HEALTH ALERT - Horses, Dogs, Cats, and You!
This year has been especially bad for ticks. Tick born diseases likewise have seen an increase. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lymes and one I'd not heard of, Ehrlichia. Talk to your vet about testing for these diseases. My dogs were diagnosed with Ehrlichia when being tested for heart worm Antibiotics are necessary to prevent long-term damage.
When you pick out your pet
No matter whether you choose a bunny or a pony, a cat or a canary, there are some things you should know. Below is a short list to get you thinking.
If you don't trust the person or the answers they give, Don't Buy The Pet.
- How old is your pet?
- Who raised your pet?
- Exactly what kind of feed has it been given?
- What Medications has it received?
- Does your pet have a veterinarian?
- Are there any quirks about the breed that I should know?
- Are there any registration or pedigree papers for this animal?
If you don't trust the person or the answers they give, Don't Buy The Pet.
Rabbits
Since bunnies are the primary pet we deal with, we will begin there.
First, get to know your rabbit. Spend time with it and you will learn to tell its mood and when it does not feel well.
FOOD & WATER
Never feed cabbage or lettuce to your rabbit. Carrot chunks, apple slices, black oil sunflower seeds, even fruit loops on occasion are good treats. Moderation is the key, not too much and not too often. Dry hay is a treat for bunnies and can be given any time. A little hay each week can keep their system in good shape.
Choose a brand of feed and stick with it. Each milling company has their own recipe that include fillers. Sudden changes can cause an upset to their system. A good breeder will give you enough food to transition over to your chosen brand.
- two days at 3/4 breeders feed to 1/4 yours
- two days at half and half
- three days at 1/4 breeders feed and 3/4 yours
- after a week you should be fine.
Give what feed they will eat at one sitting, (start at 1/4 cup and adjust as needed) do this twice daily.
If a rabbit goes more than 24 hours without food it could die.
Water should be available at all times. If the bottle or bowl is empty each time you check, replace with a larger dispenser. If the breeder uses a bottle you might be advised to find a similar type. Needle valve or ball valve are available. Many needle valve bottles can be filled without removing from the cage - I like that.
SHELTER
Choose a cage or hutch with a drip pan and a secure door. An elevated floor keeps things nice and clean. They like the little hanging blocks and bell combo, if you are interested in a toy. Drip pans can be emptied and scattered on grass, flowers, and shrubs without ill effect. It's great fertilizer.
Place cage out of direct summer sun and shielded from winter wind, and protect from rain and you will do fine to start. Around here, if you face front toward the East most rain and snow won't blow in. If you use any bedding, never use cedar chips only pine chips, hay, or straw.
HEALTH ISSUES
Stool or droppings are indicators of health. Firm dry pellets are a good sign. Runny stool should not be ignored as it may become diarrhea. If not treated diarrhea can kill in 24-36 hours. At first sign give dry hay. Clean cage as needed. Add electrolytes at a rate of 1/8 tsp per gallon of water to keep them hydrated. If problem persists contact vet. Call breeder with any questions. See below.
Blackberry shaped droppings are not a problem, in fact many are consumed by the rabbit as part of it's probiotic health.
Cold above 20 degrees is okay for the adult rabbit as long as it is out of the wind. Heat however can kill. Temps above 85 degrees will stress your rabbits ability to cool down. A frozen water bottle placed in the cage for the bunny to lie next to will help tremendously.
During times of stress, heat, cold, pregnancy, or bowel issues, most breeders that I know add electrolytes to the water. Found at most feed stores, electrolytes are inexpensive and really help prevent dehydration. 1/8 tsp in a gallon of water is a suitable mixture. Think of it as rabbit gatoraid.
Some diseases can be transferred between rabbits, chickens, horses, dogs, etc. Isolate any sick animal as soon as you notice the problem to prevent spread. Respiratory infections are highly contagious and pass readily between rabbits and chickens. I keep them separated at all times.
PET PROOFING
Pets have a way of finding things that escaped your notice. They nibble things. I have a couple of taped up electric cords to prove it. Shoe strings, flip flops, jackets are things that I have seen holes appear in. Mouse traps and potted plants are also things that spell trouble. Don't leave them unattended or they will entertain themselves with something that they shouldn't.
TIPS
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- They like to be talked to.
- Never pick them up by the ears
- Support their feet when holding them or they may fear falling
- If they become overly excited while holding them, simply cover their head gently with your hand and shield their eyes - they usually calm down.
- My wife warns them when she is about to turn on the vacuum cleaner saying, "loud noise Vruum Vruum." They don't act afraid.
- If you stay calm they will feel safe
- A relationship of trust takes time, be patient
GOOD LUCK