Hello Bunnies

[BlueMoods]

Hi from BB, Cocoa, Pizza, Tippy, Skittles, MC, Race Track, Tubby, Sylver, Cotton, Cali, Sassy, M&M and, our human that’s doing all the typing.

[Tessie]

Woah, did I count 12 names in there?! Awesome!

12 bunnies or some other furry friends?

I’m sure we’d all love to hear more about you and your family and see some bunny pictures!

[BlueMoods]

Actually there are 13 names and, yes all bunnies. I also have 42 chickens, 1 wolfdog, 1 mutt dog, 1 Nanday Conure and, 1 cat that adopted me and prefers to live in and around the barn. (very timid feral cat that I have yet to pet, but that I feed and, that meows at me when I go out to the barn.)

When the kits I want are ready to go, I’ll be adding two Flemish Giants to my rabbit herd. As you can see, I prefer animals to human company but, I know my limits and how many I have time and space for. No more dogs or cats here, I have enough carnivorous mouths to feed. This is a small farm so, I can grow much of the feed for herbivores and seed/grain eaters.

[Tessie]

Wow, 13! Are they all bonded? Do they live together?

[Deleted User]

Yes ditto Tessie? You are so lucky, sounds like you live a wonderful life. I’ll get in first and say we’d love to see picture’s, lol!
Lovely to meet you too ‘human that’s doing all the typing’, ha ha ha…. Cheers BlueMoods.

Edit/ADD – Bugga! Tessie did beat me and asked for piccy’s first, doh! LOL!

[LongEaredLions]

Lucky you, so much bunny love in your household!
Welcome to BB, can’t wait for pics!

[BunnyLady1989]

Oh wow! Kudos for you with all of those fur babies! Sometimes I have a hard enough time with one

[BlueMoods]

Not all of them are bonded. Some came here as adults so are solo rabbits. Then there is my angel, BB that gets along with everyone. Sassy pretty much hates everyone. Race Track, Cotton and Skittles are all litter mates that have never been separated. MC, Cocoa and Pizaz are a bonded trio of velveteens.

They can be a handful and then some, but I’ve had animals all of my life and, am trained as a vet. tech so we do fine. Well until Sassy goes on a rampage of herding everyone back into their cages again LOL.

[Katscarpena]

Blue moods – so they all have separate cages, etc – but still can play nice for a bit? This is what I am at least hoping for with my two boys!

[BlueMoods]

Yes, they all have separate cages with food, water, litter pan and, sleeping cubby in each cage. They do all tolerate each other when I have them out together. Some will group up, others don’t like being too close to other rabbits but, just stay a few feet away from the ones that will be closer together. Then there is Sassy, she does well most days but, she has her moods and, occasionally will chase everyone back to their cages and take over the whole romp area. Then I have to put her in her cage and close the door so the others get some romp time.

She never hurts anyone, just thumps, chatters and chases them to the cages, then thumps at them if they try to come out. She was an only rabbit that grew up with sheep dogs for companions so, she doesn’t know how to be a rabbit very well but, she is one of my oldest so, she gets some leeway with bad behavior as long as she isn’t hurting anyone.

[BunnyLady1989]

Lol well it sounds like miss Sassy is appropriately named

[RabbitPam]

Hi, Blue Moods,
It sounds like you love animals, especially your rabbits. I just need to ask if you rescue all of these or breed them for sale? Unfortunately, we do not allow intentional breeding on this site as it is a House Rabbit Forum. Most members who have many are rescuing them in some way or fostering. Just would appreciate it if you could clarify it for us a bit more. Thanks.

[BlueMoods]

No they are pets. All private rescues. neighbor kids got tired of Easter pets, Free in paper, etc… 4 were born here because I took in a pregnant doe form one of those free rabbit ads.

I also foster orphaned calves for a rancher up the road, feed the stray cats that are too wild to be pets and, try to get the dumped dogs out here into permanent homes. (Rural area where people tend to dump unwanted pets (mostly dogs.)

I refuse to give or sell the rabbits as kid’s pets too many are a novelty and ignored after the newness wears off and, too many think “Oh just a rabbit.” They don’t give them the care they need. I will give them as pets if I know the home and know the new owners will take proper care of them but, I’m not sending any of my critters off to be ignored and die from lack of care or because they got loose, were released etc…

I have the funds and room to give the animals a good home so, they can stay unless I find another good home that wants one or two of them.

[LongEaredLions]

Wow, good for you! Are they all spayed/neutered?

[RabbitPam]

Thanks for clarifying your situation, and for rescuing them.

I was going to ask if you have, or would consider, any arrangement with a vet to volunteer speutering to prevent your current numbers from getting overwhelming. I don’t know how difficult it would be to achieve an official rescue status, which may bring benefits to help you with all you do for so many animals, but it might be worth looking into. Many vets volunteer to assist rescues, but can’t do that for private owners. Possibly your own local Animal Control department would help you out with it, as you could be considered a no-kill resource that they would appreciate knowing. Just throwing it out there to see if you can get any more help with this good work you’re doing for so many animals.

[BlueMoods]

I won’t even try for official rescue status for the same reasons I won’t sell eggs, milk or the various foods I can at home. DH and I do not want to go through the cost of licensing, accounting for being non profit, inspections, permits etc…

I am a veterinary technician though not working since if I did it would place us in the next income tax bracket and, would cost more in taxes and transportation cost for me to work than I would earn.

As for not getting too many rabbits – simple keep the bucks away from the does that are not spayed. My DH and I do not believe in altering any animal for any reason except that it is medically required. (animal has reproductive cancer for example) We do not clip our conure’s wings, do not pinion the chickens or trim their beaks, or capon the roosters, will not neuter our dog. They are healthy as they were created, there is no reason to alter them. We don’t want babies, then we keep the males and females separated. Much better than subjecting an animal to needless pain and risk of infection, reactions to anesthesia, etc…

If that’s a problem here, I’ll leave. I don’t have a problem if others want to put their animals through neutering, pinioning of birds, clipping dog’s ears and/or tails, etc but, I won’t do it to animals in my care any more than I would do it to a human in my family.

[Megabunny]

Hey, Blue Moods,
Don’t go. You’re doing so much for so many rabbits and have so many good ideas. I was a vet tech in my early years, but have forgotten so much and so much has changed since I did it, especially with rabbits, that I feel like a newbie sometimes.
I know in a perfect world all rabbits might be neutered, but that’s your choice to make and I, for one, am not going to argue your decision. I’m guessing those rabbits of yours are getting a whole lot more love and attention than so many children I could name. Good for you and thank you for opening your heart to so many. I could be very happy staying home and doing what you’re doing. I think you know how blessed you are.
By the way, I want to bottle feed calves, too!!! My husband has a co-worker with a small farm and he has cameras set up in his barn so he can watch them from work any time he wants to. I’m going to go see his litter of pigs when they arrive, and asked my hubby if we could take any that might need bottle feeding. But then I remembered how bad pigs smell and changed my mind! That would definitely be too much for our home. But I almost had him agreeing!!

[LBJ10]

Wow, talk about bunny herds! LOL

Welcome BlueMoods! We love having you here, so please don’t think otherwise. You are right that most people will not agree with you here, but as Megabunny said it is your decision. Just keep in mind that we are a pro-spay and neuter forum so that will be popping up in answers to members’ questions throughout the forum. That will always be our default because most of us here believe it is in the best interest of the animal. This is especially true for females given their extremely high risk of developing uterine cancer. =)

[BlueMoods]

Well there is a trick to bottle calves, two of them actually. One, you need Peto Bismol, most will scour (get bad runs) at least once on you and 1/2 cup pepto 30 mins before feeding for 3 days stops that and keeps the calf alive. Two is getting powdered chlorophyll and adding 1 TBS per quart of milk – that stops the smell and, helps avoid them bloating on you.

Yes, all of my critters are spoiled rotten with affection, I wonder if half of them even know what they are other than funny 4-legged or 2-legged people. Too many animals end up living horrible lives and, I can afford to make the world a nice place for some of them, DH and I enjoy doing it and, would rather spend out money on them than let the grand kids fight over it after we’re gone.

I used to donate to shelters but, there isn’t a no kill one here and none at all for 40 miles. It didn’t take long for people around here to learn I’d take in and try my best to care for any critter they didn’t want or couldn’t care for properly (and I’d go help the critters they have if I could.) Rabbits just happen to be my favorites so, if there is a free one in need of a home, I go get it and see what sort of home it needs. (Not every older rabbit is a pet, some just need a quiet place to be left alone as much as proper care allows.) I don’t have any of those now, but I do have a small rabbit barn for those if I find them. (breeder going out of business for example.) Those just need a place to live out their lives in peace and really would rather not have a human involved at all but, they are domestic animals so, need a human for some things.

[Megabunny]

Um ok I will leave the calves to you!!!

[RabbitPam]

You’re very knowledgeable, BlueMoods, and you’ve already answered some other posts with helpful information, so it’s nice that you’ve joined us here.
We respect your views, and expect the other members to do likewise, though LBJ10 is right that the subject will possibly resurface repeatedly and the basic position for most here is as she stated so well. You are most certainly welcome.

All we really insist upon is a prevailing respectful, polite tone if you disagree with anyone, and even more likely, if anyone disagrees with you we expect the same of them. If you ever find someone is harsh in a comment to you, please just use the alert button to let a Forum Leader know so we may intervene. It’s spelled out in the rules. We have a sweet sandbox filled with bunnies, and we just ask everyone to play nice.

Oh, and we luv, luv, luv pix of the bunnies, so I hope you will be posting some of yours, and your other critters too!

[BlueMoods]

I’ll get pics as soon as I figure out my new camera (Nikon digital) my old one finally quit working so, got a new one yesterday and, this darned thing has a thick book with it. :/ (trade deal, daughter in law got it as a gift, couldn’t figure it out so, traded it to me for the 9 chickens she wanted.) Now I have to figure this thing out, looking on line at the model, it’s about a 600.00 camera so, not really one for the casual picture taker but I’ll get it working properly yet LOL.

[Beka27]

What a great deal on that camera! I’ve heard that new Nikons usually go for AT LEAST 11 chickens!!! (Hahaha! Sorry, couldn’t help myself!!! :o)

Welcome here, again! Thanks for the clarification as to how you came across your “zoo”. Knowing this will help us a lot. We appreciate having different viewpoints on the forum, and people who come from different backgrounds. It sounds like you have so much to offer! I’m glad you’re here!

[LongEaredLions]

Aww I got ripped off! My Nikon cost me a steep 27 chickens!

[Megabunny]

Well, there’s someone advertising to swap 2 angora rabbits for something like goats, ducks or sheeps (yes they said sheeps)

[Deleted User]

That is SO funny! I have 3 dog’s, 2 son’s, a hubby and a naughty bunny – anyone wanna swap? I should get a ‘video’ camera outa this deal??? LOL!

[LongEaredLions]

I will take Henry!

[Deleted User]

Ha ha ha ha LEL! You can take him home with you when you come for your visit! LOL!!!!!!

[BlueMoods]

LOL, you guys are too much. Just don’t scream too much over the new additions I have to go pick up Sunday – two more wolfdogs. I already have one, bought him form a breeder but these two are loosing their home due to their owner having to move so, I’m taking them in. They are high wolf content so, not the same as an average dog, they need a special diet and you can’t just treat them like a dog and expect them to respond appropriately, they are more wild animal than pet but, are great companions if you understand them.

No worries, the wolfdogs have an outdoor kennel and, they don’t come in the house except for baths and, the rabbits are safely in their cages when I need to bathe the wolfdogs. They need lots of room to run, they are very energetic animals and, young ones will put a hyper bunny to shame.

[Deleted User]

WOW! Wolfdogs? They sound beautiful (and interesting – unlike my matlese and shih tsu x’s, LOL!). Seriously, you sound like a SUPER dooper wonderful person! (with a great new camera, he he he…). Good on you BlueMoods. Enjoy your new additions, and as everyone keeps asking…. Pic’s please!!! Lol! Cheers.

[LBJ10]

Do you need a permit for those where you live? I had a teacher in high school with a wolf hybrid. She was 90 something percent wolf I think she said. She could not have the dog within city limits though and she had to have a special wildlife permit.

[Megabunny]

Boy, I hope so. A kid in the neighborhood said that when their old dog goes, they’re going to get a wolfdog. Now, this child likes to tell stories, so I’m hoping this is another, because they don’t keep their dogs home, and I told him if he gets one he’d better keep it home so it doesn’t come and eat my dog. That would scare me.

[Deleted User]

Oh, so a wolfdog is an actual ‘wolf’ dog? Gosh! For some reason I just assumed it was a normal dog with a fancy name? There you go…..

[LBJ10]

AndHenry – Yeah, they just had in the news where I live that this guy was being forced to get rid of his dog because it looked like a wolf. He said it was some rare breed from Europe or Russia or something. Animal control said it was a wolf hybrid. So he had however many days to remove it from the city limits, otherwise they would come take it to be euthanized. I’m still wondering why the guy didn’t just get a DNA test. I mean, if he was telling the truth then a DNA test would prove that.

[Deleted User]

Silly me, I re-read BM’s previous post and she did say they were ‘wolf’ dog’s – like I said, when I read it I must not have taken it in right? I can’t help but wonder if a wolf would be considered like our Dingo’s here? I don’t know anyone personally, but have heard of a few people that have mixed Dingo breeds and the owner’s swear by them. But in the next breath, Dingo’s have a bad reputation in Oz for attacking human’s and when camping everyone is told to be aware of them, don’t feed/encourage them and not be alone when they are around. Gee, hard one. Idiot me – I’d go up and give it a pat, can’t help myself. (Another reason for ME not to go camping!).
Yer!!!! If your right – get the DNA test! Especially if it saves a dog’s life! Wouldn’t you do that for your pet?
Here in my council area, they ask you to declare dangerous dog’s and there is an additional (hefty) fee involved. If your dog causes no harm, I’m guessing all good? But if it causes harm – yes, they will/do get it put down.
My most dangerous dog (and I’m being serious) was my toy poodle! He didn’t stand for any nonsense, and even though he never broke skin, he was the most ferocious dog ever!!!!!
Sorry BM, I’m sure you don’t mind that we have expanded on your forum a little? he he he he…. Cheers!

[LBJ10]

I thought there was a debate about whether dingos were at some point domesticated and then went feral or they were always wild. Wolves are wild animals. Domestic dogs descended from wolves though. So yeah, I don’t know. I know there is a concern about wolf hybrids because they don’t always act like domestic dogs. There are people who swear by them though and the dog my high school teacher had was very nice. She brought her to school and everything. There were never any problems that I know of.

[BlueMoods]

I’ve had dingo/Queensland healer crosses and, the two I had were much more dog like that wild but, I don’t know how much dingo they had in them since they were rescues. The wolfdog I have now is 90%+ wolf so, definitely more wild animal than pet dog. He is a sweet, gentle creature but very wary and cautious of strangers and, slow to get to know someone new. (took him a year to get to allowing my granddaughter that comes to see him every day to pet him.)

A lot of people think wolfdogs are aggressive. They aren’t. If you owned one and, somone broke into your house, the wolfdog would hide and let the intruder take anything they wanted to take as long as they did not try to harm or take you – if they did, all bets are off and, the wolfdog would react to save you. Material things mean nothing to them beyond being something to enjoy if they happen to have it. Pack (living family members) and food are another matter. To them those two things are the difference between life and death and, they will defend their own.

Of course how much wolf and how much dog behavior they exhibit is dependent on how much wolf they actually are. A low content wolfdog is not much different than the husky, Shepperd or, malamute it’s crossed with other than the non stop desire to chew and dig that all of them seem to have and, that you cannot train them out of doing.

A joke among wolfdog owners: Housebroken had a whole new meaning for us and, that has noting to do with potty training our wolfdogs. When you come home and find the sofa cushions, carpet, bathroom wall paper, your comforter and shoes and, 1/2 of the bedroom door in a pile of tiny shreds in the middle of the living room, you know what we mean by housebroken. (the house is broken by the wolfdog.) LOL.

[AnnaW]

You sound like a rescue animal’s dream, good for you!! Nearly all of my pets are rescues too, but I definitely dont have a farm or enough space for any more! Keep doing what you’re doing, its amazing

[jerseygirl]

Belated welcome to you Blue Moods.

Ditto on the pictures. And these wolf dogs sound absolutely fascinating!

I’m glad you elaborated on your rabbits romp time. I’ve wondered if I could ever have mine all in the same space (neutral) for something different.
We had a member active a couple years ago that had similar number of rabbits to you. She could have them together in a pen outdoors for exercise.
BB sounds so funny, rounding up all the others.

[BlueMoods]

I do what I can. In my younger years I was homeless for almost 2 years. I know what it is to be cast to the wind and, I’m a human that is better equipped to survive in this modern world than a pet. Pets can’t do anything to get out of being homeless, they can’t work or even find a local shelter on their own. I can save a handful from having to be homeless and, gain some good companions and a lot of entertainment in the process.

You can even explain to a child that money is short so, the food, house, clothes, etc.. can’t be the best and, they may not like it but, they understand. Animals don’t understand, all they know is they were raised to be dependent on a human to care for them and, when there isn’t one providing the best they can for the animal, the poor thing is just confused, hungry and terrified for it’s life – it can’t feed itself or go to a vet alone and, a pet doesn’t know to avoid predators or humans that mistreat it. They just want a home with a human that won’t harm them and will see to their needs. They are happy with that. I can give them more; toys, treats, room to play, safety to relax or play as they want, everything we all give the pets we care about.

In general I don’t like or trust people so I’m not going to go helping homeless humans, but, I will help homeless pets. They will never steal from you or mistreat you and they aren’t argumentative, they never demand more than you can give, they don’t judge your looks or size or choice of clothing. Heck they don’t even care if you take a bath or not. (not that I look bad or don’t bathe but, the critters wouldn’t care either way.)

[Deleted User]

The wolfdog ‘joke’ was SO funny! Thanks BM! and WOW! Dingo/Queensland healer crosses (I’m from ‘sunny’ Queensland), how did they manage to make their way to your home??? he he he……
Thanks for explaining the ‘wolf’ dog – as I admitted in my previous post I didn’t read your post properly and I did ‘assume’ it was something like a Husky or a malamute (they don’t/can’t bark right? – if so, a friend has one and it’s HUGE!) lol!
Your post (just above), no one could say it any better – good on you! But luckily (for me) I still like and trust most people, especially my BB friends. I hope we can persuade you to change your mind one day. I trust you and your advice. Cheers BM.

[Author]

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