My Bunny Life

quick post

2008-02-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

I don't have too much to say right now, other than my "molt" is going slowly still, if that is what's happening. After the bunny fact & wisdom, I'm going to go play hopscotch. LOL...

BUNNY FACT: Rabbit urine can safely vary from colors like yellow/gold to orange or even red. Red indicates excess protein in the diet that passed through undigested. Hopefully, that wasn't too gross. I think I showed some taste by not using any visual depictions today.

BUNNY WISDOM: Learn from your experiences! For example, if your bunny is getting too much protein, you can consider getting a type of food with a lower percentage of it.

Again, sorry for being so short. I was kidding about going to play hopscotch. I'm actually going for a NAP!!!

Outside!

2008-01-31T10:06:00.000-08:00

Yes, I got to go outside this morning! Only for a little bit, though. There is some green poking up from the still-chilly ground. Tasted like frozen spinach, half-thawed. Yummy!!!

I need to get some more pictures of me... maybe I'll get around to it before next week. I might be starting to molt (yuck). I'd rather not, but I don't think there's much I can do to change it! Supposedly, eating oatmeal helps it go faster by promoting new hair growth.

BUNNY FACT: Healthy rabbits molt 1-2 times a year. Molting often starts with the nose and back of neck areas looking either dark or "fresh" depending on the color of the bunny - for example, a white bunny will not look black!

BUNNY WISDOM: When someone says or does something hurtful, consider the possibility that they're having a bad day. I'm feeling a bit irritable today, perhaps because of the molt.

New Friend

2008-01-29T07:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday a family my friend knows got a new bunny! It's a boy and they named him Peter. I think that's probably a name often used for boy bunnies, but it doesn't really get old! His coat is very soft - Mini Rex-like (they're not sure if he's mixed or what). He's a brown color, which I think they said was "castor." I would draw a picture for you of him, but I tried and apparently I'm not artistically inclined today so you'll just have to use your imagination ;)

He made me realize that I don't (and can't) have everything. I'll never have such a fine coat like Pete, but then on the other hand, he doesn't have cute floppy ears like mine.

BUNNY FACT: Selective breeding sure has brought out some odd traits in rabbits. Some look like Lions (Lionhead), others like cats (Vienna Marked bunnies especially), some have dark circles around their eyes (Hotot.)

BUNNY WISDOM: Don't always rely on a bunny to give you wisdom... hehe.

Monday Again!

2008-01-28T05:46:00.000-08:00

It's another Monday (morning, currently).

Many folks drove to work this morning. Have any idea how many hit some sort of critter with their vehicle? It's estimated a million (1,000,000) animals are killed daily in this manner.

I wonder how many of those are wild rabbits...

BUNNY FACT: Rabbits have six front teeth, incisors. Four are on top, two on the bottom. Behind those are "peg teeth," used for grinding food and are similar to molars in humans.

BUNNY WISDOM: Watch out when you're driving, for your safety and that of animals :)

Back Again :)

2008-01-22T06:56:00.000-08:00

It seems like it's been a long time since I've posted. Sorry about that!

I do have a little story to tell, though. On Saturday we bought bunny pellets,
brought them home, and found they had been wet. They looked a bit like this ... Notice how it isn't all uniformly pelleted? Little pockets had absorbed moisture and re-formed into globby masses. Kind of gross if you ask me. Needless to say we returned the bag speedily. The next bag we got was nice and fresh.

Other than that, not much has been going on.

BUNNY FACT: Moldy food can kill bunnies! Even though it didn't look like the food we bought was moldy, the fact that is was wet made it very possible that mold spores were present. It's not worth taking the chance on your rabbit's health.

BUNNY WISDOM: Always try to get a full night's sleep. It doesn't work well for humans to try a sleep routine like bunnies!

I'm going to go nap a bit. zzzz....

Morning Routine

2008-01-17T05:33:00.001-08:00

What do I do in the mornings? Well, sometimes I read the funnies!
We don't always get the paper, but when we do I don't care much for the news. Too bad there isn't a bunny comic in the paper. I do like to watch old Bugs Bunny cartoon shows.

BUNNY FACT: Bug Bunny, that famous cartoon rabbit, was born back in 1939. According to Wikipedia, a precursor to him was shown in 1938, so Bugs is roughly 70 years old!

BUNNY WISDOM: A little inspiration can go a long way. Even seemingly senseless cartoons can form positive reactions in children and adults. If you're a fan of Bugs and his contemporaries, you can probably recognize some pieces of classical music thanks to the shows.

Can't It Be Spring Already?

2008-01-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

I must admit I've almost been getting cabin fever. I haven't been outside in two months, but I can imagine the flowers blooming and grass growing nicely green once more! It hasn't been bitterly cold, though, and that's good. Not only do milder winters make for more preferable heating bills, but they're also easier on perennial flowers, young trees and bushes.

It would be a shame if the asparagus plants died before I got to nibble on some of them :)

BUNNY FACT: Happy rabbits can "click" their teeth. I'll have to try that one!

BUNNY WISDOM: Don't forget to stop and smell the roses while they're in bloom...

Fifty Posts

2008-01-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

According to my Blogger Dashboard, this is the 50th post of My Bunny Life.

Hooray! That means I've given 50 different bunny facts already. Can you remember them? :-) Well, here's another...

BUNNY FACT: Rabbits can snore, although it is unclear if any have "sleep apnea." Ever catch your bunny sawing logs?

I'm getting sleepy just thinking about napping!

BUNNY WISDOM: Today's wisdom comes from Ms. Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit series author): "I cannot rest, I must draw, however poor the result, and when I have a bad time come over me it is a stronger desire than ever."

I love drawing, but since I can't use paints, chalk, etc. I use the Paint program on the computer. I drew the "50!" pic.

Thanks for reading my blog. I hope you'll come back for the next fifty posts!

-edit post- Hrm... that is strange. Blogger tells me this is the 50th post and yet it counts 9 posts in 2008 + 36 in 2007, which would equal only 45 posts. I'll have to look into that.

Link Exchanges?

2008-01-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

I suppose I should have mentioned this before, but if anyone wants to exchange bunny-related blog links just let me know. There have been two other exchanges already, so I though I'd open it up to anyone who wants to link.

Back to rabbit stuff!!

BUNNY FACT: One breed of rabbit, the English Lop, has set a record of 28 1/2 inch ear length. Can you hear me now?

BUNNY WISDOM: Don't make fun of people with big ears!

Lettuce Content

2008-01-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

You've probably heard that romaine types of lettuce are healthier for people and bunnies. Do you know why or what the nutritive differences are?
Both iceberg and romaine are about 95% water. Romaine contains more protein, fiber, and slightly more fat (good fat!). Additionally, iceberg has less of most vitamins and minerals. I know which one I want! Don't forget that despite stereotypes lettuce should not be the main diet of rabbits - far from it. Start with a good quality pellet feed, unlimited hay, then add fresh fruits & veggies as treats.

As a side note, lettuce also contains a small amount of tryptophan. I doubt that anyone has fallen asleep due to consuming it in their salad, though! Tryptophan is the substance in turkey (and lots of other stuff) that some people believe causes drowsiness, though the small amounts of it haven't been determined to produce that effect.

BUNNY FACT: Diarrhea can be deadly to rabbits. Keep an eye out for it, but more importantly, feed you bunny in a manner to avoid it!

BUNNY WISDOM: A problem unsolved will beget more problems. If it is broken, do fix it!

What Can I Get Into Next?

2008-01-07T06:32:00.000-08:00

If you had a bunny that could talk, that's probably one of the phrases you'd hear most often! My friend can hear me saying that right now... And, by the way - no, I cannot speak. Although I mysteriously have the ability to type and blog about my bunny life, I can't seem to use my vocal cords the way humans do. Do bunnies even have vocal cords?

BUNNY FACT: It's funny I should come across this today... I'll tell you why in a moment, but did you know "hairballs" aren't really a rabbit problem? I was reading this very informative page and found out that what we had normally called hairball buildup or wool block is more precisely termed "gastric stasis." Last month (also on the seventh) I used the term "hairball" inaccurately. Forgive me!

BUNNY WISDOM: Most unalterable things are best the way they are. While it would be so neat if rabbits could express themselves in audible speech, that would take some of the aurora away from their quizzical looks and adamant stomping, etc.

What are you going to get into next ?!?

Saturdot x 2

2008-01-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

This is just the second "Saturdot" post I named, nothing so special about it, though... In fact, I don't even have that much to write about today. Today was just average.

BUNNY FACT: Did you know that wild rabbits can be found on 5 of the continents? Can you guess the two they're NOT found on? Obviously, Antarctica is one. The other is Australia, although as we found out a few days ago, they do have many "feral" rabbits.

BUNNY WISDOM: Always check the bottoms of your feet, or shoes, for dirt before going to someone's house...

It's Friday!

2008-01-04T06:13:00.000-08:00

Good morning & welcome to My Bunny Life this Friday! Many people are in a better mood on Friday, not excluding me. I can tell when others are more relaxed and upbeat, you know.

I just found this clip-art picture. If only I would have seen this pic when I chewed on the slippers! It almost sums up the look I gave my friend. I've been very good lately. Just thought I'd mention that :-)

BUNNY FACT: Did you know rabbits teeth keep on growing throughout their lives? Only chewing wears them down. Remember to keep something for you bunny to gnaw on!

BUNNY WISDOM: Ah, preventative measures. They may be worth their weight in gold. You see, if not taken proper care of, a rabbit can get "malocclusion" or some such malady. If you have the inclination and guts, check out this site with pictures of poor, badly-teethed bunnies...

Just a note - the "Article of the Day" did change. If you're interested in the Rabbit Proof Fence, please use the link I provided in that post.

Rabbit-Proof Fencing

2008-01-03T05:33:00.000-08:00

Article of the Day

Article of the Day
provided by The Free Dictionary

By the way... I think the "Article of the Day" will change tomorrow, so for those of you reading this after 1/3/08, you can click here.

An interesting read... We have a movie by that name, although we haven't watched it yet. Here's a picture of me with it :-) I don't look too awfully thrilled, do I? I guess the bunny population didn't appreciate the fence.

BUNNY FACT: Did you know rabbits can get in much smaller spaces than it looks like they could? I've seen wild rabbits squeeze through supposedly "rabbit-proof" garden fencing. I, too, can get in some tight little places.

BUNNY WISDOM: If you've read the Free Dictionary article about the rabbits in Australia, you'll realize that seemingly harmless actions can have very bad consequences. It wouldn't hurt to look ahead and see what the results might be before trying something.

The Value of a Rabbit

2008-01-02T06:09:00.000-08:00

I often check bunny sites, some of which are based in other countries. Rabbits are a popular pet globally! While browsing one site from the U.K. I noticed (after converting euros to dollars) that an average price for a bunny there is equal to about $35.

In the states, it all depends on which pet shop, rescue, or breeder you go to. I've seen mixed-breed, almost un-domesticated bunnies sold for as low as $5-10. I think that's kind of a shame. Shouldn't all bunnies be worth more than that? Shouldn't all bunnies be brought up with love and attention, so that they're calm (for the most part :) ?

I'm really not sure why people spend thousands of dollars on dogs. I know many of them are bigger, but bigger isn't always better! I wish bunnies, cavies, and hamsters weren't considered "throw-away" pets.

BUNNY FACT: A rabbit could save your life. Really. Read about how Dory, a pet bunny, saved her owner's life here.

BUNNY WISDOM: It sure would be nice to get a little more respect, wouldn't it? At least I'm loved and respected by my family, and that's what really counts.

By the way, I personally picked out the winner from the contest - and it's "Jill!" Congrats. There were eight entries. I will do this again sometime. See you later!

My First Bunny Life Post of 2008

2008-01-01T19:20:00.001-08:00

This is certainly my first posting of the year 2008!

Also the first posting of January, less importantly.

In reality it doesn't matter that much to me, but hey, some people go crazy over it ;) Happy New Year!

BUNNY FACT: Did you know "jackrabbits" can carry a disease that can kill people? It's called tularemia. I sure wouldn't want to catch that... then nobody would want to play with me!

BUNNY WISDOM: Speaking of diseases... have you ever considered the folks in hospitals or nursing homes without the privilege of regular visits from family and friends? Many of them don't have contagious diseases, and would appreciate even a stranger stopping by just to say "hi."

My friend and I have similar resolutions this year - hers to not only think and pray for others, but to actually help them. Mine - to just encourage her to do that (and whatever else I may find I'm capable of doing :)

Imaginary Bunny Friends

2007-12-28T07:58:00.000-08:00

This is Spick, my imaginary friend... Actually I just drew him and gave him a few spots. He's not a Checkered Giant rabbits, even though he has the spots. If you can tell me the difference between Spick and a Checkered breed rabbit, via a comment on this post you'll get an extra entry in the drawing I started when I first began this blog. It's ending soon, so hurry :-)

This guy is shy (it is a boy bunny) so I'm trying to encourage him to be more outgoing! Forwardness is one of my qualities and since I also like to help others I thought I'd spend some time with him. So, I've got to soon leave or he'll get lonely.

BUNNY FACT: Rabbits have a very wide range of personalities. From silly to shy, aggressive and adamant, a bunny's moods can change in minutes or take months to redirect. Understanding and separating the fixable from the unmovable in your own bunny's behavior can help the both of you.

BUNNY WISDOM: Always assume that faults in your life and the lives of others are changeable. It provides a backboard for improvement to spring from.

Silliness is probably one of my habits that will never change... but I'm glad it's that way!

Trees, Trees

2007-12-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

Trees!

If you know me, you know I love them. The leaves are great for jumping in. The sticks are delightful to chew. A tree's shade is always welcome on those warm summer days.

Some trees besides "evergreens" keep most of their leaves year-round. Think of the palm. They do drop their fronds, but not all at once like most deciduous trees. That doesn't help me very much, though.

I wonder if an in-house tree could work for us. Any ideas?

Now for a miscellaneous bunny fact and piece of wisdom...

BUNNY FACT: Bunnies like to rub noses, lick, and nudge. They are all signs of affection and should be responded to by giving back more love!

BUNNY WISDOM: It's not necessary to break the silence on a quiet day. Seldom do rabbits make noises. Absorb the sounds of nothing every now and then!

Can You Tell?

2007-12-26T04:39:00.000-08:00

Can you tell what the fellow in this picture is doing? I suppose if you check the source code it would be easy to tell, but really, do you know?

I'll give you a hint, some people still do it. Other wait for "them" to be brought to their mailbox.

He's looking at and buying garden seeds! Hooray! I can't wait for the garden to be full again. My friend started getting seed catalogs already, so she's been poring over them. She's sure to get things like kale, beets, kohlrabi, beans and carrots : ) She'll probably get most of her seeds and roots in an actual store, though. The success she's had with mail-order garden products has been only moderate.

Enough of my reverie over fresh vegetables, well, almost!

BUNNY FACT: The biggest carrot ever was about 19 pounds. You can read about it here. The longest carrot was more than 16 feet long! A bunny could feast on those for quite a while.

BUNNY WISDOM: Good things not only take time, but also hard work. Gardens are a joy, but take hours of patience and "spadework."Don't give up just because you don't reach your goals right away.

From Mountainous Regions...

2007-12-22T05:56:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about the ancestors of modern day pet rabbits? They weren't just frolicking around in the woods as Holland Lops, Flemish Giants, and Dwarf Hotots :)

The mysterious family tree of the lagamorphs we love has confounded evolutionists. Obviously they are related to similar animals like perhaps the pika, coney, hare, and cottontail. After this kinship, however, there is little else showing a positive connection. Some think rabbits are related to rodents, while other claim they're more like ungulates (including cows, etc!)

It is clear that animals produce after their kind. It is unscientific to say that a few similarities to each other prove they all came from a rock. I mean they lived in and around rocks, but their lives did not spring from the rock!

BUNNY FACT: Wild rabbits, sometimes called "cottontails" have free run of many areas in the United States including suburban ones. It is illegal to capture or molest them, whether you're trying to help or not. Even little wild bunnies are able to make it on their own at 4-6 weeks of age, so human intervention is not necessary.

The bunnies in this picture must know they're safe; it looks like they're relaxing!

BUNNY WISDOM: Some people make extravagant claims about which animal came from a few certain bones. It's best to check it out for yourself, as even the bones may tell you otherwise. For an interesting collection of information about evolution see this website.

Reading

2007-12-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

Chilly, rainy, or snowy days all call for some reading to be done. I mentioned before that I do like to read. History, classics, suspense, and biographies are some of my favorites.

With a book propped open, against something sturdy I can read all by myself. I generally need someone to help me turn the pages, though :)

Can you guess what I'm reading? I'll give you a hint - it does have something to do with rabbits.

BUNNY FACT: Rabbits have contributed parts to various books. Among them are Watership Down, The Tortoise and the Hare, and Alice in Wonderland. Countless children's books have been graced with a rabbit theme. The Velveteen Rabbit, The Beatrix Potter series, the Max the Bunny series, Brer Rabbit and so many others included.

BUNNY WISDOM: Reading is a gift that actually keeps on giving every time one opens a book, magazine or browses the internet. Involve yourself with helping the illiterate around you. It will improve not only their lives but yours as well.

Hay, hey , hay!

2007-12-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

Today, I'm going to talk about hay.

Have you ever heard some say "Hey!" and yelled back "Straw!" to their surprise? If you haven't, try it next time someone uses the homophone for one of a bunny's favorite foods. We often do that in our family, and occasionally someone puts in "Oats!"

On a slightly more serious note, have you ever wondered how that bag of timothy or alfalfa came to sit on a shelf in your local pet store? One thing is for sure, it was grown by a farmer somewhere. We don't live on a farm, but we live in a semi-rural area and my friend knows some families who farm.

Fresh hay is often sold by these country farmers at much more reasonable prices. In fact, a large rectangular can bale go for roughly $4, compared to $6.99 for an average sized bag in a store. If you have room to store in out of sunlight, moisture, and rodents, it's definitely the way to buy hay.

Besides the savings, you're also supporting local agriculture. As I've mentioned with the apples, that's something I truly enjoy supporting.

BUNNY FACT: There are various types of hay, and some are better for different ages of rabbits. Alfalfa is typically fine for younger rabbits, under six months of age. Timothy or other grass hays are preferable for rabbits over that.

BUNNY WISDOM: With hay as an example, in some cases you really can't get too much of a good thing. You can't be too nice to people or too honest in your life.

Shortness

2007-12-19T04:38:00.001-08:00

Rabbits sure are short in comparison with people. In honor of that difference, this blog post is going to be short ;-)

BUNNY FACT: When I stand on my back legs, I can be almost two feet tall. I can't find the info online, but I'm supposing the larger breeds can get near three feet tall.

BUNNY WISDOM: Our mouths can get us in a lot of trouble. We can be thought wise by keeping out thoughts to ourself for the most part.

All Snuggled Up

2007-12-18T04:51:00.001-08:00

I like snuggling! One of my favorite things to curl up with is my friend's sweater, as you can see. Blankets fresh from the dryer are nice, too. I'd post a picture of me totally hidden under something, but then you wouldn't even know it was me!

BUNNY FACT: Angora bunnies have a snuggly coat of wool already wrapping them! A shaft of hair (or wool) is about 3+ inches long. When harvested by brushing or clipping, Angora rabbit wool can be spun to make yarn.

BUNNY WISDOM: This time of year there are often food, blanket, and clothing drives. Find out what's going on in your area. If nothing is, organize a drive!

Chives

2007-12-17T05:08:00.000-08:00

I was reading an article this morning about chives. They're similar to onions in many ways. At The Free Dictionary, you can see the whole article. Chives also have pretty pink or purple little flowers. What really caught my eye was that chives can help lower blood pressure. Not that it's something very out of the ordinary, but it made me think, "Does it have the same effect on bunnies?"

I really don't know.

My assumption would be yes, in a small way. I'm going to look around to see if I can find out.

BUNNY FACT: Bunnies love most anything out of the garden - except for marigolds. They're often planted to keep us out :(

BUNNY WISDOM: Don't run in Mr. McGregor's patch alone unless you're sure you can get out!

Middle of Summer

2007-12-16T06:19:00.000-08:00

Since it's cold out today (as it has been and will continue to be here, in my area), I'm thinking about when it will get warmer. I'm thinking 80+ Fahrenheit... ahh!

BUNNY FACT: When it's hot out, you can spray water on a bunny's ears to help him cool off. Don't do that when it's cold though :) You could also lay a frozen bottle of water in with your rabbit - that's like air conditioning for rabbits.

BUNNY WISDOM: To say much in few words - be a friend to somebody.

I'm sure summer will be nice. I like the fact that we can rely on the seasons changing. It would be a drag to live in only one type of temperature/weather pattern.

Goodbye Apples

2007-12-15T05:54:00.000-08:00

I'm not saying goodbye to all apples, just a particular type - the straight from the farm, picked a few hours before you bought them kind. They're certainly tasty and healthy. We're running low on them, and of course, they're out of season for us now.

I saw a great cartoon that explains the choice of apples we have in the grocery store. You can see it here. If you're concerned with buying healthy and eco-friendly foods, you'll really get a kick out of it. I understand why they didn't put in a fourth apple option (the farm fresh type); those apples are only available a few months out of the year. So, they are somewhat of a treat.

BUNNY FACT: While rabbits love apples, the flesh shouldn't be given to very young bunnies and the seeds shouldn't be given to any rabbit.

BUNNY WISDOM: R&D (research and development) is a good thing. Maybe someday we'll be able to grow great apples anywhere, year-round! Doing R&D in your life could be helpful to figure out problems.

Bye for now :)

Money & Piggy Banks

2007-12-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

Everything costs money. And I would like to know why we keep our money in banks that look like pigs rather than say - bunnies! That just isn't fair.
I actually like spending money. Maybe it's because I don't really have to earn it. Have any parents noticed that with their children? If you didn't work hard to get it, it's easier to part with. Like I mentioned, I wish instead of "piggy" banks there were bunny banks... oh well.

BUNNY FACT: Sometimes rabbits or bunnies are given away for free. That isn't such a great idea, since some people would take less care for something that didn't cost them anything. On the other hand, some show rabbits cost much more than $100!

BUNNY WISDOM: Two parts today - One, I shouldn't complain about things as often as I do. We should be content with letting piggies have banks made in their likeness. Secondly, we shouldn't gripe about paying reasonable prices - they go to covering other people's paychecks so that they can get by.

Technorati Check

2007-12-13T05:59:00.000-08:00

Just trying to get the post through for Technorati.com

Technorati Profile

See ya later!

Kitties

2007-12-13T05:35:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up nice and early to wake up my friend, then I went back to bed. I think she would have appreciated it if I wouldn't have got her up, since she had things she needed to do this morning. She wanted to be "refreshed" and "alert." Whatever...

BUNNY FACT: Rabbits and cats can get along as pals! Many people report the different animals grooming and playing with each other.

My friend doesn't have a cat, since she's allergic to cat dander. But she's read stories where adult cats nurse baby bunnies, and adult rabbits nurse kittens It's definitely interesting. I wonder if rabbits could ever get along with these cats??

I'm just kidding (mostly). I don't really think lions or tigers would accept baby bunnies as anything but lunch.

BUNNY WISDOM: Know your friends! House cats may or may not get along with rabbits, and so bunnies, along with their owners, must be on the lookout for ill conduct. In the human realm avoiding lion-like people might save you some trouble.

24

2007-12-12T04:58:00.000-08:00

Twenty-four is quite the number isn't it? There are 24 hours in a day, a show called "24," there are now 24 posts in this blog... and my friend even remembers a math program in school about coming to the number "24."

BUNNY FACT: Rabbits can have many baby bunnies at a time. Sometimes they have a ton of them! The record is 24 bunnies in one litter. I can't even imaging having that many siblings!

My friend and I each have one brother. We do get to see our families fairly often, and that's another thing I'm thankful for.

BUNNY WISDOM: You've noticed we can't pick our families! There are differences among every family, as well as between family members. Spending time with family is more important than watching TV or going shopping. So, snap off the tube and ask a brother/sister/mother/uncle, etc. something worthwhile. For example, "what are you're goals or problems right now?"

They say that the worst of us can serve as bad examples, so even if our families are a mess, there's no reason not to stretch out a hand and involve ourselves with them. We can learn so much from the people intrinsically close to us. I know I have :-)

Thousands of Years Ago

2007-12-11T05:11:00.000-08:00

What happened thousands of years ago? Well, lots of stuff, that's for sure. But, what happened that concerns us just now?

BUNNY FACT: The first recorded incident of contact between rabbits and humans was over 3000 years ago! The Phoenicians declared the Iberian Peninsula, "The Land of the Rabbit."

And from that, our relationship budded and blossomed! There are now millions of bunny owners around the world. Are you one of them? With many average families living in apartments or small houses, the popularity of rabbits is on the rise. Some landlords are more lenient with small animals like rabbits or hamsters, then they are with dogs and cats.

BUNNY WIDSOM: Try something new! If humans hadn't reached out for bunny contact many years ago, we might not be such friends. Wild rabbits are naturally very wary of larger animals or people, so humans had to take the first steps.

Thanks for reading, and have a great day!

Another Monday

2007-12-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

I'll bet everybunny reading this post loves Mondays!

Everybody probably doesn't. Bunnies tend not to care which day it is :)

BUNNY FACT: A male rabbit is called a buck. A female is a doe. A baby bunny can be called a "kit."

I guess that means when I was younger I was a buckkit! Get it? Like bucket? LOL. Not that it was that funny... oh well.

BUNNY WISDOM: Humor is a salt of life. Even when a joke isn't very funny, it can be kind of funny that someone else thought it was. It's been said that you don't stop laughing because you got old, you get old because you've stopped laughing (Daffid, Braingle member).

Even though rabbits don't really laugh per se, you know they like funny stuff.

XX (Twenty)

2007-12-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

This is the twentieth post of My Bunny Life. I hope you're enjoying it... I am!

BUNNY FACT: Can you guess how many toenails a bunny has? No counting! It's not twenty. It's 18 - with 5 on each front paw and 4 on each back paw.

Honestly, I hadn't even noticed that before. Although I'm somewhat familiar with my back paws (I wash them often), I never took the thought of counting my toenails. Kudos to anyone who already knew their bunny well enough to know that :)

BUNNY WISDOM: It's nice to have lots of knowledge stored away in our heads, isn't it? There may come a day when a quirky tidbit of wisdom saves our skins. But, someone who knows loads shouldn't look down on someone else who doesn't yet have the knowledge they do.

That's all for today. See you tomorrow!

Piece Of Cake!

2007-12-07T05:19:00.000-08:00

Well, finding a free clip-art picture of cake wasn't quite as easy as I thought it would be, but I got one...

Right now I feel as if life is just a "piece of cake." I'm well over the slipper incident. All the normal stuff I'm supposed to do is pretty easy. At times I think I'd like to start something big... but then I decide I want another nap!

Like... now! But first I'll give you your "bunny fact & wisdom" :)

BUNNY FACT: Did you know that rabbits cannot throw-up like many other animals can? They can "gag" a bit, but care should be taken so they don't get hairball buildup.

BUNNY WISDOM: Take an optimistic approach to life. I think optimists live longer... ?

Hopping Down The Bunny Trail

2007-12-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

As I was searching online for a picture of an actual rabbit trail, I came across was at this website. At first I thought that couldn't all be rabbit tracks! Upon closer inspection I noticed it was. Apparently, that area is overrun with wild cottontails.

I haven't been outside lately, due to the cold and wind. I would like to, but I'm not allowed. So, I only get to look out windows and at pictures online.

Yesterday we found out what a bunch of rabbits are called, today, let's see what their habitat can be named...

BUNNY FACT: A herd of bunnies may live in a "warren." Warrens are usually underground, containing various connected tunnels. Sounds like a playground to me :-)

BUNNY WISDOM: While the wild rabbits living in warrens may have survival at the top of their to-do list, they still have a good time! That I'm sure of. It's part of a bunny's nature. Let the everyday stuff become fun - you'll be in a better mood.

Eating Slippers

2007-12-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

Has anyone ever tasted the pink kind? They're my new favorite! Perhaps I shouldn't be so happy about it... at least I didn't totally destroy them. Sort of just nibbled them a bit.

BUNNY FACT: A group of rabbits can be called a "herd." Used in a sentence: A herd of pink-slipper-eating bunnies came running up to me. LOL

It's a good thing I'm so cute or I'd have to stay on my best behavior. I guess I ought to anyway, but it's hard!

BUNNY WISDOM: Never underestimate someone. We all have potential to do good or bad, as can be concluded by my recent admission.

Sighing off.

In Sickness... And Pictures!

2007-12-04T06:31:00.000-08:00

My friend hasn't been feeling well lately. I've been busy helping to "take care" of her, so please excuse my lack of posting lately. She's feeling better today, though, and here are some promised pictures :-)

As you can see, this is me enjoying the family piano. I can't remember what I was playing, but I know I had some fun after I got the hang of it. You humans must only get half the enjoyment, since you only use half the limbs!

And, as you can see in my other pic for today, I like to get a good view...

BUNNY FACT: A bunny's house needs "bunny-proofed." Failure to do that could cause damage to your bunny or your house (or both!). I was allowed on the ledge with the houseplant just for a few moments and my friend was right there with me.

BUNNY WISDOM: Be expressive! We bunny-rabbits sure are. Just watch us!

As I mentioned, the infrequent posting should be a rare thing. I will do my best to be back to posting daily unless something else would come up. Thanks for staying with me!

Nice and Frosty

2007-11-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

Has anyone noticed the weather lately? Depending on where you are it may or may not be very chilly outside. In my undisclosed location, it's alternating between nice... and frosty!

BUNNY FACT: Rabbits can stand cold temps, but drafts they cannot take. So, keep your bunny relatively warm and make sure he or she is not having any air directly blown on them.

Just a reminder - you also may want to do some simple things around the house to reduce your heating bills this winter season if you haven't already. It's more practical to do them before it feels like the arctic outside :-)

BUNNY WISDOM: How many times a day do you complain? Chances are more than you should, right? Bunnies actually complain as well. They might tip over their food bowls or chew up a household item, maybe even mutilate their cage. Most of us could use some encouragement not to complain!

Personally, I enjoy the websites that are educational and fun. Here is one that I love - Braingle. "Braingle" is one great website. From games, trivia, brain teasers and lots more there's got to be something you'll like!

Lucky Thirteenth

2007-11-27T18:12:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the 13th post on My Bunny Life.

If my 13th post would have landed on a Friday... maybe I would mind it a little. At least it's good, old Tuesday and there aren't any superstitions about bunnies anyway.

BUNNY FACT: There are currently 47 recognized rabbit breeds in the United States. For pictures of them all visit the American Rabbit Breeder's Association's site, here. It's very neat to see all the varieties!

BUNNY WISDOM: A rabbit is still a bunny on the inside no matter what he or she looks like, even though some of the very fluffy ones you may have to look at twice to tell! Likewise, people have many different colors, styles, and sizes - yet the human spirit dwells in all.

Let's take a moment to think of those who are less fortunate. I came across this website, www.freerice.com, which appears to be a great way to help others. You get to play a totally free vocabulary game and the advertisers send rice to needy people. Sounds good to me.

Dreary and Rainy

2007-11-26T09:53:00.000-08:00

The title for today doesn't describe my feelings and I'm glad it doesn't. It's rainy and dreary outside, though. For those of you who wonder what I looked like as a baby... the picture at left is of me, with my brother behind me. It was sent from the folks who raised me and my friend just came across it again. My dots have become more pronounced, haven't they? I also think my ears have become less noticeably white.

BUNNY FACT: The phenol in soft wood-chip litters can cause damage to the lungs of rabbits. Hard woods contain less phenol, but still wouldn't be a 'number 1" choice.

Someone recently asked me what I do use. Recycled paper litter is my favorite. It's safe, but somewhat expensive. We normally line the bottom of the litter pan with kitty litter. The phenol in wood chips is inhaled by the bunny, whereas kitty litter could only be detrimental to a bunny if he ate it. I've never eaten kitty litter, so I don't have a problem with it.

Some people use hay or straw as bedding/litter. My friend never used hay as a litter, because she wanted me to eat only clean hay. Young rabbits are more susceptible to diarrhea and things of that nature that could be caused by eating & going to the bathroom with the same stuff.

BUNNY FACT: Maturing is part of life. Remember to think of someone's age and maturity level before dishing out punishments or even just criticizing them.

Eat some clean hay for me - My bunny friends, that is!
If you're a human, you don't have to eat any hay for me :)

Another Day In My Life

2007-11-25T13:26:00.000-08:00

Ever notice how your life seems so busy... but when you think about the stuff you actually accomplish it doesn't seem like it should be busy? I'm kind of feeling like that right now. I'm having a hard time figuring out something really interesting to tell about my life. I know it's not boring, but you probably don't want to hear more about my carrot cravings or litter-pan mistakes.

Hopefully, I can soon get some more pictures!! That would help a bit, I'm sure. This coming week- this week - I'll upload more pics if at ALL possible.

BUNNY FACT: The heaviest bunny recorded, according to this website, weighed about 25 pounds. For two neat pictures of BIG rabbits, check this site. They're worth checking out if you like bunnies :)

BUNNY WISDOM: When you say you're going to do something, give it your all to make sure you do it. That's the bunny wisdom for today, to help me make sure I get some pictures to you this week!

Happy... um... Saturday!

2007-11-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

Today isn't really anything special. Everyone else is eating leftovers, while I get fresh food everyday. That's something I'm thankful for :-) But, from what I've heard, human-food leftovers aren't that awfully bad. The bunny wisdom and fact for today are just miscellaneous.

BUNNY FACT: The estimated top speed of a domestic rabbit is 30 mph. Few pet rabbits ever see any reason to take flight like that, though.

I don't think I have ever gone over 10 mph. That doesn't mean I've had a slow-paced life, just that I'm having a reasonable one.

BUNNY WISDOM: Have you ever stood in awe of the Heavens? I can see the starry skies out my window at night. What majesty! What incredible design! What expanse! Take a break every now and then to slow down and observe our world.

I'm ready for another nap. See you later!

Happy Black Friday!

2007-11-23T18:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a good day. With friends, family, and food there isn't much else that's necessary. Neither I, nor my friend went shopping today, but I applaud those who did - and kept their cool while doing it! With money, merchandise, and madness, there is much that could go wrong.

Hopefully everyone else had a nice holiday as well. Holidays can be the best of times or the worst of times. Stress and well-coordinated events often go together.

BUNNY FACT: Stress can be very hard on bunnies. Many things can cause it, so before making a big change in diet, location, or anything else, try to consider the effect it will have on your little friend.

BUNNY WISDOM: With so much thankfulness around these past few days, how many of us have thought about applying our thankfulness year-round? Rabbits generally don't act differently on special days, they are themselves 24/7. Just something to think about.

Did anyone buy something for their rabbit, or other pet, today?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-22T06:27:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a good day. I can smell it already.

BUNNY FACT: Those twitchy bunny noses? It's not just an act to make us look cute. We rely heavily on our olfactory senses to find out what's coming. Whether food or foe, bunnies everywhere like to know what's going on!

BUNNY WISDOM: Be careful where being overly inquisitive can lead you. Whether it is to spoiling the hiding place of surprise gifts or unearthing a long-forgotten grudge - use some consideration when spending time with friends and family this holiday season.

Make memories. Eat a slice of yummy pumpkin pie for me. But perhaps forgo the second and third one, if at all possible :-)

Again, I say a happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Modern Technology : (

2007-11-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

The digital camera I mentioned did again fail to work. It turns on, then shuts off as soon as you try to snap a picture. So, please excuse me for not having any new pictures for a while. Marvelous technology! On the other hand, if it weren't for technology, my life would not be blogged about.

On a brighter note still, this is the seventh posting since I've started my blog last week. It hasn't been too hard yet to find things to write about, and I'm just glad I've been able to be faithful for the first complete week.

BUNNY FACT: Rabbits of almost all ages enjoy a good toy. Inexpensive ones like a cardboard tube from paper towels are great! We happen to have an old apple tree outside, so I got a fresh piece of apple wood to chew on recently. Other woods should be aged 3-6 months, and some woods like peach and cherry shouldn't be given at all.

BUNNY WISDOM: When things go wrong, such as an electronic product going hay-wire, it's okay to vent some frustration. Just try to make it harmless to others as well as yourself.

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, I have a lot to do. I'm thinking I ought to keep alert for any new visitors, by sight and scents.

The Sounds of Music

2007-11-20T04:54:00.000-08:00

Most people, animals, and possibly even plants, enjoy good music. Nice music can do more than "calm the savage beast," but also revive the weary spirit. When she's not feeling great my friend plays something on the piano. When she's too tired or strung-up to play she turns on classical music or instrumental hymns. Naturally, I love every type she does. I'm not sure if it's because I grew up with it or because I like being and thinking like her, or what!

BUNNY FACT: Will a bunny placed on a piano know any masterpieces? No. Will he or she have fun anyway? Probably. Based upon my experiences, rabbits like new and interesting things.

As I implied in the "Bunny Fact," there are limits on the talents of rabbits. Whereas some people are geniuses when it comes to playing instruments, I know of no bunnies that have ever played a coherent piece of music without being physically made to do so. Is there such a thing as a "genius" bunny, with extra-lagomorphic powers? Until I see it, I will consider all rabbits "geniuses" because of the sway they have with people.

BUNNY WIDSOM: When you have influence with someone, be careful how you use it. Anyone can tear down a reputation or whole life, but it takes something more to build up. Imagine one child constructing a tower of blocks and another crashing it down to the ground. Which child is using more intelligence? Which role are your words and actions doing??

As I posted yesterday, my friend has plans for today. She may try to get on again tonight to take and upload some pictures. Her digital camera is being stubborn... it wouldn't work this morning when I was on the piano :( It has acted up in that way before, so I trust it will work again sometime.

Pizza Night!

2007-11-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

Normally pizza night is Tuesday. My friend has plans tomorrow, so tonight we're having pizza. Not really we, just her... I'm not allowed to have pizza! But I delight in the smell of it!

BUNNY FACT: Let me readily say that no bunny should be given pizza! Lots of different veggies and fruits are wonderful, but even veggie pizza is not.

Maybe if any of you have allergies you can relate. Some people can't have peanuts or chocolate. For a list of good and bad foods for bunnies, click here.

BUNNY WISDOM: When there is something we are not allowed to have, it is often in our best interest not to fight it - to stay away from the object or activity in question. At least far enough away not to be able to lick it... smelling it might be okay : )

A Quiet, Sleepy Evening

2007-11-18T16:10:00.001-08:00

Actually, it's been sort of a sleepy whole day for me. Perhaps it's the weather? I was also tuckered out yesterday, since we had a guest who wanted to play with me :-)

Our guest brought some sad news; a distant relative has passed away. If I heard correctly, he was at the ripe, old age of 94. It made me wonder what the average lifespan for a bunny is! Naturally, just like people, there is no guarantee of tomorrow. But, how much more time do I probably have to live with my wonderful friends? About nine or so years at least, hopefully!

BUNNY FACT: An average rabbit's lifespan is 9-10 years. Many things contribute to the health and long life of a rabbit, including whether the bunny has been (altered) fixed, how much stress is placed upon the animal, and the overall cleanliness of the living area.

Should any of you be interested in adding a rabbit to your family, please don't purchase one from a pet shop. Sometimes they are unhealthy and they're often not used to a lot of human contact - in other words they probably won't like people! Local rescues and shelters might have the bunny for you. It never hurts to look and see what they have available, and you may save another animal from being euthanized.

In my opinion, a rabbit breeder is the best place to find a young, purebred bunny. That way, you can meet the folks who've raised him/her and they can give you advice. I came from a breeder at 12 weeks of age (an optimum age for weaned bunnies to readjust into new homes). Rabbit enthusiasts may breed rabbits for the best of their specialized breed and have rabbits that don't meet the standard of perfection, but still make totally amazing pets!

BUNNY WISDOM: Cherish the moments you have and never waste them on bickering, backbiting or things of that nature. We bunnies know they don't help anything! Well... usually we know that. "Everybunny" slips up sometimes.

SaturDot

2007-11-17T04:34:00.000-08:00

So what do I do on Saturday, you may ask? Contrary to popular belief, I don't get up either early or late. Neither do I awaken on time. How can this be?

BUNNY FACT: Rabbits are considered either semi-nocturnal or crepuscular, which means they are most active around the times of sunrise and sunset. They generally sleep during short bunny-naps during the day.

Now, what do I do with the rest of my Saturday that I don't spend sleeping? The answer is, not very much! I normally do some web-surfing to learn new things. Of course, I don't forget to eat! Lately, on Saturday mornings I've been getting a little treat of apple. My favorite type is Golden Delicious... mmm. I wonder if I'll get some today?

BUNNY WISDOM: Treats are great! However, if we got them all the time, they wouldn't be very special. Delight in having the treat, and be thankful to those who've made it possible for you to have it.

I also like to do some old-fashioned, book reading, especially on chilly weekend evenings. There is something noble in that. You may have heard of "Reader Rabbit," but have you ever wondered what it looks like when an actual rabbit reads a book? Perhaps I'll let you see a picture of me reading sometime!

Post Number 2

2007-11-16T16:49:00.000-08:00

First off, I want to say I won't number every post... promise- hehe. Tonight I don't have a lot to write, but I've been researching more about my breed at the Illustrated Holland Lop Standard website. I will proceed with my Bunny Fact of the day.

BUNNY FACT: All standards for ARBA(American Rabbit Breeder's Association)- recognized rabbit breeds are particular, and sometimes strict. For example, the wrong color toenails could be grounds for disqualification in a "sanctioned" rabbit show. If you've noticed, my ears aren't solid "tort," so I do not have perfect color markings.

BUNNY WISDOM: Our differences may make us better or worse for certain tasks The key is to take those tasks we are good at and make them exceptional, while taking the tasks we aren't very good at and make the acceptable.

I've spent some time (with help from my friend) learning how to properly pose, as if I were in a rabbit show. I most likely never will be shown, but it is fun to practice. When I first tried I was lousy - I couldn't keep still for a moment! But I'm catching on, and doing my best.

Welcome to My Bunny Life

2007-11-15T08:25:00.000-08:00

This is my bunny blog. I welcome bunny-lovers everywhere with a twitchy nose and floppy ears. Everyday (or almost everyday :) I will post some Bunny Wisdom and an educational Bunny Fact. Have a comment or question about anything I write? You may email me personally at DotTheBunny@gmail.com or post a comment on my blog. Comments are screened to keep everyone safe from mean or obscene words. Tell your friends and tell you family about my digitally expressed, modern bunny life! Join in by commenting before December 31, 2007 to be entered to win a surprise bunny-themed gift, valued at over $10. One entry per person, unless you suggest a unique way to make this a better bunny blog, then you get an extra one!

Today, I will tell you a little bit about myself. I was born on August 1, 2007. So, most of you readers are probably older than me. My mom and dad are both pedigreed, Holland Lop rabbits. My owner, who I call my friend, lets me run around the house most of the time, but I also have a nice pen and clean litterbox. Sometimes I gorge on my hay : ) but there really aren't any side effects to it - so when I feel like it, I eat to my heart's content. Pellets are good as well, but I'm not allowed to eat too much of them, or else I could become overweight.

BUNNY FACT: Obesity is detrimental to the health of a bunny. Check the weight standards for your breed of bunny & feed accordingly. Hay may be safely fed in unlimited amounts.

My friend likes to tell me her problems. When she does, I get to help her through them by giving bunny kisses & I believe that just being there for her gives some relief. I also get told of things going well in the rest of her life. Personally, I enjoy the happy things more than the sad. I suppose most people and bunnies do. It's the balance of good times and bad times that make life interesting. Sometimes when I tell her about my difficulties she smiles. Occasionally she laughs, but it's always that "you're a silly bunny" laugh and isn't meant to ridicule me.

BUNNY WISDOM: Problems are easier to solve when you tell someone. Keeping your feelings, whether good ones or bad, bottled up doesn't help anyone. Good stories spread happiness. Sad stories can help others in their situations.

The other day my friend and I went for a romp in the freshly fallen leaves. I had a blast! Here's a picture of me...

That's all for right now. I am feeling sleepy, so I am going to take a nap.