Forum

OUR FORUM IS UP BUT WE ARE STILL IN THE MIDDLE OF UPDATING AND FIXING THINGS.  SOME THINGS WILL LOOK WEIRD AND/OR NOT BE CORRECT. YOUR PATIENCE IS APPRECIATED.  We are not fully ready to answer questions in a timely manner as we are not officially open, but we will do our best. 

You may have received a 2-factor authentication (2FA) email from us on 4/21/2020. That was from us, but was premature as the login was not working at that time. 

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately! Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

What are we about?  Please read about our Forum Culture and check out the Rules

BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum THE LOUNGE Happy? Yes, I am, but…

Viewing 69 reply threads
  • Author
    Messages

    • lancy
      Participant
      263 posts Send Private Message

        Well, i don’t know how to describe my feeling now. Last year, my family applied immigration to Canada; 6 months ago, I adopted Fluffy; A week ago, our application was accepted and visa and landing paper will come soon. I can’t say that a bad news because Canada is my dream. I just did not expect it came so soon. Usually, it took 3-5 years, but, since the immigration policy changed, much fewer people and families are eligible and the processing has been accelerated so much.

        I can’t take Fluffy. I’m afraid. One thing is regulation, ther other is, I’m not sure about my future, the near future. I’m possitive we will have happy time and good life quality but this would need a period, which I can’t determine how long would be now. I try my best to postpone the landing date, but next summer would be the deadline.

        Half of my head is water, half is flour, I shake my head, no idea comes out. but turns to paste…


      • Monkeybun
        Participant
        10479 posts Send Private Message

          Oh thats too bad There is no way whatsoever to take Fluffy? I could swear theres a way to bring pets in from other countries, Canada is fairly open to pet immigrating. I’ll look some stuff up, see what I can find.

          Canada is wonderful, its my home. If nothing else, there are tons of wonderful buns there waiting for a forever home too, perhaps if you can’t bring Fluffy, you can adopt one in Canada in Fluffy’s name. Let me look that stuff up for you. Where was it you are immigrating from?


        • Monkeybun
          Participant
          10479 posts Send Private Message

            Lancy, I found a link for you, take a look at it, and call who they say to call. You may be able to bring Fluffy with you if you talk to them and do what they say.

            canadaonline.about.com/gi/o.htm

            Me and Monkey will cross our fingers/ears for you and Fluffy.

            make sure to click the rabbit link on there btw, it wouldn’t let me link directly to that page.


          • lancy
            Participant
            263 posts Send Private Message

              Thanks, Monkeybun, you comforted me. Maybe, to bring in is not difficult, but it’s almost impossible to bring a bunny out of my country, China mainland. I’m still trying to find ways.
              Other consideration is I’m not sure if I could take good care of him at the beginning. If I would get a job offer, that would be easier. If not, I’d struggle for a while.
              I’ll keep updated for any news.

              Edit: the link helps a lot. Now, I’m reading the files of regulation about export animals from China. I learn that Dogs and Cats are allowed, reptiles and amphibians are definitely not.  No items about Rabbits were found yet..


            • jerseygirl
              Moderator
              22338 posts Send Private Message

                Well I sort of want to say how great it is that your application came through………….but then Fluffy. How disappointing. There is a bit of time though that maybe a way will present. My instant thought was if you cannot take Fluffy – maybe he and Xiao AI can become permanent friends? Perhaps then you would feel a little better about it all. I recall now Lara said she had to leave her bunny in China. What is the regulation that prevents bringing them?


              • lancy
                Participant
                263 posts Send Private Message

                  jerseygirl, the problem is, any animal to export requires quarantine documents, which only granted to cats and dogs as pest. although there is no regulation against bringing rabbits out, there is nothing for it. oh, that reminds me the T, F, NG of IELTS test. True for dogs and cats: yes we can bring them out; False for reptiles: no we can’t; Not given for bunnies, that means, we can’t either.


                • Lara
                  Participant
                  311 posts Send Private Message

                    Aw, Lancy, I know EXACTLY what you’re going through… it broke my heart to pieces when I found out that I couldn’t bring Xiao Pang home. I called my mom and was crying so hard that I couldn’t speak, and had to take the day off work!

                    Yes, the problem is in bringing the bunny OUT of China… there are no regulations for it, and, until some are put in place, it is impossible to do. Only dogs and cats have the designation of being “pets” in China, whereas bunnies are considered to be food by the government.

                    Unfortunately, knowing the system, I don’t think there is much hope, but things might have changed in the four years since I left China. Ask around, but in the meantime, keep a look out for a good forever home for Fluffy. My Xiao Pang is going to be six years old at the beginning of December, living with a friend of mine in Nanjing. I miss her every day, but unfortunately, life is what it is.

                    Congrats on your immigration papers!


                  • Sarita
                    Participant
                    18851 posts Send Private Message

                      Do you have someone who will take Fluffy for you? I’m sad your government has such tough regulations for rabbits.


                    • Kokaneeandkahlua
                      Participant
                      12067 posts Send Private Message

                        I am Canadian and you can take pets across the border We purchased all my guinea pigs in the US (I lived very close to the border) and they just ran them in customs as ‘rabbits’ becasue they did not have guinea pigs in their system.

                        I would advise that you follow the link, and phone customs as well. Anyone who says ‘yes you can take your rabbit’ -get them to fax that to you in writing so you have proof when you try to cross (so and so said, not as good as writing); I would also suggest phoning the Chinese embassay in the Canadian city/prov you are moving to-and maybe the canadian embassay at home.

                        I hope you can take him Where in Canada are you moving?


                      • Sarita
                        Participant
                        18851 posts Send Private Message

                          K&K I think it’s China not Canada that is the problem.


                        • Deleted User
                          Participant
                          22064 posts Send Private Message

                            Posted By lancy on 10/14/2009 10:57 PM

                             

                            I can’t take Fluffy. I’m afraid. One thing is regulation, ther other is, I’m not sure about my future, the near future. I’m possitive we will have happy time and good life quality but this would need a period, which I can’t determine how long would be now. I try my best to postpone the landing date, but next summer would be the deadline.

                            Half of my head is water, half is flour, I shake my head, no idea comes out. but turns to paste…

                             

                            Lancy, I am excited for you but also sorry about your bunny. You can’t argue with regulations. We weren’t even allowed to bring flower pots with us from Europe into Canada. The department of agriculture took them away. Do inquire as to the specific requirements in both countries, but immigrating always includes leaving something precious behind. I hope you will find a way, maybe sending your rabbit separately as cargo?

                            *From US to Canada is usually a straightforward procedure, KK. It’s a whole big deal when you are coming in from overseas points of departure.


                          • Lara
                            Participant
                            311 posts Send Private Message

                              That’s right, Sarita. I found information very easily about bringing rabbits IN to Canada… the problem was that I couldn’t take my bunny OUT of China. It’s heartbreaking. I’m not the only one of my friends who found out the hard way. Fortunately, we both had good friends that we could leave our bunnies with.


                            • Beka27
                              Participant
                              16016 posts Send Private Message

                                Oh wow! I am so sorry to hear about poor Fluffy! (Fluffy is a CAT, right? Maybe you can trick them?)

                                But seriously, please keep us posted on what happens.

                                This might actually be a better thing for Fluffy in that she is YOUNGER and will hopefully be able to get a great home (if you’re unable to take her with you). Even if the process did take you 3-5 years, rabbits can live 8-12 years! You’d be in the same situation 3-5 years later (and Fluffy would be 3-5 year older and possibly even harder to rehome!) What I’m trying to say is that, if it HAD to happen, I’d prefer it happen sooner… at least that is my opinion. I know it will be hard for you either way tho.

                                Lara, I wonder, do you still have contact with the person who has your rabbit? Maybe they could help to locate someone who would be interested, or take Fluffy on themselves?


                              • lancy
                                Participant
                                263 posts Send Private Message

                                  Lara, some things did change, like the quality of life, but some did not. For example, the law of protection on wildlife has been effective since 1988, not changed for more than 2 decades; Labrador and Golden retriever are still not allowed in urban area; and so on… More and more people pay attention to animals but that’s really not good enough for me, and Fluffy.

                                   

                                  Sarita, we have a circle of people, not many but around ten or so. They all love bunnies. If there is no way Fluffy come with me, I’d ask them if someone would provide a home for Fluffy.

                                   

                                  K&K, like Sarita said, Fluffy is welcome to Canada, but… For my destination, I’ve not made my decision yet. Canada is my wonderland, every corner of the country is so beautiful. I do not have much desire about being rich or get high position, as long as I can “survive”, hehe~. Being happy is the most important thing for me. Since I did not start to learn French yet, I can find job in Quebec, but any other places in Canada would be my best choice. Maybe, the only thing I consider is, I hope I could work for animals. I checked the list of CAZA and there are more than 20 members. There are also wild rescues and shelters. They are all my possibilities. I’m biology major, master degree, experiencing in caring homeless cats and “expertise” in dealing with reptiles. Wish these could help.

                                   

                                  Petzy, I’ll try my best. If he could go with cargo, for any possible, I could do the same way myself too. I don’t care to go to Canada by sea.

                                   

                                  Beka27, Unfortunately, Fluffy is a bunny. If he is a cat or a dog, everything would be easy and there won’ be any problem. I feel sad that Fluffy just come around recently. He suffered what I prefer not to even think about. He started to trust people, like being petted, and behave as a spoiled boy like all bunnies should be.  I’ll leave here next summer, but, you’re right, even several months is a long period for a bunny. I’ll settle it down soon.

                                   

                                  And, everyone, thanks a lot!


                                • jerseygirl
                                  Moderator
                                  22338 posts Send Private Message

                                    Lancy, Beka knows Fuffy is a rabbit..he he! Just if we all start calling him a cat and you attach a tail maybe you could fool customs. We’ll have to concoct a plan!
                                    I have know doubt Fluffy would be ok in life if you had to rehome him. He’s certainly better off since you rescued him! It would be you that this would be hard for really.
                                    Would you be able to try secure a position somewhere before you leave China? There would be alot more certainty then once you immigrate.


                                  • lancy
                                    Participant
                                    263 posts Send Private Message

                                      oh, I’m slow, hehe~ I’ll teach him to speack: Mew!
                                      I wish I could goet an offer before I leave, or at least some interviews. That would be good for me and my family. I’m planning to contact some employers 3-4 months in advance. Or, I can do any job before I find a animal related position. I’m strong enough to meet the requirment of “able to lift 50lbs” for some labor work


                                    • Monkeybun
                                      Participant
                                      10479 posts Send Private Message

                                        Had to…


                                      • lancy
                                        Participant
                                        263 posts Send Private Message

                                          and something to prove:


                                        • Sarita
                                          Participant
                                          18851 posts Send Private Message

                                            Oh, that’s too funny! I think he will definitely pass for a cat.


                                          • RabbitPam
                                            Moderator
                                            11002 posts Send Private Message

                                              I Love that pix!

                                              Lancy, with your experience with reptiles, what about contacting zoos in Canada? I’m thinking that if that were an option for a job that you could arrange for in advance, you also might have access to means of transporting Fluffy since zoos always have to transport animals of all kinds around.

                                              In fact, now that I say it, maybe there are some private transportation options that a zoo or wildlife center could connect you with to get Fluffy.


                                            • Desma
                                              Participant
                                              182 posts Send Private Message

                                                I feel so badly for you because in the past when I was young, I had to leave a couple dear pets when my family moved back to the U.S from Australia. We could have taken them but my parents were not willing to spend money. Pets were dear but not that dear to them.
                                                For some reason, I have a very strong feeling that this is going to turn out good for you and the bunny.


                                              • Sage Cat
                                                Participant
                                                1883 posts Send Private Message

                                                  My sister-in-law has this “trick” she does with he dogs (2 Dachshunds) when she travels – maybe something like this would work for you?

                                                  She had her therapist write he a letter for the airlines that the dogs are her “therapy pets”. She can not travel with out them or she will become very anxious and have panic attacks. So, the dogs get to travel in the passenger cabin with her and not in cargo.

                                                  It’s totally wackie – but it works.

                                                  Best of luck as to what to do.


                                                • Karla
                                                  Participant
                                                  1624 posts Send Private Message

                                                    I keep my fingers crossed for you.

                                                    What if you go by train or car to one of the adjoining countries and then fly to Canada? I know it is complicated, but it should work, right? And then you can still send all your suitcases with a plane from China straight to Canada.


                                                  • Karla
                                                    Participant
                                                    1624 posts Send Private Message

                                                      I was just wondering that if you applied at the Chinese Exit-Entry Inspection and Quarantine Bureaus 
                                                      and say it was a premiere rabbit that you use for shows and breeding, it wouldn’t be considered food, but either export or a pet. It could be a business you run with Fluffy!

                                                      Don’t give up. I am quite sure there is a way out.


                                                    • Sarita
                                                      Participant
                                                      18851 posts Send Private Message

                                                        I don’t think you should try any kind of sneaky stuff – this would not be good for either you or your rabbit if you are caught. You know the government best in China since you live there and you are closest to any resources there that may help you find a legal way to get your rabbit out if there is one.


                                                      • lancy
                                                        Participant
                                                        263 posts Send Private Message

                                                          Thank you all, for youre kind help!
                                                          RabbitPam: yes, zoo would be my first choice, but I’m not sure if I would be provided 2 offers before I arrive, one for me, one for Fluffy . however, my friend told me yesterday that he can help me to bunny sitter Fluffy for a while until I find way for him out. or, if there is no way, he would be Fluffy’s permanant slave. so, if the zoo, in future, could make it, I’d come back and take Fluffy. He is such a sweet guy!
                                                          Desma: I know your feeling then. I’ve found new homes for most of my reptiles, since they are not so feeling dependent on me as I’m on them. although it’s sad too, separation is a little easier than with mammals.
                                                          Sage Cat: it’s a good idea, I’ll try. but I don’t think it would work here. psychological therapy is totally new here and, considering the situation, it’s long way to go to let people accept the concept of “therapy pets” .
                                                          Karla: for us, the adjoining countries , like Canada, are foreign coutries too, so, the problem is the same: how to take Fluffy out…
                                                          Sarita: you’re right. if we are caught, Fluffy would be destroyed. I learned that there were lessons before. to do anything, I’ll follow legal procedures.
                                                          And, again, thank you! you are all kind people.


                                                        • jerseygirl
                                                          Moderator
                                                          22338 posts Send Private Message

                                                            I remember you posted about your rat too Lancy. Another to leave . It seems you have to take your pet (dog/cat) to one of the government clinics for shots & microchipping before taking them out of China. Perhaps ring the head clinic and find out if there has been cases of other animals with that NG classification that they have prepared for immigrating?
                                                            True as Pam said, zoo animals transported routinely. In fact we are receiving 2 giant pandas from China in my city in December Wang Wang and Funi. So there are avenues. My other thought was in the Science community…. This is really a stretch of the imagination but would there be circumstances where individual lab animals would be exported.? Obviously those not tested for disease! Fluffy started out as a lab animal didn’t he?

                                                            These ways do involve some artifice…trying to find the loop hole. Oh well, maybe further thinking on this – a truly legal way may become apparent.  Meantime, it’s good you have a home lined up for him in case.


                                                          • Sarita
                                                            Participant
                                                            18851 posts Send Private Message

                                                              Well honestly Giant Panda Bears are on the endangered list and domestic rabbits are not so Giant Panda’s are given as gifts to zoos in order to hopefully breed them and keep them from extinction.

                                                              Honestly I cannot see the lab thing working as he’s obviously not in a lab anymore. Lab animals are so carefully controlled and probably require tons of paperwork to come into our leave out of a country if it’s indeed for lab purposes.

                                                              I do hope you can find someway but it does sound like you have good friends who will take Fluffy and take good care of him which is probably going to be your honest to goodness best bet for you no matter how sad you will be to leave him.

                                                              If you do find something I will be happy for you by all means :~)


                                                            • Deleted User
                                                              Participant
                                                              22064 posts Send Private Message

                                                                Lancy, I am actuallly very relieved to read that you already found someone to take Fluffy. –Especiallly, as it is a friend of yours. That way, you will be able to keep in touch and know that Fluffy is OK.


                                                              • lancy
                                                                Participant
                                                                263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                  what i wanna say is Thank you all! you amde me feel better. i’ll try any possible legal way and prepare a plan B…

                                                                  by the way, are you talking about HIM? haha~

                                                                  Lara might be familiar with this restaraunt, it’s in Harbin


                                                                • Lara
                                                                  Participant
                                                                  311 posts Send Private Message

                                                                    I’m not sure if I recognize the restaurant, but those jiaozi sure look yummy!! What street is the restaurant on? I used to live on Huang He Lu and I worked in Daoli, very close to Zhong Yang Da Jie (hopefully I spelled it correctly).

                                                                    Now you have me thinking about food! I can think of several restaurants that I really miss from Harbin… mmm…


                                                                  • jerseygirl
                                                                    Moderator
                                                                    22338 posts Send Private Message

                                                                      haha! Lancy, I’m beginning to think you have an extensive stuffed toy collection…..
                                                                      It was a bit off hand to have mentioned the Pandas – I just threw it in there as it’s been a pretty big deal in our little city. Countdown to the big date, merchandise like that panda in the picture, countless news articles, etc.


                                                                    • lancy
                                                                      Participant
                                                                      263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                        Great! Lara, it’s very very very close to Zhong Yang Da Jie ( the red line) ! Do you still remember those little streets perpendicular to Zhong Yang Da Jie, named West No. X Street ? ( like, Xi Shi Dao Jie, West No.10 street) the restraunt, Lao Du Yi Chu (circled) , is located on West No13 street of 80 years history.


                                                                      • lancy
                                                                        Participant
                                                                        263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                          jerseygirl, I have to admit that, yes , you’re right

                                                                          and, she(should be SHE, look at HER face ) is the newest comer! I named her Kirby Bunny, as she  so much resembles the main character of Nintendo’s  video game. Fortunately, she does not need quarantine…


                                                                        • MimzMum
                                                                          Participant
                                                                          8029 posts Send Private Message

                                                                            Ahhh, the Kirby bunny is so cute! ^_^ Did you make that yourself?
                                                                            I spy, with my little eye…a Totoro character in the background! ^_^

                                                                            Mmmm…jiaozi! Those are like Kuo teh, yes? Dumplings filled with pork and cabbage? We call them potstickers here, I really can’t be left alone in a room with a box of them.
                                                                            My daughter loves pandas. She has several plush of them, all in different shapes and sizes.
                                                                            I’m partial to the red panda myself.

                                                                            Anyway, back on topic… *ahem!*
                                                                            I’ve been following this thread for awhile. I can’t believe how strict China is with what seems like a simple thing, allowing a pet to leave the country. I have strong opinions about this, but will just say that, I do hope you can bring Fluffy out with you, or that you can free him later. If not, it sounds like there is someone who would take good care of him, and that is at least a bit of a relief. But I will keep all good thoughts for the best outcome for you both.

                                                                            We need to start a campaign! Free Fluffy! Would that petitions from a house rabbit forum would not fall on deaf ears! I do hope a legal and safe way can be found for Fluffy to come with you, Lancy!


                                                                          • jerseygirl
                                                                            Moderator
                                                                            22338 posts Send Private Message

                                                                              Ooh Red Pandas! MimzMum, Lancy posted video link of them a while back. I’ll see if I can find it – it will put a smile on your face.

                                                                              Edit: MM – I sent link via Message so as not to take this thread too off topic!


                                                                            • lancy
                                                                              Participant
                                                                              263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                Friends, to whom I have to say goodbye..

                                                                                1. Being an Indotestudo Elongata, her name is Xiao Hei Zhu ( little black piglet), due ti her dark color and cound shape. Her slave is a long lost firend of mine, but, since he is travelling around the coutry, so I provided a “temperory home” for her inthe past 4 years. but now, it’s time ti send her home.  I contacted him, but didn’t get feedback yet. If he couldn’t take care of her, my wife’s firend would love to. actually, the girl was fallen in love with Xiao Hei Zhu at the first sight.

                                                                                2. Zhuang Zhuang ( very strong ) is the only boy among my turtles and tortoises. He spent 5 years with me and has been adopted by a reptile fancier in Peking recently. Now he lives with and is being spoiled by a family and two dogs

                                                                                3. Radetzky is a giant Asian pond turtle. in 2004, I came back from Paris and decided to stay in Peiking for a while. to adjust my time difference, I had to hang around all day to avoid fall asleep. I spent most of my time in pet market and zoo. in a shop, I saw Radetzky and took her back home. I’ve not found a home for her yet.

                                                                                4. Xiao Liu ( No.6, named after a character from chinese TV series, My swordsman) is the same species as Radetzky but belongs to different sub-species. And, like Xiao Hei Zhu, I take care Xiao Liu for one of my friends. the differnce is we get in close touch. He will take Xiao Liu and Raj back before I leave.

                                                                                5. Oh, Raj is a flowerback turtle, belonging to one of 3 sub-species. Her name is from Indian Film, Awara, the Tramp. She is ayways tramping around in my home, seeking food or biting toes.

                                                                                6. Xiao Q (cutie) is a Asian yellow pond turtle. She is the smallest in size but oldest in age. She came to my home in 2003, and had grown to juvenile before then. My aunt wish to take care Xiao Q, she has 2 turtles for years, 1 red-ear slider and 1 Chinese three keeled pond turtle. she is experinced and loves turtles so much, always preparing good-quality food for her babies.


                                                                              • lancy
                                                                                Participant
                                                                                263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                  When Terri married Steve Irwin, she moved to Australia, she kissed goodbye and left her reptiles behind. Now, it’s time for me to do the similar thing. Difference is, I’ll go with my wife.

                                                                                  the big guy is Mei Mei (sister, because pronunciation of  Burmese Python in chinese is similar, not his gender), a 5-year-old boy. the little thing is Xiao Xiong ( little bear ), a 3-year-old Ball Python. a experienced reptile fancier in Peiking asked me to adopt Mei Mei and I’ll take him there. Xiao Xiong has been adopted by my firend in the university, living with his 3 already.

                                                                                   


                                                                                • lancy
                                                                                  Participant
                                                                                  263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                    MimzMum, I didn’t make Kirby myself, as I’m not able to, hehe~. I bought her.
                                                                                    jerseygirl, that’s all right, we don’t need to focus on anything, off topics are welcome!


                                                                                  • RabbitPam
                                                                                    Moderator
                                                                                    11002 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                      Lancy, I want a Kirby like yours!

                                                                                      OK. Got that out.

                                                                                      I’m looking at all of your wonderful pets and I can’t help thinking that quantity may be a plus factor in getting them out. I know it is very difficult to approach the government for assistance there, but I wonder if you could ask someone who is arranging your exit if you can ship all of your animals out as well. The difference being, they are pets due to your profession and expertise, they are directly related to your field, and you have been providing care and assistance to others which is how you came to have many of them. So rather than asking to take out one little fluffy bunny, can you give them a list of the whole gang and ask to have them all shipped together, maybe by using a lab or zoo transport arrangement? It may be persuasive to be offering to take a huge snake out of the country, along with several turtles and a bunny.

                                                                                      If not, thank your friend for us for rescuing Fluffy into a loving home. It sounds like you have many good friends.


                                                                                    • Sarita
                                                                                      Participant
                                                                                      18851 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                        Oh my gosh – I LOVE the turtles. The snake is magnificent too.


                                                                                      • RabbitPam
                                                                                        Moderator
                                                                                        11002 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                          Lancy, I have an idea!
                                                                                          I went off line, and was still thinking about your situation, and had to write down this suggestion for you before I leave for the day.
                                                                                          You are a lab!
                                                                                          What if you began a study of the cohabitation of reptiles, mammals, and humans in total domesticity, ie. the home. Taking your work in zoos a step farther and learning about how species get along in personal domestic settings? Do they interact? Do they share foods? How does their health effect each other? What happens to natural prey/preditor instincts in close proximity for many years? You know the questions you can study.

                                                                                          The point being, you can study these same animals (turtles, snake, rabbit, dog) in the same environment for many years and determine how it effects their life expectancy and natures. That’s good for about 15 years of study at least. You can note observations routinely and make conclusions for publication down the road.

                                                                                          You would be advancing our knowledge about pets, assisting veterinarians in the treatment of animals not seen before, or as frequently, now that they are rapidly becoming pets. You could observe their relationship with humans as they are taken in due to global warming, or due to migratory pattern changes. In Florida there are news reports weekly on reptiles that have cozied up to people’s homes. And the local vets are caring for rabbits, snakes and iguanas regularly. It would be very beneficial.

                                                                                          But mostly, you would not want to release the set of animals you currently have started with and can use as your foundation.

                                                                                          Think it would work?


                                                                                        • lancy
                                                                                          Participant
                                                                                          263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                            RabbitPam, I assume that every toy has soul, and this Kirby has tied with others and became a member of the family. However, I’m going to find another one for you. I don’t think it is a good idea to send her ( or him? Which gender you prefer?  OK, before you made your own decision, Kirby is a girl, haha~ ) right after I get her, as the price would be silly, more than 20 fold of that of Kirby herself. But I’ll keep the Kirby No.2 for you until I arrive in Canada. Mailbox from Canada to U.S would be much cheaper than from China. Or, I’ll give you in person if I get a chance traveling to your place. Anyway, I’ll go looking for your Kirby this weekend and keep her for you for a while.

                                                                                            As for friends, you know I’m in China. There are more than 12000000000 people! The population of 2 big cities, Beijing and Shanghai, almost equals to that of whole Canada. We are crowded, facing numerous faces all days. So, it’s easy to make friends. I got in touch with reptiles since 2003, so I know more reptiles fanciers than bunny lovers. Reptile breeding is just budding underground here, compared with longer history of herpetological researches. Permissions are only granted to public non-profit organizations, like zoos or institutes. There is only one firm has license to breeding Burmese python, but it’s the only exception and there are some specific reasons I prefer not to talk about here… 99% of exotic species are illegally imported, the same as indigenous ones exported. 
                                                                                            Here is the most popular reptile fancier forum: http://bbs.pxtx.com/ with more than 100000 registers. No English version, unfortunately.

                                                                                            Your idea is great! Animal behavior is one of my favorite subjects. I did learn something from my reptiles. For example, in general, Indotestudo Elongata (IE) eats carrots, but Asian Giant Pond Turtles (ASPT) and Flowerbakcs (FB) don’t. One day, when I fed my EI with carrots, they enjoyed their cuisine. Then, ASPT and FB came, watching the banquet, and ate a lot themselves! Also, FB followed IE to enjoy the sunshine, but for my and others experience, most FB individuals prefer shadowy environment. So, I thought the reptiles do influence and learn daily lessons from each other. However, I’ve never try to see if Fluffy would teach Mei Mei, although, Mei Mei has never eaten anything alive. I always keep them separately. 

                                                                                            Reptiles are not as intelligent as mammals. They can’t express their feeling ( some people doubt about this and say they do not have it ) like a dog or cat. However, we can feel it by close observations. At least, I can tell if they are happy, unhappy or stay calm.

                                                                                            I’m still hoping to get Fluffy out. But for my reptiles, I give up the hope. If it’s 1% chance for Fluffy, it’s less than 1/10000 for others. The regulation is there… Yesterday, I was web checking and found the only professional reptile zoo ( as it’s claimed ) in Canada, the Indian River Reptile Zoo. I’m planning to send my CV 2 or 3 months in advance before I leave, to see if I could be offered a position. Or, any zoos, aquaria and museums, which have reptile parts, would be my potential employers.


                                                                                          • lancy
                                                                                            Participant
                                                                                            263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                              Sarita, thanks ! I guess Burmese Pythons are popular pets in the U.S, too but not very sure. Most people prefer the mutant type, like albino or patternless. Leucistic burmes are rare.


                                                                                            • Monkeybun
                                                                                              Participant
                                                                                              10479 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                I always loved the Greater Vancouver Zoo, but I may be biased as my Grandmother lived less than a 3 minute walk away from it when I was little. i seem to recall reptiles there.


                                                                                              • MimzMum
                                                                                                Participant
                                                                                                8029 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                  I have to admit, I am not much of a snake person, but your knowledge is intriguing and informative, Lancy. Thanks for sharing all this with us.
                                                                                                  When I was young, the closest I got to snakes or lizards was just what I could see sunning itself in my yard…garters and bluebellies, nothing exotic. I always thought it was funny how you could hypnotize a lizard by turning it on it’s back and rubbing it’s belly…funny how it’s almost the same with a bunny! ^_^

                                                                                                  Ooooo….Pam, I’m jealous, you’re getting a Kirby bunny! 0_o I’ll have to steal it from you! *swipes*


                                                                                                • lancy
                                                                                                  Participant
                                                                                                  263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                    Monkeybun: Greater Vancouver Zoo is one of my targets!
                                                                                                    MimzMum: actually, snakes are tame animals. they attack only if they feel being threatened or hungry. Most sankes are not able to eat human being. there are convincing records of human-eater for only 2 species, African Rock Python and Reticulated Python. They fight for their own safety. So, as long as we don’t let snake see us as predators, we won’t be attacked.
                                                                                                    By the way, I saw there were still 2 Kirby Bunnies, when I took mine, but not sure if they would both stay and wait for me. Hope the shop would have some new arrivals. Anyway, RabbitPam, MimzMum, and, anyone else? I’ll go there and see how many I can take back.


                                                                                                  • lancy
                                                                                                    Participant
                                                                                                    263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                      Gloydius intermedius, a venomous  species in northeast china, resting on my hand. It’s ( I can not distinguish the gender ) a lovely baby.

                                                                                                      Pleas do not mimic this action before we get to know the temper of each individual. And I was very careful even after I got familiar to it.  A baby may cause the same consequence as an adult does.


                                                                                                    • Monkeybun
                                                                                                      Participant
                                                                                                      10479 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                        I wants a kirby bunny! *snuggles*

                                                                                                        I <3 the GVZ, its so pretty there


                                                                                                      • lancy
                                                                                                        Participant
                                                                                                        263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                          Gotcha, Monkeybun I’ll try my best to take as many as possible


                                                                                                        • RabbitPam
                                                                                                          Moderator
                                                                                                          11002 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                            OMG, lancy, you’re going to have one suitcase for you and one for all the Kirby bunnies! Seriously, that’s a very sweet offer. Only get me one if it’s convenient. You have enough to think about without making extra trips on my behalf.

                                                                                                            Mainland China is VERY different, but my sister-in-law is from Taiwan, born and raised. She’s been here for about a decade now and lives with my brother about 10 minutes from me. I have a large in-law family in Taiwan that I’d love to visit someday.

                                                                                                            But any knowledge of mainland life comes to me from my friend, the Curator of Chinese Art in my former museum employer. She studied there over 20 years ago, met her husband and his family and they had a very hard time getting out of the country after they were married. They did leave, (he visits his family with their daughter about once a year) and were together until just recently. Ironically, they are getting a divorce. Anyway, she is brilliant when it comes to ancient arts, but that has nothing to do with modern life.

                                                                                                            Were you born there? You mentioned Paris (drools from envy) so wasn’t sure.


                                                                                                          • Monkeybun
                                                                                                            Participant
                                                                                                            10479 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                              Same here lancy, only grab one for me if its convenient for you and doesn’t take up too much space that you could use for something else. I know how hard it can be to pack stuff for a trip


                                                                                                            • ScooterandAnnette
                                                                                                              Participant
                                                                                                              1090 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                We have a tropical house at our zoo in Winnipeg that has reptiles in it. And of course we’ve got a big garter snake den nearby. Mind you Winnipeg’s a little….. chilly.

                                                                                                                http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcisse_Snake_Pits

                                                                                                                – Annette


                                                                                                              • MimzMum
                                                                                                                Participant
                                                                                                                8029 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                  Doggone it. I just worked for twenty minutes on an answer here and lost it because my mouse clicker got possessed again. Phooey!

                                                                                                                  Anyway, a quick note to say, Thank you for thinking of bringing out a Kirby bunny with you, Lancy, but please don’t trouble yourself on my account! Like the others here have stated, you have enough to think about trying to arrange things to bring Fluffy to Canada. Now if I could purchase one from you and pay a bit extra to go into a fund for Fluffy’s freedom, I’d do that in a heartbeat, but I couldn’t ask anything like that otherwise, truly. It is so sweet of you to offer, though. Thank you!

                                                                                                                  Annette brought up a good point, although I’d say a Fairbanks winter would rival Winnipeg, but I haven’t lived there so I’m not sure….
                                                                                                                  I notice that not many folks here in Alaska seem to worry much about the lack of light and heat here for reptiles. Many people keep snakes, lizards, etc. here. (I can only be relieved that there are no snakes indigenous, because gentle or not, they do frighten me a bit. I think it is a learned reaction from my mother.) Isn’t it especially hard on a reptile to live in a place that is not suited to it’s environmental needs? I know us warm-blooded types have some trouble with the dark days of winter. I mean, a zoo is all well and good, they are funded and directed and built for such things, but I could not imagine trying to make a house snake happy here…despite their not being as emotionally ‘warm’ as mammals. (no pun intended) So when I know people here who have snakes, I kind of feel sorry for them (the snakes I mean.) A warming rock and ambient lighting are all well and good, but, well I’m just glad that when my son mentions he wants to get a pet for his dorm room someday, that he doesn’t mention a snake.
                                                                                                                  He does, however, think a pink toed tarantula might be interesting. *shudders*

                                                                                                                  I was also saying (before my PC torpedoed me) I love your little cactus in the background of the pictures. It oddly reminds me of a 5 foot tall 2 foot diameter jade plant tree we had in my yard as a child. Even in California it needed a light bulb hung in it’s center to keep it warm enough in winter. It’s a good thing I never took care of it myself, because my thumb, not being green, is a lovely shade of purple. >.< lolz….


                                                                                                                • lancy
                                                                                                                  Participant
                                                                                                                  263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                    Haha! Everybody, please don’t worry about the size of my luggage, as Kirby Bunny is that size:

                                                                                                                    She is not larger than my palm. So I guess I may take 5 or 10 in my bag, without obvious size or weight increase. The only thing is, I’m not sure if I could get them. If the type is not manufactured in large amount, there might not be that many. Anyway, tomorrow or the day after, I’ll go there.

                                                                                                                    RabbitPam: I was born and raised here, in China. Paris was a trip that I went there to give a talk in a conference. I love Paris too. Her history, architectures and culture appeal to me. During the breaks, I even spent a half day to checking the pet shops! But it’s also hard to communicate since some people there didn’t speak in English. Good thing was, they were friendly and likely to help me, like to find metro (subway). When I said I was from China, they liked to know something. It’s seems that China mainland still remains a mystery for people in other countries, though many Chinese people have reached every corner or the world. China is a country of multiple cultures, multiple races (56), multiple languages (besides mandarin and Cantonese, there are a lot of other local languages), multiple—everything. Even for me, I just learn about one side of my mother country, maybe less, but she has multiple faces. That’s amazing.

                                                                                                                    MimzMum: Fluffy’s problem is not about money. I can afford his ticket, just need a visa..
                                                                                                                    We found the cactus during a mountain climbing. Botany is the shortage of knowledge, so I don’t know what species it is. I only know, when exposed to enough sunlight, it would synthesize more anthocyanin and turn to purple, too.
                                                                                                                    For my experience, it’s easier to care for snakes than lizards. All snakes are carnivores, feeding on whole animals, so that they absorb vitamin D from food. In addition, most of them are nocturnal or active at dawn and dusk, thus, do not need much sunlight. A heating rock or porcelain might not be good heat source for snakes, as it may reach relatively high temperature and burn the skin. A heating pad may be a good alternative. For some snakes, like burmese, room temperature (20 – 25 celsius degree, or even lower if the individuals are for reproduction) is enough. However, there are species which are very difficult to survive in artificial environment.
                                                                                                                    I’m not much experienced with lizards. From my point of view, lizards need more attention. People raise Iguana, Bearded dragon and monitors, but many of them die of health problems. Environmental setting is more complicated than those of snakes, turtles or tortoises. The only exception I know may be leopard gecko.

                                                                                                                    Annette: Is the zoo named Assiniboine Park? I read some references. There are Burmese Python and some species belonging to Elaphe, a genus of non-venomous snakes widely distributed all over the world. In addition, there are one of my favorites mammals, the red pandas, hehe~. I only saw garter snakes in National Geography Channel, as they are rare in Chinese pet market. But, I will have chances to see them myself! By the way, I’m used to chilly climate, as I stayed in Harbin, the “Ice City” in China, for more than 10 years. Every year, we have Ice and Snow Festival. People enjoy Ice and Snow sculptures, making Ice lanterns and perform varieties of outdoor activities. The National Geographic Channel has produced a video of this topic, Inside Ice Vegas. I assume that you may find it in youtube, but I couldn’t access to that website now…

                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                     


                                                                                                                  • Sarita
                                                                                                                    Participant
                                                                                                                    18851 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                      You saw pet stores in Paris? That’s interesting – I’ve been to Paris a few times because my husband is French and I never even thought about looking for a pet store there, that never ever occurs to me anywhere I go actually (I think for fear I would not like what I find). I do see lots of dogs in Paris though (heck all over France). They seem to love their dogs.

                                                                                                                      My niece in France had 2 pet rabbits though (they were adorable) and she trains horses so I think she got the male (Fanfan) neutered but could not find a vet to spay Josephine.


                                                                                                                    • ScooterandAnnette
                                                                                                                      Participant
                                                                                                                      1090 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                        Yes that’s the zoo. Well technically it’s the park that the zoo is located in as well. And the garter snakes, well there are literally tens of thousands of them slithering around during mating season, it’s quite something to see at the snake pit!

                                                                                                                        – Annette


                                                                                                                      • RabbitPam
                                                                                                                        Moderator
                                                                                                                        11002 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                          “China is a country of multiple cultures, multiple races (56), multiple languages (besides mandarin and Cantonese, there are a lot of other local languages), multiple—everything.”
                                                                                                                          I had to laugh when you said that. I am reminded of a story: one of my oldest friends from high school is American born, but her parents came to New York State from China for an arranged marriage. Anyway, she’d become a nurse in Washington DC, and one day a visiting physician was there from China and they needed someone to translate something from him. They asked her if “she spoke Chinese.” She said that yes, she spoke one dialect of Mandarin, but wasn’t sure she could translate if he spoke one of the other 49 dialects she knew of.


                                                                                                                        • Lara
                                                                                                                          Participant
                                                                                                                          311 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                            That is sooo true, RabbitPam! As lancy will testify, Harbin does not have a local dialect other than Putonghua (true Mandarin). So when I traveled around China with a friend of mine from Harbin, we encountered several taxi drivers, waiters, etc. that my friend could not understand when they spoke Mandarin. This is because it was their second language, with their local dialect being what they spoke every day. She even told me on occasion “Your Mandarin is MUCH better than his!” lol. While it’s probably not true, it always felt good to hear!


                                                                                                                          • ScooterandAnnette
                                                                                                                            Participant
                                                                                                                            1090 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                              Hey I found a decent picture online of one of the dens at the snake pits:

                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                              I’ve got some video around here somewhere but I’m not sure where.

                                                                                                                              – Annette


                                                                                                                            • lancy
                                                                                                                              Participant
                                                                                                                              263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                Sarita, I saw some pet stores on the north bank of Seine near the Notre Dame, in which reptiles, rats and tropical fishes were sold. At that tome, Russian tortoises and ball python were not that common in China, so I was attracted. There were few dogs in those stores, but, as you said, lots of dogs live in Paris. It’s very common to see a beautiful girl walking with a huge dog. Cool!

                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                Thanks! Annette, but we could not get access to blogspot from where we live…

                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                RabbitPam and Lara, these are true, hehe~ And, I bet Lara’s Mandarin could rank at least Top 40% in My country, or Top 20% ? hehe ~ . For most people from other countries, chinese is not easy to learn, as it belongs to a different language system to English. Likewise, it’s not easy for Chinese people to learn English. I heard about a story: two guys from Jinan city, Shandong province, who knew nothing of English, traveled to America. One day, when they talked to each other in Jinanhua (dialect in Jinan), a white guy joined them. His father was an American soldier during the World War II and he was born in Jinan, so he could speak NATIVE Jinanhua. When he was asked about “how is your English”, he said: “ That’s damm hard!”

                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                Oh, I almost forget it. I found 2 Kirby Bunnies, the new version with “spot” eyes.


                                                                                                                              • ScooterandAnnette
                                                                                                                                Participant
                                                                                                                                1090 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                  Lancy, I saved the pic and I’m attaching it here:

                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                   - Annette


                                                                                                                                • lancy
                                                                                                                                  Participant
                                                                                                                                  263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                    Thanks,Annette! I love that group!


                                                                                                                                  • MimzMum
                                                                                                                                    Participant
                                                                                                                                    8029 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                      0_o ermm….lots of little snakelings all in one place?? *shakes* Um…. BYE! *runs off* j/k
                                                                                                                                      They DO look cute, in their snaky little way.

                                                                                                                                      Aw, Kirby bunnies! ^_^ They are like cell phone charms it looks like. How cute! I’ll send you some money for one, Lancy, if you’ll tell me where to direct it!


                                                                                                                                    • RabbitPam
                                                                                                                                      Moderator
                                                                                                                                      11002 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                        …ahem…MM…I have dibs.
                                                                                                                                        And I do want to pay you for them Lancy. Cute with spot eyes, too.


                                                                                                                                      • lancy
                                                                                                                                        Participant
                                                                                                                                        263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                          OK, if you insist on that… but they are really cheap, less than 2 CAD each. The bank transfer fee would be much more, especially, for the international transfer we have to do now. So, I have an idea that I reserve an icecream from each of you, and you can treat me at any time when we meet, OK ? I’m crazy about icecream, hehe~


                                                                                                                                        • Monkeybun
                                                                                                                                          Participant
                                                                                                                                          10479 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                            Ice cream I can do. I have like 12 flavors in my freezer at all times. >.>


                                                                                                                                          • lancy
                                                                                                                                            Participant
                                                                                                                                            263 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                              Monkeybun, I’m going to visist your freez.. oh home, hehe~


                                                                                                                                            • RabbitPam
                                                                                                                                              Moderator
                                                                                                                                              11002 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                                Definitely ice cream!
                                                                                                                                                frozen yogurt, soft ice cream, hard ice cream, cake cones, waffle cones, sugar cones, ice cream sundaes, pie ala mode, gilatto, sherbet, ice cream sodas…


                                                                                                                                              • Monkeybun
                                                                                                                                                Participant
                                                                                                                                                10479 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                                                                                  mmmm Pam, you made me start drooling lol.

                                                                                                                                              Viewing 69 reply threads
                                                                                                                                              • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.

                                                                                                                                              Forum THE LOUNGE Happy? Yes, I am, but…