update of everything(plus habitat questions)

[new1bunny]

Hi there. well I have some great pics and news. I did not make it to the vet, instead I went to someone better than a vet. Well more like a vet/pet seller. Here is what is up. Yes it is a Rex rabbit. Yes it is a female rabbit. I had her checked out. I was doing her nails late at night and only got 2 done cause I was so tired and did not want to clip too much. I did take dandela to school with me today and everyone loved her and held her. but my professor however said that would be a great rabbit to eat when it gets older (but he was just joking, he is like that). Anyway she is out of her box and in a cage now. Here I go showing off. it was at one time a ferret cage, and we had lost the stairs that go to the second floor so my dad made one while I wateched. well good thing I paid attention all those years ago cause this cage here was the same, so I had to put some stair in so she could get to the second floor. I am really good with wire and all cause I used to insulate, and we put wire around it to hold it in place just in case the tape came loos. It took me about 30 mins to do it and all ends are safe for Dandela and people, no way you can get cut on it the way I did it. I also reinforced it with some would, so you can put your hand in there and press down hard and it will do nothing. I don’t know if you can see that from the pics and all, but I made it sturdy so it would not fall and so when she gets bigger she can still use it to get up and down.  Now this is how much  I care for her. you will see in the pics I got her some alflfa hay (baby bunnies need), the best pellets in the world (did not come from walmart) instead it came from a pet shop. pellets at walmart have to many additives, that decreases nutrion but increases flavor. also next in the pic is the timathoy Hay chunks for her to chew on and last but not least, a nice water bottle for her. Here are the pics. Oh and tell me since this is a rex rabbit, it states that they should not walk on bare wire, it can harm their feet, so what can I lie down for her to prevent this. besides putting something down will just end the bottom, cause that is what catches the poo and pee, or should I say P &P. I got here the best of the best but could not find any wood chew toys for her, they had some for other pets but not rabbits. oh and when doing the nails use one of those dog files that they came out with to file them down. it is safer and better that way. Said the pet shop owner. well enough is enough here are the pics of the cage and food and all. Hope you like it and all, let me know how I did on the cage, and picking out the food for her.

http://s1002.photobucket.com/albums/af147/kellerangie/?action=view¤t=cage.jpg

 

http://s1002.photobucket.com/albums/af147/kellerangie/?action=view¤t=cage.jpg#!oZZ5QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1002.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf147%2Fkellerangie%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3Dcage1.jpg

 

http://s1002.photobucket.com/albums/af147/kellerangie/?action=view¤t=cage.jpg#!oZZ6QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1002.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf147%2Fkellerangie%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3Dcage2.jpg

Those 3 were the cage, this is the food and all.

http://s1002.photobucket.com/albums/af147/kellerangie/?action=view¤t=cage.jpg#!oZZ7QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1002.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf147%2Fkellerangie%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3Dcareforbunny.jpg

why can’t I load up pics from my SD card, it has to come straight from my computer.

[Monkeybun]

A pet shop owner is NOT better than a vet. Never think that.

If you intend to keep her in that cage, she will need a ton of out of cage exercise time. She will get bigger, and that cage is far too small. And definitely cover the wire, either with cardboard, linoleum, wood, anything to cover the wire. Wire bottoms are useless for litter training.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Use the HTML code

I’ve read that Rex’s are really prone to getting sore hocks (something hocks?) so you definitely need to cover over the wire. That cage is also really small, and it looks rusted?

[2manypets]

I have had that cage before and it is pretty small. Also just because the food comes from a petstore and not Walmart does not mean its a healthy food for rabbits. Most petstores know next to nothing about most animals unfortunatly.

[new1bunny]

lucky for me this lady knows a lot, Been doing it forever. She used to be a breeder (of all animals). and worked with vets and all, basically she is a vet/pet shop owner. I have known her for a long time and got many animals from her. She knows her stuff and what she is talking about. She is not just a pet shop owner, cause she owns the place and works there. I trust her judgement, for she has always pointed me in the right direction and never told me something that was not true. She is a very smart lady when it comes to pets, or animals of any kind.

[new1bunny]

oh one more thing, the cage is just for travel and storage, that is why I have a bunny room upstairs and I am making a bunny room outside too.

[Boysclub]

doesnt matter the breed of rabbit, no rabbit should be on wire!!!!

[Sarita]

Well, I don’t agree that a pet store owner or breeder is better than a vet…that doesn’t make sense at all to me. She is probably adequate at sexing a rabbit but she’s probably not the best source for rabbit medicine advice.

That cage is not appropriate for a rabbit in my own opinion. I would feel bad putting my rabbit in there even if it’s just for travel. As you said, that cage is designed for ferrets and that’s not right for a rabbit.

I have to agree that the only rabbit food that i’ve seen at Walmart is Hartz and it’s not good rabbit food or any other kind of good food for any animal. The link doesn’t show the food – what is the brand and type?

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Did your lady friend go to school for 8 years to get her veterinary license/medical degree? Can she perform surgery or neuter/spay? I’m sorry, but she’s not “basically a vet”. That’s kinda like saying I don’t need to go to the doctor because I have WebMD.

[LBJ10]

While I agree that not all pet store employees/owners are completely naive when it comes to animals and their care (and some can even be quite knowledgeable), I don’t think such a person could be called “basically a vet”. A very knowledgeable person might have experience sexing rabbits, know about proper care, and may even know what signs to look for that would indicate a rabbit should be taken to a vet. But they aren’t going to be knowledgeable enough to treat an injury/illness, perform surgery, or know the physiological workings of a rabbit. So unless this person has gone to vet school, I don’t think you can rely on them for more than (at best) information about proper care.

[Malp_15]

I hate to say this, but we are constantly euthanizing and treating animals that were made worse by “backyard” vets. It is fine to ask for advise and what not from places, like binkybunny, but that does not make any of us vets. And everyone here is great about recommending proper veterinary care when necessary. Which is a major reason why I love this forum.

[Tate]

To be truthful, this is irresponsible. You need to find a vet first and foremost. Many vets are quite flexible with payment, I’m assuming that’s the reason why you haven’t bothered taking her to one. There is a credit card specific to the health industry called CareCredit. While I’m not advocating digging your self in a financial hole, maybe it’s something that you could look into? I have one for my two buns. I try to pay the vet cash when I can but sometimes it’s just too expensive! And if you aren’t willing to get a credit card (who wants another credit card?! hehe..) don’t be afraid to ask the vet about payment options. While they need to make a living, vets are usually quite compassionate and understand whatever circumstance you are under. It never hurts to ask!! I’ve had to!!!
Also, if the cage is just for travel, why didn’t you post pictures of her real living quarters? Bunny rooms are fantastic and I LOVE seeing all the pictures! There is a whole section of the BB forums dedicated to the amazing spaces people provide for their bunnies!
I worked in a pet store for quite a few years as well as having all sorts of pets throughout my life. I am NOT a vet. I am in college now and have decided not to take the vet route because it’s an intense program, to say the very least. It’s one thing to know about food and litter and cages, it’s another to be qualified to make a medical assessment. Unfortunately, I’ve been handed many suffering animals while at work because some people just aren’t willing to take their pets to the vet. Before I moved across the state, I was working at a local pet store and some lady ran in and handed me a guinea pig asking for vet care and my advice (despite me telling her I am in no way qualified to care for this animal). This pig was clearly on his death bed and had probably not been taken care of his entire life. Despite my and other employees best attempts to get him water and massage is belly (it was rock hard), he died about 30 minutes later in an emergency vet.
I don’t want this to be an attack on you. It’s not! But to put the responsibility of vet care on someone with NO vet experience is not fair to the person and especially not the animal. It sounds dramatic, but its the honest-to-god truth. My love of animals in no way qualifies me to make a medical assessment or prescribe a treatment. Please reconsider what you think of this woman and do the right thing for your helpless animal.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By new1bunny on 04/25/2011 03:06 PM
I did not make it to the vet, instead I went to someone better than a vet. Well more like a vet/pet seller.

 

I agree with what everyone has said regarding this comment.  It is important for you to find a rabbit-savvy vet.  Regardless of how qualified you think this person is, you will need a vet for care, and if something happens in the future like an injury or illness, you’ll want someone who is qualified to give treatment.  Here is a link that may help you find a qualified rabbit-savvy vet. :http://rabbit.org/vets/vets.html

 

 

Posted By new1bunny on 04/25/2011 03:06 PM

Oh and tell me since this is a rex rabbit, it states that they should not walk on bare wire, it can harm their feet, so what can I lie down for her to prevent this. besides putting something down will just end the bottom, cause that is what catches the poo and pee, or should I say P &P.

I cannot see any of the photos for some reason.  Either I’m copying them wrong or they are no longer there:

So whether you decide to stick with this cage or not, options for flooring can be: 

corolplast 

Sheet Vinyl 

linoleum

Many times people will put down a wood flooring and then cover that with sheet vinyl and linoleum.  This not only allows stability but if you are able to wrap it around the edges of the wood, it will help prevent bunnies from being able to chew on the edges. 

Anytime you put a solid flooring, the poos and pee will be there until your bunny is litter-trained.  But the above options are easy to clean.  

 

[BinkyBunny]

FOR THOSE MEMBERS WHO WANT TO COMMENT ON DIET — Please see https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/5…fault.aspx

You can copy your answers there if you prefer.  

[Beka27]

If you glance back through threads, especially in the Q&A, Diet & Care, and Welcome sections, you’ll notice that we recommend initial vet checks for new bunnies. This gives a baseline of their current health and includes checking the eyes, ears, teeth (front incisors AND back molars), gut, and a fecal test for parasites. This needs to be performed by a licensed vet, preferably one who specializes in exotics, not just dogs and cats. At this time you can also ask for info regarding spay/neuter surgeries to be scheduled at about 4 months (boys) or 6 months (girls). After this, the bunny needs to go for yearly exams.

If something is wrong with your bunny: not eating, pooping, listless, scrunching up, discharge from the eyes/nose, excessive drooling, runny stools, etc… the bunny needs to see a vet.

[new1bunny]

yes this lady did go to school and all. she is really good. Thre brand of food is Higgins. Her ears, eyes and teeth have been checked and are great. only lacking the fecal check, which is going to be done at the vet when I take Blaze for his shots and checkup. Oh and I have tried that carecredit thing before and it did not work.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Posted By new1bunny on 04/26/2011 06:48 AM
yes this lady did go to school and all. she is really good. Thre brand of food is Higgins. Her ears, eyes and teeth have been checked and are great. only lacking the fecal check, which is going to be done at the vet when I take Blaze for his shots and checkup. Oh and I have tried that carecredit thing before and it did not work.

So if she’s a vet, why did you say she’s “basically a vet”? Outside that, since she’s not practicing or lost her license to practice, you still need to go to a real certified vet that is confident with bunnies, which may not be the Dr who does your Dog. 

I really agree with Tate on this, and it kinda seems like you really don’t want our advice regardless?

[Sarita]

Higgins has a bunch of seeds, nuts and dried fruits which is not recommended for rabbits.

Care Credit works great for me, perhaps your vet is not familiar with how this works.

[Malp_15]

If this woman has lost her license or never was a vet and is doing vet type check ups she can be charged with practicing without a license and animal cruelty.

[new1bunny]

she has a license, I have known her forever. She did not charge me for a check up, and determine the sex, we are good friends.

[Beka27]

Why did she not perform the fecal test for you at the initial visit?

[new1bunny]

I did not ask her to, She will only do what you ask. She did ask if Dandela was going to the potty and all. I told yes, how much, and what it looked like, if it was loose or balls. She said that was great, but I will get that done when I go to the vet. I am in school and have work and all, a son to care for that is an infant so My time is kinda valuable. I have a bunch of plants and stuff to water and all. oh and I took Dandela by there, cause at 9am I don’t have a class, so I went to the DR. since I was already uptown and had her with me we stopped by there, but was in a hurry so I would not be late for my next class. Does it make since now. We are very broke right now and every trip counts, gas is so high so we do not go to town for 1 thing, we try to combine trips to save on gas.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

No, sorry it doesn’t really make sense.
This kinda seems like something you should’ve considered before you got the bun though, right? I’m also in school, my husband works full time, and I have a 2 year old and a 3 year old. I factored all that before we decided to buy a rabbit. We made sure we had enough money to buy the proper food, hay, living quarters, toys, and initial medical care.
If you have so much going on, including not enough time to train your puppy, can I ask why you decided to get a bunny as well? It just seems so overwhelming for you.

[KatnipCrzy]

If this person is not a licensed vet- IT IS ILLEGAL TO PRACTICE VETERINARY MEDICINE WITHOUT A LICENSE. And worse than illegal it is unethical. I find it very suspicious that she is a vet/pet store owner- if she wasn’t able to make enough money as a vet and had to open up a pet shop- that speaks a lot about her experience. Most vets would not be able to make a living running a pet store as they would ethically refuse to sell the products that manufactures make that are not healthy for pets. So basically over 90% of the junk you can buy at a pet store for a rabbit- NOT ADEQUATE. It is not as bad for cats and dogs- they have more appropriate products out there. But it would be a really, really small store.

I am not sure if you are asking for advice when you post your pics and info- but many of our members are very passionate about house rabbit care and are constantly fighting the old school, out-dated, totally inadequate care that has been the norm for rabbits in the past. So when we see or read something questionable- we are going to say something in defense of rabbits that can not speak for themselves.

If you are seeking advice from other house rabbit owners- then this is the place to get hands on info from owners that have experienced the joys of healthy bunnies and those that can provide support and advice from their personal experience of nursing their ill bunnies (under the care of a vet). If you are not actually looking for advice (and this has happened in the past) and do not want any suggestions or comments- just include that in your thread so members know not to “bark up the wrong tree”.

I genuinely hope that you enjoy your experience here- and you can learn a lot- I certainly did when I got my first house bunny and I had worked as a vet tech for over 10 years. So please take the advice in the spirit it is given- in good intentions and please excuse us when we get a little defensive- most of us have dealt with the negativities of old school rabbit care, jokes about meat bunnies and plain indifference. We are truly passionate about our bunnies and the fact they can be healthy happy house pets.

[new1bunny]

katnip I agree with you and all being defensive and all. I am the same way, and here to learn, so far I really like it. But I said pet store owner, not that she works there, she has people working there for her. I guess she did that for extra money so later down the road, when a friend (me) needs help, she has more than enough money and does not have to charge.

Now as for OneTwoThree, who are you to say that something seems so overwhelming for me. You don’t know me, you know nothing about me. I have been here for less than a week. Nothing is overwhelming for me, Why, Cause I think things over first. that is why. I know my limit and all.In the past I’ve had over 150 pet rats. 30 something cats at one time. yes I was feeding everyone of them. Get to know me a little better before posting like that. it kinda hurt my feelings, that someone would think I am not capable of bunny care, when I have done so many unbelievable things in the past.

No hard feelings.
And thank all of you for helping me out with Dandela, all I want is the best for her.
did you know most vets here will not hire you for assistant if you have been to school for it. and the reason why is because they don’t want you getting in there thinking you are a hot shot out school and know everything, they prefer you to learn hands on from them. I guess If I was going to be a vet or have someone at my nursery I would rather train them then just let them come in and perhaps ruin everything, or kill all my plants because their teacher forgot to tell them 1 tiny detail, that cost a lot to fix.

[Michelle&Lolli]

I have looked into becoming a vet assistant. From my research, you have to have the degree as well as be certified to work with animals in any capacity. I’m sure there are people who work at offices who don’t have the degree but they would not be in the position of administering medications, etc as far as I’m aware. I have looked at vet assistant job postings here in Illinois and they always require the degree. Maybe other states are different.

[new1bunny]

trust me, it is different here where I am.

[LoveChaCha]

Isn’t there such thing as an internship? For any sort of hands on job like a vet tech or an assistant, most are put into internships, and they finish it. They get their degree and have to take a certification test. If they get hired, they will be trained as each place is different, am I right? They can’t expect a person to know it all without on the job training first.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Posted By new1bunny on 04/28/2011 04:24 PM
trust me, it is different here where I am.

What state are you in?

[new1bunny]

GA.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusgast43_50_30_56.htm#s50

To be a Vet tech-
Laws 2006, Act 443, § 3, eff. March 30, 2006.

§ 43-50-52. Certificates of registration; applications; examinations; renewal; registration in another state; rules

(a)(1) Any person desiring to work as a veterinary technician in this state shall apply to the board for a certificate of registration as a veterinary technician. All such applications shall be made on forms provided by the board and shall be accompanied by such fee as may be required by the board.

(2) The application shall include evidence, satisfactory to the board, that:
(A) The applicant has attained the age of 18;
(B) The applicant is of good moral character;
(C)(i) The applicant is a graduate of a college or technical school course of study in veterinary technology from an institution accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association, including without limitation instruction in the operation of life sustaining oxygen equipment, and has successfully passed an examination required by the board; or
(ii) The applicant has successfully completed a college course of study in the care and treatment of animals from an institution having a curriculum approved by the board, including without limitation instruction in the operation of life sustaining oxygen equipment, and has successfully passed an examination required by the board; and
(D) The applicant meets such other qualifications or provides such other information as the board may require by rule or regulation.

And to be a Vet assistant-
Laws 2006, Act 443, § 4, eff. March 30, 2006.

§ 43-50-61. Duties limited
(a) Subject to the provisions of this Code section, the practice of veterinary technology by a veterinary assistant shall not be a violation of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-30 or subsection (a) of Code Section 43-50-45.
(b) No veterinary assistant shall make a diagnosis or prognosis, prescribe treatment, perform surgery, prescribe medication, perform a nonemergency intubation, induce anesthesia, perform central venous catheterization, or perform arterial catheterization and arterial collection for any animal.

Basically, an assistant doesn’t need schooling because she’s not allowed to do anything. An assistant would be the one cleaning the cages and feeding the animals, a technician would be the one actually “assisting” the vet.

[Beka27]

That’s interesting! Thanks for finding that. I’ve known there’s a difference, but I’ve never really researched it further. So it’s possible that the vet assistant (like New1Bunny said) could very well be getting “on-the-job” training, but they would not be doing much in terms of invasive medical procedures. Sounds similar to the difference between a medical assistant and a registered nurse, although medical assistants go through schooling as well.

[LBJ10]

I worked at a vet’s office right after I graduated from high school. The vet was a real poop to work for, very grumpy and critical. Anyway, I guess I was a “vet assistant”. I was responsible for cleaning out the kennels and cages, feeding the animals (and making sure they got their prescription food if they were on it), laundry, and a lot of times a vet tech would grab me and ask me to hold an animal down while they did something. That was about it. Oh wait, I had to empty out the freezer when the body truck came once a month too. o_O I never went to school for that job, but I did have to attend training sessions that they held at the vet office for new employees.

[new1bunny]

so they passed that in 2006 I guess. I had done decided that I did not want to do that. but around here I know many people that do not follow the laws, they do drugs and all, when a drug test comes up their boss take care of it for them. also there are places here that you can work under the table, get paid to work, and never get caught. so you won’t have any taxes. the state will not even know you are working. I bet someone on here knows this too, and is in their area too.  it all depends on who you know.

[LoveChaCha]

There are places all over the United States, where people are working under the table. Not just your state.

[Deleted User]

So, back to the issue at hand… I agree with the first two people who posted. Do you have two vets and an emergency one and are they exotic vets? Otherwise, they might give your bunny something that could kill it or seriously hurt it. BB told you some great advice for flooring and you should check out the sections of the forum specifically for food and diet as well as habitat ideas and other great to know pieces of information. The House Rabbit Society has a lot of wonderful information over a wide range of things from signs of illness to rabbit behavior. The language of lagomorphs is a good site for rabbit behavior, You should also look at the bunny info tab at the top, I think that it also has a bunny sitter guide which is also handy when in an emergency for you so that if you panic, you have a sheet right there in front of you. I have a bunny binder which is a wonderful way to store all the useful info and sites you find. Rabbit Haven also has a downloadable book based off of HRS’ and has creative ideas for toys you can make, litter box training, grooming, health checkups~ more for the beginner house rabbit owner and also covers more publications.
Some of the books that you could check out from the library are I think Rabbit Health in the 21st Century, How to Live with an Urban rabbit, Why Does my Rabbit… or you can look at binkybunny’s store for ideas. This really is a wonderful site for gaining information on rabbit care. Anyway, do not get branches from fruit bearing trees for chewing and do not use clump litters or pine shavings. Hopefully you are not disuaded from continuing to visit here as there are so many who are knowlegeable.
Although, please do check out exotic vets in your area who are there for both emergency and normal visits and stay away from normal ones, unless you know for a FACT that they have training with rabbits. And I mean you really have to do work there because many will not tell you outright that they have no knowlege there. In my experience while, pet store owners might know about the animals they sell and this one might happen to have a vet degree, I have to say I have never heard of it and if for no other reason, check others for your bun. You never know when paying a little could save your bun from something later on. Always act at first signs of illness because bunnies will hide their pain really well. Also, if you can post something to prove the pet store owner is licensed to treat rabbits, then the majority of these posts might stop cycling. Then you might really get some better answers from people who know more than I do.

[Deleted User]

You could take a picture of the license if that is allowed or you could ask basic info based off of the vet degree info that OneTwoThree posted. If I think of something else, i will let you know.

[Beka27]

I’m sure like with doctors, dentists (and dental hygienists I just found out!) vet and vet tech credentials must either be displayed or available upon request…

[new1bunny]

I do have a vet, but the closest one that is 24hr is in Atlanta.

[Monkeybun]

you don’t necessarily need a 24 hour vet. Just one that is really knowledgeable about rabbits.

[Beka27]

While an emergency vet is ideal, I know sometimes there is not a rabbit savvy E-vet available. I would still try and locate the closest E-vet or 24 hour clinic. Even if they are not rabbit “experts”, they will be able to provide care, fluids, medication, and monitor the bunny until the rabbit vet opens the next day. Or in a pinch, you could call, explain the situation and they could tell you if they believe it’s safe to wait until your vet opens the next day.

[mossling]

when i lived in a small (very small) town in new mexico, the nearest 24 hour vet office was over 4 hours away. when my saint bernard needed emergency surgery at 9pm on a saturday, memorial day weekend, i was able to call my regular vet. she rushed to the office and opened it so she could save my dog. my point is, a good vet is not going to turn away your animal just because it’s after office hours. in small towns without an emergency vet, at least one vet has an “after hours” number you can call. when it’s an emergency, don’t snub your nose at them just because they are not rabbit experts.

[Sarita]

I ditto what Beka and Mossling have said. Emergency vets are meant to help provide any supportive care until you can get to your regular vet and of course if your rabbit is in pain, they can provide pain medication or put them on oxygen, or a number of other things to help keep your rabbit alive until you can see your regular vet the next day.

[new1bunny]

I do agree that there should be a 911 at all times. Even for bunnies. When I see the vet I will get their emergency # for sure. if they do not have one, I will ask them who and where is the best for 24/7. Kinda like when I see my DR.s and have many ?’s, I right them down and take it with me so all is answered.

[Beka27]

That sounds like a really good idea! The vet has to have somewhere they refer for after-hours… get their info and keep it in a safe place. :o)

[new1bunny]

Don’t worry I will.

[Author]

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