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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday March 15, 2008 - 27 Rabbits in season -- not the right reason E aster surrounds us with a world of bunnies, chocolate candies and treats. It's the time of year when children often hope for a rabbit to call their own. While rabbits can make enjoyable pets, parents are cautioned that the pressure of the season is not the right reason to buy. Owning a rabbit is not like having a cat or a dog. Rabbits can be affectionate in their own way, but their behaviours are different from other pets. They also have different living requirements that should be considered carefully. Rabbits need to be maintained in a large cage that has good ventilation. The cage should be out of draughts, direct sunlight and the reach of other pets. Rabbits need room to move around, in addition to a litter box, dishes, and toys. Two-storey cages encourage the rabbit to jump up and move about. The minimum height of any cage should allow the rabbit to stand upright. Try to avoid cages with solid walls as they do not allow for good ventilation and the bunny can not see the surrounding environment. This can be stressful for your pet. All cages should provide a solid area for the bunny to rest on (cardboard, towels, newspapers) to avoid sores developing on their hocks. Preventing illness also means keeping the cage clean. Avoid using bedding materials such as cedar shavings as they can cause respiratory problems. Regular cage cleaning is part of ownership. Some rabbits can be litter trained, while others cannot. Daily cleaning of the litter box and cage cleaning every 2-3 days will help to keep odours down, remove molting (rabbits shed four times/year and sometimes heavily) and provide a healthy living environment for your pet. Do not use harsh cleaners on the cage as they will make the bunny ill. Soap and water is ideal. Litters can be made up of aspen bark, woodstove pellets (compressed hardwood), newspaper or newspaper based cat litter (example yesterday's news). To help litter train your rabbit place the litter pan in the corner of the cage that the rabbit uses as its bathroom area. Keeping a large clean cage provides a rabbit with a good living space. Exercise and daily gentle handling will help it to keep a positive mental state. Rabbits are most active in the morning and at dusk - good times to exercise them. If you choose to let your rabbit roam outside of its cage, bunnyproof your home and monitor it closely. Taking these precautionary measures will help to reduce potential damage to your home and safeguard the rabbit. Wires, chemicals, stairways and other pets are the most common household hazards to a bunny. Toys provide bunnies with fun inside and outside of their cage. Brown bags, empty toilet paper rolls, sturdy plastic parrot toys (only for those that do not try to consume plastic), compressed hay cubes, or unwaxed cardboard boxes provide great play items. To keep interaction similarly positive, family members should know basic rules of handling, particularly children. Ask children to be seated on the floor, and then place the rabbit in their lap or arms, supporting the body at all times. Jumpy bunnies will be able to make a safe getaway from this position if they get restless. Remind children that rabbits should never be picked up by their ears and to use caution near their mouths. All family members should know which foods are suitable for their bunny and what will upset the rabbit's complex digestive system. New foods should be introduced slowly and the bunny's teeth checked regularly so that they do not become overgrown. A healthy bunny diet includes access to fresh water, unlimited access to timothy or other suitable grass hay, a minimum of 2 cups of fresh veggies per day, and 1/8th of a cup of pellets for every 2-4 pounds of body weight. Fruits are high in sugar and therefore should be given in limited amounts as treats. Do not feed chocolate as it is toxic to rabbits. Providing a healthy home, a good diet, lots of exercise and interaction will help to keep your bunny happy. Rabbits do not require vaccinations, but you should make sure that you know a veterinarian with rabbit experience in the event that your pet gets sick. To help reduce the likelihood of cancer and aggressive PET OF THE WEEK: My name is Gordie and I am cute, sweet and I like to talk. Many of the other animals looking for homes can be viewed at www.oakvillehumane.ca. behaviours spaying or neuter- years, choosing a rabbit is a ing is recommended. responsibility that goes well Each spring the Oakville & beyond the Easter season. If you District Humane Society staff think that you have considered sees the same pattern of inter- all the right reasons to purest in rabbits at the shelter. chase one for your family, conAlthough the rabbits housed at tact a local breeder for more 445 Cornwall Road are looking information. for good homes, if purchased as To contact the Oakville & Easter gifts it is likely that they District Humane Society call will be returned once the reali- 905-845-1551. ty of ownership settles in. - Submitted by the oakville With a lifespan of over 10 & District Humane Society. d o o ay G id Fr Auction FURNITURE & ELECTRONICS LIQUIDATION ON Friday, March 21st, 2008 OTELLO'S BANQUET HALL 2273 Royal Windsor Dr., Oakville, ON P Preview 12:00 noon Auction 1:00 pm m WE HAVE A HUGE SELECTION OF: · 3 Piece Sofa Sets and Sectionals in many designer colours, Italian Leathers to Designer Fabrics · Oak, Mahogany and Cherrywood 9 piece Dining Room Suites, some with matching Buffets and Hutches · 8 Piece Bedroom Suites, including European Designs · Hand Carved Fern Stands · Bathroom vanities with Sink · Huge selection of Classical Style Hall Mirrors · Quality Mattress and Box Springs Sets in double, queen or king, from the highest quality Memory Foam and Pillow Top to Economical Sets · Top quality 72 Pc. Flatware Sets · Bombay Chest · 10 pc. counter height dinette set (variety of finishes) · Wall Clocks · Curio Stands · Electronics · Lamps · Limited Edition Artworks including Bateman & The Group of Seven · Figural Pieces · Grandfather Clocks · 4 Poster Bed Sets · Stainless Cookware Sets · Sports Memorabilia · Bronze And Still Much More! Subject to additions and deletions. Public Auction · Movers On Site YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE DAY EVENT!!! For More Information Call 1-888-211-7690 10% Buyers Premium