Rabbit questions

ClareEmily

I know I have posted this website before but it really does have some useful leaflets on rabbit care on it, including handling advice:

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/index.php?section=leaflets.html

Also although it is nice for you to be able to cuddle your bunnies, remember that rabbits are prey animals, and prefer to have their four feet firmly on the ground.

I don't pick my bunny up at all, I get down to her level for strokes, brushes and to check her eyes, bottom and ears.

viktory

Congratulations on your new bunny! I have a dwarf lop, called Olly and he is a delight. He is currently an indoor bun but will be going outside in spring, when I will also be getting him a lady friend (friendship only, you understand!).

My bun has no problem being handled and picked up - every day he has 'shoulder time' when he takes himself up onto my husbands shoulder for a cuddle - he grooms my husband as well.

Remember they have very delicate stomachs and any new food should be introduced very slowly, pellets over a period of about 10 days and veggies (which you should not introduce until bun is about 16 week) should be given in very small amounts over a 2-3 day period. If bunnys poo gets soft and sticky the vegetable should be withdrawn.

This is an excellent forum to learn all things bunny

bexbex

Very happy you have a lovely rabbit.
Please don't forget to get her the myximitosis and vhd vaccine which I'm sure you will. We lost a rabbit to myximitosis and it's heartbreaking.
Have fun

spaine

Hi

Are rabbit claws easy to clip or should a vet do it..

Noticed one of my bunny's claws have got long.

Thanks for the advice

glasgow_DFW

You can do it yourself, esp if you can see the 'quick' throught theclaw don't clip right up to that.

It you have done dogs/ cats its much the same.

If you not sure go the vet just to see how it is done for the future (it'll cost you though)

Tarry

I clip my own rabbit's nails myself, but I have been shown how to do them If you are worried I would get advice from the vets on how to do them

Milford_Cubicle

If you've not done it before, then make an appointment to see a vetinary nurse and get them to teach you how to do it. Then you'll be able to do it yourself after that. You will need two of you though, one to hold bunny and one to clip

stingylolo

Yes I think getting it done at the vet the first time is a good idea. Get the same shape scissors too (I got some weird ones first they were so awful I did one nail and then was frightened to use it again)
It is fairly easy you need to make sure the rabbit is secure though and won't move or run away.
When I got it done at the vets the first time it only cost me 3 quid, so it's well worth it just for the learning.

simontheiceman

Use the "squeeze and see" method - this requires you to just apply pressure to the nail prior to clipping through - it provides a reliable indicator if you are about to cut through the sensitive portion. You do need to be very controlled but with practice works well. I tend to find that I very rarely cut into the sensitive parts of rabbits nails and I would encourage any owner to cut the nails of their pet rabbit.

The big problem is handling and most owners are quite reluctant to handle their rabbit firmly enough. This is vital as a loose grip will almost certainly lead to a higher risk of accidents. A rabbit should be held by the scruff (without digging your nails in) and supported under the bottom. You can then progress to "flipping" the rabbit onto its back in the crook of your arm and your grip can almost be completely released. Rabbits will lie on their backs quietly once this has been done.

Being quiet and calm around rabbits is also essential so lose the kiddies that are inevitably flitting around the room and jabbering unhelpfully. The more relaxed the situation is the more successful you will be.

spaine

Thanks everyone ..

Bought some clippers and gave it a go.

Both bunnies have clear nails so it was easy to see the quick.

Only took a small part of the nail off at first and bunnies were good as gold