a couple of q’s

[somebunny]

hi guys,

i noticed when i put my head close to hershey’s face i can hear her breathing…and her nose kinda whistles ….does this mean anything?

also, just wondering if anyone has used a harness type thing for their bunnies? i was just thinking it would be nice to let her run around on the grass….but we can’t let her run free as there are too many escape routes in our backyard!

[Beka27]

I think it’s normal to hear a bit of breathing, but whistling, I’m not sure about that… does she have any discharge or does it sound like she’s having difficulty getting air in and out?

My buns don’t go outside, but if they did I would NOT use harnesses. I’ve heard too many horror stories. Bunnies can “spook” and get tangled up in them, getting loose or even breaking a leg or their back. Some bunnies will not budge with the harness on which defeats the purpose. And buns can easily slip out of a harness. Your best bet would be to get an xpen and allow her to have that small area to run around in, untethered. You need to make sure that the space is free from pesticides/fertilizers. Also, don’t leave her unattended, a determined dog or cat could get into an xpen in seconds, not to mention a bird swooping down.

This is one of those things that works for some people but not for others and there will be differing thoughts on the topic.

[bunnytowne]

You are right Beka  I was previously a ok with letting them play on the leash til Cotton panicked in the park that day.  Since hs is high strung I won’t let him down on the ground again.

Ruby though is very calm and doesn’t spook or panic.  So I am more inclined to let her run about some on a harness

Try the harness indoors first.  If your bun a spooky panicky type or very very calm?  I would be very leary if your bun is panicky type.  I have only seen Cotton panic like that about 4 times total in 2 years. Cotton got out of part of his harness when he panicked. So be very careful.  Put is on tight but comfortable for the bun. They can slip out if not tight enuf. For sure.  The xpen sounds better.  Is your yard fenced in?

Dang I forgot your first question   I really hate that when I forget like this.

[bunnytowne]

OH the breathing.  HB used to make a noise when he breathed.  I think it was his way to show pleasure for he never did tooth purrs. Sometimes Ruby makes a noise too.  She rarely tooth purrs so maybe that is also her way to show pleasure.

Isn’t it neat when they inhale then exhale in a really relaxed way like a sigh  like people do. 

[Author]

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