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2011 The Rabbit Year
2011 is the year of the rabbit, but what does that mean? in astrological terms? I found this interesting article from a korean news channel that contains some interesting insights from astrology, below are my favourite snippits
2011 is the Year of the Rabbit And when I think about a rabbit these words come to my mind soft, gentle and cautious.
According to Korean astrology rabbits are one of the most cautious signs as they’re wise, calm but careful.
And the belief here is that people born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to have qualities similar to a rabbit.
They’re often depended upon for their wise counsel and are well trusted in relationships.
So what can we expect for the New Year Our furry friends have made a comeback?
“The Year of the Rabbit is traditionally associated with home and
family. And these cute little guys are actually expected to bring a
more peaceful year compared to 2010.”
“Rabbits are easily frightened at first, but once they get close to you
they are one of the best pets to have with their friendly, gentle
characteristics.”
“astrologists see this year as the year for people to leap forward and
bound ahead just like the rabbit while taking cautious steps dealing
with important decisions.
It is also a year for the country to move ahead in economy, education, welfare and other aspects of society.”
“Bunnies are cute, and at the same time they are clever and diligent.
So for this year, I also plan to work hard like a rabbit to accomplish
many things in 2011.”
“people born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented and gentle, but cautious and introverted.”
“Some famous people born in the Year of the Rabbit include Albert
Einstein, Frank Sinatra, Pope Benedict the 16th, Angelina Jolie, David
Beckham and Tiger Woods.”
“The rabbit has long been considered a symbol of longevity, prosperity,
productivity and peace. However, from time to time, rabbits tend to be
foolish, falling for their own tricks.”
“The rabbit has long been considered a symbol of longevity, prosperity,
productivity and peace. However, from time to time, rabbits tend to be
foolish, falling for their own tricks.”
How to Keep My Rabbit Hutch Warm
We get asked all the time about keeping Outdoor rabbit hutches warm. Here are our top 9 tips for keeping your bunnies warm this winter.
1. Get a Microwaveable Heat Pad to use on very cold days and nights
2. If you have an electicity supply you can use electric heat lamps, make sure any wires are out of chewing reach
3. Get yourself a Rabbit hutch cover, If you can not get one the right size the cover your hutch windows with perspex, but leave some gaps for ventilation
4. If you cant get an insulated rabbit hutch cover then try using old carpets or tarpaulin to protect your hutch
5. Raise the hutch above the ground to prevent it getting damp
6. Face the doors of the hutch out of the wind/ or set up a wind break/barrier
7. search for damp patches in your hutch and repair any leaks#
8. Insulate your hutch with straw, or deep bedding
9. Move your hutch inside, if you use your garage make sure you dont run the car inside as exaust fumes can kill pets.
These simple steps will keep your rabbits warm and happy all winter.
Animal Activists Caution against Pet Rabbit Craze
Animal Activists in China and Taiwan are concered about an increase in abandoned rabbits during the “year of the Rabbit”, they fear that this will cause a pet rabbit craze and lead to increased number of rescue rabbits
A lot of people buy rabbits because they assume they are small and easy to raise and some parents chose rabbits as pets for their kids under this impression. We’ve seen many abandoned rabbits around schools and neighborhood parks and we could find more abandoned rabbits this year
You can read the full article here. There are similar concerns here in the UK and with the rspce and other rescue charities asking people to give careful consideration to the long term commitments of owning any pets.
If you are getting a pet rabbit you might need a Large Rabbit Hutch and Run
Thinking about Showing Rabbits?
If you are thinking about showing rabbits here is an intersting interview with Leslie Sturgill that highlights some of the benefits young people can gain from showing rabbits
“The rabbits are fun. They’re characters. They’re like little pets,” she said. “They’re like little puppies. They’ll lick you, and they’re real soft and cuddly and fun to watch. When they play, they’re really cute.”
Please use the comment box below to share your experiences with showing pets.
Check out the full article here
Nike Launch Year of the Rabbit Trainers
Nike have launched a specail year of the rabbit trainer, The first time that Nike Tennis Classic as the base for a Chinese Zodiac Series, the Year of the Rabbit Edition comes in 2 different variants, for men and women. An all white leather with red “2011″ letterings on its tongue tab, a representation of a white rabbit and its red eyes. The women’s version comes with a large red metallic Swoosh and heel tab while dashing acrooss the men’s version will be a metallic gold one instead, both colors of fortune and luck in the Chinese believe. A rabbit leaping icon is adorned on the inner sockliner.
Click Here to see the full article and pictures of the trainers
Beautiful Bunny Broach!
I came across this beautiful bunny broach and it got me thinking. If you have any unusuall bunny items why not share them on our facebook page. 
In any case here is a link to the broach page.
http://www.ashleyording.com/2011/01/inebriated-rabbit.html
“This
rabbit brooch is one of my prized possessions. I found it at the
Vintage Fashion Expo (perhaps my favorite event of all time) last year.
One look at those huge teeth and loopy drunk eyes and I was deeply
smitten. In fact, buying this brooch set me off on a bit of an
animal-brooch-buying frenzy.”
Video Guide to Houseing Pet Rabbits
I just found this awsome video put together by the Happy Hoppers Rabbit Forum. It is ram packed full of great housing tips, ideas and suggestions for keeping pet rabbits the right way both inside and out.
Seriously if you have rabbits or your thinking about it take a loook at this. There are also some great ideas for building your own rabbit hutchs, converting shed, or keeping them indoors. Also you should join the Happy Hoppers Forum!
Here are the main points.
1) For a pair of rabbits you need large rabbit hutches at least 6ft x 2ft x 2ft
2) Rabbits need lots of room to excercise, run and play, they should have a big Rabbit hutch and run, and/or access to a large secure run most of the time.
3) If you are keeping house rabbits you need to bunny proof your home!
Take a look at the video it is great
Forget Show Jumping check out Rabbit Agility
Rabbit agility is taking the uk by storm and this year sees the first international competition at the small animal show in harrogate 29-30th january.
Here is last years event shown on sky one earlier this year.
So Get yourself some agility jumps and get your rabbits out of their rabbit hutch and run and start training. Look out for this years clips from the burgess small animal show.
Top 7 Reasons to Use a Hutch Snuggle Insulated Rabbit Hutch Cover
The Hutch Snuggle Rabbit hutch Cover From Scratch and Newton is truly a revolutionary product. Made quite literaly from space age materials, NASA developed the materials for use in their space shuttle and now you can use them to keep your pet rabbits and guinea pigs healthy and happy.
The Hutch Snuggle was designed to be used with Scratch and Newtons Waterproof Hutch Hugger, the Green Hutch Hugger will fit over the top of the insulated cover. You can use the hutch snuggle on its own but we do recomend that use both covers in winter.
But Why Should i Buy This Cover?
- These insulated covers are designed to keep your rabbit hutch warm during the winter
- This cover will also keep your rabbit hutch cool in the summer and help to reduce the chances of heatstroke.
- The cover will protect your rabbit hutch from the elements and keep it in top condition longer
- The built in (removable) fly screen helps to combat fly strike in the summer months. Flystrike is still one of the main causes of death in pet rabbits
- When used with a Waterproof Hutch Hugger your rabbits will always have a place to go that is warm (or cool) and totally dry
- The cover and the micro climate it creates is ideal for nursing or poorly pets
- This cover will create the ideal Climate for raising baby rabbits.
looking for rabbit hutch covers?
Heatstroke the Number One Killer for Pet Rabbits in Summer
Warning Rabbits and Hot sunny Weather do not mix! You must keep an eye on your pets during the summer months. Heat stroke is the number one killer of pet rabbits at this time of year. Each rabbit is different so you must keep an eye on each of them for signs of overheating.
Heres what you need to look for
- laboured breathing
- flaring of the nostrils
- general signs of distress
- salavating
- confusion
- inablility to move
- in sever cases convulsions
Heres what to do
- prevent it happening, see our tips below
- if you rabbits body reaches 104 deg fahrenheit seek emergancy treatment straight away
- If it does happen DO NOT immerse your rabbit in cold water, the shock will cause more harm then good
- use tepid water or a damp towl to gradually reduce your bunnie temperature.
Top 9 Tips to Keep your Rabbits Safe From Heatstroke
- Make sure your bunny is out of the sun, Use a Rabbit Run Shade or Insulsated Hutch cover to keep things cool.
- set up a circulating fan to breeze past your rabbit through the day, use damp towls over your hutch or cage to keep things cool
- Place a marbel or ceramic tile in buns hutch to lie on.
- Use an Rabbit Ice Pod stright from the freezer to keep your rabbits hutch cool all day
- Place a few ice cubes in your rabbits water bowl to keep this cool, your bun will lie up against it to keep cool
- Mist water over your rabbits ears with a fine spray bottle
- Brush out excessive fur or even consider cropping your bunnies coat short for the summer
- Feed lots of fresh veggies to keep your rabbit hydrated
- Be particulary mindfull of young bunnies and adults over 5 these are most prone to heat stoke.
Pet Rabbits love the summer and with these guidelines you will be able to keep them extra cool
