Ella's New Vet

Like any good rabbit, Ella goes in for a physical once a year. This past Saturday marked her first day with a new vet. I cannot begin to tell you how unhappy I am with the service we received. Understandably, I only have her previous vet to compare to, but I am almost thinking the hour drive is worth it.

A list of what the vet did not do that I feel is standard:
Take her temperature
Request a stool sample
Check her teeth
Look at her underside

All the vet did do was a quick run over her body with her hands and weigh her. I made her look at her teeth (she recently chipped one); otherwise she would have blown right past this crucial step.

I will be paying another vet 40 more dollars. I am happy and confident Ella is in good health but I want a vet I trust before Ella gets sick. Cheers to the hunt for the new one.

Sweet Ella

This one of my favorite pictures of Ella, she is so sweet.

Spring flowers and bunnies don't mix?

It is about the time of year when flowers start to push through the earth and show their spring colors. If you are planting or bringing in house plants to a place your rabbit plays it is important to be mindful of what plants are toxic to your hopping pals.

The following lists a few of the more common plants your bunny should not eat. Take a more complete look here.



All Lilies
Chrysanthemum
Crocus
Cherry Trees
Clematis
Daffodil (bulbs)
Daisy
Delphinium
Geranium
Gladiola
Hydrangea
Ivy




There are really quite a few. Those are just some I might have in my home. It really is best to check the list.


This is not to say do not own these plants, just be sure and closely monitor your bunny when they are near the plants. It is best to just keep the buns away from them.

Ella stars as Lorlai Gilmore

For those of you interested in the Gilmore Girls, Ella, Bailey, and Kevin's attempt at you tube fame, this video is for you. Last summer he spent many of his minutes choosing a scene, shooting and editing this video, and of course, posting it. It is pretty cute, I am guessing it is Ella.

Silly Ella playing her games

Ella was downstairs playing with her tube. I simply had to share some of the pictures!

The coolest Yak article

I love the Yak section of the Detroit Free Press. It is a section of the paper written specifically for children and on topics that would interest them. Recently, the topic also interested me.

The Yak, mascot of the section, went to visit the Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary. He helped with all the chores, tended to sick bunnies, played with healthy ones, and toured all the areas of the facility.

It is such a great piece, there is video and it is incredibly adorable. If you need a cute fill I highly suggest you watch and enjoy.

Make sure the Easter Bunny is Chocolate

With Easter just around the corner, parents might think this is the perfect time to introduce a fluffy bunny into their child's life. This is fine if it's made out of polyester, but other than that, bunnies are better off chocolate this time of year.

Yes, rabbits are adorable.

Yes, they fit the theme. (Do you really buy a pet because it matches the holiday?)

What people often don't consider when buying a rabbit:

They live between 7-12 years based on breed and care provided. Children often loose interest in these pets in less than one year.
They require daily interaction, i.e. playtime out of the INDOOR crate, food, water, timothy hay (24/7 access), and fresh leafy greens.
They require toys and other activities that are stimulating.
They require yearly Vet appointments.
Rabbit proofing the space they spend time in is necessary.

Rabbits can be litter trained like cats, and are interested in spending time with you like dogs. If the rabbit is just put it in a crate behind the garage it will not live as long, will not be trusting of the family, and will not be as social when someone does decide to check on them.

Bunnies are a fantastic house pet and I highly encourage anyone interested in one to consider adopting from your local shelter. Please learn what having one of these sweet and loving creatures means, The House Rabbit Handbook is a great place to start. When comfortable with the commitment, start to look for your new friend. But for Easter, when it may be tempting to just jump in for the initial awe factor, go for chocolate.


Image from http://www.chocolatebunny.org/

Your rabbit lives with your dog?

She sure does, and most of the time they make excellent playmates. Ella gets just as excited about "the rope", a big piece of rope with a knot in it, as Bailey. However, they do play with it differently, Ella likes to dig on it, chase after it, and sit on it. Bailey likes to pull it. That's it. Pull.

They both enjoy some leafy greens, and Bailey waits patiently until Ella has had her fill before cleaning up. They both beg for popcorn and run around your feet hopping you'll drop some down. Ella is a bit more aggressive about her love of popcorn and will jump on your lap and try to take it out of your hand as you bring it to your mouth.

Dogs and rabbits can be great friends, and if you are planning to have both here are some tips for socializing them properly.
You should know the breed

Monitor always
Introduce slowly, with dog on leash

Train your dog, encourage gentle behavior

If your rabbit has been harassed, not annoyed by the dog, remember shock can be fatal and CALL THE VET.

Know your rabbit's temperament as well. Ella is very social and is friends with many different family dogs. This may not be the type of company your rabbit wishes to keep. Watch for cues as to your pets needs, and consult your vet for more info on dog/rabbit introductions.

Welcome to 9 to 5 Hoppers

Welcome to 9 to 5 Hoppers! This is a place where you can chat rabbits, learn of Ella's crazy antics as she plots to take out Bailey, get advice on caring for your rabbits, and share cute pictures of bunnies!

Ella took a nap with her dad last weekend. He claims not to like her very much, but just look at the evidence. They spent a good hour together, just napping the day away.

You can clearly see how he despises her

Priceless. Kevin won't be pleased when the world knows how much he enjoys her snuggly company.

If you'd like to see your cute bunny featured on this site, send a picture and a description of your rabbit's personality to postmybunny AT gmail.com