Advice

[toffee]

Hello Veronica.

I have 5 buns and I have MS. We have 3 litter trays and just cleaning them makes me knackered.

However, I firmly believe that having the buns mmakes me feel better. I stopped taking my medication about 4 months ago (my doctor doesn't know yet ) and I feel better now.

My bunnies live inside without a cage so the only cleaning I have to do is litter trays and hoovering.

My parents worry about me too (I'm 22) and keep telling me not to do stuff. I did the Great North Run (walking) last year against their wishes. I was in pain for about a week and lost 2 toenails :? but I had to prove to myself I could do it (good for the self esteem ).

I hope you can find a compromise with your parents. I don't know what your health problem is but I'm sure there are things you and your parents can agree on that can help. At the end of the day, if you're poorly, the stress of losing your buns won't help.

If you need to chat, PM me, I'm only in Bradford.

 

[kayjay]

Hello Veronica.

I have 5 buns and I have MS. We have 3 litter trays and just cleaning them makes me knackered.

However, I firmly believe that having the buns mmakes me feel better. I stopped taking my medication about 4 months ago (my doctor doesn't know yet ) and I feel better now.

My bunnies live inside without a cage so the only cleaning I have to do is litter trays and hoovering.

My parents worry about me too (I'm 22) and keep telling me not to do stuff. I did the Great North Run (walking) last year against their wishes. I was in pain for about a week and lost 2 toenails :? but I had to prove to myself I could do it (good for the self esteem ).

I hope you can find a compromise with your parents. I don't know what your health problem is but I'm sure there are things you and your parents can agree on that can help. At the end of the day, if you're poorly, the stress of losing your buns won't help.

If you need to chat, PM me, I'm only in Bradford.

Just wanted to say to keep doing stuff and ignore your parents! My friend has had MS for about 15 years now and I've watched her condition gradually deteriorate. She now uses a chair full time. However by keeping positive and active (gym daily, swimming, socialising etc) she has kept healthy and happy. We discussed the other day that if she'd been the sort to give up and sit at home she'd be in a far worse state. She loves her life and MS doesn't prevent her doing anything, she just works out a way to do it.

Veronica, I've had a health condition for years now that prevents me working etc and again, I'd say look at the tasks you need to do, and amend them to find an easier way to do them. Maybe you need to lower your standards slightly - you don't need to pull out hutches every time you sweep, your buns won't mind a slight mess and your happiness is important and if buns make you happy, I'd say compromise to find a way to keep them - just don't add any more!!

 

[nicole]

Aww Veronica my heart goes out to you.
If I could come and look after your buns for you I would.
I'm so sorry you are in this position.
I think all the idead Tam has posted are good one's.

 

[Veronica]

Wow Tamsin, you are fab with ideas! I love the bin one...that would make my life sooo much easier....but will have to hunt around for one at a cheaper cost :lol:

Been having a talk with my gran this morning. Of my whole family, she is like me...a huge bunny fan (infact, they are her fav animals!), and has always been the one to help me...for instance when i needed to convince the parents that I NEEEEDED a new hutch or run etc etc :lol:

She completely understands my love for my buns. She knows how much they mean to me. However it was hard to even hear it from her when she too thinks I need to seriously cut down on numbers. I think that's when it really hit home.
I've heard it so much from my parents and brothers etc....but my grans always stood up for me. Even she now is saying the same
As much as I'm gutted, I can honestly see what she is saying. I can't go on like I am. She told me it's all well and good so far, and at the moment...as I am well enough to maintain them and look after them. She says the family is concerned if I was to get worse, who would be there for them?
It's true It's too much work to expect someone else to take over

She said my family isn't expecting, or telling me to give them all up. Just to cut down (easier said than done! ), to a more managable amount for my situation.

I told her how can I pick and choose between them. She said she understands exactly how that is for me...near impossible. It really is an 'open shed' situation, where I can't choose. How can I.

Speaking to my gran has helped. I do understand the situation, and the fact that my family is worried for me, and for the long term welfare of my rabbits. I am going to have to start looking for some homes.

My babies are really top notch bunnies. I know I'm going to sound so bias, but really they are the best
At this moment in time, I don't know who will stay, but I do know those who are to be rehomed will have to go to the very very very best of homes EVER, where they will be treated, spoiled and loved.
I'm starting to get alittle tearful now writing this, so I won't go on too much. I'm lucky to be on a forum surrounded by people who genuinely adore and care for buns. Tamsin, the bit you put in your post about helping me to find brilliant homes....that really did choke me. I felt so alone, but I am genuinely in awe at the kindness and selflessness of you guys, and the help and support you have given me. I don't feel as much on my own as I did.

Speaking to my gran, the buns that will be definately staying so far are Zeubin...being my house bun, and Alfie...my free range frenchie.

I have problems and concerns for instance over my family of dwarf lops. They are a bonded group of 6....very very bonded, sociable and in love.
I have had them since babies. Infact, Juley, George and Ruby were born here and so I've know them since being a few minutes old.

It would break my heart to see them split up. They are all so bonded together, and interact loving with each other. They bring a smile to anyones face who witnesses them.

They are so friendly too...I love to go and sit in their outdoor pen with with them...and immediately they all come running over to me, climbing on me, nudging and wanting nose rubs/cuddles. I have worked with these buns since they were so young. They are the best temperament EVER...so loving. I honestly cannot stress that any more.

I'd love to be able to see them go to home where they are kept together, in a large open shed with attached run, something like that.

This family is my biggest worry. My gorgeous babies

 

[doorkeeper]

I can't believe you move those hutch blocks to sweep behind them! You must be really strong, but the risk of it hurting you must be huge I have two triple hutch blocks from the same company and I had a job even to move one to get Sunshine out when he got stuck behind one. And mine are for guineas and so aren't as tall. I have never swept behind mine (And I know I ought to as the devils get back there all the time now :? I had to leave them room to stop them forcing themselves in and getting stuck. I dread the mess I will find when I do get back there :roll: )

This must be so hard for you The rabbits are probably doing you so much good and the stress of worrying about this must be really bad for you Your mother could compromise about the runs, I am amazed she won't let you leave them out given it is your health that is at risk.

But if you have to let some of them go there are good homes out there. I have been heartened since starting the rescue to find out how many good caring people there are who love rabbits and hate to see them treated badly. I thought I could never let any go but the homes are there, and it hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be. I wish I could take that group for you. They would love living in one of my new enclosures, but I am so crowded that it wouldn't be fair to deny the space to rabbits already here. (And besides you probably wouldn't let me after what I said about not cleaning behind my hutch blocks :wink: ) I'm sure other people will feel as attracted to your group as I am. There is something so special about large groups

 

[honeybunny]

Veronica I'm so sorry it has come to this....please remember that the buns you've adopted from resues will have to go back to the rescue concerned..so Coco and Pee Wee will have to be returned to me if you decide to give up these 2.

here's hoping you find a way round this x

 

[Tamsin]

Hiya,

Here's a cheaper version of thebag holder: http://www.grovelands.com/acatalog/Hozelock_Garden_Products.html

Another idea could you put boards across the legs of the hutch at the bottom? Then the bedding etc. couldn't get underneath so you wouldn't have to shift them to clean.

A brush on a pole would do behind (paint brush if normal brushes are too wide).

Or the hutches could go on wheels, you can get ones with locks so they only move when you want them too

Tam

 

[cazza]

Veronica

im really sorry to hear whats happening and the decisions you have to make.
i think tamsins's ideas of wheels on cages is excellent.

As you know i live not too far from you (friendly) and if you need anything or some help then give me a shout and ill come round when i can.

caz

 

[HS]

Oh gosh Veronica, I really feel for you. I think you are being so brave about this.
Another thing to help you maybe, is to get litter trays that fit the whole of the bottom of the hutch, which will make them easier to clean out. I do this for all the bunnies, and it makes cleaing out much easier, as I just take the tray out and change it. I've found some large trays in Focus (as Tamsin suggested) which fit the hutches perfectly.
Sending huge hugs.

 

[honeybunny]

just to add to Helen's comment..you can get disposable litter trays..might help

 

[Bonniebunny]

Dear Veronica

I've been reading about your issues and wanted to say I really hope you find a way to maintain your health and keep your beloved bunnies. They obviously mean so much to you and as Tamsin says interaction with animals is good for physical and mental health.

You are so dedicated and work so hard by lifting hutches etc, I hope you find a way that works for you so that you can keep going with this. I work in the healthcare profession and I know families and friends mean well with their ideas and suggestions and it is because they are worried about their loved ones, but it is helpful to continue with something that you find rewarding although you may need some modifications to how you organise things.

I really feel for you and hope you find some solutions for you to carry on with your dedication and love for your bunnies.
Good luck and keep positive.

Sending you lots of good vibes and hugs.

Bonniebunny
x

 

[Veronica]

Once again, thank you so much for your support and kind words...and especially your fab ideas!
I am carefully thinking over things (whys in which I can continue to keep my babies....but lessen the work load for me...keeping everyone happy that way ).
I'm looking into the idea of hiring someone to come and help me with the cleaning. That for a start would be a huuuuuuuge weight off me.
Not really sure how to go about it tbh though...or how much to pay?! Never thought of it before! lol

The bin idea is fab...I'll be looking into that definately.


Ideally, if I could get the buns out of the hutches for, say a week....it would give me chance to adjust the hutches to fit lino bottoms (wipe clean), litter trays made to fit etc.

There's places that will happily take my bonded pairs for boarding no probs....does any one know of any where that can take a bonded group of 6? :lol:
I've phoned most boarders (who don't have facilities for 6 :? )....and even phoned catteries and kennels...but they don't take buns.

So anyone with a spare shed in the west yorkshire area?! :lol: (worth a shot)

I'm going to be bonding Coco and Zeubin (as originally planned) this week....so she can come inside and be house bun with him

I'm going to have to rehome a couple of my 'foster' piggies. I was meant to rehome them a while ago..but became two attached! :roll: :lol: These are girls...and gorgeous, so if any one is interested in piggies, then please let me know. I will construct a proper thread for them later tonight when I get home from work.

 

[bunnymadhouse]

Hi Veronica ,
im in south yorkshire, not west yorks unfortunatly , but i could house your group of buns for 4 or 5 days if that would help . i have a new covered run (look at my thread on stories and photos for a pic )they could go in there . Unfortunatly i wouldnt be able to help right away as i have some boarders coming .
if you would like me help just pm me .

Angie

 

[Veronica]

Hi Veronica ,
im in south yorkshire, not west yorks unfortunatly , but i could house your group of buns for 4 or 5 days if that would help . i have a new covered run (look at my thread on stories and photos for a pic )they could go in there . Unfortunatly i wouldnt be able to help right away as i have some boarders coming .
if you would like me help just pm me .

Angie

Ooooo wow! Angie, I think I might just take you up on that! Thank you soooo much, you are an angel!!!

PM me you're price, and when you're free and we'll sort something!

This has absolutely MADE my week! This would give me such a good chance to make adjustments to help me keep my babies!!!
I'd owe you sooooo much!!!

 

[honeybunny]

Veronica so glad you're going to be keeping Coco as i know you bonded with her so quickly

I'm sure if you advertise locally you will find an animal mad teenager who will come and help you for very little payment...
here's hoping you find a way to keep your bunnies and keep you in good health xx

 

[Tamsin]

For someone to help - you could also try putting a note in the Rabbit Welfare Association magazine or seeing if there is a hopper group. An ad in the local vets/petshop might catch the right sort of people too. Infact if you're paying then you could try the local rescue as they might have volunteers that would appreciate a couple of hours paid work too and they'll be pre-trainned

Tam

 

[elve]

aww I'm sad to read this Veronica - Keeping 20 piggies and 7 rabbits has half killed me at times, but I couldn't decide who to rehome so it just never got done - and here they all still are :roll: Like you say, they are all little individuals

Tamsin's had some great ideas (as usual!) but what jumps out at me from reading this is your parents need to allow you to leave at least one run out overnight - maybe? If they are so concerned for your health, can you not play that angle and argue for it?

And the other thing that strikes me is you do TOOOO MUCH WORK!!! :shock: :no: Wow I think I really would have died by now if I was as thorough as you are (no chance :roll: )

You alone know if cleanliness is more important to you than keeping all your animals with you - Would you have sleepless nights if there was fluff under the hutches? Would it kill the rabbits to have less tidy surroundings? My 4 girls are in a shed, and it's a case of 3 big litter trays in the corners (they're cage bottoms from 2' guinea cages) and the floor gets swept once or twice a week - the main thing being the litter trays being clean and they are so easy to shovel out using a dustpan and brush 3 times a week. There are more cobwebs than you can imagine in their shed and algae growing up the wall and I have never disinfected or even washed the floor in over a year But they are happy and very much alive as far as I can see

I do struggle with all the sacks and stuff I cart around these days too - but it's easier if you split things up into smaller amounts and do more walking to and fro with smaller bags etc, rather than heavy lifting.

I do hope you manage to keep them all as you'll be so sad to lose them I know

 

[cazza]

Veronica
i have a big hutch outside with an open run which i tend to sit with my bun when they have been out but she is a house rabbit so the hutch is empty at the moment.
if you want to board your buns in it for a bit while you get sorted as its standing empty at the moment, and ill let them out for you each day and feed and clean it etc let me know.
heres a pic of the hutch or if you want to come look let me know.
it now has the new ladder attached to it.

(excuse the pics as they were took in winter) Not sure if it would be big enough as i dont know how big your buns are but it may suffice for a week or so

caz

 

[Veronica]

Veronica so glad you're going to be keeping Coco as i know you bonded with her so quickly

I'm sure if you advertise locally you will find an animal mad teenager who will come and help you for very little payment...
here's hoping you find a way to keep your bunnies and keep you in good health xx

Awww Jill, she's my little girl...I adore her She's such a sweetie, and her confidence is growing sooo much, I couldn't bear to uproot her again when she's feeling so settled. She's gorgeous

 

[Veronica]

For someone to help - you could also try putting a note in the Rabbit Welfare Association magazine or seeing if there is a hopper group. An ad in the local vets/petshop might catch the right sort of people too. Infact if you're paying then you could try the local rescue as they might have volunteers that would appreciate a couple of hours paid work too and they'll be pre-trainned

Tam

Excellent ideas again Tamsin! I'm going to knock up an advert right now to have printed and ready to circulate the vets with on Monday