Bunny Blogs

The Best Hay for Rabbits

Bunny Blogs

The Best Hay for Rabbits

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 28, 2024
Hay hay, bunny parents! You know that hay is a critical part of the rabbits' diet, but you might not know which hay to choose. This blog will explain what kinds of hay are best for rabbits and how much they should eat daily.   Hay for Rabbits' Diet Hay provides essential nutrition and helps prevent dental and digestive problems. Good quality hay has high fiber, low protein, and low fat. A protein level of around 12-16% is ideal for growth and ensures that your pet does not become obese at this percentage of protein. Hay that contains less fat also helps to prevent obesity as well as other health problems like GI Stasis. Hay is high in fiber which is good for rabbits' digestive tract to function properly. If you fail to provide your bunny with fiber-rich food, the digestive system will stop working, leading to a more severe health problem or even death. Rabbits should have an unlimited amount of fresh hay because it helps them to maintain dental health, stay active by chewing on it throughout the day and regulate body temperature. Some people even believe feeding your rabbit too much hay will lead to obesity and digestive problems like diarrhea or bloating. It is the other way around because bunnies need unlimited hay for their daily diet. Take age into consideration. Start feeding rabbits at about 7-8 months with alfalfa hay because it has extra calcium, fiber, and protein they need for growth.   Types of Hay for Rabbits Timothy Hay for Rabbits Timothy hay is what owners usually feed their rabbits. This type of hay is high in fiber and low in protein. Timothy hay is a healthy choice for your bunnies. It is the best hay for your rabbit's digestive system, so it should be available daily. Alfalfa Hay Alfalfa is a legume that can be fed to rabbits if they're not allergic (it contains high lignin content). Alfalfa hay is best for baby rabbits at seven months as it is high in calcium and protein they need for growth and development. It is not the best for adult rabbits, although you can still give them a limited amount of alfalfa hay mixed with other varieties of hay. Bluegrass Hay Bluegrass hay can substitute for timothy hay; it's green like grass but darker. It is lower in protein and calcium and is also good to mix with other types of hay. Orchard Grass Hay It is low in protein like bluegrass hay but high in sugar and fiber. The price of this hay can be different depending on the company that sells it. Oat Hay Oat hay is a mixture of wheat, oat, and barley which is high in fiber, vitamins, and other minerals but low in protein. Oat hay alone can be expensive, but it can be cheaper if you buy it in a blend with different types of hay. Herbal Hay Herbal hay is another good choice for rabbits. This type of hay is suitable to mix with lavender, hibiscus, and clover.   Is Meadow Hay Good for Rabbits? Meadow hay is another excellent choice for your rabbit. It's a full-flavored grass with plenty of fiber, protein, and calcium. It is another type of hay with a natural source of fiber which is beneficial for bunnies.   Hay From Online Pet Supply Stores You must check the quality of hay you purchase online through buyers' reviews and testimonials. Hay is so crucial that many veterinarians recommend offering your rabbit unlimited access to it—so make sure it's fresh, not dusty or moldy, and stored in non-toxic containers. It can be helpful to buy different kinds of hay so your rabbit can have a variety of flavors in its food if it's not a picky eater (some rabbits like one type but not another). Try mixing timothy pellet into the mix for a new taste and texture. Choose a high-quality pellet because some pet supplies owners sell junk food pellets in the market.   Final Thoughts on Hay for Rabbits Hay is the most important of all things that your bunny needs; then next is fresh and clean water. It's always nice to mix a variety of hays so your bunny would be excited every mealtime. It is better if there are different tastes and textures every time they eat. You can always try other types, but timothy hay must be available all the time because it's the best one and used by many bunny parents who have been taking care of bunnies for a long time. We hope that you learned in this blog about hay for rabbits!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Why is My Rabbit Aggressive?

Bunny Blogs

Why is My Rabbit Aggressive?

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 25, 2024
All the happiness we feel when describing a cute bunny will be gone when we hear "aggressive rabbits." Domestic rabbits show aggression through body language; you cannot be angry because they're your pets. Like humans who show aggression when they don't get enough sleep or accidentally spill their morning coffee (or maybe that's grumpiness), bunnies have their ways of showing aggression too! Our dearest bunny parents, we understand your struggle, and we're to help you know more about aggression in rabbits. Let's get into it!   Let's Understand Aggression in Rabbits While it's true that everyone has a right to their own opinion and emotions, we cannot deny that rabbits are prey animals, meaning they are more likely to be aggressive than other pets—and even humans! Look at the life of a wild rabbit as a prey animal; if predators are around, the first thing a rabbit will do is to stop doing something so it cannot be noticed. If stopping doesn't work, it will run away and if the bunny gets caught, that's when it chooses to fight and become aggressive. Rabbits are territorial by nature, so if you have more than one rabbit in your home, it's essential to ensure they have plenty of space. They can also become aggressive toward other animals if they feel threatened or caught up in territorial disputes with them (such as cats). Some rabbits will even display aggression toward humans because their owners might have taught them that we're something other than friends!   Aggressive Rabbit Behavior is More Common When Paired With a Partner Aggression is more common in paired rabbits that are not neutered or spayed. They also tend to become very territorial when they feel threatened by another animal or person near them. This could happen inside your home if you have multiple pets in one room, outside if there is a garden shed nearby, or even outdoors where there aren't any walls between yours and another rabbit's territory!   Rabbit Aggression Signs Rabbits thump their feet loudly on the ground. Rabbits might scream when they're in extreme danger. Rabbits turn their ears back and down. Rabbits might lunge at you.   Determining the Cause of Your Rabbit's Aggression Aggression can be a severe problem for rabbits, especially if they become aggressive with other animals or people. Although this may be about behavioral issues, there are two types of aggression: Territorial Your rabbit may be defending its "territory" from other rabbits. This is usually caused by stress or boredom and can be resolved by giving your rabbit more stimulation or ensuring enough room for all the animals in your home. Hormonal This aggression occurs when they reach adolescence at 3-6 months. Neutering or spaying helps lessen the bunnies' high sex drives. If you don't get them fixed, expect problems like this to worsen.   Babies and Juveniles Babies and juveniles can be especially feisty. If you're new to rabbit keeping, it's essential to understand that your bunny may not be as friendly as other bunnies. They become aggressive because they haven't had time yet to learn how humans interact with them. When they reach adolescence at around 3-4 months for male rabbits and 5-6 months for female rabbits, they become more aggressive because of the raging hormones.   Picking Up an Aggressive Rabbit When you pick up your bunny and it becomes aggressive, it must have experienced wrong handling before; that is why it's not comfortable when you pick it up. If that happens again, maybe, these three simple tips can help: Stop trying to pick your bunny for now. It can bite you if you insist on picking it up. Let your bunny get used to the new environment. Give it a bigger cage or hutch so you won't have to pick it up every time. Bunnies love rewards like treats! Give your bunny treats so it will get used to you being close to its territory. Try stroking gently above your bunny's head. Don't get your hand too close to its mouth because it might suddenly bite you.   Final Thoughts on Aggression in Rabbits Getting your bunnies neutered or spayed is highly advised to lessen aggressive behavior and stop the risk of reproductive cancers. Research aggressive bunny behaviors so you won't get yourself and your bunny into trouble. Leave a comment on this blog and share your bunny parenting experience with us! Get your bunnies their unique Bumbox litter boxes on Amazon.   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
How to Treat Rabbit Sore Hocks

Bunny Blogs

How to Treat Rabbit Sore Hocks

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 22, 2024
One of the common problems bunnies experience is sore hocks. Bunny parents, we understand that it's not easy to look at your bunny in pain while playing. Let's know more about sore hocks.   Sore Hocks Sore Hocks or Pododermatitis is a foot problem that makes rabbits' feet raw and inflamed. It starts on the surface of the foot, and when left untreated, it can cause severe damage to deeper tissues. Sore hocks usually happen in the hind feet because they support the rabbit's weight more than the front feet, so it's painful when the feet have direct contact with the ground. It will not be easy and fun for the bunny's playtime.   Normal Rabbit Hocks A typical rabbit's hocks are described as a tiny pale pink patch of callused skin beneath a flap of folded-over fur common to giant bunnies. The coat supports the hocks; it's more comfortable when the feet land on the ground. The fur is like an additional cushion for the bunny's feet.   Sore Hocks in House Bunnies House bunnies experience sore hocks even though they live in a fully-carpeted home. What are the causes? When a rabbit has enough space to play, hop, and binky, the support of the feet to its body is pretty balanced. In contrast, a rabbit that doesn't have enough space to play tends to rest and sit for longer, causing more pressure on the hind feet. We always emphasize the rabbits' area in the house to allow them to play and exercise. Other things that can cause your bunny to have sore hocks are the flooring of the house and the litter box you are using. How to choose a good litter box? Some litter boxes have sharp grid edges that could cause wounds and sore hocks to your bunny. It's best to choose litter boxes with smooth grids and feet-friendly for your bunnies to prevent them from sore hocks.   How to Determine if a Rabbit Has Sore Hocks? All you need to do is carry your rabbit carefully to check its feet. You need to start on the hind feet, where sore hocks typically occur. Fold the fur of the bunny's heel and see underneath. If you see a patch of rabbit's heel that's a bit red and has scabs, that is probably sore hocks. Repeat the process and check all the feet, including the whole bunny's sole.   Sore Hocks in Rabbits: Treatment It is easier to treat sore hocks when you see them immediately before they become worse. Here are some ways to help you treat your rabbit's sore hocks, but when you see severe redness in the hocks, take your rabbit to the vet. 1. Rabbit Fur Some bunny owners use gauze or bandages alone to cover the rabbit's hocks. It is better to collect fur from a healthy shedding rabbit and then use it to cover the other rabbit's sore hocks before putting the bandage so it would feel more natural. Don't wrap the hocks too tightly. 2. Soft Floor While treating your bunny, provide a softer floor like a pile of sheets for the feet comfortability and to not worsen the condition. 3. Trim Nails Trimming is essential so that the nails will not grow longer and curl into the rabbit's foot, causing it to hurt and start sore hocks.   Final Thoughts on Rabbit Sore Hocks Avoid getting more pressure on your bunny's hind feet by monitoring its diet. Rabbits who are larger and heavier are most likely to develop sore hocks. Provide your bunny with a bigger space to play so it won't stay sitting most of the day. This kind of problem shouldn't be ignored. When sore hocks are left untreated, it could lead to severe cases. Along with providing bunnies with a comfortable floor, they must also have a feet-friendly litter box. Order a bumbox for your bunnies now!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Rabbit Water Bowl vs. Rabbit Water Bottle

Bunny Blogs

Rabbit Water Bowl vs. Rabbit Water Bottle

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 19, 2024
You've seen the title! We are here to settle a controversial debate between bunny parents who use water bottles and bunny parents who use water bowls for their bunnies! Who's going to win? We'll find out later.   Bunny Water Bottles vs. Water Bowls We want the best for our bunnies, right? Although, some bunny owners can't find an easy way to make their bunnies love water. You may be asking, "Do rabbits like water?" The answer is a big yes! You just have to find something useful for water drinking and something they can enjoy using.   How Often Do Rabbits Drink Water? A healthy bunny drinks water daily because it's part of its diet. Something might be wrong if you notice the bunny's water in a bowl or bottle slightly decrease. Either your bunny spilled the water, or it's not feeling well. So many reasons why a bunny won't drink water. Bunnies are sometimes picky when it comes to food and water. Your bunny might be suffering from a dental problem or other sicknesses that a veterinarian can diagnose. Another reason might be the taste and smell of water. Rabbits are intelligent to know whether there are changes in the water source. It can also be their water bottles or bowls. Maybe there's a problem with the function and accessibility. You'll find out! Let's see what's best for your bunny! Water bottles or water bowls?   Rabbit Water Bottle Rabbit water bottles are one important piece of equipment for bunnies. Bottles are great because no amount of hay or dirt from the cage can get in. After all, the tip of the bottle is the only outlet where water comes out, so rabbits have no chance to step on it, which makes the water dirty. However, there are some cons to using a bunny water bottle. First, bottles are hard to clean, but if you have a tool designed for cleaning them, use it. Second, bunnies can't drink as much as they'd like at once because of the extra work to get gulps of water out. Also, bottles can get clogged or loose. Either way isn't alright. Water bottles should work perfectly fine, so rabbits can drink enough water daily.   How to Get a Rabbit to Drink From a Water Bottle? One way to teach bunnies how to drink from a water bottle is to get their favorite fruit. Next, cut the fruit and let your rabbit smell it. After that, slowly direct your rabbit to the water bottle using the slice of fruit you're holding. Squeeze a little juice from the fruit and drop it on the water bottle's outlet. Once your rabbit smells it on the water bottle, it will lick the fruit juice and eventually learn and discover how the water bottle works.   Rabbit Water Bowl A rabbit water bowl is another piece of equipment you can use to keep your bunnies well-hydrated. It's more natural for rabbits to drink from a bowl because, thinking of rabbits in the wild, it's biologically logical for them to drink water from ponds or low water sources. Anyway, house bunnies and wild bunnies still have the same instinct. Bunnies are certainly getting enough water because it's more open than a bottle. The only thing about the water bowl is that dirt can get in the water easily or get spilled when your bunny decides to toss it.   Importance of Water in Rabbits Aside from quality hay, water is also one of the essentials in a rabbit's daily life. Dehydration can result in serious health problems. If a rabbit eats more vegetables, it certainly doesn't want to drink a lot of water anymore because vegetable alone has water in them. Give your bunny the right amount of leafy greens to ensure it still craves water. Another importance of water is also to make bunnies stay active. Without water, rabbits' food won't be digested, keeping them lethargic and unable to eat. Water helps the food intake flow smoothly in the digestive tract, making rabbits poop and urinate regularly.   Final Thoughts on Water Bowls and Water Bottles Water bottles and water bowls are both great equipment for bunnies. If you are using a water bottle, keep in mind that you must check it a few times a day to ensure it's perfectly functioning. And, if you are using a water bowl for your bunny, check if it's still in the right place. No matter what you use from the two options, make sure to change the water daily. Since you're a new bunny parent, changing the water in the bottles or bowls and cleaning them should become part of your routine. Don't worry! Cleaning it won't take much time; it's for your bunny's safety. It's always your choice to choose one piece of equipment from the two options. But giving them bottles and bowls is better because they'll have both options to ensure they drink sufficient water. So, who won the debate? Of course, the winners are bunny parents who make sure their bunnies are getting so much love and care! Leave a comment and share with us your bunny parenting experience! Make sure these cute and amazing bunnies are well-hydrated and taken care of!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Rabbit Litter Box: Your Bunny Will Love This

Bunny Blogs

Rabbit Litter Box: Your Bunny Will Love This

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 16, 2024
We got the perfect rabbit litter box for your bunnies! Say no more to: Possibilities of having sore hocks Smelly corners Splashing bunny urine Hard-to-clean litter box Bunnies are excellent indoor pets. They are great companions if you are looking for a pet to adopt. Pets that are not litter trained will, of course, scatter everywhere inside your house. Good thing rabbits can be litter-trained, so you don’t have to worry about smelly corners. Due to a high fiber diet, rabbits can poop more than other household pets, around 200-300 poop pellets a day. They urinate 2-8 times daily. Your bunny needs a litter box.   Rabbit Litter Box Good news for you bunny parents! We’ve got a product to help you litter train your bunny. It’s called BUMBOX! Bumbox is our version of a rabbit litter box. Why is our litter box different from other litter boxes out there?   Rabbit Litter Box: Bumbox Design Rabbit specialists designed it; that’s why it’s guaranteed that your bunny will love to use Bumbox. Bunnies have different sizes and our litter box can accommodate between 3-9lb, making bunnies move around the box comfortably. Litter boxes with lower walls make the bunny’s urine splash, while litter boxes with higher walls make it harder for bunnies to hop inside. Bumbox provides an accurate wall height so the urine won’t splash outside the box. It is easy to access for all bunny sizes because the bottom pan is just 3.5”, which is just enough to hold all waste, but it's not too tall that the bunny will have any trouble hopping on.   Easy-to-clean: Rabbit Litter Box Some bunny litter boxes are three-way and some have drawers. Three-way litter boxes are hard to clean because you have to disassemble three pieces of parts, while litter boxes with drawers tend to leak because the corners might get broken by removing and putting them back under the main box. We don’t want urine spilling on the floor. Bumbox, on the other hand, can be separated into halves, making cleaning easier.   Litter Box Grid Bumbox has big enough grids for poop to easily fall inside the box and enough grid size to support the bunny’s feet. The grids are soft, with no sharp edges to prevent sore hocks.   Litter Box: Available Colors It’s more exciting because we give bunny parents choices of colors you and your bunny will love. Bumbox rabbit litter box comes in three different colors; pink, blue, and cream.   Bunny Owners Hey, bunny parents, don’t waste your time thinking about litter boxes that will suit your bunnies. Order now!
Owning a Rabbit: Expectation vs. Reality

Bunny Blogs

Owning a Rabbit: Expectation vs. Reality

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 13, 2024
If you are planning on owning a bunny or if you're a new bunny owner, this is for you! Further reading this blog will teach you to properly care for your bunny. Playtime: How to Bond With Your Bunny? Expectation: Rabbits would love to play with you for an unlimited time. Reality: Rabbits can play longer hours a day but they also need a break. Water and snacks are their favorite part of the break. You can do so many fun activities with your rabbit, but there is always a limitation.   Grooming: How Often Should You Brush Your Bunny? Expectation: Rabbits can groom themselves, so they don't need help. Reality: Rabbits shed their fur in various ways. Some rabbits can fully shed coat for a few days, while some rabbits take weeks to completely shed old fur. How often should you brush a rabbit? Brush your rabbit depending on their shedding season, ranging from once a day to once a week to prevent matted rabbit fur. Fluffier rabbit breeds like Lionhead and Angora rabbits may need grooming daily year-round.   Tricks: Can You Train a Rabbit? Expectation: Rabbits can't do tricks like dogs and other pets. Reality: Some people are motivated to do things when thinking about the reward. The same situation is true with rabbits. They're driven by motivation also. They can learn tricks when you do positive reinforcement, like giving them treats when they're doing great. They could learn multiple tricks like Bini The Bunny by repeating the process.   Maintenance: Are Pet Rabbits High-Maintenance? Expectation: Rabbits are low-maintenance pets. Reality: Some may say that rabbits are low-maintenance pets because they only need hay to survive. If we look at all the aspects of bunny life, they're high-maintenance pets. Why? Rabbits also need regular check-ups, quality food, and toys like other household pets. Aside from that, they need time and attention from you. Although, some bunnies prefer alone time for a few hours. Don't overthink about having a high-maintenance bunny. It's rewarding because they're cute!   Health: Rabbit Vaccination Expectation: Rabbits are okay without vaccines as long as they live in a healthy environment. Reality: Yes, it's great to have the bunnies live in a healthy environment, but there are always diseases. Vaccines are vital for their overall health to fight deadly diseases such as Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease and Myxomatosis.   Litter Training: Can Rabbits Be Litter-Trained? Expectation: It will take months before a rabbit learns how to use the litter box. Reality: Litter training a rabbit is easy when you know the right way. Understanding your rabbit's personality can help you figure out how to litter train it, like observing its favorite spot and how often it goes there. In that way, you will know where to place the litter box.   Rabbits as Pets These are the expectations and realities of owning a bunny. And there is more of it that you will slowly discover. They make good pets, we always say, and it's true! And if you're a new bunny owner, you might be experiencing these things right now. As the bunny life chooses you, we got you some helpful blogs and tips on taking care of your bunny! Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Hop Into a New Home: Rabbit Shelters for Adoption

Bunny Blogs

Hop Into a New Home: Rabbit Shelters for Adoption

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 10, 2024
If you want to adopt a bunny, here are the lists of shelters you can visit in the U.S. and some countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands.   Alabama Alabama Rabbit Rescue   Alaska Anchorage Animal Care and Control   Arizona Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue Furrytail Life Rabbit Rescue and Sanctuary Arizona Rabbit Rescue Tranquility Trail Rabbits Life - Adopt a Rabbit in Arizona East Valley Bunny Rescue & Feline E-List Program   Arkansas Arkansas Pet Rabbit Network   California (Northern) Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary Sacramento House Rabbit Society Rabbit Rescue, Inc. Contra Consta Rabbit Rescue Leaps and Bounds Rabbit Rescue BunnyLuv Rabbit Resource House Rabbit Society Kribs for Kritters Rabbit Rescue The Bunny Trail Rescue Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation East Bay Rabbit Rescue The Bunny Bunch BUNS Save a Bunny   California (Southern) San Diego HRS ChapterThe Bunny Bunch Bunny Brigade Rabbit Rescue Inc. Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue BUNS San Clemente Animal Shelter   Colorado Rocky Mountain House Rabbit Rescue   Connecticut Hop A Long Hollow Rabbit Rescue House Rabbit Connection, Inc Our Companions Animal Rescue Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter   Florida Gainesville Rabbit Rescue Orlando Rabbit Care & Adoptions Tampa Bay House Rabbit Rescue Southwest Florida House Rabbit Rescue Humane Society of the Treasure Coast Floppy Ear Rescue   Georgia Georgia (HRS Chapter) Binky On Rabbit Rescue Fixing The Boro   Hawaii Maui Humane Society   Idaho Save A Bun Rabbit Rescue Remembering Ruby Rabbit Rescue Haven Hallow Animal Refuge Lake Lowell Animal Rescue Idaho Humane Society Kootenai Humane Society   Illinois Bunnies United Network HRS Chapter Red Door Animal Shelter Critter Camp Exotic Pet Sanctuary Wonder Bunny Rabbit Rescue Chicago HRS Chapter Hop To It Rabbit Rescue   Indiana Indiana HRS Chapter Exotic Animal Rescue & Pet Sanctuary (EARPS, Inc.) IndyCLAW Animal Rescue Starke County Humane Society   Iowa Furry Friends Refuge Last Hope Animal Rescue A Home For Everybunny   Kansas Bunny TNT KC Pet Project Kansas Humane Society   Kentucky Bun Bun Brigade Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society Scott County Humane Society - "For Pets' Sake"   Louisiana Magic Happens Rabbit Rescue Companion Pet Adoption   Maine Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland Friends of Willow Rabbit Rescue The Rabbit Cabinet Rescue & Sanctuary Midcoast Humane   Maryland Friends of Rabbits Eastern Rabbit Rescue and Education Center, Inc. Baltimore/DC/NoVA HRS (HRS Chapter)   Massachusetts House Rabbit Connection, Inc. House Rabbit Network Western Mass Rabbit Rescue   Michigan West Michigan Critter Haven Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary Midwest Rabbit Rescue and Re-home Wonderland Rabbit Rescue The Fluffle House   Minnesota Windmill Animal Rescue Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society Minnesota Pocket Pet Rescue   Missouri Dolly’s Dream Home House Rabbit Society of Missouri: St. Louis Chapter   Montana Humane Society of Western Montana Stafford Animal Shelter Bitte Root Humane Association   Nevada Reno Rabbit Rescue Bunnies Matter Las Vegas HRS Chapter Best Friends Save Them All Nevada SPCA   New Hampshire Animal Rescue League NH New Hampshire SPCA Monadnock Humane Society   New Jersey Hug-a-Bunny Rabbit RescueKind Heart RescueSafe Haven Rabbit Rescue, Inc.   New Mexico New Mexico HRS Chapter    New York Rabbit Rescue and Rehab T.H.E. Rabbit Resource Bunnies and Beyond Animal Care Center of NYC   North Carolina Triangle Rabbits New Hanover County Rabbit Rescue Happy Hoppsies NC Breadbox Farm   Ohio Buckeye HRS Chapter Columbus HRS Chapter Dayton HRS Chapter Ohio House Rabbit Rescue   Oklahoma Heartland Rabbit Rescue   Oregon Portland Rabbit Advocates King Rabbit MicroSanctuary EMBER'S WILDFLOWER ANIMAL SANCTUARY AND BUNNY RESCUE Red Barn Rabbit Rescue Oregon Humane Society Greenhill Humane Society Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center   Pennsylvania The Rabbit Habit Erie Area Rabbit Society and Rescue Bunny People Animal Friends Bunny Brigade, Inc. Southern PA-Delaware HRS   South Carolina Rabbit Sanctuary Inc. Cullen’s Archangel Rescue Low Country HRS Chapter   Tennessee Clover Patch Sanctuary Inc. Operation Bun Bun Rescue Bunny Rescue - Nashville   Texas Bunny Burrow Rabbit Rescue House Rabbit Resource Network Retired Rabbit Sanctuary Bunny Buddies North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary Houston Rabbit Rescue   Utah MAR Animal Rescue   Vermont Fluffy Bunny Rabbit Sanctuary Safe Haven Critter Rescue   Virginia Bunny Lu Adoptions, Inc. Baltimore/DC/NoVA HRS (HRS Chapter) THE BUNNY HUTCH AND CLIMATE Exotic Animal Rescue Friends of Rabbits   Washington Rabbit Haven Bunanza Rabbit Rescue Ranch and Adoption Center PNW Pet Rabbit Rescue Special Bunny   Wisconsin Wisconsin HRS Chapter Dane County Humane Society Soulmate Rabbit Rescue Critter Junction Pet Rescue   You can also go to Petfinder if you are urgently looking for a pet to adopt.   Rabbit Shelters in Other Countries Here are some countries that have Rabbit Shelters. If you are from one of these countries listed, you can go click the websites below.   Canada Vancouver Rabbit Rescue and Advocacy HRS Chapter Rabbit Rescue Inc. Tiny Paws Rabbit Rescue Against All Odds Rabbit Rescue Rabbitats   United Kingdom The BunnyJackpot Foundation Acorn Rabbit Rescue   Germany Animal Welfare Association   Japan Animal Refuge Kansai   Australia The Rabbit Sanctuary Rabbit Run-Away Orphanage Bluey Alice Bunny Refuge Inc.   Netherlands Stevenshage Animal House   Adopt a bunny today!
Rabbit Rescue: 4 Reasons to Adopt a Bunny

Bunny Blogs

Rabbit Rescue: 4 Reasons to Adopt a Bunny

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 07, 2024
Almost everyone knows about dog and cat shelters, but what about rabbits? Rabbits are in the top 5 to be known as great companions for humans, yet it seems like only a few people choose to adopt them. Each year, many rabbits add to every shelter's existing population. Unfortunately, there are so many reasons why these rabbits are surrendered to animal shelters. To name a few, owners might have problems with housing, bunnies have health problems, or simply, owners don’t want to take care of these rabbits anymore. Adopt, Don’t Shop There are reasons why you should adopt rabbits rather than buy them from a pet store or breeder. If you thought of buying a bunny, you need to know this first. Why is it better to adopt?   1. It is less expensive than buying. Adopting a bunny will cost you less than buying. Buying a pet from pet stores is expensive even though it depends on the breed while adopting will only cost you the bunny’s adoption fee, check-ups, and daily necessities like quality food. You may have the budget for buying a pet, but you can always consider adopting.   2. It lessens the population in the rabbit shelter So many rabbits in the shelter are waiting for their new owners to finally get them. Imagine if these rabbits stay there for longer, and another batch of rabbits arrives. If you adopt a rabbit, you help in freeing up space for new rescues. Free spaces also mean a more comfortable life for the bunnies waiting to be adopted.   3. You are giving rabbits a more comfortable life If you adopt a rabbit, you are giving it a chance to experience a safe and enjoyable life with you. This may be a simple reason you should adopt a rabbit but it will also be great for the volunteers in the rabbit shelter. They’re going to appreciate you a lot.   4. You are giving support to animal rescue groups Isn’t it amazing to have a group that also supports animals? Once you adopt a bunny from an animal shelter, you help promote the shelters so people would visit and consider adopting rabbits too. When you choose to give a wonderful life to a bunny from the shelter, you become an advocate of animal welfare which is a fantastic experience. You can check our blog featuring rabbit shelters for adoption here.   Benefits of Adopting a Bunny If you are sure to adopt a bunny, good for you! There are benefits to taking good care of a bunny as a pet. Bunnies increase your productivity level. You will learn how to feed them, teach them to use the litter box, and play with them daily. You will always look forward to seeing them and getting excited every day. Bunnies, like other pets, are good emotional support animals when you are feeling depressed and anxious. Bunnies sometimes need to play outside for natural light; you will also be motivated to walk outside your house and appreciate nature once in a while.   Final Thoughts on Rabbit Rescue Consider adopting a rabbit before deciding to buy from pet stores. There are so many rabbits in the shelter that you can choose from and if you cannot find the perfect rabbit for you, there are more rabbit shelters around that you can visit. Think of the benefits when you decide to adopt one bunny. You're right if you don’t want rabbits just because you think they’re messy. They can be messy unless they are litter-trained. You don’t have to hire someone to litter train your bunny because you can do it with our product called Bumbox. Bumbox is our version of a litter box that helps prevent messy and smelly places for your bunny!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Rabbit Daily Essentials

Bunny Blogs

Rabbit Daily Essentials

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 04, 2024
It is called rabbit daily essentials because your bunny needs these to survive and get active daily. Did you bring home a bunny recently? Or are you planning on adopting a bunny? If your answer is yes, that's amazing! We will give you a list of a bunny's daily needs or essentials.   What Are the Supplies for a Rabbit's Daily Essentials? Take note of the following rabbit basic needs so you won't get confused when shopping for bunny essentials! These are the things they need every day. 1. Fresh Hay and Water Fresh hay is the primary diet of rabbits. It contains fiber that is good for the rabbit's digestive system. Along with hay, rabbits must have fresh and clean water daily to help digest food easily. Some bunnies are more active, so they'll need plenty of water after playing and treats! Don't forget the treats! 2. Litter box Eating and drinking mean pooping is next to the routine. The litter box also contributes to a rabbit's daily needs. It is where the bunny excretes and ploops the digested food. Imagine your bunny scattering here and there if it doesn't have a litter box. 3. Water Bowls/bottles Hydration is essential for bunnies! They need water bowls/bottles in their place so they can hydrate themselves. 4. Leafy Vegetables In addition to hay as the rabbit's primary diet, you can also add a smaller amount of vegetables. If you're a bunny owner who personally doesn't add pellets to the bunny's diet, a vegetable like lettuce is another healthier replacement for pellets. 5. Grooming/Cleaning Supplies A grooming tool for your bunny is essential as it keeps the coat from forming mats, leading to skin problems when irritated. Grooming your bunny reduces hair ingestion when it starts grooming itself. Grooming daily may apply to bunnies with thick coats. Cleaning supplies are used for cleaning rabbits' vegetable plates, water bowls, water bottles, and litter boxes. You should clean and wash them regularly to prevent diseases caused by dirt and bacteria. 6. Toys for Bunnies In addition to rabbits' physical activities, you need to give them a variety of toys to make playtime more fun. Rabbits don't play with toys like cats and dogs. They play with their toys by gnawing, tossing (sometimes in their water bowls), and rearranging them.   What Are Other Essentials Do Rabbits Need? These aren't necessarily needed by rabbits daily but are still important, like regular check-ups, vaccinations, and outdoor playtime. These things are vital for your rabbit's health. It's impressive when you give your bunny healthy food and a spacious area, but diseases aren't just something that can disappear, so check-ups and exercises are as important as their daily needs like food and water.   Final Thoughts on Rabbit Daily Essentials Have you taken down notes of the things your rabbit needs every day? It's good to know that you are reading this and knowing about the basic needs of bunnies because that only means you want to properly take care of your bunny. You're an excellent bunny parent! This list of rabbit daily essentials will help you have a fantastic bunny parenting experience!   Bumbox If you are still browsing on different online shopping platforms and looking for a litter box, we got something for you! Check out our product Bumbox, a litter box designed for your bunny. Purchase now and share with us your bunny's experience with our product!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
GI Stasis in Rabbits

Bunny Blogs

GI Stasis in Rabbits

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Feb 01, 2024
Rabbits are known for eating hay, munching vegetables, and playing by hopping and binkying. It's alarming when you don't see these activities in rabbits, even for a short time. Animals can't talk, so your responsibility is to feel and observe them. They are prey animals. They will act normally as if nothing is happening inside their digestive system. In this blog, we will talk about GI Stasis in rabbits. What are the causes and symptoms of GI Stasis? And why is it known as the silent killer of rabbits?   What is GI Stasis? GI Stasis, known as Gastrointestinal Stasis, is a serious condition that a rabbit may experience. It's when the digestive system of a rabbit slows down or stops. Rabbits don't eat when they're experiencing pain in their stomach. It's a severe problem. Some rabbits don't survive within 24 hours, so an immediate response to this issue is vital.   Causes of GI Stasis Too much pellet (high in carbohydrates) and little amount of hay (fiber) can upset the gut causing a rabbit not to eat. Other reasons why a rabbit is not eating can be because of stress or dental disease. If a rabbit has lost its appetite for more extended hours (6-12 hours), it can lead to a more serious problem like gut stasis. Rabbits need microbiota or gut bacteria to help them digest their food. If a rabbit stops eating, there will be no balance between gut bacteria and the gas-producing bacteria. In cases like this, the GI tract will favor the gas-producing bacteria causing GI Stasis in rabbits. GI Stasis: Symptoms Early signs that a rabbit might have GI Stasis are lethargy, changes in litter routine, and loss of appetite. One simplest way to monitor a rabbit's health is by having litter boxes in the house to see whether they have normal poops. You should be cautious if your bunny is not eating for 6 hours. When there is no food, then rabbits have nothing to digest. Your bunny's poop can be very little or no poop at all. Sometimes it can also be soft feces. Visit a veterinarian for a precise diagnosis. The earlier you visit the vet, the higher the chance to treat your rabbit in case it has GI Stasis.   Treatment for GI Stasis in Rabbits If the vet has diagnosed your bunny with GI Stasis, you will be advised to: Make sure your rabbit is well-hydrated. Feed your rabbit with a syringe if it's not eating on its own. Give your rabbit antibiotics and a pain reliever. Motility-modifying drugs to improve the digestive system.   Prevention for GI Stasis in Rabbits It's best to provide your rabbits with a hay-based diet and supplement it with fresh vegetables. Don't rely purely on pellets; give your rabbit a small amount only. Also, provide enough accessible water for your bunny for rehydration. When you have rabbits out of the cage or 100% free-roaming rabbits, your supervision is essential as they might chew carpets or other clothing, which can lead to gut problems.    Final Thoughts on GI Stasis Loss of appetite and lack of activity are things we can't ignore as bunny owners because they can be severe. Some diseases affect our rabbits, but we cannot determine them through sight, an example of that is GI Stasis which is hard to determine in rabbits. That is why it's highly advised to have a regular check-up with a rabbit-savvy veterinarian.   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Do Rabbits Like Music?

Bunny Blogs

Do Rabbits Like Music?

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 31, 2024
Imagine a rabbit enjoying a piece of music, dancing to it, and hoping. And then imagine this: a rabbit hiding because of loud noises in the house or around the neighborhood. You feel sad when you see your rabbit being terrified by loud sounds. Bunnies have different characteristics and that includes their love for music. Some bunnies enjoy listening to music and some don't. There should be a reason why both situations happen. A rabbit that grew up in a noisy home can tolerate loud noise more than one that grew up in a quiet house. An active and playful bunny might enjoy music more than a bunny with a timid personality. Let's find out what kind of music rabbits like.   What Kinds of Music Do Rabbits Like? Soothing music for bunnies is jazz, classical, or soft piano instrumental. Rabbits associate sounds with their relationship with their owners, so you should always choose soft music while bonding with your bunny. Isn't it a calming bond you and your bunny have when listening to soothing music? Avoid loud music in the house because their ears are sensitive. If there's no way to stop the neighbor from playing loud music or making noise from renovation, you can at least provide your bunny a place where it can hide and feel safe. It could easily startle them when they hear loud or metal sounds, and it can cause them stress. We don't want to hurt our rabbits' ears and we don't want them stressed.   Benefits of Music to Bunnies Music is beneficial to humans and animals. It helps bunnies to relax and release all the negative energy. When a rabbit has a hard life from where it came from, soft music could be its therapy together with your thorough care. Music can be a stress reliever.   How Can I Make My Rabbit Like Music? If you love music but can't play it because of your bunny's sensitive hearing, here's what you can do. You can include the routine of playing music in your bond days. Remember that you cannot force your bunny to like something immediately. It's a step-by-step process and you need to have patience. Play music at a low volume while giving treats to your bunny. That way, your bunny can associate music with treats and bonding moments with you. For sure, you have a variety of genres you like listening to. Choose a genre that you think your rabbit might like. Observe your bunny while you play your chosen music. If your bunny is startled by your choice of music, stop it, then select a piece of softer music. But if your bunny continues its activity while you play the music, that means your bunny is getting more comfortable.   Final Thoughts on Rabbits and Music Having a bunny means finding a way to provide a more comfortable environment. Anyway, that's the primary reason you adopted a bunny. You wanted your rabbit to have a life far from stress outside. Don't be the reason why your bunny is stressed. Your bunny is your number one stress reliever, so it should reciprocate. Let's give these bunnies a good life they can enjoy, including listening to some soft music. We will help you raise your bunnies through our blogs, where we talk about caring for rabbits.   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Bunnies Around Dogs and Cats

Bunny Blogs

Bunnies Around Dogs and Cats

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 28, 2024
New bunny owners need to know this! Tom the cat and Jerry the mouse don’t get along most of the time. They often fight even with the simplest thing. Tom always runs around the house trying to catch the mouse that definitely won’t match his size. Although you see them in all the episodes fighting, there are still times when they agree with each other. Does this apply to real-life animals? How about bunnies around dogs and cats? Is there a chance that these pets will get along? We’ll help you find out!   Bunnies and Cats If you brought your cat first into your home before the bunny or vice versa, there are things you need to consider to ensure that they will live together harmoniously. Bunnies and cats have similarities. They both may show aggression and playfulness. Now, let’s talk about introducing them.   Bunny House Bunnies are territorial, so introducing a kitten wouldn’t be easy. Felines love to stalk and hunt. Expect that they will not approach each other immediately on the first day of introducing together. They will both have an observation of the other animal and the place. Given that bunnies and cats are territorial, many suggests putting them in an unfamiliar room with your supervision. Let them observe each other. Or let the bunny stay in its home while the cat is free observing. The same is true with your bunny; let it observe while the cat is in its cage to prevent the two from fighting. If you see signs of aggression, quickly separate them until they both calm down. Introduce them for the second time around and observe. You should have keen eyes to know what will happen next. If they don’t show signs of aggression, that’s great. You can do the same routine the next day until they can tolerate each other’s presence. Let’s make this clear. It’s not guaranteed that a bunny will not show dominance anytime, even if they bonded already. Provide them a separate place to hide in case the other attacks unpredictably. Satisfy your cat's prey drive by playing to divert its attention from attacking your bunny.   Bunnies and Dogs Let’s say you already have a dog in your house before you get a bunny. What you need to do is to assess your dog’s personality. Some dogs are gentle towards strangers or smaller animals and some dogs have a high prey drive. Put the bunny in the cage with a box where it can hide and let the dog sniff and get familiar with the new family member. Dogs have these characteristics where they get too excited and playful. They will disregard the bunny’s size as long as they can play, which can be dangerous for the bunny. Put your dog on a leash when you want to introduce them without the cage. In that way, you can control its movement and keep it quickly away from the bunny when it shows aggressiveness.   Other The Things You Need to Consider Another important thing that you need to consider before getting a bunny and other pet animals is the vaccine. It’s vital to get them vaccinated to protect them from any diseases. While other pets, like dogs and cats, get vaccines to protect them against rabies and other diseases, rabbits also need vaccination against Myxomatosis and RHD/RHD1. Aside from vaccines, we always emphasize neutering and spaying our pet rabbits. In this case, neutering or spaying your cats at home is better. This will help to lessen aggression for both pets.   Final Thoughts on Bunnies Around Dogs and Cats Bunnies around dogs and cats can be exciting when you picture them in your mind as a pet lover. When you have pets at home, remember that satisfying their individual needs is essential. Supply everything they need, including their quality food, toys, litter box (for rabbits and cats,) and cozy home. Play with them because it’s beneficial for their growth and gives them a good perception of the place where they live. We certainly don’t want our bunnies and other pets hurting each other. If you think you can’t handle them in one household, have one pet instead.   If you are a new bunny owner, do not forget to include litter training in your bunny’s routine. Our BUMBOX will be a great help for that!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
How to Bond With Your Bunny?

Bunny Blogs

How to Bond With Your Bunny?

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 24, 2024
The first and most important thing a new bunny owner needs to know is that bunnies are territorial and there are simple things you should know so you two can bond together happily. You don't expect a bunny to bond and play with you the same day you brought it into your home. Be patient enough as we help you how to bond with your bunny.   Bonding Tip 1: Get Down on Their Level You could either sit down or just lay down on the floor close to your bunny. Let your bunny explore around you and sniff your clothes. Getting familiar with your scent is extremely important. While your bunny is close to you, avoid petting it until it's comfortable around you.   Bonding Tip 2: Sit Outside Their PlayPen Sit outside your bunny's playpen. When you do this, you are slowly introducing yourself. Don't forget that you're not allowed to pet them yet, especially now that you're closer to their territory. Once your bunny is warming up, you can try sitting inside the playpen.   Bonding Tip 3: Give Them Delicious Treats You can give your bunny treats for positive reinforcement. It's good to associate treats with your presence. They love treats, and that's one thing that will make them closer to you. At this point, if you can pet it gently, then try hand-feeding your bunny. This will somehow make your bunny think that you're not a bad person.   Final Thoughts If your bunny reacts the way you are not expecting, don't try to force it to bond with you. Be patient. Some bunny owners took them months before they finally bonded with their bunnies. Bunnies have different personalities and it might take you to bond with your bunny for just a week or a longer time, like three months or more.   We hope you can have a fantastic Bond Day Monday with your bunnies!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Behavioral Complaints in Pet Rabbits

Bunny Blogs

Behavioral Complaints in Pet Rabbits

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 20, 2024
Behavioral complaints in pet rabbits are common. Like humans, rabbits have different behavior depending on their age and how they were raised when they were young. Before some owners return them to shelters, they must clearly understand why these bunnies have behavioral problems. It can be hard taking care of rabbits if you, as an owner, do not understand their needs, the changes in their behavior, and the solution to your complaints regarding taking care of your rabbit. What could possibly be the causes of these behavioral problems with our pet rabbits? You should learn all of these problems that most owners go through before you get one for yourself. Rabbits can be fantastic pets only if you fully understand everything about them. Let's dive into it!   1. Territorial Rabbits are territorial! You may have seen rabbits in one place, not wanting anyone to step on their territory, or else they could be some kind of ninja guarding the place. Why do they do that? Rabbits sometimes mark their territory by urinating on it. It is not messy as it is their way to show potential rivals that it's their place and strangers must respect it. When it's time to clean the cage, bunny pen, or litter box, they even attack their owners by lunging at them. There's the need to be careful about caring for rabbits, like cleaning their cage. Aggressive rabbit behavior is more common with bunnies that aren't neutered or spayed. Their first instinct could be that someone's going to destroy their territory. Keep in mind that their place is where they hide when they are stressed or scared, so it's normal for them to guard against other pets or humans. Neutered or spayed rabbits are calmer and easier to bond with as they're less aggressive.   2. Chewing Clothes, Plants, and Toys Rabbits chew clothes when they're bored! Could you believe that? Yes, you read that right. Bunnies chew clothes when they're bored and they want to do something while they're out of their cage. Aside from chewing clothes, they also love chewing on things like toys, couch, cords, or even their bed. (Make sure to keep the cords in a secured place). They even chew plant leaves, so if you have indoor plants, do not be surprised when you see some parts chewed. Remember that you have a cute and furry creature in your house called a bunny. It's crucial that you, as a rabbit owner, know that they are not immune to all common house plants as well. Remember that they are rabbits and naturally chew things, not just when eating their food. Like the babies who chew toys because they're starting to grow their teeth, rabbits are closely like that. Rabbits' teeth keep growing by 3-5 inches yearly while they live. Gnawing and biting are beneficial for their dental growth.   3. Taking Things Anywhere Rabbits are playful too! When they see things on the floor, there's a bigger chance that your bunnies will take them. They could be mischievous sometimes, but we love them. They just love to steal things away from your hands. They run around the house, will play with what they stole for a couple of minutes, and then leave it anywhere. Don't be surprised when you find things slightly chewed. We've discussed that already in number 2. Even if you purchase a toy for your rabbits, they would still take things that they can reach. But isn't it so satisfying to see your rabbits happy, hopping, and running around the house like crazy? It's way better to look at them as active and playing than sick and fragile.   4. Finding a Way to Dig Why is that even a complaint, you may ask? It's normal for rabbits to dig; it's one of their play activities when they're out of the house. It's funny because some owners have plant/flower boxes or gardens around their homes and get themselves a bunny. Some owners have complaints about their rabbits regarding this digging activity. Rabbits don't care what they're digging in, even if it's your beloved plant box. Some rabbit owners put plant guards, which is hilarious because their rabbits might patiently wait outside the plant guard. If your rabbit is fond of digging a couple of times in a day, you should buy a rabbit box and put some soil in it, but who knows what your pet rabbit loves more? The rabbit box you purchased or your plant box? You'll find out!   Final Thoughts on Behavioral Complaints in Pet Rabbits Rabbits are fantastic pets! There may be complaints about them, but they're still amazing. That's why it's essential to research rabbit care before you get one for yourself. You should have an idea of what you're signing up for. All of the mentioned behavioral complaints in pet rabbits should be understood properly. You are the owner, so it's your responsibility to take care of these fantastic rabbits. This blog gave you an idea about what to expect from getting a bunny. We got this fantastic product called BUMBOX that can help you litter train your cute rabbits at home! Let's get these rabbits well-taken care of.   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Top 10 Common Rabbit Myths

Bunny Blogs

Top 10 Common Rabbit Myths

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 17, 2024
1. Rabbits Die If They Get Wet It's not like putting rabbits in the water and expecting them to die instantly because of shock. You don't bathe rabbits for another reason: They have thick fur that's hard to dry, so if you wash them, they could get hypothermia. Two, they have very delicate skin. Once you bathe them, their skin becomes more fragile, leading to tearing apart or cuts.   2. Rabbits Hate Social Interactions With Other Pets Like Cats And Dogs You might have other pets inside your house aside from rabbits. With attention and supervision, rabbits can enjoy their company along with cats and dogs. It's more enjoyable when you raise them together as young pets.   3. Bunnies Eat Carrots Like Bugs Bunny Although it can be, owners can only offer them a small amount like that of treats since carrots are high in sugar and bunnies should eat limited quality pellets and daily fresh hay.   4. Rabbits Are Low-Maintenance Pets Some parents give their kids pet bunnies, thinking it wouldn't be a handful taking care of them. Bunnies need daily attention and care, including cleaning their cages and providing them with a fresh and healthy meal every day.   5. Rabbits Don't Need A Regular Check-Up With A Vet While dog and cat owners bring their pets to the vet for shots, some people think rabbits don't need that. Indoor rabbits also need vaccines and regular check-ups to prevent medical conditions like respiratory problems, diarrhea, cancer, etc.   6. Rabbits Love To Live Outdoors Like Other Animals You are reading this probably because you have a house bunny. They are pet rabbits, to begin with, so temperature changes could shorten their life span, and their survival skills aren't enough like wild rabbits. It's safer for them to live indoors. They prefer cozy homes, but you can let them play outdoors sometimes.   7. Rabbits Like To Be Held We are all aware that bunnies are cute furry animals. They look so cuddly. But remember that bunnies are like different individuals, some might want you to hold them, and some don't. Although, baby rabbits are more tolerant of touching when they grow up if you start handling them earlier.   8. Rabbits Don't Bite Bunnies can be cute, but they can be aggressive when they are scared. It's better if you are aware of their personal space, just like us humans.   9. Rabbits Can Be Left Alone For Days Yes, rabbits don't need a daily walk outside, but that doesn't mean they don't need attention every day. You need to check on them daily because they could develop medical conditions in as little as one day.   10. Rabbits Don't Overeat You must give your pet bunny limited pellets because it doesn't have enough control over food. It will gladly consume everything that is served. Obesity is one main problem with bunnies.   Final Thoughts on Top 10 Common Rabbit Myths Check all the rabbit myths we mentioned in this blog because you might be doing some of them. It's best to learn about all these things early, especially when you are a new bunny owner. If you are a new bunny parent, litter training is essential to prevent messy and smelly places for them. No worries, our litter box is going to give easy litter training for your bunny!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Kids Around Bunnies: Is It Safe?

Bunny Blogs

Kids Around Bunnies: Is It Safe?

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 14, 2024
Getting a rabbit for a kid might be a good idea, or maybe it's the other way around. Let's say you have a 4-year-old kid, and you know they are active. There are limitations that you need to know when kids are around bunnies. Kids are often unpredictable, so it will take a lot of thinking and reconsidering decisions before getting a bunny. Kids and bunnies have different characteristics, but one thing is for sure, they can both be playful sometimes. It can be a little chaotic when your child and bunny show their lively personality. Could you picture what would happen if they had no supervision?   What New Bunny Owners Need to Know Bunnies love to dig. Bunnies are territorial. Bunnies love playing with your cable or anything they can chew, including your clothes. Bunnies urinate when marking a place they want to own. Bunnies love running around the house. Bunnies also need to play outside once in a while. Bunnies are sometimes quiet. They're not always playful.   Kids Around Bunnies: Questions You Need to Consider Have I talked about this with the whole family? Who would replace me supervising my toddler and the bunny when I'm not around? Is my kid touchy and playful? Are the live wires in a safe place away from my toddler and bunny? Are we prepared for our bunny's litter training? (Because you know, it's going to be messy if you're not ready for a bunny)   Suitable Pet Rabbit Breeds for Kids Some rabbit breeds are suitable for children, but it doesn't mean that all these rabbits love to be held every time. These breeds are Mini Lop, Himalayan, Chinchilla, and Dutch. These rabbits typically are sweet, calm, playful, and easy to take care of when you know the limitations. Kids are not necessarily the owner of a rabbit. You can supervise your child with bunny-related activities like putting pellets in the rabbit bowl or fresh hay in the bunny's hay feeder. In that way, your kid will learn chores and become responsible for caring for rabbits or other pets.   Do Bunnies Make Good Pets? Rabbits make good pets around kids. With proper supervision around rabbits or other animals, you are slowly teaching your kid to care for animals genuinely. You might not be aware, but as your child grows, he is gradually learning that rabbits need to be fed and need a loving home. Generally speaking, they are excellent pets because they can quickly learn to use a litter box, and they are fine inside the house as long as there is enough natural light. But remember that even though they hop and get playful indoors, you also have to consider letting them play outside and experience nature once in a while because natural light can give them Vitamin D, which benefits their bones and teeth.   Final Thoughts on Kids Around Bunnies If you've wanted a bunny for so long, make sure you are ready for it. Taking care of a bunny is a long commitment, and you should be aware of that. Consider all these things before you get one because it's hard to abandon or surrender bunnies to a shelter just because you cannot take care of them anymore. Let's get these bunnies well-taken care of. If you're ready to get your first bunny, it's great to have it litter-trained, so it would be easier for you to handle everything in the house. A litter box means a lesser mess and chore for you. We'll help you with that!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Characteristics of Rabbits that New Owners Should Know

Bunny Blogs

Characteristics of Rabbits that New Owners Should Know

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 11, 2024
Rabbits are great pets and they have personalities. One rabbit can be different from its littermates. Regardless of sex and breed type, they still make fantastic pets for adults and kids but with supervision.  To give you an idea about different bunny personalities, they can be lively, shy, calm, curious, and funny. That must be a lot of characteristics in a rabbit, you may think. Well, it must be exciting to handle a rabbit with those personalities! Before becoming a bunny owner, you must know these different characteristics of rabbits so you won't be surprised when they do something weird to you and your house. Do not ever be terrified when you read the phrase "your house" because it will be an amazing experience.   Different Characteristics of Rabbits Rabbits make good companions like any other pets. When you finally get yourself a rabbit, you will see how these characteristics unfold, and it gets more exciting as you get along with them daily. Here are things you need to know about rabbits of different ages to monitor their growth and personality changes.   Week-Old Bunny Newborn bunnies are fragile, they need to stay in a darker place with enough milk (it can be a kitten milk replacer or goat milk) and you cannot touch them as they are still baby rabbits.   8-Week-Old Bunny Baby rabbits can be removed from their mother not lower than 8 weeks because they need to receive necessary gut flora and antibodies from their mother. Also, at 8 weeks, you should separate male and female offspring so they don't breed.   10-11-Week-Old Bunny If you plan to get a rabbit from a store or breeder, although we do not condone breeding rabbits, it's best to know that rabbits from 10-11 weeks or older are good to begin having as pets.   Adolescent Rabbit At three to four months, rabbits begin in their adolescent stage. This is the age where their hormones are flowing. Raging hormones can result in more aggressive bunny behavior unless neutered or spayed; they can be calmer. At this stage of adolescence, they start to bite, spray urine, nibble cables, or even destroy your clothes and furniture. These characteristics of rabbits at four months are typical.  They are part of the maturation stage, and as Dana Krempels discussed, neutering or spaying can help lessen this behavior and many other advantages.   Female Rabbit vs. Male Rabbit Personalities Do you prefer a female rabbit or a male rabbit? Both genders are great, but it's also necessary for you, as a bunny owner, to know the differences between male and female rabbits. What are the differences between the two genders? Female rabbits tend to be more aggressive, especially with their newborns, that's maternal instinct and they are being protective. They are bossier than male rabbits. They love digging because they are the homemakers of rabbits in every household. That's why it's natural for them to become territorial and protective. As you get along with them every single day, the time will come that they will trust you, accept you as a part of the family, and will become more loving to you as their owner.  Male rabbits, on the other hand, are more relaxed. Male rabbits' personalities are almost the opposite of females'. They are calmer and easier to bond with.  They are more careful with things meaning they have less destructive behavior. Male rabbits can also be aggressive when they have high sex drives, so they must get neutered. Female and male rabbits can get along so well when they are neutered or spayed, and you don't have to bother about getting more bunnies because your female rabbit can't get pregnant since it's already fixed.   Final Thoughts on Characteristics of Rabbits With all these characteristics, it's wise not to rush their adjustment period. You must consider their age, gender, and different experiences in the shelter where they came from. When planning to adopt a rabbit, it's best to ask about every detail so you can adjust. The adjustment period also includes litter training, and you don't have to worry about that because we've come up with a product that will be useful for your bunny!   Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Revolutionize Your Rabbit's Space with Bumbox Rabbit Litter Box

Bunny Blogs

Revolutionize Your Rabbit's Space with Bumbox Rabbit Litter Box

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 08, 2024
For every rabbit owner, maintaining a clean and comfortable living space for our furry companions is a top priority. One essential tool that has been making waves in the world of rabbit care is the Bumbox Deluxe Rabbit Litter Box. In this blog, we will explore the features and benefits that make the Bumbox Deluxe a game-changer in the realm of rabbit hygiene.   Innovative Design The Bumbox Deluxe is not just a litter box; it's a carefully designed piece of rabbit furniture. Its spacious interior provides ample room for your bunny to move comfortably, while the high sides prevent litter from scattering. The sleek and modern design ensures it seamlessly fits into any living space.   Odor Control One of the standout features of the Bumbox Deluxe is its effective odor control system. The litter box is equipped with a high-quality ventilation system that helps eliminate unpleasant odors, keeping both your rabbit's space and your home smelling fresh.   Easy Maintenance Cleaning up after your rabbit is a breeze with the Bumbox Deluxe. The removable tray makes it simple to dispose of used litter, and the smooth surfaces of the litter box are easy to wipe down. This ensures a hygienic environment for your rabbit with minimal effort on your part.   Durable and Long-Lasting Crafted from durable materials, the Bumbox Deluxe is built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Its robust construction ensures longevity, making it a cost-effective investment in your rabbit's well-being.   Comfort for Your Rabbit The Bumbox Deluxe prioritizes the comfort of your rabbit. The spacious design and low entry point make it easy for rabbits of all sizes to access the litter box. This thoughtful design promotes a stress-free bathroom experience for your bunny.   Stylish and Functional Who said a litter box couldn't be stylish? The Bumbox Deluxe combines aesthetics with functionality, adding a touch of sophistication to your rabbit's living space. It's not just a necessity; it's a statement piece for your home.
The Essential Role of Rabbits in Ecosystems

Bunny Blogs

The Essential Role of Rabbits in Ecosystems

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 05, 2024
In the intricate tapestry of ecosystems, every species plays a unique and crucial role. Often overlooked but undeniably significant, rabbits emerge as silent guardians of the green. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of lagomorphs and explore their impact on vegetation, predators, and biodiversity within ecosystems. Vegetation Management: The Art of Controlled Grazing Rabbits are nature's gardeners, engaging in what can be considered an art form of controlled grazing. Their insatiable appetite for grasses, herbs, and shrubs helps maintain a delicate balance in plant populations. By preventing certain vegetation from becoming dominant, rabbits contribute to the diversity and health of ecosystems.   The Circle of Nutrients: Rabbit Droppings as Fertilizer Beyond their role as grazers, rabbits are eco-friendly fertilization machines. Their droppings, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, serve as a natural fertilizer, enhancing soil fertility and promoting the growth of a variety of plants. In this way, rabbits contribute to the nutrient cycling essential for a thriving ecosystem.   Prey or Predator: The Rabbit Dilemma While rabbits are often viewed as prey animals due to their role in the food chain, they are also important contributors to the predator-prey dynamic. Their presence supports populations of predators, such as foxes and birds of prey, helping maintain a balance that prevents overpopulation of both prey and predator species.   Biodiversity Boost: The Ripple Effect of Rabbit Activity Rabbits, through their foraging and burrowing activities, create microhabitats that benefit a myriad of other species. Small mammals, insects, and even certain plants thrive in the spaces rabbits shape. This ripple effect enhances biodiversity, turning rabbit-influenced areas into hotspots of ecological richness.   Ecosystem Engineers: The Impact of Rabbit Burrows Rabbit burrows are more than just cozy homes; they are architectural wonders with far-reaching effects. These burrows play a role in aerating the soil, improving water infiltration, and providing shelter for a variety of small animals. The presence of rabbit burrows can transform landscapes, turning them into dynamic and interconnected ecosystems.   Facing Challenges: Rabbit Overpopulation and Ecosystem Health While rabbits are vital to ecosystems, their populations can sometimes surge to levels that challenge the balance. Uncontrolled rabbit numbers may lead to overgrazing, habitat degradation, and competition with native species. Managing rabbit populations is a delicate task that requires a nuanced understanding of their ecological role.   As we uncover the multifaceted contributions of rabbits to ecosystems, it becomes clear that these seemingly unassuming creatures are, in fact, ecological linchpins. From maintaining vegetation balance to supporting predator populations and enhancing biodiversity, rabbits play a vital role in the intricate dance of nature. So, the next time you spot a rabbit nibbling on a patch of grass or disappearing into a burrow, take a moment to appreciate the silent guardians of the green, whose actions resonate throughout the intricate web of life.
Navigating the Joys of Having Cats and Rabbits as Companions

Bunny Blogs

Navigating the Joys of Having Cats and Rabbits as Companions

by Alana alana@hoppscotchbun.com on Jan 02, 2024
In the diverse menagerie of household pets, the idea of having both a cat and a rabbit under one roof might seem like a whimsical challenge. However, the truth is, with a little understanding and some thoughtful introductions, these two seemingly disparate species can coexist in a harmonious and enriching environment. Join us as we explore the dynamics of having cats and rabbits as companions and discover the secrets to fostering a bond that goes beyond the stereotypical predator-prey relationship. 1. Understanding the Instincts: Predators and Prey? Cats are natural hunters, and rabbits are instinctively prey animals. While this might sound like a recipe for discord, understanding their natural behaviors is the first step in creating a safe and comfortable space for both pets.   2. Early Socialization: Kitten and Bunny Buddies One of the keys to a successful feline-lagomorph relationship is early socialization. If possible, introducing a kitten and a bunny when they are both young can lead to a more accepting and cooperative dynamic as they grow.   3. Safe Spaces: Creating Retreats for Both Paws and Paws Every pet needs its own sanctuary. Whether it's a cozy cat tree or a well-furnished hutch, providing designated safe spaces for each pet ensures they have a retreat when they need a break from each other.   4. Supervised Playtime: Playdates for Furry Friends Introducing cats and rabbits under supervised conditions is essential. Allowing controlled interactions during playtime can help them get used to each other's presence without triggering fear or aggression.   5. Positive Reinforcement: Treats and Affection for All Reinforce positive behaviors with treats and affection. Rewarding both your cat and rabbit for calm and non-threatening interactions encourages them to associate each other with positive experiences.   6. Patience is a Virtue: Slow and Steady Wins the Race Building a strong bond between cats and rabbits takes time. Be patient, and don't force interactions. Gradual progress is more likely to lead to a lasting and genuine friendship.   7. Grooming Rituals: Mutual Grooming or Separate Spa Days? Cats are notorious for their grooming habits, and rabbits are meticulous groomers themselves. While some feline-lagomorph pairs engage in mutual grooming, others prefer separate spa days. Understanding and respecting their preferences is key.   8. Health Considerations: Vet Visits and Parasite Prevention Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for both cats and rabbits. Ensure that they are up-to-date on vaccinations, and consult your veterinarian for advice on parasite prevention, especially considering the different health needs of each species.   The seemingly incompatible combination of cats and rabbits can indeed coexist in a household filled with love, understanding, and a dash of patience. By acknowledging and respecting their individual needs, providing safe spaces, and fostering positive interactions, you can create a household where the purring of a cat and the gentle thumping of a rabbit's feet coalesce into a symphony of interspecies companionship. So, for those contemplating the feline-lagomorph tandem, fear not—purr-fect harmony is within reach!