

(periodontal disease). Periodontal disease was demonstrated radiographicallyas reduction of crestal bone height adjacent to the lower third premolar teeth.

Teeth are used to differentiate between rabbits and

rodents.

Front view of rabbit dentition.

Side view; see the lower incisors rest

on the upper "peg teeth" directly

behind

larger upper incisor teeth!


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Rabbits teeth differ from rodents because of their upper incisor number

and arrangement.

Rabbits have two upper incisors on each side. The smaller two incisors behindthe larger front upper incisors have been called "peg teeth". Rabbits have onelower incisor on each side.

Rabbits have three upper premolars immediately in front of three upper molarteeth. The lower jaw is a little different. There are two lower premolars

immediately in front of three lower molar teeth. Normally rabbits have 28teeth.

Rabbit dental formula for those really interested; 2(I2/1 C0/0 PM3/2 M3/3) =

28

The 2 in the front of the formula indicates the left and right side of the mouth.The I stands for incisor teeth. Rabbits have 2 on top and one on the bottom jaw.The C stands for canine teeth which rabbits normally do not have.

The PM are the premolar cheek teeth and 3 are on top and 2 on the lower jaw.

The M are the molar cheek teeth and there are 3 on the top and the bottom jaws.

Diagnosis of dental and occlusal problems

Survey skull radiographs are essential to the evaluation of rabbits for oral and

dental diseases. See below for the use of diagnosis to establish prognosis.Computed tomography (CT) can be particularly useful to further evaluate teeth

and bony changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with or without

ultrasound can help assess soft tissue structures of the head.

The rabbit owner's role in dental health of rabbits.

Owners are the first to recognize problems (see below list of signs of dentaldisease). It would be very helpful to weigh pet rabbits at least on a weeklybasis. Weight loss should prompt the rabbit owner to seek help from their

family veterinarian. If the rabbit is not eating hay, dropping feed or salivating

excessively seek help from your primary care veterinarian immediately. Thefollowing questions need to be discussed with your veterinarian with regard to

the rabbits diet;

List all foods your rabbit eats; determine what is eaten most to least.

What are the brand names of foods (if commercial foods are used)?

What treats or other supplements are provided to your rabbit?

How long has your rabbit been on this diet? What was its previous diet?


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If dental care is needed your veterinarian may either provide occlusaladjustments or refer you to a specialist. After occlusal adjustments, you will

need to promote early return to eating. Hay must be in the rabbit's diet

to provide normal dental ware. For feeding information go to theHouse Rabbit

Society website.

Signs of dental disease in rabbits

Eating poorly or not eating (anorexic)

Selevtive eating (prefer softer foods)

Weight loss

Tooth elongation

Excess salivation Wet chin (slobbers) Matted fur

Nasal discharge

Eyes bulging

Eye discharge

Facial discharge

Discharge under jaw

What can the veterinarian do for rabbits with dentaldisease?

The veterinarianalways needs to make a diagnosis, establish treatment plans

and to perform treatments efficiently. This however is not always easy orinexpensive.

Rabbits have a loose TMJ or "hinge joint. This allows the jaw to move side toside and front to back, however there is little up and downward motion.

This limits how wide the jaw opens and how well we can see the rabbit's

teeth. The size of the oral cavity is deceptively small because of the extensivedevelopment of the large muscles used for chewing (masseter muscles). Thetongue is relatively flat and short.

Rabbits have a very "long diastema" or space between the incisors and thecheek teeth. The lower jaw is narrower than the upper jaw (anisognathism).

These anatomic characteristics make it very difficult to view the occlusalrelationships. This forces us to rely on dental radiology, general radiology or

computed tomography (CT scans) to evaluate the occlusion. These imaging

techniques are also used to evaluate for crown elongation, apical elongation,bone loss and for periapical pathology (dental abscesses).


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Ongoing care for rabbits with dental disease

As in all aspects of veterinary dentistry, the diagnosis is the first step to

understanding the prognosis. Treatment plans must be established based on the

needs of the rabbit and the owner. We must address pain and the nutritionalneeds of these animals. Many of these animals need help with eating initially

however it is very important to get tham back to eating a diet composed of long

stem hay with fresh vegetables. Balanced nutrition with normal chewing canpromote tooth wear needed to offset the continual dental growth. For rabbits

unwilling or unable to eat hay, Herbivore Critical Care Formula (Oxbow PetProducts, 29012 Mill Rd., Murdock, NE 68407, Tel 1-800-249-0366) can be

very helpful during the transition back to an optimal diet.

Rabbits with dental disease should be periodically evaluated by the family

veterinarian. The frequency required for professional care is based on therabbit's oral and dental health. Some rabbits will require very frequent occlusaladjustments when they are unwilling or unable to eat an optimal diet.

Occlusal adjustments (teeth trimming) and dental care

for rabbits

Rabbits develop periodontal disease, cavities (carious lesions), malocclusions

(abnormal tooth alignmant), oral infections, lacerations as well as tooth andjaw fractures. Visualization of the cheek teeth and the oral cavity is

challenging in rabbits and essential to provide optimal care. Oral and dentalcare for rabbits requires specialized equipment, instrumentation, training, time

and patience.


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This slow speed drill allows for maximal visualization

or the rabbit's oral cavity during occlusal adjustments.

This rabbit has upper incisor teeth curling into the mouth and the left upper

cheek teeth project toward the cheek. This rabbit was unable to eat untilafter the incisor teeth were surgically extracted and the cheek teeth were

adjusted for a "functional" grinding occlusion.


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The upper curled incisors are on top and

the "peg teeth" adjacent to the upper

incisor teeth. The lower incisors are on

the bottom and are approximately 3 cm long.

Dental radiograph confirms incisor

extraction.

Lower jaw is on top. Second view of

incisor areas after extraction.


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Third dental radiograph to demonstrate

incisor extraction (top view).

This is his right side view 1 month after

the incisors were removed.

Front view without incisors.


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Left side view without incisors.

"Slobbers" or "wet dewlap" and anorexia are common clinical problems in rabbits.

The family veterinarian trimmed this rabbit's

incisors five days prior to this photo without

sedation or anesthesia. The lower jaw was

shifted to the left and the lower incisors occluded

facially (outside of) the upper incisor teeth. The

upper lip was injured and the chin was wet,

inflammed and uncomfortable due to chronic

irritation.

Skull radiographs using mamography film revealed Grade 3 of 4 dental disease (see

grades above). Cheek tooth elongation was evident as demonstrated on dental

radiographs below.


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Cheek teeth elongation of all four dental arcades (both sides; upper and lower).

Occlusal adjustments were provided.


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The owner reported that Taz was eating

well after occlusal adjustments were

performed.

"Taz" like most rabbits have feed "Taz" must eat hay for long-term health.

preferences. The continual challenge

is to feed a nutritious diet that will

allow normal dental ware!

"Taz" is a rescued wild rabbit that isloved dearly.


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"Taz" is playful.

"Taz" is peaceful.

"Taz" is reported to be comfortable!

Caring for rabbits with dental trauma

Dental fractures in rabbits can be incidental or very serious. If tooth fractureinvolves pulp exposure, the tooth may become infected and die. The dead toothfails to occlude with the corresponding tooth in the opposite arch resulting in


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malocclusion.The treatment for fractured teeth with pulp exposure is vital pulpotomy. The

treatment for dead teeth is extraction. The dead tooth and the occlusal

counterpart tooth are ideally extracted to avoid the development of

malocclusion.

Rabbit incisors surgically extracted.

Upper incisors on top, lower incisors

on bottom.

Rodents include the Chinchilla, Gerbil, Guinea Pig,

Hamster and Rats

As stated above, teeth evaluation is the basis for the differentiation betweenrabbits and rodents. Rodents only have one set of incisor teeth and rabbits have

the "peg teeth" as the second set.

Guinea pigs and chinchillas have continually growing and eruption incisors and

cheek teeth as also occurs in the rabbit. This dentition has been called elodont.

Hamsters, girbils, mice, rats and other small rodents have continually growing

and erupting incisors; however, their cheek teeth are brachyodont. They have ashort crown and a well defined root. These brachyodont teeth do not grow

continually.


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Chinchillas: Kirby and his brother eating.

Dental formula for guinea pigs and chinchillas; 2(I2/1 C0/0 PM1/1 M3/3) = 20

The guinea pig and chinchillas have incisors and cheek teeth that continually

grow.

Dental formula for the girbel, hamster, mice and rats is; 2(I2/1 C0/0 PM0/0

M3/3) = 16Thegirbel, hamster, mice and rats have continually growing incisors however

the cheek teeth are not continuously growing and are classified as short(hypsodont) teeth.

Additionally, some hamsters only have 12 teeth as they may have 2 molars (as

opposed to 3) on the top and the bottom dental arches.

Dr. Kressin performing a brief facial evaluation.


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As the incisors elongate, they tend to twist.

A speculum is used to get an initial overview.

Rodents have continuously growing teeth. The number of teeth vary between

species of rodents. The diet is fundamental to dental and overall health forthese animals. Continuous growing teeth remain functional as a result of the

normal wear from chewing feeds. Every time a rodent stops eating, reducesfeed intake or becomes anorexic, the teeth may overgrow. The result is a

painful mouth and in some cases the inability to eat. This becomes a lifethreatening problem very rapidly. Early presentation of rodents for a dental

evaluation may be life saving.


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Sammy, a beautiful 9 month Guinea Pig

A routine radiograph to evaluate the occlusion.


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A routine radiograph to evaluate for tooth root elongation. Tooth roots appearnormal in the radiograph above.

Chinchilla dropping feed and eating less than normal.


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Dental radiograph shows uneven upper Dental radiograph from opposite side

dental arcades due to coronal elongation. consistently demonstrates coronal

Mandibular cheek teeth have unequal length disparity between left and right

coronal height creating a "wave" upper dental arcades. Kirby right view.appearance. Kirby left lateral view

prior to operative dentistry!

Kirby after operative dentistry.

This was the initial occlusal adjustment

to reduce the "wave" occlusion. One large

spike was removed from lower right second

molar tooth. The teeth require periodic

occlusal adjustment.

Computed tomography (CT scan or Cat scan) was suggestive of mandibularbrachygnathism to the veterinary radiologist. These chinchillas must be fed a

diet that will maximize dental wear and periodic professional occlusaladjustments will be required.

The owner reported rapid return to normal eating of a diet with long stem hay.

The large spur on the lingual aspect (tongue side) of the lower right second

molar was causing a deep laceration into the palate. This resulted in pain and

discomfort as well as an innefective dental occlusion and abnormal tooth ware.


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Kirby is back to eating hay! Kirby is eating and quite playful.

A comprehensive oral health assessment for rabbits therefore must beperformed under anesthesia. Assessments are made for periodontal disease

(radiographs and probing), tooth irregularities (tooth spikes or waves of the

dental arcades), tooth infection (dental abscesses) soft tissue injuries or for oraltumors.

The veterinarian may need to provide occlusal adjustments (grinding teeth

down) to imporve the occlusal relationships between the upper and lower dental

arcades (arches). Endodontic (vital pulpotomy) therapy can be used to savetooth that are fractured and have pulp exposure. Oral surgery may be required

to extract teeth, to treat dental abscesses or to excise oral tumors.

Sedation and general anesthesia for rabbits

Performing dental procedures, such as "teeth trimming" without anesthesia isoften ineffective and can be dangerous for the rabbit and for the operator. Dr.Kressin discourages this practice. It is stressful at a minimum and can easily

result in injury!

Rabbits can be safely sedated and anesthetized. We prefer not to withold feedfrom rabbits in an attempt to avoid bloat. We also do not withold water to

avoid dehydration. It is very important to provide great care with patient


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warming during the anesthesia and during the recovery period.

Balanced anesthesia incorporates analgesia (pain prevention) and allows

minimization of all drugs for smooth anesthesia and patient recovery. We

prefer to premedicate rabbits with ketamine, buprenorphine and midazalam.Meloxicam, a medication the provides anti-inflammatory effects and pain reliefis also frequently utilized. Regional anesthesia is also preferred when oral

surgery is performed.

Anesthesia induction is by inhalent (Isoflurane or Sevoflurane). We prefer

intubation to protect the airway unless a very short anesthesia period isanticipated. It is always preferred to minimize the overall anesthesia time

period. For additional information on anesthesia safety seeanesthesia

concerns. If you have additional concerns regarding pain management, go to

pain related concerns.

Regional anesthesia for rabbits

Regional anesthesia or nerve blocks are beneficial when performing oral

surgery in rabbits. By blocking the nerve input from the periphery (the teethand the oral cavity), the general anesthesia levels can be lowered to increaseanesthesia saftey.

Nerve blocks effectively allow early return to eating and reduces bloating

problems after anesthesia.

Veterinarians are encouraged to study "regional anesthesia" provided by Dr.

Kressin.

Every opportunity to reduce pain in our patients should be implemented whendental or oral surgery is anticipated.

Diagnosis helps determine the prognosis

Radiographs are fundamental and essential to helping rabbits with dentalproblems. Non-screened radiographs provide higher detail and help with the


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diagnosis of the problem(s). I prefer non-screened mamography x-rays takenfrom various positions to evaluate rabbits. These radiographs are taken with the

general anesthesia. Using radiographs and by performing a detailed intraoral

exam, the best approach to treatment is established. The stage of disease is

determined which offers a long term prognosis.

Grade 1 stage of disease may involve minor malocclusion of incisors. The

ventral border of the mandible is smooth and of normal bone density. The rootsare of optimal length and appear parallel to adjacent teeth. The occlusal surface

of teeth are smooth and linear on radiographs. The prognosis is good afterocclusal adjustments are made (if needed) and the rabbit is eating an optimal

diet.

Grade 2 stage of disease has early radiographic changes. The ventral border ofthe mandible is thin. There may be root elongation and root divergence from

parallel orientation of adjacent teeth. Enlargements of the face or lower jawmay be palpable and there may also be radiographic evidence of bony growth

(enlargement). Occlusal adjustments may be needed and with the appropriatediet, the prognosis is good.

Grade 3 stage of disease may be significant enough to be resulting in eatinghabits and weight loss. These rabbits may have substantial infectious disease.Radiographs demonstrate further thinning of the ventral border of the mandible

and less overall bone density. Root elongation may be significant causing painand discomfort. There is further deviation from the parrallel arrangement of theteeth. The bony protrusions (face and mandibles) may be very significant with

marked densities on radiographs. The prognosis is guarded. Bacterial cultures

are indicated in many cases.

Grade 4 is an advanced disease process with obvious clinical signs of poorhealth. The ventral mandible has perforation of very thin bone. There is

significant deviation of adjacent cheek teeth from the normal parallel

orientation. The occlusal surfaces appear blurry due to variable cheek teethlength. Soft tissue abscesses are common. Surgical intervention along with

occlusal adjustments are indicated. Antibiotic coated beads are chosen based

on culture and sensitivity testing to treat the soft tissue infections. Dentalextraction is often indicated. Rabbits do well with one or two cheek teeth

extraxcted however with multiple extractions, occlusal problems are commonrequiring periodic 6-12 week occlusal adjustments. The prognosis is guarded to

poor based on the individual case.Grade 5 is the most severe stage of dental disease. These animals have

moderate to severe weight loss, excessive salivation, eye and or nasaldischarge with chronic pain. Infection of bone (osteomyelitis) and soft tissue ispresent. Radiographic evidence of bone destruction is severe. The dental


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arcades align poorly. Fractured and missing teeth are common. Prognosis ispoor to grave.

Radiographs help diagnose jaw (mandibular) and tooth

fractures

This patient suffered from a traumatic injury. Themandibular symphysis was "separated"

or "fractured". The left and right mandibles were mobile and would float independently.

The radiograph below demonstrates the rotated mandible and torn symphyseal tissue.

Paddington was injured and his symphysis was separated.

The symphysis is joint-like and holds the two lower jawstogether. The two lower jaws would move independently.

The symphysis was stabalized and Paddington

was immediately eating.

The radiograph below demonstrates abnormal occlusal alignment.

Occlusal adjustments were indicated and performed. Notice that the ventral aspect of the

mandible (lower) jaw appears smooth and is normal.


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UKs first Rabbit Grand ational held inHarrogate, orth Yorkshire

Monday 31st January 2011

THE Grand National came to North Yorkshire on

Saturday but there were no jockeys or horses in sight.

Instead, Harrogate played host to altogether smaller

contestants, as crowds gathered for the UKs firstRabbit Grand National.

There were thirteen prize bunnies, some flown in

especially from Sweden, which took part in a timed

race based on horse jumping and designed to be rabbit-

friendly.

First away was Jasper, a Blue Dutch, aiming to beat a

world record jump set 13 years ago by Danish cotton-

tail Tosen, who hopped over an amazing one-metre

hurdle.

Jasper cleared the first two jumps, but had four faults at

the third. Owner Emma Lassey said: I love him

anyway. Its all about him having fun.

The event, ultimately won by a rabbit called Cheri, was a new feature of the Burgess

Premier small animal show, which has been held since 1921.

Naomi Chatterley of Burgess said: Rabbits are natural hoppers of course and because of

their agility, they love it.

She said the rabbits were trained, and such events should not be tried at home.


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Watership Down author denied special edition requestBy Linda Serck

BBC Berkshire reporter

Artist Aldo Galli has spent three years creating paintings for a new illustrated edition

Watership Down author Richard Adams says he is "very disappointed" that his

request for a new illustrated edition has been denied by his UK publisher.

The world-famous children's book set in the Berkshire Downs, on the Hampshire-

Berkshire border, is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year.

US publisher Scribner has commissioned an illustrated edition with new paintings by

artist Aldo Galli.

However UK publisher Penguin has said such an

edition is too expensive.

Watership Down, first published in 1972, is still one

of Penguin's best-selling books of all time with sales

of more than 50 million copies.

Adams, 90, co-operated with Galli on a new set of

paintings for the US anniversary illustrated edition,

due for publication in 2012.

However, Penguin will not be publishing the same

edition.

Adams said: "Penguin told us that an illustrated edition for the anniversary would be too

expensive.

"They say a standard 40th anniversary edition will come out in due course, but that it willnot be illustrated."

Watership Down was published in

1972


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He added: "They are very good illustrations, they ought to be available to the public."

"Devastated"

Italian-born Galli said he has spent the last three years working on this project.

"I will be devastated if we don't succeed in bringing an illustrated edition of Watership

Down to the UK for the 40th anniversary," he said.

"Richard's work deserves to be celebrated and it will

be most disappointing if it is not recognised in his

own country, where the story belongs and was set.

He added: "The place itself has become famous

worldwide thanks to Richard's novel, and yet the UK

seems happy to wait for the Americans to do the job

of producing a special illustrated edition for the 40thanniversary."

High print costs

Elv Moody, editorial director at Classic Puffin, the children's literature subsidiary of

Penguin, said that new editions of Watership Down will be published next year, but not

an illustrated version.

She said: "We're looking forward to the 40th anniversary of Watership Down and will be

flagging the anniversary with new editions from both Puffin and Penguin in 2012.

"We didn't feel able to publish the colour edition, due to the high print costs of colour

titles, but we're very conscious the project is close to Richard's heart and we're helping to

ensure the Scribner edition will be available here too".

Fans of the book have been able to view Galli's paintings at golf course Sandford Springs,

which is situated at the foot of the Berkshire Downs.

Adams penned Watership Down after telling his children a series of short stories on a

long car journey.

He was born and raised in Wash Common, Berkshire, close to the Berkshire Downs. He

now lives in Whitchurch, Hampshire.

Aldo Galli was born in Italy and is

part of the Whitchurch Arts forum


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PETA Wins Protection For Rabbits From

Cruel Lab Tests

From PETA:

We are thrilled to announce that after more than 40,000 supporters of PETA and its

affiliates around the worldsent e-mails to Unilever (the worlds largest tea maker and themakers ofLipton Tea and PG tips), urging the company to stop testing tea on animals

and after we met with Unilever representatives, the company agreed to halt all such tests

worldwide. In a message just posted on its website, Unileverstates, Unilever iscommitting to no animal testing for our tea and tea-based beverages, with immediate

effect.

Thanks to everyone who responded to our online action alert, no more piglets will beinfected with E. coli toxin and have their intestines cut apart while they are still alive, no

more rats will have holes cut into their intestines and be fed tea ingredients through atube in their throats, mice wont be suffocated or have their necks broken, rabbits heads

wont be cut off, and other cruel tests that involved tormenting and killing animals simplyto study the health effects of tea products and ingredients will no longer take place.

ot one of the experiments that the company conducted was legally required for beverage

makers, and regulators have stated that animal tests are not required to prove a health

claim about a product.


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With this victory, the suffering of animals for Lipton and PG tips teas ends. Lipton joinsmany other tea and beverage companiesincluding Stash Tea, Luzianne Tea, Twinings,

Honest Tea, Ocean Spray, Welchs, POM Wonderful, and Japan-based tea giant ITOEin being cruelty-free.


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Phyllis O'Beollain - Dayton Small Pets Examiner

February is Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit Month

February 10th, 2011 10:24 pm ET

You can help a homeless bunny and open your life to a snuggly bundle of love

during Adopt-A-Rescued-Rabbit Month.Dayton Area Rabbit Network and the

Humane Society of Greater Dayton are celebrating Adopt-A-Rabbit Month in

February by raising awareness about the number of rabbits in need of adoption.

Currently DARN and the Humane Society of Greater Dayton have 17 rabbits in

need of homes.

If you already have a rabbit, consider adopting a friend for him. Two bunnies are

no more work than one, if they are bonded. (Note - bonding two bunnies must be

done properly to avoid territorialism, injury or even death). Bonded bunnies the

same living space, the same food and water dishes and litter box, and willentertain each other, groom each other, and be reassuring company for each

other when you are not at home.

Please do your research and consider the following before adopting a rabbit,

however:

Rabbits are intelligent, social creatures that need affection to thrive. They are

wonderful companions if given the chance to interact with their humans. They

belong INDOORS in a family area. Bunnies are prey animals and should not bekept outdoors. They suffer from extremes of heat and cold, get ticks, fleas and

other parasites, can literally be frightened to death by stray dogs, and be attacked

by raccoons, stray cats and other creatures. Why on earth would you want a pet

and then keep it outside? What is the point of that?

Rabbits are not actually childrens pets. They have delicate bone structures and

are easily injured (or worse) if handled improperly or dropped. Rabbits do NOT

like to be picked up and most do not really like being held.

You must have them spayed or neutered. This is critical for their health, for litter

box training, reducing aggression and eliminating territorial spraying of urine.

Most will chew up everything you own baseboards, electrical cords, furniture,

shoes, you name it. Bunny-proofing your home is part of living with a house

rabbit, and they HAVE to have plenty of time outside a cage in a safe area every

single day.


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8 February, 2011 11:39AM AEDTVet wants rabbit vaccine legalised

By Samantha Turnbull

Grafton vet wants Australian Government to

protect pet rabbits

A Clarence Valley veterinarian has called for the

legalisation of a vaccine to protect pet rabbits

against the myxomatosis virus.

Chris Gough, from Riverbank Animal

Hospital, recently euthanased 60 rabbits from the South Grafton Rabbit

Sanctuary infected by myxomatosis.

The sanctuary is a haven for unwanted pet rabbits.

"It was a dreadful time, particularly for the sanctuary owner," said Mr Gough.

"A lot of the rabbits there are from families who had relocated to Queensland and

in Queensland it's illegal to keep rabbits as pets.

"The sad thing is that it's affecting people's much loved family pets too."

Mr Gough, who is originally from the United Kingdom, said a vaccine was

available for pet rabbits in the UK.

"There is actually a really good vaccine we could protect pet rabbits with but it's

not allowed in Australia," he said.

"In the UK it's a routinely done thing for pet rabbits to be vaccinated against it and

it is very effective.

"As far as I'm aware in the UK the use of the vaccine in pet rabbits hasn't then

spread immunity to wild rabbits."


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Hello Everybun.

How do you like this for a bumper edition of Bunny

Camp ews then? I don't ever remember us having

so many pages!

Still to come is some bunny art for you, but before

that a vintage article from October 2006 and it is the

story of Joanne Rosenberg's Rabbit Family.

Lots of Love

Cedric.


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Our Rabbit Family

by Joanne Rosenberg

Editor: Laura L. Barnes (HRS)

Three years ago, I knew nothing about rabbits. Over the years we had a

lot of animals including cats, turtles and leopard geckos, and atank of angel fish. But after our last cat died at the age of 19, we

decided that there would be "no more pets." My husband had suffered

for years with terrible allergies and we had just bought a winter

home in Scottsdale, AZ. to enjoy riding his motorcycle (we live

north of Boston). We thought that pets would never fit into that

lifestyle.

But after our precious "Tabitha" died and our two sons grew up and

moved out, I started to notice that things were really odd in my

house. It was not only empty but also so clean! No fur on the sofa or

floor, no litter boxes to change, no scratching on the furniture. Itwas really depressing!

I got an idea -- what about a rabbit? They were small and cute and

how much trouble could it be? I also could fly him back and forth to

Arizona. Everyone thought I was crazy!

Two weeks later, I dragged my dear husband to the Topsfield Fair. We

located the rabbit barn. With hundreds of rabbits under one roof, I

figured that he would either have the worst asthma attack ever or we

would know that he wasn't allergic. Up and down between the bunnies

we walked and not one wheeze, sneeze or sniffle!

As soon as I got home, I started researching on my computer and

discovered the HRS. It was wonderful. I bought 6 books including the

House Rabbit Handbook. I also discovered the Brambly Hedge Rabbit

Rescue (BHRR) in Scottsdale. They had so many cute bunnies up for

adoption that I knew that was the way to go as far as getting our new

family member. I checked out the time and place for their adoptions

and the first week in Arizona that December we got to hold a bunny

for the first time. The people from BHRR were wonderful and before

you could say "hip-hop," we had "Harley." He is an orange and whiteHolland Lop with an attitude. They told us that he was "feisty" but

his personality would be good for adjusting to flying to Boston and

back once a year. And so the learning began!

I would pick him up and he would squirm and leap and kick and when I

put him down he would have an actual temper tantrum right at my feet,

complete with growling and lunging. He was never going to be a cuddly

guy but he loved for us to sit on the floor and pet him. He soon came

when called, was never destructive and litter box trained so easily

that within a few weeks he had the run of the house in Arizona. We

were hopelessly in love. The little guy just worked his way rightinto our hearts!


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Soon it was May and time to fly home to Boston. Harley hated to ride

in the car. He would shiver and shake and act like I do on a roller

coaster. I was worried sick but again my friends at BHRR came

through. Erica sent me a lot of info on flying with rabbits. We

bought a special carrier, packed him with a lot of hay and a frozen

water bottle. His carrier fit right under the seat. He munched onhay and slept and when we got home he came out, did a big binkie and

immediately started checking out his new digs. That's Harley!

The following winter, we adopted Nova. We thought Harley needed a

friend and she was the only female out of about 10 who didn't bite or

growl at him. That bonding thing is sure tough on us Moms. Nova is a

beautiful beige and gray lop mix. She grew fast and we learned the

real meaning to "bunny proofing." She has never suffered any ill

from her misadventures but our house and furniture certainly have.

We have seen her chew right through baby gates (never buy the cheap

ones) and discovered that she had chewed not only the wire protectorbut the wire too! I have to make sure she has appropriate chew

things and we use puppy pens and good baby gates to keep her out of

certain areas. My life is back to normal. There are litter boxes and

lots of fur and animal issues to solve.

You would think with all this, I would be happy but we needed one

more bunny to really make it a family so we adopted Naia. She is the

lover of the group. She runs to us like a puppy, sits at my

husband's feet at breakfast and loves to get on the sofa and give

kisses.

These three rabbits fly to Scottsdale every winter and back to Boston

in the summer. Some life! I have the hay they eat in Arizona flown to

Boston because they like it better. We are total bunny slaves. I've

developed great skills with furniture scratch cover-wood filler,

safely gluing carpet fibres back and placing vases. Life is good. We

wouldn't trade our bunnies for anything. With their three totally

different personalities, they have made both of our houses "homes."


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Jackalope Dream watercolour on paper 15" x 11" 2007

by akisha www.nakisha.comMay be available as a print on Etsy.


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Bun of the month

Flippity Flop Lapin


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Millie Buns Column

Hello everybun.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading this bumper

edition of Bunny Camp News and that if you have any

suggestions for future articles, or if there is

anything that you would like to send us for the next

issue then please don't hesitate.

As I keep saying, if you would like your very own

copy of EITHERof our serials, then why not buy the

book?

Remember, Dandys book (our first serial) or the

last one Where Bunnies Dare can be purchased by

sending a cheque for 10 to :-

Bunny Books42 Nidd Approach

Deighton Bar

Wetherby

LS22 7UJ

Lots of love

Millie Bun


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Problems WithProblems WithProblems WithProblems WithBoogeyBoogeyBoogeyBoogey

Dear Boogey,Why do all our bunn friends have to leave us?

Love, HansP.S. Miss Bea is very frail. I am worried about her

Dear Hans,I wish I had the answer to this one... I guess we all get old and have to hop over the bridge oneday, but from what I hear, the bridge is amazing!! I know it's sad, but just imagine how awesome itwill be when we're all reunited one day!-Boogey Enrique Gallagher

Dear Boogie ...a while back my beloved Seahawks won only ONE football game in the

American Football Championships. Some teams won way more. How can Icope?ZoeyDear Zoey,

After watching our beloved Saints and LSU Tigers... I know how you feel!! There's always next

season!!-Boogey Enrique Gallagher


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Dear Boogie,Every night I have to hop all the way upstairs because that is where thebedroom is. How can I make the 2-foots move it downstairs to save me

having to take so much unnecessary exercise?CedricDear Cedric,Instead of moving the bedroom downstairs, why not have your apesCARRY you upstairs? Doesn't that just sound divine? I suggest making

your super cayootest face when it's bedtime, and they won't be able to resist!

-Boogey Enrique Gallagher

Dear Boogie,How can I teach the 2-foots to take proper pictures of me and notcut the top of my head out of the photo?

MillieDear Millie,You're just going to have to be patient on this one. Apes are really

hard to train while picture taking... Have you SEEN some of my horrific Facebook pictures? Anyway,I've trained my apes to be better picture takers by posing all nice and pretty, and right when they

press the button, I move... After a while they figure it out. I like them to be ready for anything.-Boogey Enrique Gallagher


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Now turn to the next page for

our new short story...


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andy sat on the top of the story telling hill. His audience looked

at him expectantly. Dandy held up a paw and began to speak.

"My friends" he said "I have another traditional story for you

about how the rabbit met the fox". The audience held their

breath as Dandy began the story of

Rabbit and Fox

One winter Rabbit was going along through the snow when he saw Fox. It was

too late to hide, for Fox had caught Rabbit's scent. "I am Ongwe Ias, the one who

eats you!" barked Fox. "You cannot escape me!"

Rabbit began to run for his life. He ran as fast as he could around trees and

between rocks, making a great circle in the hope that he would lose Fox. But

when he looked back he saw that Fox was gaining on him. "I am Ongwe Ias," Fox

barked again. "You cannot escape."

Rabbit knew that he had to use his wits. He slipped off his moccasins and said,

"Run on ahead of me." The moccasins began to run, leaving tracks in the snow.

Then, using his magic power, Rabbit made himself look like a dead, half-rotten

rabbit and lay down by the trail. When Fox came to the dead rabbit, he did not

even stop to sniff at it. "This meat has gone bad," he said. Then, seeing the

tracks that led on through the snow he took up the chase again and finally caught

up with Rabbit's old moccasins. "Hah," Fox snarled, "this time he has fooled me.

Next time I will eat the meat no matter how rotten it looks." He began to

backtrack. Just as he expected when he came to the place where the dead rabbit

had been, it was gone. There were tracks leading away through the bushes, and

Fox began to follow them.

He hadn't gone far when he came upon an old woman sitting by the trail. In front

of her was a pot, and she was making a stew. "Sit down, grandson," she said.

"Have some of this good stew."

Fox sat down. "Have you seen a rabbit go by?" "Yes," said the old woman,

handing him a beautifully carved wooden bowl filled with hot stew. "I saw a very


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skinny rabbit go by. There was no flesh on his bones, and he looked old and

tough." "I am going to eat that rabbit," said Fox. "Indeed?" said the old woman.

"You will surely do so, for the rabbit looked tired and frightened. He must have

known you were close behind him. Now eat the good stew I have given you." Foxbegan to eat and, as he did so, he looked at the old woman. "Why do you wear

those two tall feathers on your head, old woman?" he asked. "These feathers?"

said the old woman. "I wear them to remind me of my son who is a hunter. Look

behind you--here he comes now."

Fox turned to look and, as he did so, the old woman threw off her blankets and

leaped high in the air. She went right over Fox's head and hit him hard with a big

stick that had been hidden under the blankets.

When Fox woke up his head was sore. He looked for the stew pot, but all he

could see was a hollow stump. He looked for the wooden soup bowl, but all he

could find was a folded piece of bark with mud and dirty water in it. All around him

were rabbit tracks. "So, he has fooled me again," Fox said. "It will be the last

time." He jumped up and began to follow the tracks once more. Before he had

gone far he came to a man sitting by the trail. The man held a turtle-shell rattle in

his hand and was dressed as a medicine man. "Have you seen a rabbit go by?"

asked Fox. "Indeed," said the medicine man, "and he looked sick and weak." "I

am going to eat that rabbit," Fox said. "Ah," said the medicine man, "that is why

he looked so afraid. When a great warrior like you decides to catch someone,

surely he cannot escape." Fox was very pleased. "Yes," he said, "I am Ongwe

Ias. No rabbit alive can escape me." "But, Grandson," said the medicine man,

shaking his turtle-shell rattle, "what has happened to your head? You are hurt."

"It is nothing," said the Fox. "A branch fell and struck me." "Grandson," said the

medicine man, "you must let me treat that wound, so that it heals quickly. Rabbit

cannot go far. Come here and sit down." Fox sat down, and the medicine man

came close to him. He opened up his pouch and began to sprinkle something into

the wound. Fox looked closely at the medicine man. "Why are you wearing two

feathers?" he asked. "These two feathers," the medicine man answered, "show

that I have great power. I just have to shake them like this, and an eagle will fly

down. Look, over there! An eagle is flying down now." Fox looked and, as he did


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so, the medicine man leaped high in the air over Fox's head and struck him hard

with his turtle-shell rattle.

When Fox woke up, he was alone in a small clearing. The wound on his headwas full of burrs and thorns, the medicine man was gone, and all around him

were rabbit tracks.

"I will not be fooled again!" Fox snarled. He gave a loud and terrible war cry. "I

am Ongwe Ias," he shouted. "I am Fox!" Ahead of him on the trail, Rabbit heard

Fox's war cry. He was still too tired to run and so he turned himself into an old

dead tree. When Fox came to the tree he stopped. "This tree must be Rabbit," he

said, and he struck at one of the small dead limbs. It broke off and fell to theground. "No," said Fox, "I am wrong. This is indeed a tree." He ran on again, until

he realized the tracks he was following were old ones. He had been going in a

circle. "That tree!" he said.

He hurried back to the place where the tree had been. It was gone, but there

were a few drops of blood on the ground where the small limb had fallen. Though

Fox didn't know it, the branch he had struck had been the end of Rabbit's nose,

and ever since then rabbits' noses have been quite short. Leading away into the

bushes were fresh rabbit tracks. "Now I shall catch you!" Fox shouted.

Rabbit was worn out. He had used all his tricks, and still Fox was after him. He

came to a dead tree by the side of the trail. He ran around it four times and then,

with one last great leap, lumped into the middle of some blackberry bushes close

by. Then, holding his breath, he waited.

Fox came to the dead tree and looked at the rabbit tracks all around it. "Hah,"

Fox laughed, "you are trying to trick me again." He bit at the dead tree, and a

piece of rotten wood came away in his mouth. "Hah," Fox said, "you have even

made yourself taste like a dead tree. But I am Ongwe Ias, I am Fox. You cannot

fool me again." Then, coughing and choking, Fox ate the whole tree. From his

hiding place in the blackberry bushes, Rabbit watched and tried not to laugh.

When Fox had finished his meal he went away, still coughing and choking and

not feeling well at all.

After a time, Rabbit came out of his hiding place and went on his way.


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Dandy fell silent as he surveyed the crowd that had hung on each and

every word of his story. "So you see" he said "We may be small. Wemay not be the strongest, but we have always been the cleverest. In

fact, I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but I am in fact the

most handsome talented and modest bun at the rainbow bridge..."

Dandy hopped down the storytelling hill thinking that his storytelling was

done for the day, but as he reached the bottom he found a young bun,

white like himself with red eyes too. The youngster was obviously in

great distress, so Dandy hopped up to him to see what was the matter.

"Oh Dandy" the young bun said I feel so embarrassed as I have red

eyes, "But I've got red eyes!" Dandy exclaimed, and I'm going to tell you

why that is such a bunderful thing".

Why Some Rabbits Have Pink Eyes

A long, long time ago when the world was very new and all the animals were learning why theywere created, the Maker of Animals spoke to the rabbits.

"You must ensure our world continues by helping to feed the eagles and the foxes, for withoutthem and others of their kind, all life on our world will soon die out. In gratitude, I grant you theability to run very fast so many of you will escape. I also grant you many other gifts which willallow your family to increase. Rabbits will always be!"

One odd-looking little white rabbit with pink eyes spoke up, saying "But Maker, what about me? Ilook really different than my brothers and sisters and my eyes are so sensitive I can't bear to gooutside during the daylight. I'm afraid my family will disappoint you and fail in your plans for us."

The Maker gently took up the white rabbit and spoke thus, "Oh, sweet bunny, you have a veryspecial gift! You are all white to show the rabbits' pure love, kindness, and gentleness to all thehumans in this new world. You and many others of your kind, white or not, will be chosen to livewith fortunate humans who need and appreciate the very special connection between humansand many of my animals."

"Maker", said the white bunny, "my family will gladly give love to those whoseek it. But still I wonder why my eyes are pink - so different than all theseother rabbits."The Maker stroked the fur of this oh-so-curious, smart little rabbit, now calledBunny. "Well, My Own, your kind in particularwill be those most blessed ofrabbits who will be able to see their beloved humans through rose-coloredeyes!"


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Bunny CampBunny CampBunny CampBunny Campis not a largeis not a largeis not a largeis not a large

undertaking. It is all run from aundertaking. It is all run from aundertaking. It is all run from aundertaking. It is all run from a

normal house in a normal street.normal house in a normal street.normal house in a normal street.normal house in a normal street.However, we do our best to help asHowever, we do our best to help asHowever, we do our best to help asHowever, we do our best to help as

many bunnies as possible given ourmany bunnies as possible given ourmany bunnies as possible given ourmany bunnies as possible given our

very limited resources. Bunny Campvery limited resources. Bunny Campvery limited resources. Bunny Campvery limited resources. Bunny Camp

is situated at:is situated at:is situated at:is situated at:----

4 Stoney Ridg4 Stoney Ridg4 Stoney Ridg4 Stoney Ridge Avenue,e Avenue,e Avenue,e Avenue,Heaton,Heaton,Heaton,Heaton,

BradfordBradfordBradfordBradford

West YorkshireWest YorkshireWest YorkshireWest Yorkshire

BD9 6PABD9 6PABD9 6PABD9 6PA

EnglandEnglandEnglandEngland

Tel: (0044) 01274 821665Tel: (0044) 01274 821665Tel: (0044) 01274 821665Tel: (0044) 01274 821665

Email:Email:Email:Email:

[email protected]

Website http://www.bunnycamp.webs.com/

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Bunny Camp News Feb 11