November 4, 2009 – 12:08 pm
 Taking extra care of your rabbit with special needs is very important for helping your rabbit to live a long, healthy life. While this can be a big commitment for both you and your family, it is very rewarding to see your rabbit thrive and live a comfortable life. If you rabbit has a special medical condition or has become disabled due to an accident or old age, it is a good idea to access your rabbit’s current living conditions and look for ways to improve or make your rabbit’s life easier. For example, if your rabbit is having problems with his legs, consider all of the objects in his cage that make life more difficult. With fewer things to hop over or get to, your rabbit’s leg discomfort will be lessened. Here are some easy, general tips to follow to make your rabbit’s life more comfortable and enjoyable:
- Provide your rabbit with a soft, warm resting place for times when his in pain. A heated pad, such as the Small Animal Heated Pad and Cover, can make a great place for your rabbit to rest when in pain. This heated pad is thermostatically controlled to stay at a temperature that is perfect for your rabbit. The soothing heat helps to relieve any joint or muscle pain that your rabbit may have.
- Help your rabbit with all aspects of grooming. It is important to maintain your rabbits grooming to help prevent other problems from occurring. Use a soft brush on your rabbit’s coat to help keep any tangles or mats from occurring and keep your rabbit’s nails trim with a rabbit clipper like the Super Nail Clipper for Small Pets by Super Pet to help prevent sores from developing.
- In addition, it is important to make sure that your rabbit’s food, water and litter box are all easily accessible. Choose items that are lower in height to avoid having your rabbit stretch or stand to get to them. If your rabbit is litter trained, use a litter box that has lower sides like the Long John Hi-Corner Litter Pan. This rabbit litter box is lower in the front and much easier for your rabbit to get in and out of, while the high back still helps to keep the litter inside.
Making little changes in your rabbit’s living conditions can make a big difference in your rabbit’s daily life. For more great rabbit products that will make your rabbit’s life easier, check out RabbitMart.
November 2, 2009 – 12:26 pm
 Treat your rabbit to a walk in the crisp, fall air for a great bonding experience. Before you head out the door with your rabbit, it is best to use a soft rabbit carrier when taking your rabbit for a stroll around the neighborhood. Soft rabbit carriers are available in a variety of styles and make the task of taking your rabbit anywhere easy, safe, and convenient.
If you are thinking about taking your rabbit for a walk around the neighborhood or at the park, the Pack-n-go Pet Carrier is ideal for you. This soft carrier is a backpack with a zippered animal compartment that is designed for keeping your rabbit safely on your back, while giving you the freedom to use your arms as you walk. The animal compartment has four windows to let the fresh air in and provides your pet with a great view of the surroundings. Your rabbit will feel safe tucked inside the backpack and out of the reach of other animals. It also includes a compartment below the animal compartment for storing water, treats, food, or anything else your rabbit may need on your trip.
For a city adventure with your rabbit, a backpack style bag is a stylish and sophisticated option. The All-in-One Backpack Pet Carrier is perfect for any city trip and is available in black and has a classic design. This bag has vents on the entry door and the sides to provide great ventilation, while allowing your rabbit to look outside. It also has roomy, zippered pockets for holding your essential items or your rabbit’s supplies and has a washable sherpa liner that makes a clean, cozy resting place for your rabbit.
Another fun option for rabbits in soft carriers is the Sherpa Sport Sack Pet Carrier. This carrier has a sporty, stylish look that makes traveling with your pet fun. While it also has great ventilation for your rabbit and storage pockets for your rabbit’s items, it has a comfortable shoulder strap and is made with reflective material to keep you safe and comfortable when toting your rabbit around town.
Taking your rabbit on a small adventure outdoors is fun, safe, and convenient with a soft carrier. Choose a soft carrier that will comfortably fit the size and weight of your rabbit and one that will be comfortable for you to carry, too. For a great variety of rabbit carriers, check out Rabbit Mart.
October 28, 2009 – 2:31 pm
 With the holiday season quickly approaching, it is a great time for you to give your rabbit a new food dish, carrier or hutch. Your rabbit will be happy to have something new and fun to play with and will greatly appreciate it. There are a lot of great products for your rabbit to make your rabbit happy and your life easier. Here are a few of my favorite items for rabbits:
For a fun alternative to the traditional feeding bowl, the Vege-T-Bowl Orange Carrot has a fun, carrot shape and is brightly colored to spice up your rabbit’s living space. It is made of durable ceramic that is easy to wash. The carrot shape is perfect for any rabbit who loves carrots and doesn’t take up much space in your rabbit’s cage or hutch. The Vege-T-Bowl Green Cabbage and the Vege-T-Bowl Orange Radish also make fun, colorful dishes for your pet rabbit. Both of these dishes are also made of ceramic and easy to clean.
When toting your rabbit around town, a great rabbit tote is a fun and stylish alternative to the traditional pet carrier. One of my favorite tote bags this season is the Tote Around Town Pet Carrier Bag by Sherpa Pet Group. This tote has a classic shape in black and makes toting around your rabbit easy and convenient. The sides have mesh panels to provide your rabbit with great ventilation. In addition, this tote is lightweight to carry and has lots of pockets for storing all of your essentials. It is constructed to be very durable and is made of nylon that is easy to clean.
Expand your rabbit’s living space with the Premium + Double Decker Hutch for Rabbits. This double floor hutch will make the perfect home for your rabbit. Great for one or two rabbits who get along well. This hutch may be used indoors or outdoors and has plenty of room for all of your rabbit accessories. It is made to be very durable and each floor has a separate hiding space for your rabbit to snuggle in and take a nap.
This holiday season give your rabbit a special new food bowl, a stylish carrier, or a cozy, new hutch. For a variety of great products, check at Rabbit Mart.
October 26, 2009 – 2:16 pm
 Even though rabbits can handle cold weather much better than hot weather, it is important to avoid illnesses to keep your rabbit comfortable and healthy all winter long. Whether your rabbit lives indoors or outdoors, it is a good idea to prevent your rabbit from becoming ill all winter long. The easiest way to prevent illness is by following these easy steps:
- Check your indoor or outdoor rabbit on a regular basis. It is important to spend some time with your rabbit on a daily basis, not only to help their mental well-being, but also to check on the status of her health. The Critter Care Message Center makes it easy to keep tabs on your rabbit and it is a friendly reminder for feedings and more.
- Keep the immune system healthy. There are a variety of diseases that rabbits can get when their immunity is weak. Respiratory infections can become severe infections quickly, so it is very important to make sure that your rabbit has a healthy diet, such as the Vita-Vittles Rabbit Food, and stays away from sick rabbits if you have more than one rabbit. Take your rabbit to the vet right away if you notice her having any problems breathing, discharge from the eyes or the nose, sneezing, coughing, loss of appetite, lethargy and any other sign that indicates your rabbit might be in trouble.
- Clean the hutch regularly. It may be more difficult to clean your rabbit’s cage in the winter, but it is very important for you to continue keeping it clean. A dirty rabbit cage is a haven for a variety of bacteria and other organisms that cause illness. If your rabbit gets sick and you have more than one rabbit, you should keep her separated from your other rabbits to avoid spreading the infection. The Super Pet Clean Critter Wipes are great for a quick cleaning of your rabbit’s cage. If your rabbit becomes sick you will need to use disinfectant on a regular basis to help the spread of germs.
- Never treat your rabbit on your own. Always consult your vet first before giving any antibiotics or other types of medications. Some medications can be harmful to rabbits and make her condition worse.
October 21, 2009 – 1:29 pm
 This Halloween season is a perfect time to give your rabbit a special treat that is made especially for rabbits. There are lots of fun treats for rabbits to enjoy that are safe for your rabbit to eat in moderation. When giving your rabbit a treat, always give the treat in addition to your rabbit’s daily diet. Here are some rabbit treats that are healthy and tasty for any rabbit:
- A fun and healthy treat for your rabbit is the the Rabbit Salad Bowl. The tasty treats is made with a variety of wholesome ingredients that includes edible grass, Timothy hay, apples, and cranberries. Your rabbit will have hours of fun eating and nibbling on this delicious treat.
- Try giving your rabbit a piece of carrot pie. The Carrot Pie by VitaKraft is a another tasty treat that is in the shape of a pie. The pie is decorated with carrots on top and is made with a variety of wholesome ingredients that rabbits love to eat.
- Another special treat for rabbit is the Vitakraft Nibble Rings. These little treats make a great reward for good behavior and are sure to get your rabbit’s attention. Rabbits love taste of the the alfalfa and oat flavors and this treat may be given in small doses.
- For a fruity flavor, try giving your rabbit the Fruit Bites Rabbit Food by F.M. Browns. This fruity treat is crunchy and fun for your rabbit to nibble. It is flavored with an assortment of fruit flavors that rabbits can’t resist.
Giving your rabbit a tasty treat makes a great reward for your rabbit. Always give your rabbit treats in moderation. If your rabbit is not able to finish the treat, just save the rest of the treat for another day. Do not give to your rabbit in place of your rabbit’s daily meal.
October 19, 2009 – 4:17 pm
 Rabbits need and enjoy exercise just like other animals need and enjoy exercise. Using a ball during playtime can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your rabbit. Exercising your rabbit with a ball is great for not only their physical health, but also their mental well-being. When choosing a ball for your rabbit, look for one that is made for rabbits or cats. In general, cat balls are also great toys for rabbits because of their size, but it is a good idea to look for balls that are chew resistant.
- Natural Fiber Ball Toys. Because rabbits love to chew, natural fiber balls make great ball toys for rabbits. The Rabbit Woven Grass Play Ball is a great toy for any rabbit owner. This toy is made of natural grass and is fun for your rabbit to roll around. Because this ball is made of untreated grass, it is safe for your rabbit to chew on. Another fun natural ball for your rabbit is the Nature Ball by Ware. This ball is made of sisal rope and is also great for your rabbit to chew.
- Rubber Ball Toys. Another type of ball that is a lot of fun to play with your rabbit is the Hol-ee Roller by JW Pet. This rubber ball is filled with holes that make it lightweight and easy for your rabbit to kick around and chase. The rubber material is soft and easy on your rabbit’s feet. When playing with this ball toy, be sure to supervise your rabbit at all times because this ball is not intended for chewing on.
- Alternative Ball Toys. For a different type of ball fun with your rabbit, the Run About Ball is a lot of fun for you and your rabbit. Place your rabbit inside of the ball and watch him hop around inside. This ball has a diameter of 7 inches and is made especially for small animals. If your rabbit is too large for the ball toy, then it is a good idea to let your rabbit just push it around from the outside. Another round shaped toy that is fun for any sized rabbit is the Roll N Chew Toy. Although this toy is not technically a ball, it is fun for your rabbit roll around and safe for your rabbit to chew.
October 18, 2009 – 1:08 pm
Rabbit Food NO-NO’S (foods that never should be given to pet rabbits)
- No Chocolate (poisonous!)
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Breakfast Cereal
- Yogurt Drops
- Pasta
- Bread
- Most “human” treats
At the bottom of the rabbit food pyramid is hay. Choices for hay include Timothy hay, Orchard Grass, Oat Hay and Brome. Only very small amounts of Alfalfa should be given. Hap is the staple of your rabbit’s diet.
The next layer of the pyramid is vegetables. Give your pet rabbit a variety of fresh greens, daily. Cabbage, carrots, lettuces and broccoli.
The next layer of the pyramid is pellets. Limited high quality pellets with no seeds or dried fruits should be given as directed by your vet.
Finally, on top of the pyramid in small quantities are treats. Give treats one or two times per week. Treats include fresh fruits.
As with all information that you find on the internet, consult with your own veterinarian for information specific to your pet.
October 12, 2009 – 1:43 pm
 Grooming your rabbit on a regular basis is important for maintaining your rabbit’s health and insuring that your rabbit is always in the best possible shape. In order to accomplish this, it is important to keep a number of essential tools on hand to make your grooming experience quicker, convenient, and more enjoyable. It is a good idea to groom your rabbit about once week or more if needed. The main tools that you will need are brushes, combs, nail clippers, styptic powder, a small flashlight, and cotton swabs.
- Rabbit Brushes: for proper of brushing your rabbit, choose a pin brush and a slicker brush, to help make your rabbit’s coat stand out and remove loose hair. A pin brush is great for detangling your rabbit’s long hair and a slicker brush, such as the Tender Touch Slicker Wire Rabbit Brush, is great for short hair or finishing up your rabbit’s coat.
- Rabbit Combs: a comb is ideal for helping to remove the dangles in your rabbit’s hair and helps to reduce matting. Use a comb like the Adjustable 2 In 1 Pet Comb, after using a brush to help remove the remaining tangles for a smooth, finished look. In addition to a regular comb, a flea comb is a great investment for your rabbit’s grooming kit. A flea comb will help to trap the
- Rabbit Nail Clippers: every rabbit owner needs a great pair of nail clippers to keep your rabbit’s nails trim and neat. Choose a pair of clippers, like the Cat Guillotine Nail Trimmer, Styptic & File, to easily clip your rabbit’s nails. This clipper works quickly to smoothly remove your rabbit’s nails and includes styptic powder and small nail file to smooth out any rough edges.
- Small Flashlight: a flashlight is great for making it easier to see where the quick is in your rabbit’s nails. It helps to take the guesswork out of where to clip the nail.
- Styptic Powder: This powder is a necessity for any rabbit owner. Apply it to your rabbit’s nail if you cut the quick and the nail starts bleeding.
- Cotton Swabs: a cotton swab has a variety of uses that will greatly benefit your rabbit. Use a cotton swab to gently clean out your rabbit’s ears or use the swab to apply styptic powder if necessary.
- Wood or Mineral Chew: You may want to give your rabbit a wood or minearal chew during your rabbit’s grooming ritual to help keep your rabbit entertained and content while grooming.
October 11, 2009 – 8:04 pm
Keeping the water from freezing in your rabbit’s bottle in the winter can be a challenge. As a dedicated rabbit owner we know that you change your pet’s water every day and make sure that your rabbits are healthy and warm. But sometimes, the weather is harsher and water may  freeze while your at work or gone for an extended period of time.
The heated rabbit bottle pictured to the left is the perfect solution because it is thermostatically controlled and only turns on when the water temp goes below 35 degrees. The bottle can be easily mounted to any hutch or home (see instructions below) and is plastic – so will not break and endanger your pet.
Instructions for Mounting Heated Water Bottle in Cage
Use the mounting spring to secure the bottle to your cage. Locate the bottle to a height that the animal can easily reach. Do not put bottle where valve is close to the bedding as animals will sometimes attempt to insert bedding into drinking valve. The bottle can be removed for refilling or cleaning by pulling the spring down and ove the bottom of the bottle.
Maintenance of Heated Water Bottle
Clean bottle and lid with warm water and soap. Do not immerse cord or put unit in the dishwasher. If the drinking valve drips, the problem is most likely caused by a piece of sediment getting inside the valve. Press valve stem lightly until sediment is dislodged.
Test for Operation
Unplug and empty water from bottle. Place the bottle in freezer for 30 minutes. Remove from freezer and plug into outlet immediately. After 5 minutes place hand on black cover on back of bottle. If the unit feels warm then it is operating properly.
Note: The cap is vented for proper use of the bottle. The brass valve will not operate if the cap is sealed completely or if a non-vented cap is used.
Limited Warranty: This unit is guaranteed for One (1) Year after original date of purchase or date stamped on the unit against defects due to material and/or company’s workmanship only. The sole obligation shall be to replace the defective unit with a replacement unit. Units should be “checked for proper operation” prior to returning as defective. Units must be returned prepaid. No liability for loss or damage of any nature or kind, whether arising out of or from the use of the product, whether or not defective, is assumed by Farm Innovators, Incorporated.
October 5, 2009 – 8:56 am
 If you ever had to pick up your rabbit and your rabbit didn’t want to be picked up, then you know how painful it can be when your resists. It is very important for you and your rabbit’s safety to pick up your rabbit in a particular way and to take precautions when picking up your rabbit. Small children should not pick up rabbits for the child’s safety and older children should be showed how to carry a rabbit. Here are some safety tips for picking up and carrying your rabbit:
- The most important thing you can do to prepare to pick up and carry your rabbit is to trim your rabbits nails. If your rabbit has long nails, then it likely that you will be scratched severely if your rabbit kicks while being picked up. Use a clipper like the Clip & Trim Bunny Nail Trimmers to easily clip your rabbits nails. This clipper is specifically designed to cut your rabbit’s nails and comes with a clipper holder that magnetically sticks to the wire cage.
- It is also important to wear long sleeves and shirts that cover up your body when picking up your rabbit. Never wear a short sleeve, sleeveless or midriff baring shirt when picking up your rabbit if your rabbit is not comfortable or not used to being picked up. Your rabbit’s scratches can cut deeply into your skin and cause severe pain.
- To get your rabbit used to the idea of being picked, it is a good idea to get your rabbit used to being held by you while sitting on the floor. Let your rabbit hop into your lap and gently hold your rabbit for a short period of time in your arms. If your rabbit seems to be comfortable with this step, gradually increase the height of your hold and the length of time. Reward your rabbit with a little treat, such as the Vitakraft Nibble Rings, for good rabbit behavior.
- If your rabbit doesn’t like to be picked up and carried at all, even after some time spent training your rabbit, it is a good idea to use a rabbit carrier. Your rabbit can be persuaded into the carrier with a little bunny treat and will feel more secure when carried inside the carrier. A carrier also helps prevent you from being scratched by your rabbit and also allows older children to safely carry a rabbit. A great soft-sided carrier to have is the Super Pet Come Along Carrier. This soft carrier is comfortable for both you to carry and your rabbit to ride in and may be used for short or long trips.
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