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.

My Critters:-)

Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The weather is gorgeous! I wish it could be like this every day. I am enjoying the day with my critters and thought I would share some photos.

Comet enjoying the gorgeous Spring weather & Buttercups



My two favorite guys.



Humphrey in his favorite spot--the critter cuddly cup.



All 3 buns getting along wonderfully. I love Humphrey's feet in this photo. Kayla is the stuffed security bunny on the left. Rosalie on the right.



My Rosie girl. Don't tell Jeff she jumped on his laptop!

Bunny Bonding

March 19, 2011

Well bonding hasn't gone well at home, and due to my inexperience I decided it was best to take The House Rabbit Society's kind offer to help. Today we took Rosalie and Humphrey to Laurie's home for bonding. A neutral environment with someone with lots of experience is just what they need. At least we will know for sure if they can ever be best buddies after this.

I have to say that I miss them terribly already. Even Comet was looking for them when we came home without them. I'm such a sap--I had a lump in my throat when I was saying goodbye, and I was pretty good at fighting the tears until I got into the car. I wish I wasn't so sensitive. If this has a good outcome in the next two weeks it will all be worth it. I want my bunnies to be happy together. I'm hoping Rosalie learns her manners. I wish I had been able to do this myself. I feel sad that I wasn't capable. I feel like I let them down. I hated to uproot them, but I am trying to stay positive. I know they are in good hands, so I am looking forward to bringing them home again.

Our Growing Family:-)

Monday, January 17, 2011

 

 

We took a day trip to meet some needy bunnies in hopes of finding Miss Rosalie a companion. It was like buny speed-dating LOL.

We went to meet a Flemish Giant mix, but it didn't work out. The rescue network we were working with helped us try about 17-20 buns to see if they were compatible, but Rosalie wasn't having any of that. She hated them all! Well, except for the tiniest bun of all--a Himalayan dwarf rabbit. We went to see the largest bunny and ended up rescuing the littlest one. It was love at first sight for them both. They snuggled up together and looked quite content. He really relaxed her, which was nice because the trip was long and stressful for Rosalie with all of her anxieties. He calmed her and they looked so cute together. How could I say no? She found a sweet little friend who is all white with grey/black ears, nose, and tail. He also has pink eyes.

We're looking forward to bonding them and welcoming this little guy named Humphrey into the family. He was rescued in the cruelty confiscation in Fairfax county. A horrible breeder moved and left about 40 bunnies for dead out in the extreme heat without food or water for a week. I wish people would stop breeding all animals while so many are in need of loving homes. Why create more of a problem? The problem will never go away as long as people are paying breeders/pet stores for what could be rescued. There are some truly awful people in the world, but all is good for Humphrey now. His mother and brother also got adopted yesterday.