BUNNY OWNER MUST HAVES

 BUNNY OWNER MUST HAVES!

As a bunny owner, there are items that can really help you when it comes to taking care of your rabbits. In this blog post, we will share some of BUNdle's favorite owner must-haves when it comes to our buns. 

*This blog post will be updated frequently as bunny owners we are always discovering new must-haves!**

CLEANING SUPPLIES:

Here are some of our bun favorites when it comes to keeping our bunny spaces clean.   It is super important to keep their space clean. Rabbits do shed (some more than others) and we don't want them to ingest a lot of fur as it can cause a blockage and G.I stasis. So it's best to keep those floors clean!

• UPROOT
• uproot cleaning tool
  
• This tool helps gets the fur/hair off of your carpet, blankets, and furniture. 

• 
  CARPET RAKE
• Carpet Rake (broom and mini brush)
• If you have any pet that sheds a lot this tool is a must-have
• This will help get the fur off of your carpet, blankets, and furniture. Also, works wonders for loose hay that falls on the floor. 

• 
  SNAKE DRAIN CLAW
• snake drain claw
  
• If you find that your vacuum gets clogged this is definitely a must-have! This tool can get to those hard-to-reach places.
• When it comes to vacuuming up hay and fur, it can easily get trapped in your vacuum's hose.  At the end of the tool, there is a metal claw. Slide the snake drain into your hose and when you hit resistance pull up a little bit and open the claw and slide back down til you hit the clogged spot. Release the claw and pull up. 

• BUNNY SAFE CLEANER
• Pet stores will advertise so-called pet cleaners for litterboxes. These tend to contain chemicals, strongly scented, and cleaning solutions that are not rabbit safe. 
• The best and simplest solution is making your own. 
• You will need an empty spray bottle, white vinegar, and water. Fill the spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. 
• This solution is safe if they ever lick a surface that you just cleaned. 
• Also works to spot clean any spots on the floor that they have peed on. 

• THE GREEN MACHINE:
  
• I didn't use the cleaner that came with it as the scent would be overwhelming on the buns respiratory system. I use an equal part of water and white vinegar. 
• This blew my mind! A carpet that my bonded pair has been on for almost a year looked brand new! 
• This has come in great handy for bonding as well. Buns do have accidents while bonding. Whether it be pee, territorial pooping, it happens. I was easily able to refresh the area so no one scent was over powering.

BUNNY PROOFING:

When it comes to owning a rabbit it is ESSENTIAL to bunny-proof everything. Even if you think that they can't get to a spot, you would be surprised by the small spots that they can fit into.  They love the spicy hay aka wires!

• MUST PROTECT YOUR WIRES! 
• Power strip protector
• This is a way to protect power strips
• flat cord protectors
• cord protectors for wall
• 
  Of course, you can find a variety of cord protectors on Amazon, but for the tubing kind, I suggest checking the wires frequently as buns love the spicy hay aka WIRES!
• clear nic grids
• Can find a variety of sizes on amazon. These work for protecting your walls,  behind furniture, and for keeping them away from spots you don't want them to access.
• x pen
  
• If your bun is not free-roam or contained to a room these are a must-have. Note some buns can be jumpers so a tall pen is better to get. If you have a bonded pair you should have at least two pens to give them adequate space. (Freeroam time is extremely beneficial to a rabbit's health)
  
  

Bunny Set Up Guide

 Let's talk about bunny setups! Just got a bun or planning on getting one? Here's some helpful items that can get you started on being a bun parent. 

Generally, when most people think about rabbits, they think of what pet stores typically advertise. (Small cage, outdoor hutch, water bottles, products that contain items that aren't healthy safe.) In actuality, rabbits need a lot of space, enrichment and have a very specific diet. All topics BUNdles will cover, but let's start with a setup. 

Cages and hutches are actually more expensive than the recommended setup. This cage is a very popular one sold in most pet stores and on Amazon, it's the XL size and costs you $155.99.

Well, we are gonna help you with how to set up a full bunny space with accessories and proper space for your rabbit. Rabbits need a lot of space to be able to run and jump, as well as enrichment.

X-pens:

This is 60' X 60' X 42 inches, you can get one with a door as well. One of these is a good size for one bun. If you have 2 rabbits or more I would order 2 pens. Plenty of room to hop around, zoom and binky! $55.21 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07584TRYH?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_MRS9H6GX6D4VANZTTQ4T

Flooring options:

Carpet can be a great option but you want to watch out for certain things. Most are fine with a basic low pile carpet, but for breeds like Rex and Satin buns, the carpet might be too harsh on their feet since they are prone to sore hocks.
A great rug to start with is this one from Home Depot for $24.50.

If you want a washable option fleece blankets could work. Going to thrift stores is a fanatic way to create a bunny space on a budget. Another washable flooring option is ordering a rug from (ruggable).

Whelping Blankets can be great! Make sure it is larger than the pen space, so it is less accessible for buns to get to the corners. These are washable blankets with a waterproof liner to protect your floors. Some even have anti-slip backing to prevent sliding on wood floors. Our favorite whelping blanket, which comes in a variety of sizes!

Litterbox:

You want a litterbox that is much bigger than your bun. You don't want a small litterbox or a small corner litterbox. Now, most will say corner litterboxes are a no, no, but some buns do prefer it. If that's the case you want the biggest size this way they can fully turn around and not have to back their bottom into a corner. You do not want a litterbox that is fully covered. As the ammonia smell can become overwhelming and can harm your rabbit's respiratory system. If you have a bun that is a digger, a high sided litterbox would be a better option. 

Link below for a large pan. $5.23

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KV8AMTY?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_NTAQXC32HS2VJVF83FT1 

Link below for a high-sided litter pan. $10.83

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Van-Ness-High-Sided-Cat-Litter-Box-Giant-Color-May-Vary/14935915?athbdg=L1600

What to use inside the litterbox:

Rescues and shelters typically use newspapers with hay on top. For any litterbox method you always want to either layer the top with lots of hay or have a hay right next to eat. (Rabbits like to snack on hay while pooping)

Here are some other options:

• Paper Crumble: $24. 98 for 40 liters

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0084B61SW?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_CTQ8N6YQ7BB35DJQCQNCPaper Pellets:

• Paper Pellets: $18.98 20 liters

https://www.chewy.com/fresh-news-recycled-paper-small/dp/510526?utm_source=Share&utm_campaign=510526&_branch_match_id=1150855993513230847&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXTywo0EvOSC2v1EvOz9WPDMkqK3f28%2FAtTwIAPBpgZyEAAAA%3D

• Pine Pellets:$6.75 for 40lbs

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/tractor-supply-pine-pellet-stall-bedding-40-lb

Bowls for pellets and water:

The most important thing when it comes to the bowls you choose is that they can't flip it. Best to look for a heavy ceramic bowl. You can find super cute ones at Homegoods, Marshall's, and T.J. Maxx. If you are on a budget, the thrift store is great. You go into the kitchenware section. Ceramic crocks are nice and heavy, as well as wallet-friendly. I get the bigger crocks to use for water. 

Bunny Accessories:

• Cat tunnels (Can be found on amazon, also at five below) I would take off any hanging strings or balls hanging. ( Range $5.00-up depending on the one you choose)
• Cardboard cat houses. (Can be found at Homegoods, Marshall's, T.J. Maxx, Target, Aldi's, Lidl) Make sure it does not have catnip infused or if it comes with a packet to not use it. (Range $8-20.00)
• See our list of recommened toys. Chewy and Petsmart have sales. 
• Cardboard rolls are fantastic toys! So many diy options to entertain your rabbit.
• Toys and Enrichment Favorites, this link has some of our buns favorite toys and enrichment items. All approved by BUNdles bun-employees.
  
• Our etsy shop has toys that are rabbit safe. Can purchase individually or as a BUNdle.  BUNdles of Toys

Bunny Diet:

• HAY HAY HAY! Hay makes up 80% of their diet.
• For a young rabbit they will need an alfalfa based diet. Young pellets contain alfalfa, and for hay alfalfa. This is for buns under 6 months old, and should be offered unlimited pellets. To help monitor the amount to avoid waste, use a measuring cup as a guide. Start with a 1/2 cup, and fill the bowl as needed. For greens start with herbs like parsley and cilantro. A small handful will do. When introducing more greens start with a small amount. We suggest arugula, watercress, green leaf, red leaf, dandelion and escarole. If you would like to give fruits, we suggest the smallest amount as they are high in natural sugars, same goes for carrots. Once ready to switch to an adult diet you will need to transition the pellets gradually, so their tummies can adjust to the diet change. 
• Buns 6 month and older need a timothy hay based diet. Lots of hay always and measured timothy pellets based on your buns size. For our bun crew our staple veggies are cilantro and green leaf. We alternate the other greens with arugula, watercress, red leaf, escarole, and dandelion leaf. Beware that some greens are higher in calcium or have oxalates which can cause gas in buns. G.I stasis is dangerous for buns, their gut health is everything! 

Pellets:

• It's a tough world out there for buns, as the market has so many unsafe products. Don't go for the pellets that have colorful pieces, nuts and seeds, as they are NOT safe. 
• Brands to avoid for pellets VitaKraft, Kaytee, Wild Harvest,MannaPro, Purina, Higgin's Sunburst, Kalmbach, Vita Prima, Supreme Tiny Friends, and  Sunseed.
• Below are recommended brands from rescuers and exotic vets.

1. Our go to brand is Sherwood. You can order through their website, amazon or chewy. 
2. Science Selective is our 2nd choice. Some of their pellets do contain alfalfa in it. The house pellets don't have alfalfa in it. The adult rabbit does contain alfalfa, which can be helpful for buns who have issues maintaining weight. 
3.  Oxbow is probably the most accessible brand, and price point most reasonable. Some ingredients aren't the best. If you have a bun with digestive issues Sherwood and Science Selective are a better choice.  Of course consult with your vet to pick the best option for your bun.
4. If looking for a timothy or alfalfa only based product without anything else added, High Dessert and Viking Farmer are great.

HAY:

• Below are recommended brands from rescuers and exotic vets. 
• Small Pets Selects: has a variety of cuts and types. Some buns can be picky hay eaters and having a variety can help.
• Can order directly from Small Pets Selects, chewy and amazon. 
• Rabbit Hole Hay
• Viking Farmer
• High Dessert

BLADDER SLUDGE

  What Is Bladder Sludge?

• Bladder Sludge also called hypercalciuria is a thickening of the urine with calcium salts that never form into stones. 
• Sludge may be comprised of any number of calcium salts and does not flow as normal, liquid urine should. 
• Consistency of the urine is chalk or fine sand, white to gray color. 
• Very thick sludge can have the consistency of toothpaste.
• Sludge can form in the kidneys or ureters, but most sludge is noted in the bladder. 

What Are The Signs Of Bladder Sludge?

• Your rabbit will urinate more frequently than usual and outside of the litter box. 
• They may strain to urinate.
• Or not be able to pee on their own and the bladder will need to be expressed. 
• Sometimes there will be blood in the urine. 
• Sludge ( thick white consistency urine) will appear.
• Your rabbit may have urine scald. ( appears as baldness and red, irritated skin)
• Loss of appetite and depression. 

What Kind Of Diet Should Your Rabbit Follow If They Have Bladder Sludge?    

• Consult with your vet first before making dietary changes.
• Switch your rabbit from current, to a brand like Sherwood. (This is what the rescue's vet suggested for Pepper).
• Follow instructions on the label for transitioning your rabbit's pellets.
• Introduce Sherwood's Urinary Tablet.
• Rabbits love the taste of the tablet supplement which is cranberry. 
• Increase their water intake.
• You can do this by adding fruit to the water. Either leave piece of fruit or infuse the water prior to giving them the water. 
• Increase activity. 
• Active body, promotes active gut mobility!
• Veggies:
• You want to provide your rabbit with veggies that are low in calcium. Avoid kale and spinach.
• Provide at least 3 different veggies daily.

What Are Safe Veggies To Provide Your Bun?

• Carrot Tops
• Watercress
• Dandelion Greens
• Romaine
• Cilantro
• Raspberry Leaves
• Chard
• Red Leaf

Pepper's Story

PEPPER

Pepper here is a beautiful Tan breed rabbit that came to the shelter back in December 2021. She was found outside and someone caught her and brought her to the shelter. Little did we know what kind of journey she would take us on. 

After being at the shelter for almost a month, was spayed, the volunteers and I just felt like something was off. Since she's at a shelter it's hard to observe her 24/7 and the shelter workers never provided any care for the rabbits. Every day we had 2 or more volunteers care for the rabbits. 

We noticed after being fixed that she was still not peeing in her litterbox, pooping EVERYWHERE, and when you picked her up she would pee on you. She would wasn't hopping with her back legs, for like a waddle (moving one leg than the other.) Her urine was thick, white, and had a milky consistency. One day the team at the shelter saw zero pee, she could not pee without being picked up! And instantly thought red flag and called the vet. I drove her to the rescue's vet, raised money since the shelter only pays for spays and neuters. She spent a few hours there and had spent a few days with a volunteer until she can get her back to the shelter.

The vet concluded that she has bladder sludge, to change from the oxbow pellets to Sherwood pellets as well as daily urinary tablet supplements from Sherwood. For veggies to give veggies that are low in calcium. To increase her water intake by adding fruit to the water to encourage more drinking and we may have to expel her bladder if we notice no pee. Also, check her groin area to ensure she doesn't get urine stains or to turn to urine scald. (Check post on Bladder Sludge.)

The volunteers became even more concerend about her gait. My thought was please not E.C, I asked if the volunteers just to observe her movement, as well as her poops, appeared to be cecal dysbiosis. Well, she began to wobble more so we brought her back to the vet. The prognosis was that her X-rays were clear and suspected a healed over spine fracture. She tends to favor one side due to this. This also causes more pressure on her bladder. Pepper also has megacolon. ( More info on our post about Megacolon). 

So Pepper is now a special needs bun. Her balance began to become even worse, slowly losing use of both her back legs. Volunteers expelled her bladder every day, every few days a butt bath, and extra cushion in her pen to provide comfort. A volunteer decided to adopt Pepper, as the shelter was not the place for her, especially with all her needs. 

She now has an amazing home, a wheelchair, and is very loved. She still isn't fond of moving around in her wheelchair, but she loves to clean herself as the wheelchair allows her to keep her balance. Being in the wheel chair relieves pressure off of her back legs. 

Her diet has changed since the shelter. She is on Sherwood Pellets and urinary support tablets, no veggies, and her treat options are extremely limited. The treats she was getting her bun mom was not thrilled with the ingredients, as it had sugars. Both Brittany and I have a mega soft spot for Pepper and wanted to create a treat for her, creating our Pepper BUNdle! Her treats (Pepper Mint Patties) are beyond small so she can get spoiled! Made with ingredients for her megacolon and bladder sludge needs. For her forage (UR-INe Love) has herbs and flowers that focus on urinary health, digestive help and pain relief. 

DRIED PLANTAIN LEAF

  DRIED PLANTAIN LEAF

Dried plantain leaf is our favorite herb, we refer to it as the holy grail! The health benefits speak for themselves! 

Our BINKY BITES are made with just dried plantain leaf. These are the perfect little snack as it is super healthy, tasty and helps their digestive system. 

Measurements:

1 to 3 tablespoons per a day, or a few times throughout the week

Our Megacolon buns get dried plantain leaf daily as it beneficial for their digestive tracts.

How much we give our buns:

• Trouble gets unlimited as recommended by his vet.
• Reese and Ryleigh since a bonded pair get 2 tablespoons with their morning pellets everyday.
• Butter get 2 tablespoons but is given a couple times a week. 
• Rain and Rudy each get a tablespoon a couple times a week. 

Some ways to include forage into your rabbits diet:

1. Just the dried plantain leaf in a bowl. (A ceramic bowl is best, and harder to flip)
2. With their morning pellets. 
3. Sprinkle into hay. 
4. On top/bottom of veggies.
5. Sprinkle on forage mat.
6. Inside a cardboard tube toy and stuff with hay.

MEGACOLON