Bunny Bulletin

March 11, 2011

  

Humphrey enjoying the Crinkle Chute cat toy.

It’s a great joy caring for my bunnies Rosalie and Humphrey. Rabbits are such dynamic and smart creatures. I was hoping they would bond and be able to live in harmony together, but that isn’t looking promising. I had hoped they would be able to have their own room together when we move to the new house because I really don’t like the limitation of a cage. They get free run of the house several times each day, but I would still like them to have their own large space.

We’ve been proceeding slowly, but Rosalie being the bossy bunny that she is, has to be the boss and Humphrey is submissive. There have been times that Rosalie seems to want to be friends, but always reverts to aggression. Every room in the house has to be hers. Humphrey really wants a friend, and I feel bad that she’s dismissing him and bullying him. She scratched him on the eyelid last week and that scared us from continuing bonding since we didn’t want to put Humphrey through any more scary situations.

Some positive things are happening too. Rosalie has really warmed up to me in the last month. She eats food from my hand and begs for particular favorites (she knows how to manipulate her way, and she’s taught Humphrey the same). It’s taken over four months of patience and learning about who she is for her to allow me to pet her, and for her to enjoy it. She doesn’t attack my arm when I add food or hay to her cage. She actually seeks out my affection now and follows me around the house. If I ignore her she lets me know with a firm nudge. I also received this week the highest compliment from the bunny world—she groomed me. A few timesJ That’s amazing progress for her. She also allowed me to give her a pedicure. I was so worried about that. She wouldn’t allow me to handle her at all in the beginning, and I was ok with that. I just know there will be times that she needs to be held for examinations, regular grooming. It’s going to take more time for Humphrey. He is still trying to figure out his place here and get used to living with us. He’s quite timid, but he’s starting to allow us to pet him. He bites though.

Bunnies never cease to make me laugh. Rosalie prides herself on her intelligence and uncanny ability to break through any barrier we set up, disregard any rule we have, and generally prove her mental superiority. One day I couldn’t find her. I looked all around the house (she’s usually where she’s not supposed to be). When I finally found her she was laying inside my amethyst geode looking mighty proud of herself. She looked at me with as smirky of a smile as a bunny can muster as if to say “I’m in your geode! I’m not supposed to be here. But I am.” I wish I had been able to snap a picture because she looked so funny in there.



Comet romping around in his favorite weather--snow!

 Both bunnies have an affinity for Mr. Barkey’s vegan dog biscuits. When I give one to Comet--they know. They start pacing and standing on their hind legs to beg. If they are running about they will run up to me and try to climb my leg to get my attention. If I’m not quick enough they will steal it from Comet. He just lets them. Good thing he’s so patient and gentle and willing to share.



Rosalie on the arm of her favorite chair

Humphrey has a nickname of “Thumphrey.” He likes to stomp his feet when he isn’t pleased about something; usually it’s Jeff doing something around his cage. Rosalie stomps too. Apparently she has a huge dislike of rap music and anything new that comes into the house. We bought a new chair, and when she discovered it, she looked at us intently and stomped her feet as if to say “Look at this! This didn’t used to be here! I don’t like it!” She’s like her mama and doesn’t like change.