New House guest…

[Sonn]

 This is long! But important. 

I have a new houseguest yes a rabbit. Now now don’t get in a rush I am not sure if he is staying and Pacey doesn’t even know he is here and won’t until everything is taken care of and I decide if he should meet him or not. 

It was a life or death situation for this little bun according to my aunt and after meeting him I would have to agree. I don’t know much about him other than he is from Florida (my aunt brought him with her back from vacation).

 

Here is what she told me:

She was going to a grocery store when she passed someone giving away baby rabbits in a cardboard box. She stopped and looked at them (she is NOT an animal lover in any sense of the word but she thinks baby rabbits are cute). She noticed this little guy running around the box but he looked “off”. His eyes were matted shut he could barely hop his legs were so matted and his ears were uppy while the rest of the babies were floppy turns out there was a giant mass of hair keeping them that way. 

 

She went into the grocery store for 30 or so minutes to do her shopping when she came back out he was the only one left and she took him. (Note: I did not know any of this while it was happening or after until she called me from her hotel). He is supposedly 10 weeks old(to me he looks a lot smaller than a 10 week old baby) according to the piece of paper the guy gave her (birthdate says December 13th 2010 breed says Fuzzy Holland Lop???) he is super tiny  and by piece of paper I mean a piece of notebook paper with a birthday and breed written on it. 

 

She reported the guy and what he looked like and what his car looked like they told her they would “keep an eye out for him”. 

 

You couldn’t tell there was a rabbit under all the matted hair it was sad looking. But even though he was matted to death he was curious and hyper and cuddly. 

 

Anyway she calls me and tells me all of this from her hotel (at 5:30 am this morning I am not a morning person so I was pretty snippy lol) and then tells me to come get him when she gets home a few hours after the call… Ummmm I don’t know if that is a good idea! And I thought she was maybe exaggerating his condition by a lot since he tends to do that. Boy was I wrong! But she was insistent since she works almost all day and doesn’t have time or resources or knowledge to care for a rabbit. I went into my lecture rant mode about getting something you can’t care for and assuming someone else would just take it but ultimately ended up picking him up a little while after she got home. 

 

He was immediately taken to the vet for an entire battery of tests which we are stll waiting on all of the results. She tried to cut the mats off of his eyes and around his butt (there is a picture before the mats on his eyes were removed below ) but she has never cut mats out of a rabbit she has her groomer do it (she managed to get the one between his ears) but he was out sick so I ended up doing it at home (this is not my first time dematting something) I was still nervous since I know how thin rabbit skin is. I assumed vets knew how to remove matted hair? 

 

He is not allowed anywhere near Pacey he is actually in a separate part of the house  and my house has no air ducts in that part of the house so he is on a separate air flow system and I shower and change clothes each time I have contact with him to ensure a full quarantine.  The only common area he has been in is the living room which has been disinfected from top to bottom (I am really paranoid about Pacey getting sick right now since Walter’s death).

 

He eats and drinks water and eats his hay like normal but he has mushy poo not quite diarrhea just mushy (it looks ike unformed cecals in my opinion) and he has clear discharge from his nose no sneezing or anything (vet says lungs sound clear and it may be from whatever he was housed on since the box had what my aunt thinks were pine shavings she said it smelled like a christmas tree covered in urine).

 

I just spent the last 3 hours to remove all of the matted hair! My 4 foot coffee table went from just a towel to no table no towel all hair! It was quite scary. Now he is a tiny rabbit with giant feet and giant ears. And I don’t think I got ALL of the mats he started stressing so I left him alone. 

He goes back to the vet tomorrow to have his ears and teeth checked and to find out some of the test results.  And he seems to have slightly splayed back legs so I am going to have that checked out as well. He looks like an unhealthy version of my friends new rabbit only darker. Took some before and after pictures (in the next post).

 

So far he is a really goofy and attention hungry rabbit. And is very fond of pooping anywhere possible. He wants to be next to me the entire time I am near. He is VERY afraid of toys if they make any kind of noise so for now he has something that makes soft noises that doesn’t scare him too much. I gave him the last of my apple sticks and a knot nibbler but he doesn’t seem to understand what to do with them. 

I had no idea how expensive this many tests were! 

 

He doesn’t have much at the moment but he has the basics for now and seems content. Focusing on his health before overwhelming him so he will get used to sounds and smells and such. 

 

I am mostly worried about getting attached and the weird poos he is producing (wondering if it is because I have no clue on what he was fed before and he is now on Oxbow Bunny Basics 15/23 and hay???)

 

Uploading pictures now they aren’t very good he was really really scared when the flash went off and mostly of anything new (I wonder how long it has been since he coud really see?)

 

Like I said that was really long… 

[Sonn]

Just re-read that and sorry for the rambling I do that when I am nervous

[jerseygirl]

Oh Sonn, thank goodness for you! Poor little thing… He’s in good hands now. I’m glad in a way that your aunt intervened as I don’t like the chances for this bun otherwise but yeah……glad you set her straight about taking him without intention to look after him. You can’t be having endless animals being dumped on you like that.

he was housed on since the box had what my aunt thinks were pine shavings she said it smelled like a christmas tree covered in urine

Interesting analogy! : P

[Sonn]

I have that problem with dogs people see that I have a lot of dogs and just assume I can take care of theirs and they get thrown into my yard.

I don’t think he would have survived and I don’t think he is the age that is written down he is very small Pacey was a lot bigger than him at 10 weeks or he is a runt or something???

[MimzMum]

He could be a peanut, in which case, he may have a hard time surviving.
Wow…the messy cecals, if that’s what they are, could be anything from clostridia (Fiver is battling this currently) to coccidia. You are right to keep him quarantined. If the legs are splayed it could be a birth defect or outright malnutrition.
Poor little bub! I know it is terrible to have someone lay this burden at your feet with all you’re currently dealing with, but what an angel you are! Bless you!
*ahem* I …don’t see any piccies? ^_^

[Sonn]

Here are when his eyes were matted shut you can’t really tell because he has wild hair (He looks A LOT bigger in the pictures than he actually is)

 

After cutting the mats away from his eyes (he wouldn’t open them for a good 10 minutes after poor guy)

 

When he first opened his eyes (he was so terrified of everything )

 

After brushing for an hour! I realized here that the mats were too deep so I had to hack all his hair off 

Food break got his back done he started freaking so we took a break

 

The tiniest stink eye I have ever gotten lol

 

The aftermath poor poor ugly little bun lol and his giant foot

 

Doing his best guard bun impression

 

 

He actually fell asleep like this and here you can really see the ‘oily’ I was talking about I don’t have a clue what that could be

He doesn’t have a name mainly because I am terrified that I will get attached after giving him a name and he will die (this stems from Walter’s death and is a huge reason I have not went forward with getting a new rabbit it is a normal thing for me once a pet dies it is just a way I grieve I guess).

 

But at the same time I don’t think any pet who may pass away should not have a name.  So I am going to give him a name even if he doesn’t stay. 

So suggestions are welcome me and a few friends have came up with

Figaro

Meeko (my sister suggested this she had a slight Pochahontas obsession her entire childhood lol)

Gilly (pronounced like a fish Gill with a y on the end so like Gill-ee) 

Jynx

Chunk (from the Goonies since when he squirms it reminds a friend of the Truffle Shuffle lol)

Jax (like the toy Jacks because of all the colors they come in)

Nugget (he is the shape of a chicken nugget)

Tater tot (he is the color of a burnt tater tot LOL) 

 

A friend suggested Dawson (as in Pacey and Dawson) but since I don’t know if he will be staying or not I don’t think I will do a ‘pairing’ name. 

 

But yeah that is my new house guest he may of had a crappy start at life but he has plenty of attitude! 

 

 

[jerseygirl]

10 weeks or he is a runt or something???

That crossed my mind. Maybe as a runt he’s taken a bit of roughness from the others. Even been sprayed with pee, that could contribute to the matting I suppose.

[Sonn]

He also does tiny baby flops but flips up as soon as a camera comes near

[jerseygirl]

Just seeing some pics now. He’s harli coloured! Gosh he’s in a state! He’s gonna look fab once his fur grows back out. That looked like a whole lot of work. I’d be tempted to shave the entire coat short if his skin could cope with that. (((vibes))) for this little one!

I vote for Meeko or Jax. I totally get the naming trepidation and worrying about becoming attached as I’m facing that myself. I was going to post…I’m having thoughts about TimTims name and I’m pretty sure it’s tied up with him being a “guest” also rather then being my pet. I wouldn’t fight the whole getting attached thing…it’s going to happen. What I’m trying to stay focussed on now is making a decision when the time comes what will be best for TimTim in the long run despite my attachment to him. You might find yourself in the same situation. Hopefully if you do rehome him, you’ll have the same luck you’ve had with dogs.

Have you checked whether his testes have descended? That might be a way to determine age somewhat. Not the best way but maybe a bit of a clue.

[jerseygirl]

LOL! I only just noticed the dog appearing in a couple pics. That cracked me up.

[Sonn]

Lol yeah my dogs were curious but scared of him (big ole babies afraid of anything smaller than them).

I know I will get attached I get attached very quickly it going to happen but I can delay it possibly maybe not really? lol

He is indeed harli colored he looks almost identical to my friends new rabbit if they were from the same state I would swear they were litter mates or related! This one is a little darker than hers.

That will be my focus as well once he is well enough to do what is best for him whether it be staying here or finding a new home.

I did check but there is nothing that I can see or feel. I only knew he was a boy because that is what the vet told me.

He smells really really bad on his face and shoulders where the oily parts are.

[Elrohwen]

Oh my goodness! Bless you for taking this little guy in and spending so much time on him. He’s adorable and I hope he’s healthy and ok after his fur grows back out.

[MimzMum]

I can’t get all the pix to come in for me, but from the first few I’d say he looks like a “Dust Bunny” to me. What a precious! Lucky you, you’re so far away or I’d have to do a bun-napping!
He may be sitting weirdly like that due to whatever crowded/filthy conditions he’s been living in for God only knows how long. Poor wee thing!

The only explanation I have for the oily stuff is just filth from him being so matted up there…perhaps the skin is overproducing something to compensate for the pulling and tugging that must’ve be irritating him all this time.
Or it’s some foreign substance that’s been dripped on him, stuck in his fur and never cleaned till now. It does sound like some really backasswards person was raising these poor creatures. For all we know, it was in his garage under his car.

[Monkeybun]

He looks like a Meeko to me.

There is a breed called a Fuzzy Lop, not fuzzy holland lop, that guy was a moron. obviously. Poor baby bun. He looks so tiny! Hopefully he is a fighter and pulls through this mess just fine.

[jerseygirl]

Could the oil be from someone trying to dematt the fur even? Castor oil smells really bad.

[Elrohwen]

Hollands actually can be fuzzy though – there’s a recessive gene that pops up occasionally and makes regular hollands fuzzy. Then there’s also a separate fuzzy lop breed. I’m sure the guy still had no idea what he was talking about. Did your aunt notice if the other babies were shorter haired? That might explain why he’s so matted and his siblings weren’t if he was the only fuzzy one.

[Sonn]

I don’t know what the oily stuff is but it smells really really bad. I have been trying to rub it off but that isn’t working too well.

I just asked my aunt and she said there was one other fuzzy baby who only appeared to have minor mats on it’s back area but the rest were short haired.

She said he was the only one who didn’t seem terrified cowering in a corner he was hopping around the box and smelling everything. Though I wonder if it was because he couldn’t see.

He’s small enough to be a dust bunny under my couch lol. Well maybe not now that he has no hair.

[jerseygirl]

Cornstarch might absorb some oil residue but he might require a shampoo unfortunately. Some oily substances can be irritants, even caustic.

[Michelle&Lolli]

Awe poor little guy! I vote for Meeko. Awe I just want to give him cuddles. To think when you finally clipped the hair from his eyes was probably the first time he had been able to see. Stupid people.

[peppypoo]

Aww, he looks like he could be a great adorable little guy. I’m so glad he managed to find you! I vote for Gilly, to me something about the name just correlates with how he looks

[MimzMum]

I’m finally getting the post-snip pix in….sort of (have to keep hitting view image and reload)
…what about Andy? As in Raggedy Andy? ^_^ He is still adorable even without most of his fur.
Boy that’s going to be high maintenance. Good thing you do your own grooming!

[Sonn]

He has an adorable face and my ‘grooming’ didn’t help his body to look any better lol.

I am going to give the cornstarch a try before even attempting to figure out how to bath him or let the vets groomer do it for me.

Aw Raggedy Andy if only I didn’t have a nephew named Andy lol it would be a little awkward.

[MimzMum]

I noticed his skin looks pretty red in some spots. I doubt he’s ever bathed himself, let alone had anyone else do it for him till you came along. Poor little guy. I hope he does well at his appointment. I’ll be haunting the thread waiting for updates.

I can see the conflict with the nephew. ^_^
Instead of Raggedy Andy…maybe just Raggs. (that’s the nickname I gave to my cousin’s Yorkie, Ragtime)
Or Hobo? A hobo is a scruffy critter.

*sigh*….Names are hard… 0_0

[LittlePuffyTail]

Bless your heart for taking him in! I think when he’s all groomed he will be very beautiful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a long haired Harli before!

Reading about the grocery store guy made me really angry. You know the people who brought the babies home had no clue or a set up for them. Sorry, sorry…but arrrgghhh!!!

I think it’s a good idea to keep him quarantined until you are positive he is okay. I’m so glad you’ve taken him in. It might really turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

Out of the suggested names I like Meeko the best. I would name him something like “Lucky” or something synonymous because of his situation: Fortunata or Fortuna (Italien) or Heldig (Norweigian) or “Chance” or “Chancy” since you are giving him a second chance.

[Kate Monster]

Poor bunny! Personally I think that people who abuse or neglect animals should be tied to a tree and fed to wild, ravenous animals. And the people who bought all of the healthy bunnies from that guy, ugh! You just know that most of those poor bunnies will end up in a shelter after the impulse buy cuteness factor wears off. Kate and Spence were also sad, and send virtual bunny cuddles to the poor little guy. Whether you end up keeping him or not, it’s wonderful of you to put so much effort into the poor bunny. I’m quite of fond of the names Meeko and Gilly.

[Sarita]

Is the vet testing for coccidia? He looks very young to me.

[RabbitPam]

Did the cornstarch help? I was going to suggest it.
You’ve done a great job with him in trimming the mattes. Never mind how he looks, which is beautiful now compared to at first.
I think you can safely give him a gently bath in the tub with baby shampoo (unscented). Rinse well, towel and blow dry him and he will feel much better.

The peering doggie eyes cracked me up.

Sonn, you are his angel, and you’re aunt too. How about Rags, for Raggedy Andy?
Also, I think I would firmly request that your aunt foot the entire vet bills. If you keep him, you can take over, but it’s her rescue. You do the work, she pay da bills.

[Molzy]

He is adorable! What a lucky baby to have found you.

I don’t have any suggestions as far as the oil, good luck! I hope that the cornstarch works.

I personally like Tater Tot. Something about him and that name to me.

[Beka27]

He is beautiful and I mean that sincerely. He’s been thru a heck of a time for being so young, but now he can move around, he can see, he’s warm, he’s fed. I am so, so thankful that he has you, at least for now. He couldn’t have fallen into better hands to get him well and cleaned up.

[bunnytowne]

He is so cute     I will sneak off with him     I want one i want him

Once he  gets used to seeing he should be ok.   Wonder how long he was like that. 

[Michelle&Lolli]

Just looking back through again. What about Oliver? Cause his orange reminds me of the cat in Disney’s Oliver and Company. lol

[CarlieL]

I like Oliver… He’s precious, thank you for helping him!! Best wishes to the little guy…I hope everything turns out ok. Either way though, at least he’s getting some love now.

[Bren]

Personally, I would already be in love with the lil guy!  Thank God for the lil bun you are there to help with everything!  Can’t wait for updates

[Sonn]

Back from the vet.

The mushy poo is not poo it is unformed cecals. Vet thinks his diet is too rich so we have made some slight changes so we’ll see if that helps!

I did try the cornstarch it didn’t help a ton but it got some of the oily whatever off so I am going to try it again if that doesn’t help I will bath him (have a feeling that won’t be a fun thing to attempt lol).

Vet is testing for coccidia she is having his fecal exam ran several times to ensure it is a negative result. I can’t remember all of the tests she ran I would have to find my receipt.

RP I like the idea of my aunt paying! Lol think I might just make her cause it ain’t cheap!

I am adding Oliver Rags or Raggy and Heldig to the list!

He was extremely stressed out at the vet I have never seen that much poo come from something that small in my life!

Vet estimates based on a few things to be between 5-7 weeks old I don’t think there is a way to really know how old he is.

[Monkeybun]

aww poor baby. vets are scary! 5-7 weeks… yikes. thats too young to be away from mama you might want to give him a plushie to snuggle with, i’d be so scared if i were him!

[Lintini]

Oh wow he is cute as heck!!!!!!!

You are so awesome Sonn and so is your Aunty!!!

I like Figaro!

[alexa]

Poor little bun! I like the name Chunk though. He just looks like a Chunk to me. A chunk of cute!

I want to see more pictures!

[Sonn]

He has a huge stuffed Tigger (Winnie The Pooh) that sits like a dog he sits against it’s belly between the front feet (it’s adorable) and is the first place he runs if something scares him.

He is scared of odd things like sudden bright light or loud toys. But isn’t afraid of things I have seen most rabbits thump and run from like the vacuum, barking dogs, loud banging???

He puts away the food, hay and water though! When you put it down give it 10 or so minutes and it is gone the hay lasts a little over an hour but that’s it.

I have a similar only smaller setup that I had for Walter when I was litter box training him a smaller cage inside the pen to use as a litter box. But he doesn’t come out of it at all ever except to get water. I think the smallness of it makes him feel safe.

[jerseygirl]

He is scared of odd things like sudden bright light or loud toys. But isn’t afraid of things I have seen most rabbits thump and run from like the vacuum, barking dogs, loud banging???

Huh.
Do the toys flash or have movement? If they do, maybe he reacts to that and not sound. He might have low hearing or even be deaf.

[Monkeybun]

Smudge was like that. She’d just sit all day long in her box when I first brought her home. She still doesn’t like the large open spaces, but is slowly getting more used to hopping around

[Sonn]

Nope no flashing or moving one is just a toy that makes a rattling sound when you shake it. He isn’t afraid of bell toys I have a cloth one with a bell inside he throws across the cage.

[PuddleJumper]

I dont know how I missed this post! OMG hes adorable!!! his new hair do made me squeeee!! hes CUTE! When I see his pictures the name Gizmo jups out at me! Hope hes doing well!

[Sonn]

 I already have a Gizmo 

This is my Gizmo

 

I have the names narrowed down to Oliver, Meeko, Raggs, Chunk and Jax

[peppypoo]

How about Matt for his matted hair? Hehe just kidding, I think that would a pretty bad idea, just silly

Just wondering, does he seem to have any problems with his eyes? If his eyes were matted shut at such a young age, I wonder if it’s possible that he didn’t get to “use” them enough in development and developed deficiencies of some kind.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Aww….he loves his Tigger. That’s so cute. I think I will need a picture of this…

[Sonn]

I will try to get a picture of him and the giant Tigger.

He now has a name… sort of…. Not sure if it will stick or now but for now he will be known as Jax.

His hair has already doubled in length since cutting it. I will attempt to get some pictures while I brush him.

[jerseygirl]

He now has a name… sort of…. Not sure if it will stick or now but for now he will be known as Jax.

woot! my favourite. lol
I like to think it has some symbolism… in life, he took a tumble but then landed in your hands. Like the toy Jacks.
I’ve always known Jacks as Knucklebones. Now there’s a bunny name!

[Sonn]

Lol knucklebones that would be an interesting name.

I like Jax it suits him.

[Author]

Messages