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The end -babies, new housing, group bonding...........

B

BRACKEN

Guest
Firstly, a really big thank you to everyone who has given me advice over the last few months.

Just to recap due to my lack of knowledge and poor advice from the vets, my bunny Daisy had babies before I had chance to get the dad, Benjamin neutered.

She conceived at 4 months and at 5 months had one litter of 2 babies that didn't survive. Despite separating her from Dad within a hour of this litter she had 7 babies 1 month later.

And boy, have the last few months been hard work!! I read so much about hygiene with daily cleaning/disinfecting, how susceptible the babies are to gut infection, not touching them too soon but giving them all enough cuddles when older to socialise them, keeping Dad happy as he was now on his own, neutering him, building the new kennel for them, sexing the babies, finding new homes (a big worry) and finally bonding the ones I kept all back together.

A wonderful experience? but to anyone who thinks having baby bunnies is sweet - I can tell you it's really hard work. I know all the rescue people on here know that!

Anyway, thankfully the last baby bunny went to it's home yesterday. All except one went to people I know so I am happy with thier homes. The lady who I didn't know had just lost a bunny that was 9. She had turned down a previous litter she looked at as the lady said she could take the bunny immediately and it was only 4 weeks old! She came back with her 9 year old son who was beaming. My sister has taken her two to the vet who said they were very healthy babies so I was pleased and both hers are booked in to be neutered/spayed.

Finally yesterday I bonded Daisy, Banjamin, the runt Sooty Little (who I now think may be a girl !- vet will confirm next week) and another girl 'unnamed' at present!

For bonding I was a little nervous but think having read so much on here I was prepared. I had my water bottle as I knew that Daisy would be boss over Dad! I let her do all the natural stuff - humping and circling but the spray worked a treat when she tried to bite him hard. It's a bit like when I clicker train my dogs - timing is important! After a couple of direct hits, when I could see what she was thinking of doing I just had to spray the newspaper and it stopped her. This morning they all seem fine. She is the boss but Benjamin is so laid back and submissive it seems to work great. Fingers crossed it stays this way!

Anyway, here they are this morning. They have found a spot on the cage that they seem to like. On the other side they have a big dog bed and underneath some litter trays. Its lovely just sat in there watching them.

The next task is to fit a run to the front so they can come outside. I have warned my poor husband.................!!

That's my story. Thank again everyone.

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Daisy is the mum - a Himalayan Rex (white with black nose, feet & ears!), Benjamin is the dad - a Blue Rex. (bluey grey coat). They had black rex babies. The larger one is a girl and I kept the runt who has a big character but is half the size!

As you can tell I just love the rex coat. It is like velvet and the babies have this coat too.

All the babies were called Sooty as we couln't tell them apart except for the runt who was Sooty Little and the name has stuck!

We are not sure what to call the girl - we are still thinking!
 
Awwwwwwwwww I love a happy ending. :D
They`re all beautiful bunnies & look very happy together. :D
Well done for all your hardwork.

Su.x
 
I'm so glad there's a happy ending, they are all rather gorgeous, I've never seen a rex in person but they look lovely rabbits.
 
Rex are lovely.

I can't wait till nicer weather though as I think Benjamin is looking a bit 'Porky' and needs to burn up a few calories. I'm sure with a nagging wife now he will get his figure in shape!!
 
Beautiful Rexes :)

Did Mum and Dad Bun come from Louisa? They are very photogenic!!

Look forward to lots more piccies of the Rex Family :)

Janex
 
That is a stunning group of bunnies :love: Love the set up too. Well done on finding all the babies good homes. :D
 
Awwww how gorgeous. I LOVE Benjamin - he is such a beautiful colour!!! Well done. You have done a fantastic job and you have some very lucky bunnies there :thumb:
 
Yes Jane they were from Louisa. She has been very helpful. Initially she correctly advised me to seperate them at 14 weeks hence my early trip to the vet but I took the vets advice from then on. I should have listened to her as she obviously knew more! She came and checked them over, clipped thier claws and showed me how to sex them. Her bunnies are so well cared for and healthy, and so far Daisy and Benjamin have been great, so I am hopeful that the babies will be also.

The bunny 'palace' is a dog kennel that I had made 2 years ago when I got a new puppy (I have border collies) When we moved house I bought it with us and as the new house already had a kennel it was spare. It wasn't cheap but is very substantial- it cost £500 but you can get similar made designs from around £250? Rather than use 'family' money, I took a part time job waitressing a couple of evenings a week (a new experience, hard work but a bit of fun) and saved over £1000 over a winter which paid for the puppy and kennel in the spring. Just look at dog kennels/animal housing adverts near to you and if you give them your own design they can normally make it for you.

It is lovely to sit in there and watch them. Also its nice for my children, who are 4 and 8 to go and sit in and stroke the rabbits. I just need a good run on the front now. Whilst I could talk nicely to my husband and take the funds from our savings I think I will try to earn extra. If it's for a good cause I don't mind extra work and feel less guilty when I spend it!!

Thanks for all the kind comments. I think they are lovely bunnies but I am a bit biased!
 
Amazing little bunnies.

My bunnies have an almost similar story, but fortunately my doe, Nell was not pregnant again.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted the newborns and was convinced that it as mice that had been in the straw.

Aren't bunnies just the biggest learning curve? I'm still trying to get on top of it all.

Well done to you for taking so much care over the rehoming of the little babes

Fiona x
 
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