Giving advise to a new rabbit owner

So I'm talking to an old school friend of mine who now lives in France. It appears he has got a young giant bunny, so I commented on his photos on facebook saying the bunny looks lovely and if he needs any advise to let me know. The person he got the rabbit from told him to add a little bit of vinegar to his water ( I said he doesn't need to do this), apparently it's too help stop him getting an upset stomach? He also said the man told him to limit his access to water as too much water intake from grass and drinking will upset his stomach. I said he should always have access to fresh water, no idea why the man told him that?
He's also been told to put some kind of oil in the rabbits ears to stop them getting infected? Anyone else heard of that before? I said if his ears are fine I wouldn't put anything in them as that might irritate them?

It's been quite a difficult conversation because his english isn't 100%. I've sent him the RWAF PDF, so hopefully he will have a read and pick up some good information. It's hard as I don't want to bombard him with information over facebook - but I will have to have some restraint! Want to sound friendly and but not really annoying!

I've heard of breeders feeding apple cider vinegar in water before as some sort of cure-all.... But there haven't been any studies done from what I've read, and personally I think it is dangerous, given how bunny guts are so complex that many vets don't understand them! I personally never add anything to water, not even meds, as I think it is important not to potentially discourage them from drinking, as it's important for them to stay hydrated.

Some people use olive oil in their and their pets' ears to soften wax. I've heard of castor oil being used too. But really, if he is healthy and does not have ear problems, then this is unnecessary. And I'd he did get waxy ears then he should see a vet really. I'm not sure if it could cause problems but generally speaking it is best not to put anything in your ears unless necessary.

Might be worth sending him a link to Tamsin's website, the page on diet with the pyramid diagram. This would probably help explain about diet better than you writing it out, as he will have the visual aid. The breeder doesn't sound like he was giving the best advice.

Also, try and get him to join RU! :wave:

Karen's said:

Also, try and get him to join RU! :wave:

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Excellent idea - I could practice my French!

(though in hindsight I'd probably end up saying something like "your rabbit looks like your mother" :shock: :lol

Angie B said:

Excellent idea - I could practice my French!

(though in hindsight I'd probably end up saying something like "your rabbit looks like your mother" :shock: :lol

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Haha how funny!!
Thanks for advise I will send him on that diagram too!