Pets at Home - Rabbit Workshop SAT 8TH MARCH

[alexandrahickey]

Right guys nows your chance to get yor message heard! PAH are holding a rabbit workshop across the company Saturday 8th March. I'm thinking the idea is to encourage the purchase of rabbits but I want to hit the public with as much info as possible before they enter into that 10 year commitment. I have a list of all the local small animal rescues so I'll put that up.I also have a brilliant leaflet from luvabun. I just need as much info a possible.
Eg
1. What's the one thing you wish you'd been told before getting a rabbit?
2. If you could tell Jo public one thing before purchasing a rabbit what would it be?
3. What common myths are there surrounding rabbits which are just that?
Thanks in advance
Alex:D

[Sooz]

1. How long they live for & How expensive/time consuming they are to keep.
2. Rabbits are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs.
3. Rabbits are not a 'low' maintenance alternative to a cat or dog, infact they take up more of my time than my cats do.
Rabbit neutering is not high risk.
Rabbits do not make good childrens pets.

[Lucy]

You summed it up perfectly, may I also add DO NOT BUY RABBITS FOR EASTER!

[MaxiandScottandbuns]

Right guys nows your chance to get yor message heard! PAH are holding a rabbit workshop across the company this Saturday. I'm thinking the idea is to encourage the purchase of rabbits but I want to hit the public with as much info as possible before they enter into that 10 year commitment. I have a list of all the local small animal rescues so I'll put that up.I also have a brilliant leaflet from luvabun. I just need as much info a possible.
Eg
1. What's the one thing you wish you'd been told before getting a rabbit?
2. If you could tell Jo public one thing before purchasing a rabbit what would it be?
3. What common myths are there surrounding rabbits which are just that?
Thanks in advance
Alex:D

Oh how awful, didnt know they were doing this...so obviously geared towards the whole spring/easter thing:(

1- How much time and attention they need and how much stress it can cause. Not that i wouldnt have had rabbits, just i would have been more prepared rather than learning as i went
2-PLEASE research all aspects of rabbit keeping, including spaying and neutering especially
3-Rabbits generally love being picked up, held, cuddled, carried around like a baby by children etc......Obviously a giant myth:roll:

:)

[norrielian]

Other than what has already been said, I would make clear that often rabbits vet bills are more than other animals e.g. cats.

[alexandrahickey]

Yeah I imagine it is in time for Easter. Can I just check before I but up random figures that its 33,000 buns in rescues?

[IzzyTwig]

1. How many poos they do! :lol: Can't really answer that as I've never not had a rabbit. However I wish I wish I knew more about the number of abandoned rabbits as I've been in the dark about that for a long time.

2. Get your rabbit neutered/spayed. So many people seem to dump rabbits after a few months because they've become vicious etc, when simple castration or spaying would solve the problem.

3. Not good childrens pets but make good family pets, not low maintenance, not cheap, not cuddly animals (some can be but the majority aren't), not a good way to teach kids about reproduction, not good "easter gifts".


Rabbits take as much time, care and money as a cat or a dog, not something to be undertaken lightly or on a whim for easter.

[sdf76]

(i)Un-neutered females rabbits (that have not had a litter), have an 80% chance of developing uterine cancer by the age of 5ys, from which they may die. It is therefore sensible to get them spayed before they are 5yrs old and this currently costs about £90.

(ii)A 6ft x2ft x2ft (RSPCA recommended size)hutch plus a 6ft run will cost about £ . State the actual amount it costs in your store. (Encourage them to buy a run as well as a hutch so the rabbbit has more room.)

(iii)Rabbits need to be vaccinated every year against myxomatosis and against VHD(viral heomorrhagic disease)-each vaccination costs about £20-£25. Should they become ill with other ailments, each vet visit is approx £35 plus the cost of any medication.

(iv)Rabbits should live in BONDED pairs.-(I do not have details of bonding but I'm sure others on here can help with advice on that one.)

(V) Make sure your rabbit has a plentiful supply of hay and fresh water daily., in addition to grass(or greens) and the correct amount of dried food.

(vi) Your rabbit hutch should be protected from the elements-ie provide protection against the wind and rain and against strong sunlight) you may be able to say a Hutch hugger costs £... at our store.

(vii)You will need to check that the plants in your garden are not poisonous to rabbits, and to consider how the rabbits will fit in with other pets you have.

(viii) Rabbits need lots of excercise-make sure you have space for them to run and jump but make sure you rabbit-proof your garden boundary so predators do not get in, or your rabbit escapes.

(ix)Rabbits are classified by vets as exotic pets for good reason.
-you need to love them and not mind the cleaning out poo daily etc.(though rabbits are easily litter trained)

(x) Rabbits can live up to 16years so need to be the adults responsibility, not the child's. No primary school child (under 12yrs)should be expected to be the sole carer of their rabbit and even teenagers can soon tire of the responsibility.
(xi) Rabbits are prey animals - they are naturally frightened by being picked up, as in the wild they would only be picked up by a predator like a fox or large bird. Let the rabbit come to you whilst sat on the floor initially to befriend it. When you do need to pick it up, do so gently supporting its bottom to make it feel secure and move slowly.

(xii) Give them the Rabbits United link (written on a piece of paper)so that they can ask questions and find out more about rabbit care.

(xiii) Think about who you would get to mind your rabbit when you go away for a weekend or go on holiday for 2weeks. Would a friend do it? or would you need to pay the cost of a petsitter or boarding?

Well done for this Alex- I will go into P@H on Sat to have a look._Sue :wave:

[CrazyBun]

The things I REALLY wish I knew before getting rabbits is:

1) Just because they get on as babies doesn't mean they will as adults (so DON'T get that cute pair of baby girls sitting in the pen)
2) A rabbit fight is horrible - fur and teeth and claws everywhere; just because they look cute doesn't mean they can't kill each other and give you a nasty bite (so DO make sure that your rabbits will get on before you commit yourself to them)
2) If you get young rabbits, getting them neutered before they hit puberty means they are more likely to get on as adults.
3) Unless you are a rabbit expert, don't even CONSIDER getting anything other than a neutered boy and a neutered girl to live together.

Extra things that I would like everybody to know:

4) A hutch is suitable as a shelter ONLY - for living in they need something bigger. I would like to show prospective rabbit-buyers examples of sheds converted for rabbits, sheds with runs attached, hutches with runs attached, etc.
5) Rabbits need permanent access to grass or hay.
6) I would show pictures of people having a good time interacting with their rabbits so that people can see what it is possible to get out of their rabbit, and hopefully realise that a rabbit is more than a stuffed toy in a box.

[Sooz]

Yeah I imagine it is in time for Easter but hopefully I'll put them off! I'm gonna display the make mine a chocolate poster too. Here's hopin no one from head office comes down! I'm the one who orders in the animals and I told my manager straight when she told me to check school holiday dates that after what Ive read on here I am NOT upping our order for Easter. Can I just check before I but up random figures that its 33,000 buns in rescues?

THATS THE MOST UP TO DATE FIGURE. IN REALITY ITS PROBABLY MUCH HIGHER THOUGH, THERE ARE MANY WHO GO 'UNACCOUNTED FOR' IN VARIOUS WAYS :(

SORRY FOR CAPS :oops:

[Leanne]

1. How long they live for & How expensive/time consuming they are to keep.
2. Rabbits are sociable animals and should be kept in pairs.
3. Rabbits are not a 'low' maintenance alternative to a cat or dog, infact they take up more of my time than my cats do.
Rabbit neutering is not high risk.
Rabbits do not make good childrens pets.

I agree with all what Sooz has said!

Also, rabbits are not a better purchase for Easter just because they don't rot your kids teeth!

Its really cool that you are doing this at your store, wish all stores had people like you working there!

[Leanne]

Other than what has already been said, I would make clear that often rabbits vet bills are more than other animals e.g. cats.

Thats an excellent point too!

[Isabel]

re house rabbits....

If you don't want them to eat something they will
They WILL fid even the best hidden wires so hide them better or get rid of them!
Wallpaper tastes nice.

[Denny]

1. What's the one thing you wish you'd been told before getting a rabbit?

The amount of illness's they can aquire resulting in high vet bills and how you need to recognise that they are ill and when they need to see a vet.

2. If you could tell Jo public one thing before purchasing a rabbit what would it be?

Rabbits are alot more hard work than cats or dogs in way of time consuming, cleaning out, too'ing and throwing from the vets.

3. What common myths are there surrounding rabbits which are just that?


Myth - cheap pets
Fact - far from cheap in vet bills etc

Myth - Easy pets
Fact - Far from being easy, I would love to know what is easy about them to be honest:lol::lol:

Myth - Ideal childs pet
Fact - far from it again, would love to know why they are portrayed as childrens pets just because they are fluffy:roll:

Myth - Cuddly animals that you can pick up
Fact - Very few are cuddly as they will not let you pick them up, many rabbits do not like being picked up, you lucky if you do get a cuddly bun without being scratched to ribbons or chunks of flesh ripped from your body:lol::lol:

That said, if you have the time, money and space they can bring alot of joy to an owner :D:lol:

[Olibobs]

My only one regret is resueing two unneutered males. If I had my chance again I would get an already bonded pair. Saying that, I have plans in place to rescue two girls, if the boys don't bond.

My other surprise was how much I was going to fall in love with them - yes, they are hard work and time consuming but now a bunny lover always a bunny lover!

My 6 year old loves them and cares for them, but for them to be properly looked after I have to dedicate alot of my time too (which I don't mind doing, but other parents might!).

Agree 100% with everyone else!

[bunnyhuggger]

Do P@H carry the RWAF leaflets? They are available to buy and a huge store like that can surely afford to buy and display them if they want to appear concerned about rabbit welfare.

There's lots of leaflet information for downloading on the RWAF website, and a new one 'You and Your Bunny' aimed specifically at children aged approximately between 7 and 11 years, along with the new Jaffa magazine for kids :)

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/resources/content/leaflet_pdfs/you_and_your_bun_aug_05.pdf

Have a looky :D

[bunnyhuggger]

too'ing and throwing from the vets.



Den, I've not come close to being thrown out of a vet surgery, does this mean you have? Mwahahaha! :lol: :p

[rspcarabbits]

Yeah I imagine it is in time for Easter but hopefully I'll put them off! I'm gonna display the make mine a chocolate poster too. Here's hopin no one from head office comes down! I'm the one who orders in the animals and I told my manager straight when she told me to check school holiday dates that after what Ive read on here I am NOT upping our order for Easter. Can I just check before I but up random figures that its 33,000 buns in rescues?

Just follow all the points people have put up, can't think of much else without repeating.

Also just curious, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to .....but, do p@h know you are on here? and do they appreciate what you are doing and for the best of reasons.This Easter thing seems to put you slightly out of step with their plans and promotions. Can I just quickly say I am all for what you are doing and I wholeheartedly support it. I am just concerned about you.:)

[Denny]

too'ing and throwing from the vets.

Den, I've not come close to being thrown out of a vet surgery, does this mean you have? Mwahahaha! :lol: :p

roflololol:lol::lol::lol: brain not engaged today:lol::lol::lol: note been thrown out of the vets as yet but they would find it hard to chuck me out with my two in tow, I drag them in as it is as they are heavy:lol::lol: just got a new carrier with a shoulder strap as well as a handle so I will be frowing my old carrier away;):lol::lol::lol:

Can I just quickly say I am all for what you are doing and I wholeheartedly support it. I am just concerned about you.

I second that;):?

[Kay]

1. What's the one thing you wish you'd been told before getting a rabbit?

They are ALOT of work and every day, regardless what day it is or how late for work/school you may be they need taking care of first! Our lives evolve around Arthur, our friends think we're mad especially when we've cancelled going out because Arthur looked a little off colour.
Cleaning rabbits out isn't for the faint hearted. When they mature and your faced with that litter tray with the ammonia wee smells and the layer of poo, it takes dedication to keep them tip top. Also the fact that unless you clean them out on a very regular basis you are likely to be harbouring a maggot factory.

2. If you could tell Jo public one thing before purchasing a rabbit what would it be? They don't make good children's pets. Children love to cuddle and hold animals and rabbits hate that. Rabbits do things on their terms and if you don't abide by that you are going to end up with a very unhappy and aggressive rabbit.


3. What common myths are there surrounding rabbits which are just that? They are cheap! Their not, we have had Arthur since Nov and he has cost £580! Thats 19 weeks worth of food, bedding, insurance, cleaning products for the litter tray, the hutch (ok a one off), neuturing (again one off), injections, toys, hay etc. Even without the one offs it is about £10-£15 a week done properly and thats for one. When we get him a partner it will double.


Having had rabbits as an adult there is no way I would get one for my son.

xx Good luck at the weekend.

[IzzyTwig]

Is this workshop for staff or for customers?

[luvabun]

The very best of luck for your workshop Alex :D . p.s. you could let your employers know that this could be a huge marketing ploy for them i.e. they are the ones that are responsible sellers as they give out full and correct information about rabbit ownership and do not sell to customers on a whim e.g. at Easter or to young children etc.

[alexandrahickey]

I am just concerned about you.:)
Thanks for your concern but I feel what I'm doing isn't going against PAH. At the end of the day its a rabbit workshop and its designed to educate the public about rabbits. That is what I am doing. I will not stop anyone from bying a rabbit if this is what they wish so long as they provide the right size hutch etc. This is what I would do any other day of the week so I will not be doing anything different. I am sure that with PAHs interest lying with animal welfare and also more recently rescues they can't fault what I am doing. I do not believe I am doing anything to jeopardise my job or at least I hope I'm not!:shock: I am told that HO read this forum so Im sure that if they had any issues with what I'm doing they'd let me know! I'd love to take all the praise but its not just my store holding the workshops it should be a nationwide thing on saturday 8th March. :oops:

[RusselRocky]

Buy as many books as possible. Become a member of a rabbit forum. Really do our research. Like REALLY do it.

[Jayms_fallen_angel]

1. What's the one thing you wish you'd been told before getting a rabbit?
One thing?
I wish I'd been told about vaccinations. I'm sure if I had it would have saved my first bunnies life.

2. If you could tell Jo public one thing before purchasing a rabbit what would it be?
Rabbits are social animals who can give a lot of love to the right owner, but to other people these are the wrong pet.

3. What common myths are there surrounding rabbits which are just that?
Rabbits are cheap pets with minimal hassle.
Rabbits make good pets for children and love being picked up.
Rabbits can live in tiny hutches with only occassional excercise.
Rabbits don't enjoy toys.

[jrn1310]

I am told that HO read this forum so Im sure that if they had any issues with what I'm doing they'd let me know!

From my own personal experience I can confirm that HO do read this forum and will let people know if they are not happy with what is raised :roll:

[alexandrahickey]

Ah well they can hardly have a go Ive only asked for advice for the workshop and Ive defended the store to the hilt on the adoption front so I dont think I have anything to be worried about!

[alexandrahickey]

Is this workshop for staff or for customers?

Its for customers. My favourite bunch of people in the whole world who dont give me any stress at all:lol:

[wiggie]

The things I would have loved to know before getting our first rabbit are
1. How many pellets to feed them. I didn't realise just how few they need and over fed him as a result.
2. That most pet shop hutches are too small and what the recommended dimentions are
4. How easy it is to litter train! If i'd known I would have done it a lot earlier!
5. That rabbits are happier in pairs - I feel guilty about the years we have kept single rabbits :roll: Soon to be rectified!;)
AND Don't forget the basics:-
A rabbit we rescued last year has had teeth problems as the original owners never gave him hay - they didn't know rabbits ate hay:shock:

[alexandrahickey]

The things I would have loved to know before getting our first rabbit are
1. How many pellets to feed them. I didn't realise just how few they need and over fed him as a result.
2. That most pet shop hutches are too small and what the recommended dimentions are
4. How easy it is to litter train! If i'd known I would have done it a lot earlier!
5. That rabbits are happier in pairs - I feel guilty about the years we have kept single rabbits :roll: Soon to be rectified!;)
AND Don't forget the basics:-
A rabbit we rescued last year has had teeth problems as the original owners never gave him hay - they didn't know rabbits ate hay:shock:

Thankyou:DI think you'll find that most PAH staff (except brand newbies) will inform customers of all the above.
1. We always tell customers that the ratio of nuggets:hay is size of rabbits head:size of rabbits body at least. We explain about the negative effects of overfeeding like bloat and obesity which are hard to rectify once they have go t to that stage. Plus it works out cheaper for them as they dont have to buy nuggets all the time.
2. We have 2 hutches which the RWA have put their name to and recommend so they are the only 2 Ill sell with a rabbit. Preferably with a run.
3.We will point out that some rabbits can be litter trained which makes maintenace that bit easier! Unfortunately our giant bun would rather play with her litter tray than all her toys so tosses it all out defeating the point of her having it! Mind you she still gets cleaned out everyday so its not like it matters!
4. PAH are at the moment discounting a pair of rabbits so people are more inclined to take a pair
And hay is always emphasised as the amount of people that dont know is quite ridiculous!:roll:

[IzzyTwig]

Its for customers. My favourite bunch of people in the whole world who dont give me any stress at all:lol:

I might pop along saturday morning then and see what the craic is. Though my hopes aren't too high for my local store given the state of their rabbits recently and the information they give to people buying rabbits.

The one slightly further away is a million times better for livestock care but a bit far for me to travel on a saturday morning before work.

[karen1980]

How difficult it is to keep them, i.e. they hide their illnesses well due to their nature (prey animal)

[bunnymadhouse]

people should be told that baby buns ...dont stay cute cuddly and fluffy ...when they grow up some are capable of a very nasty bite ...especialy if they are unhappy or mishandled .

[*lily*]

One of the most common myths:- it's fine to keep rabbits and Guinea pigs together.

[rabshan]

I was going to make a seperate post of this but as it,s about P & H i will put it on here:)
We have a new p & H opened a few months ago near me and i went in there today to have a nose round:oops:i was really surpised by what i saw:)good size hutches on sale:)bunnies all looked well and were in seperate runs with hay and bedding:)apart from two babies about 3 months old who were together (litter mates)
I spoke with the check out girls (two) as there was a young giant for sale who i was concerned about:cry:but was reassured that firstly he was priced at a whopping £129 pounds:shock:so that should:roll:deter impulse buying:cry:and whoever bought him would have to sign a contract:)(not sure what the wording on that would be but better than just letting him go)
I mentioned about rescues and if they had any plans to start a rescue scheme which they were interested in and have asked for RWA/RWF leaflets if i can get them and any other helpful leaflets that can be put on display:)
so it was an interesting morning and a surprising one as i had expected to come out fuming:oops:instead i was impressed:oops::)
Well done to you Alex and i hope you have a successful day:D

[Fifibutton]

In at least 4 PAH stores in Scotland I've seen agouti giants for sale all priced at £129. I justw onder who is seriously going to buy them and why there is a sudden surge in sales of the breed. Up here at least the breeds which are "in fashion" Are mini dutchies, nethies, mini lops and medium lops.

[CRBevis]

Went in my local one today and there was about 4 dwarf lops huddled together and 1 sat in the hutch with what looked like a bit of a red ear all over and I thought his eye lids looked a bit red too and laboured breathing! :shock::roll: I told them that they should take that to the vet which is in the store, bloke said they will get the vet to look at it! hmmmmm!

And they have got a sign outside for a Rabbit care session day but didn't have a date!

They trying to sell 2 giants aswell for £129.00

[Maxy123]

What exactly is the workshop about? It is at all the stores, all day tomorrow?

[rabshan]

Just got back from visiting P & H again:shock:the young giant is still there:cry:and the two dutches who are older:cry:plus quite a few youngsters including a lionhead:roll:
I asked how many Giants they sold and was told only about one every two months :cry:had a good look at all the bunnies and checked noses and they all seemed O.K. but the giant looked bored stiff:cry:just wonder why they have to sell giant bunnies at all:evil:surely if someone really wants a large breed they would be better off going to a proper breeder and getting one from them:(

[IzzyTwig]

Just got back from visiting P & H again:shock:the young giant is still there:cry:and the two dutches who are older:cry:plus quite a few youngsters including a lionhead:roll:
I asked how many Giants they sold and was told only about one every two months :cry:had a good look at all the bunnies and checked noses and they all seemed O.K. but the giant looked bored stiff:cry:just wonder why they have to sell giant bunnies at all:evil:surely if someone really wants a large breed they would be better off going to a proper breeder and getting one from them:(

Wallace & Gromit: Curse Of The Were-Rabbit I believe has a lot to answer for with regards to the surge in demand for giant rabbits.

[Claire&Phil]

I used to visit one of the P&H stores in Norwich on a regular basis to check on a young French lop (now called Bonnie) they had on sale. At first she was with, I assume, her brother but he was sold as soon as he arrived. She was on sale for over two months and in the end my partner and I decided to buy her in an attempt to give her a good home. We felt sorry for her having to live in what I consider too a small area and having to cope with bright lights and people legs constantly walking by. At first we had a few behavioural issues with her i.e. lounging at us if we put our hands near her but now she is so calm and relaxed with us and this week we have successfully bounded her with a male friend.
I might just take a visit to that store this Sat to see what advice they had to offer as when we got Bonnie, I felt the advice they gave us was poor. Luckily we had much experience and knowledge of Rabbits to question the advice we were giving.

[IzzyTwig]

Popped in this morning to my local P@H they were just setting up all their bunny stuff. (Truth be told it should be set up like that everyday in my opinion, wouldn't take that much extra work). By the looks of it they'd just had a new delivery of baby bunnies, all very young, so must be at the 8 week stage.
Had a look at what toys their bunnies had been given (I like to see which get used most) and a young lady approached me asking if I had rabbits or was interested in getting a rabbit.
I said I had two houserabbits myself, and a further 5 outdoor bunnies. So she asked if I knew about the necessary vaccinations and neutering. SO I replied that I did know and all my buns were up to date and had their various dangly and non dangly parts removed. She seemed happy that I was fairly knowledgeable and said to ask if I wanted any more advice.
Wish I had done now, but I didn't have much time. But I took a bunch of leaflets. They had their basic P@H rabbit care leaflet, winter care leaflet, vaccinations leaflet and a card aimed at children with all their needs written on.
Plus they had their offer of 2 rabbits for £35 all over the place, but on the offer they said that any pairs of rabbits will need neutering to prevent breeding and fighting.

I was fairly impressed the staff had the innitiative to come up to people and talk to them. But no signs telling people about the rabbit workshop and there were piggies in with the rabbits:roll:

Hopefully it will be more impressive as the day gets on as I went in around 10 so still early retail wise.

[Stephanie Cutler]

Hiya, was that the Aintree one? Ive always felt realy guilty using P@H because its a pet shop but im now realy supportive of the staff there now. They are all trained and seem to knw what they are talking about! I tried to catch one out last week by asking about the Degus'. Degus' can not have fruit because they are glucose intolerant and they become diabetic. Alas the assistant knew all about it! Ive also seen one assistant refuse to sell an animal to a customer so im fairly satisfied. They also do wonderful rehoming.
Im involved with animals in need in Magull, we are in charge of the small animals so if you ever feel like buying any bits and bobs for our sanctuary bunnies there is a charity box by the front entrance :wave:

Love xbunnyhuggersxx

[lovable_lou_uk]

Popped into my local P@H and they didn't seem to actually be doing anything for this rabbit workshop apart from an extra stand full of bunny treats. There we're more bunnies in stock, but they were all looking pretty happy and had plenty of food/hay and water! There were 3 very large agouti lops in the adoption centre, in one cage and i was a little concerned they didn't have any room to move. I'll check in on them next week again!

[rabshan]

I do think that (at last) the message is getting across to this store and that they are making an effort to improve conditions for the buns that they sell:)so credit were it,s due things are improving:)
I am sure this has a LOT TO DO WITH MANY OF YOU WHO HAVE TAKEN THE TIME AND TROUBLE TO complain when you have seen that things were not right in their stores for selling rabbits:)lets hope they continue to keep trying of they must sell animals:cry:

[GemmaH]

I tried to catch one out last week by asking about the Degus'. Degus' can not have fruit because they are glucose intolerant and they become diabetic. Alas the assistant knew all about it!

:lol::lol::lol: Love the idea of you trying to catch them out with sneaky questions!

[IzzyTwig]

Hiya, was that the Aintree one?

No, preston.

Some of the staff seem very knowledgable and others not so. What concerns me most is the piggies in with the buns and the dirty water bottles. They my use probiotic in their water, but so do I and my bottles don't look anything like theirs.

When we got Skid (oct 2006) from there the staff weren't very helpful at all, no advice given. He had chronic pasturella since we got him, which eventually led to having him pts after numerous problems mainly linked with a poor immune system.

I only hope their advice improves and they stop selling pets. First one seems to be happening which is good.

[Gem]

Some of the staff seem very knowledgable and others not so. What concerns me most is the piggies in with the buns and the dirty water bottles. They my use probiotic in their water, but so do I and my bottles don't look anything like theirs.

The probiotic they use contains chloropyll which turns the water that greeny blue colour

[IzzyTwig]

The probiotic they use contains chloropyll which turns the water that greeny blue colour

Yes but there's a difference between blue/green coloured water and algae encrusted bottles. I've asked which probiotic they use, exactly the same stuff as I use.

[losing-the-plot]

I take it you also use the pro c then Izzy twig? It's very good stuff!!

But back to the original subject of the rabbit workshop, I was really looking forward to doing ours, had everything prepared, giant hutch, tiny hutch, baby bunny and a full sized 5 year old bunny to show people "this is what your cute little bundle of fluff will grow into" I had a lady who is connected with the RWA there too to give out leaflets and talk to people, and supply an enormous pile of rabbiting on magazines to flick through. How many people did we talk to? 5 :shock:

I had some of my staff asking customers if they were interested in learning about rabbits, none were interested :?

Makes we wonder why we actually bother :roll::roll:

[luvabun]

Hi Losing-the-plot :wave:
Do you think that Easter coming early i.e. when the weather is bad has affected bunny sales/ interest? I.E. some people aren't so interested in buying animals that they've got to brave the elements to look after. Or did people still buy/reserve bunnies without showing interest in what you were doing?

p.s. please don't get disheartened.... enlightened, caring staff CAN make a difference.

[losing-the-plot]

Hello :wave:

Is easter coming early? When is it? :oops::oops:

I dont think the weather has got a lot to do with it as we only sell indoor bunnies during the winter, and outdoor bunnys during the summer. a couple of People were still interested in buying tho despite the workshop :roll: But I have since been reliably informed that it was the same day as the FA cup final so I wonder if that had something to do with it!! :lol:

We have still got the summer holiday workshops coming up, and we had a group of Beavers in a couple of weeks ago. So perhaps we just picked the wrong weekend! :lol:

[RavinRabbit]

It's Good Friday a week on Friday.

[alexandrahickey]

Ours too was a complete waste of time! I had spent ages researching everything and printed off loads of info on multi coloured sheets and mounted them on black cardboard put on the wall. I had the right size hutch, run, food etc all with info written on stars stuck to the products and I saw 1:shock: person looking at it and that was it! I had ran around like a maniac trying to get counts done and then set it all up only for it to be a complete waste of time! Some people just dont want to know! I got called a d:censored:head by a customer the other day for not allowing her to adopt a rabbit to put in the Brecon. The joys of working with the public hey!:rolleyes:

[rspcarabbits]

Ours too was a complete waste of time! I had spent ages researching everything and printed off loads of info on multi coloured sheets and mounted them on black cardboard put on the wall. I had the right size hutch, run, food etc all with info written on stars stuck to the products and I saw 1:shock: person looking at it and that was it! I had ran around like a maniac trying to get counts done and then set it all up only for it to be a complete waste of time! Some people just dont want to know! I got called a d:censored:head by a customer the other day for not allowing her to adopt a rabbit to put in the Brecon. The joys of working with the public hey!:rolleyes:

I am genuinely sorry for you, you clearly care a great deal and have gone to long lengths to try and educate the public .We have done the same in the past with a strikeingly similar result so we know how it feels.

Sadly for you, an awful lot of people go to a pet shop for a rabbit and do not want to be bombarded with facts and potential future costs . All they want is the animal ,nice and easy with the minimum of expenditure to satisfy what is often a whim from a pestering child.

The owners of pet shops like this, its easy and they mostly do not have to attempt to pick up the peices a few months down the road.

At least we have the good fortune of most people realising that we will only re-home to set standards and so they expect it along with all the correct information. Its somewhat different from a pet shop and I'm affraid you appear to be caught somewhere in the middle .I know of more than a few people who have failed to get one from us have come your way......sorry:(.

[IzzyTwig]

Ours too was a complete waste of time! I had spent ages researching everything and printed off loads of info on multi coloured sheets and mounted them on black cardboard put on the wall. I had the right size hutch, run, food etc all with info written on stars stuck to the products and I saw 1:shock: person looking at it and that was it! I had ran around like a maniac trying to get counts done and then set it all up only for it to be a complete waste of time! Some people just dont want to know! I got called a d:censored:head by a customer the other day for not allowing her to adopt a rabbit to put in the Brecon. The joys of working with the public hey!:rolleyes:

The reason will be P@H did no advertising whatsoever about the workshop. If it wasn't for your post I wouldn't have known anything and I only live round the corner from a P@H. Ah well, hopefully that one person will have been educated.

[chloaster]

The reason will be P@H did no advertising whatsoever about the workshop. If it wasn't for your post I wouldn't have known anything and I only live round the corner from a P@H. Ah well, hopefully that one person will have been educated.

I agree, they could have made it a really productive day but I knew nothing about it either and I went to the local about a week ago :?

[luvabun]

Such a shame but please don't get disheartened.... you need to badger the powers that be that this is a worthwhile cause i.e. positive publicity rather than negative and hope you can do it again.

[alexandrahickey]

Our store advertised it and I shouldve hoped others did too as we were provided with posters to put all around the store and I'm sure one of the giant posters either side of the shop was about rabbit workshop. I think it was the wrong time of year to do it. PAH are assuming that with it being Easter a rabbit workshop may help to boost sales but with Easter being quite early this year in March the bunnies we sell arent allowed to be housed outside so I dont think there's the interest there as the size hutch you have to buy to take a rabbit is way too big to fit in most peoples houses and its either that or you buy a cage for indoors and then the hutch which is a lot of money so I think a lot of people will be holiding back til warmer weather. Hopefully theyll run it again nearer to April/May.

[luvabun]

What would be really impressive is if P@H did free or cheap delivery of decent sized hutches i.e. 6 footers, within a certain radius.

P.s. Alex, I'm interested to know how they deal with the only selling bunnies to indoor homes aspect. If I came in and said I wanted a rabbit, listened to you and said, yes it's going to be an indoor bunny, I've already got housing for it etc. etc. , lying through my teeth because I just want this cute little bunny... how would you know whether I was being truthful or not?

[RavinRabbit]

P.s. Alex, I'm interested to know how they deal with the only selling bunnies to indoor homes aspect. If I came in and said I wanted a rabbit, listened to you and said, yes it's going to be an indoor bunny, I've already got housing for it etc. etc. , lying through my teeth because I just want this cute little bunny... how would you know whether I was being truthful or not?

All P@H stores have a special lasso like Wonder Woman that makes people tell the truth. Have you never seen it? They never use it on themselves though. ;)

[Siona]

Question : Why do P@H only sell indoor rabbits in winter and outdoor in summer? What happens when it rolls around to the next season?
The outdoor rabbits bought in summer will still be outside in winter, and vice versa.
That is unless they assume that the buns won't be alive 6 months down the line. :(
Surely it is better to sell them, but make sure they are equipped to deal with the harshest conditions - they could make it compulsory to buy winter insulation or ice packs?
As it is at the moment they have to rely on the dilligence of owners to change conditions as the weather changes, and lots of people don't do that.

I know lots of people that are under the impression that buns can deal with anything because the wild ones do. People think I wasted my time insulating the hutch and covering it from the rain and wind, and said as much. :shock:

[feeling_the_wrath_already]

Question : Why do P@H only sell indoor rabbits in winter and outdoor in summer? What happens when it rolls around to the next season?
The outdoor rabbits bought in summer will still be outside in winter, and vice versa.

Because the bunnies that are sold in winter have only thus far been indoor rabbits, so won't have developed their thicker winter coat. However, once they are moved outdoors in summer (should the owner choose to) and the seasons/temperatures gradually change back to autumn/winter, they will naturally develop their winter insulation.

[Tamsin]

Yep, there is no such thing as an indoor/outdoor rabbit. It just depends where they have been living previously. You can't suddenly put a rabbit that has been indoors outside in the middle of winter. Even with insulation on the hutch the rabbit still wouldn't have a thick winter coat. South East is relatively mild but that's even more important in colder areas.

Tam

[Siona]

I guess thats true. My house bunny went out every day during the winter though, despite the central heating we had on. His fur was really thick and he never seemed to feel the cold. He's too big for me to consider keeping him in, so let him out when he scratched at the door.
The only time he scratches to come back in is if it starts to rain or if he gets hungry, otherwise I have to chase him like mad to get him in!
I suppose some must just have naturally thicker coats.

My other two stayed out all winter, apart from when severe weather was forecast- and then I brought them in.
The hutch was double insulated, with extra bedding and the whole hutch and run were completely covered with a sheet to keep the wind and rain off.
They still seemed to spend most of their time outside though, I guess it's just them being a pain :lol:

[Lspacehopper]

All P@H stores have a special lasso like Wonder Woman that makes people tell the truth. Have you never seen it? They never use it on themselves though. ;)

It's not nice when people imply that you're a liar.

[Lspacehopper]

What would be really impressive is if P@H did free or cheap delivery of decent sized hutches i.e. 6 footers, within a certain radius.

P.s. Alex, I'm interested to know how they deal with the only selling bunnies to indoor homes aspect. If I came in and said I wanted a rabbit, listened to you and said, yes it's going to be an indoor bunny, I've already got housing for it etc. etc. , lying through my teeth because I just want this cute little bunny... how would you know whether I was being truthful or not?

Well, as they are currently testing the website before going live, you'll be able to order large products online and have them delivered.

I'll answer for Alex regarding people telling the truth. You can't alway know if people are telling the truth or not, but if Alex is anything like us she'll have developed little 'tricks of the trade' to catch people out.

e.g when someone tells me they already have a decent hutch, I ask them to compare the size of it to one of ours. I then proceed to take them to the vicinity of the brecon 48' and stand there but not indicating anything in particular. I'd say maybe 80% of the time people will tell me it's similar in size to the Brecon. I then say it's not big enough for a rabbit. If they say well I'll upgrade when the rabbit is bigger, I refuse and tell them the rabbit has to have adequate housing from the word go.

We had a couple in a few weeks ago wanting 2 rabbits. They told us they got a hutch from ebay and showed us a pic on their phone. It was too small so we refused them. They came back later and told us they'd been out and bought a 6x2x2 hutch (after being told this was a suitable size). I asked where they got it from and they told me the name of a pet shop in the vicinty. I rang them and they confirmed the largest hutch they sold was a 48". I returned to the couple and told them I didn't like being lied to and that they wouldn't get anything from us. We'd already explained to them the importance of adequate sized housing so they really hacked me off.

There are other ways and means of getting to the truth and sometimes the fear factor works.

e.g, What could befall the rabbit if you don't look after it properly.

Unfortunately, nothing is fail proof, but we always try to really suss the people out.

[Lspacehopper]

I guess thats true. My house bunny went out every day during the winter though, despite the central heating we had on. His fur was really thick and he never seemed to feel the cold. He's too big for me to consider keeping him in, so let him out when he scratched at the door.
The only time he scratches to come back in is if it starts to rain or if he gets hungry, otherwise I have to chase him like mad to get him in!
I suppose some must just have naturally thicker coats.

My other two stayed out all winter, apart from when severe weather was forecast- and then I brought them in.
The hutch was double insulated, with extra bedding and the whole hutch and run were completely covered with a sheet to keep the wind and rain off.
They still seemed to spend most of their time outside though, I guess it's just them being a pain :lol:


My dep has two buns called Jack and Snoop and they are hardcore cold weather boys!! Rather than be in their lovely warm hutch, they like to sit out in the wind, rain and snow!! Very healthy they are too :)

[RavinRabbit]

It's not nice when people imply that you're a liar.

Only going from my experiences of "Yes, that's definitely a male rabbit" by 2 members of staff and other instances....

No offence to yourself but several of the staff members in our local P@H look like they're just about awake sometimes. :D

[Lspacehopper]

Only going from my experiences of "Yes, that's definitely a male rabbit" by 2 members of staff and other instances....

No offence to yourself but several of the staff members in our local P@H look like they're just about awake sometimes. :D

Well, I do take offence when it's implied I'm a liar. You can't make a sweeping generalisation like that and not expect to offend people

FYI, the livestock receipts have to have stated on them the sex of the animal purchased. This way there is no way for anyone to try and wriggle out of admitting liability should a mistake be made.

The company has also rolled out a very updated training programme called Harry or Harriet. It is a very good sexing training implement.

[luvabun]

Hi Lspacehopper :wave: Sorry I don't know your name :oops: but thanks for the detailed answer to my question :) . It's really good to see that some employees are really trying to educate Joe Public ... I hope that doesn't come across as condescending, it's not meant to be and I'm sure you feel it's a thankless task at times but hey, at least you can go to bed with a clear conscience.

[RavinRabbit]

Well, I do take offence when it's implied I'm a liar. You can't make a sweeping generalisation like that and not expect to offend people.

Well, I did put smileys at the end of both statements. You should take it as it's intended. I didn't imply you personally were a liar. Chill! There are people on here who hate P@H. I'm not one of them I just think a lot of their staff need a lot of educating.


The company has also rolled out a very updated training programme called Harry or Harriet. It is a very good sexing training implement.

That's good to know. About time they had initiatives put in place like this. I take it it will be nationwide?

[NickieM]

My dep has two buns called Jack and Snoop and they are hardcore cold weather boys!! Rather than be in their lovely warm hutch, they like to sit out in the wind, rain and snow!! Very healthy they are too :)

Yep got two just the same. Never sleep in their nice cosy hay-filled bed, prefer to sit outside, even when it is frosty and -5!! But they have fur coats so thick that when the vet was giving them a check up last week, she could hardly see their skin!

[Lspacehopper]

Well, I did put smileys at the end of both statements. You should take it as it's intended. I didn't imply you personally were a liar. Chill! There are people on here who hate P@H. I'm not one of them I just think a lot of their staff need a lot of educating.



That's good to know. About time they had initiatives put in place like this. I take it it will be nationwide?

A smiley face at the end of an insult doesn't cover all bases I'm afraid.

Yep, the initiative is nationwide.

Regarding the sexing of animals I find it funny that PAH are always mentioned with regards to this. Try working where I do and spend time talking to the people who've been to the naff small shops and ended up with pregnant animals and then have the shop owners laugh and refuse to do anything for them. Or the people whose vet mis-sexed their rabbit. I've seen a post from someone on here today talking about getting two 8 week old rabbits and the persons vet said they were too young to be sexed!

[honeybunny]

Laura, Lspacehopper..could you reply to my pms please:?

[Siona]

My local P@H have only been open a few months, but they know their stuff. They have a specialist member of staff for each animal, and advise well. They also like animals such as large buns to visit so they can see how they are doing. THey recognise me when I go in and ask about Nigel. There is also a scary lady there who deals with stroppy customers, they send her out if someone wants to buy an animal and she cross examines you to make sure you aren't lying! :D

However, the one in Colchester just up the road is not quite up to scratch, the giant bun they have there had a black mesh covering the glass so he's in the dark. He's got no toys and his tank is smaller. I almost bought him to get him out of there, but I know there will just be another one in his place within a few days and I can't buy them all! :(

[Lspacehopper]

Laura, Lspacehopper..could you reply to my pms please:?

Tried to a couple of times and your mail box was full!! I sent the reply to myself so will try again this evening!!

[honeybunny]

Tried to a couple of times and your mail box was full!! I sent the reply to myself so will try again this evening!!
Got it thank you :D

[Lspacehopper]

My local P@H have only been open a few months, but they know their stuff. They have a specialist member of staff for each animal, and advise well. They also like animals such as large buns to visit so they can see how they are doing. THey recognise me when I go in and ask about Nigel. There is also a scary lady there who deals with stroppy customers, they send her out if someone wants to buy an animal and she cross examines you to make sure you aren't lying! :D

However, the one in Colchester just up the road is not quite up to scratch, the giant bun they have there had a black mesh covering the glass so he's in the dark. He's got no toys and his tank is smaller. I almost bought him to get him out of there, but I know there will just be another one in his place within a few days and I can't buy them all! :(

Chuckling to myself about the 'scary lady'. I am the equivalent of that in my store lol. Best way to be ;)

[hardybaby]

great! loving this thread!! i am very new to rabits but have read up sooooooooo much about them already and really getting into it and even after this short time i feel as strongly as you guys about people just getting rabbits and shoving them in a hutch. i want to get a lot out of my rabbits too and it is gunna take time, time that people havnt got. its just so unfair. we have a rabbit staying with us at the moment because someone we know is on holiday and wer looking after it and you can tel they know nothing about rabbits, they treat it good and handle him and let him run around and he is really friendly but.....

they said he was neutered and he clearly isnt- digging, spraying, etc although not aggressive he is very freindly...at the mo!
they said he was litter trained...but there idea of litter trained in having a corner litter tray in the smalll cage full of dusty clay awful cat litter!!! just because its there it doesnt mean he uses it coz he doesnt have a clue
it stinks because they feed it on chocolate loads of carrots and celeery and i dont think its eaten hay in its life and its overweight and has some manky rabbit mix food

it is not the rabbits fault and they think they are being good to him but we need to tell them that they need to change a few things :):oops:

[marvy]

Right guys nows your chance to get yor message heard! PAH are holding a rabbit workshop across the company Saturday 8th March. I'm thinking the idea is to encourage the purchase of rabbits but I want to hit the public with as much info as possible before they enter into that 10 year commitment. I have a list of all the local small animal rescues so I'll put that up.I also have a brilliant leaflet from luvabun. I just need as much info a possible.
Eg
1. What's the one thing you wish you'd been told before getting a rabbit?
2. If you could tell Jo public one thing before purchasing a rabbit what would it be?
3. What common myths are there surrounding rabbits which are just that?
Thanks in advance
Alex:D
The rabbit welfare association and trust work with pets at home - albeit on a basis that many of the members do not agree - I do not agree with rabbits being sold in pet shops, but they have made progress! ( tiny feet make large steps!) They hold information days at pets at home. Rabbiting On is a brilliant magazine for bunny lovers and I realise that many people will not agree that they work with this pet shop ( as bunnies are the most neglected pet! 75 % still live in hutches) It may work in the future.