Bunny-Safe Holidays Holidays can be both happy and stressful times. Here are some tips, compiled by HRS volunteers, to make the festive season safer for house rabbits.
Keep deadly holiday plants away from curious bunnies. Yew, mistletoe and holly berries can be fatal if eaten. Tempting garlands should be kept out of reach and dropped foliage removed immediately.
Bunnies should never be allowed to chew on artificial Christmas trees. A low fence or playpen around it will reduce temptation.
Don't forget to bunny-proof the electrical wiring and extension cords of Christmas tree lights, window candles, and holiday displays. In one instance, an unsupervised house bunny caused a tragic holiday fire. In another, wild bunnies were caught on video chewing the outdoor lighting!
Live Christmas trees can be fun for bunnies if a little thought is put into their purchase. Ask whether your live tree has been painted or treated with flame retardants; bunnies can be poisoned by these chemicals. Many untreated live trees are safe for bunnies and make a terrific Christmas present; the lower branches are great to nibble and play beneath. One caution: the coniferous tree pigments turn the urine a bright orange color; this is safe and won't hurt the bunny. However, you should always be alert for bright red in the urine, which can indicate blood. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Choose bunny-safe Christmas tree decorations. Never, ever, use tinsel on a tree where Bunny has access. The long plastic threads are too tempting and will tangle and obstruct the gut. Keep chewable or glass ornaments out of reach; only hard plastic ornaments can be hung on bunny-level branches. Ours like to push the swinging ornaments with their noses.
Be a Santa Bunny and make a donation to the HRS foster rabbits. They accrue thousands of dollars in medical bills yearly. Caring for them uses hundreds of pounds of food and litter, gallons of laundry detergent, and dozens of rolls of paper towels and color film.
Make a second donation to your local shelter. For many bunnies, the shelter personnel give bunnies the first kindness they've known. Are the cages worn and need replacement? What about clean, unchewed rugs and litterpans? Or a donation of good pellets and litter? The shelter animals deserve a special Christmas, too.
Speaking of presents, you'd better not forget that special Bun. A fresh, unstained litterpan can improve habits. Does that chewed tunnel need replacing? Or that ratty cardboard box? Avoid feeding an excess of food treats: tidbits of raisin, banana or apple are the best and healthiest. Good health is still the best present ever.
Finally, make sure Bunny gets plenty of attention. All the hustle and bustle can make it hard to give Bunny the attention s/he needs. It can also disrupt his or her routine and introduce noisy visitors who don't speak rabbit language. These stresses can lead to destructive behavior. Set aside special time and remember what the holidays are really about: having love and compassion for our fellow companions, human and animal. by Lori White, New Hampshire Chapter of the House Rabbit Society Submitted by: If you have rabbit related questions you would like answered,
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