Boy are we excited!
Small Pet Select was kind enough to send us a box of their delicious timothy hay and we can’t get enough!
They’ve also extended a very special offer to our followers. The first 50 people who place an order with Small Pet Select using the coupon code FRESHERHAY will receive 40% off their first order! We think that’s pretty awesome don’t you?!
To place an order visit Small Pet Select and don’t forget to input the coupon code FRESHERHAY
Have a great week!
Being prey animals, rabbits and other ‘small pets’ such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and hamsters are experts at hiding illness, often until it is too late. This is a natural instinct as in the wild showing weakness would attract the unwanted attention of predators. Although we have now domesticated these animals and they live spoiled and happy in the safety of our homes, they still maintain the trait of hiding their symptoms. For the uneducated or busy pet owner these can easily go unnoticed and for our very delicate rabbit illness can quickly turn fatal before we are even aware something is wrong.
Why Should I Weigh My Rabbit?
One of the first signs of illness in small animals is weight loss. This could indicate anything from a blockage, teeth issues, URI’s, UTI’s and arthritis as well as a number of other potentially serious ailments. When your pet isn’t feeling it’s best they will most likely experience a loss of appetite. If they aren’t eating as much they will undoubtedly begin to lose weight. As many of these animals are highly social and should live in pairs or groups, it can also be difficult to tell just how much your pet is eating by watching them – especially if you are still seeing them head over to the food dish at meal time. Weighing your pet regularly ensures they are feeling well enough to have a healthy appetite.
How Often Should I Weigh My Rabbit?
Weighing your rabbit or other small pet on a weekly basis will give you a good idea of their average weight and notify you quickly of any potential health concerns. Also keep in mind that different activities and meals throughout the day will cause a fluctuation in your pet’s weight. For this reason it is important to weigh your pet around the same time every week so that your reading is as accurate as possible.
What Do I Use To Weigh My Rabbit?
I use a digital shipping scale purchased from Staples to weigh my rabbits. With small animals every gram counts which is why a digital scale is recommended as it will provide you with the most accurate reading. Most digital scales made for humans are unable to accurately calculate the weight of anything under 2.27kgs (5lbs) so unless you have quite a large rabbit, a scale built to measure light weight items is more suitable. Large kitchen scales (as long as it’s digital) will also work.
You will also want a notebook or to create a chart on the computer to log the date and weight of your pet.
How Do I Weigh My Rabbit?
You will have a difficult time getting your pet to hold still when placed on the scale so it is best to put them in something to keep them in place. I’ve found that a small box or basket works great! You will of course need to calculate the weight of the box first so that it isn’t factored in to your pet’s final weight.
Step 1: Put the empty box on the scale.
Step 2: Once it has calculated the weight of the box, hit ‘Tare’. This
will set the scale back at 0 so it is no longer factoring in the weight of the box when you weigh your pet.
Step 3: Place your pet in the box on top of the scale. Wait until your pet is still and the number on the scale stops fluctuating.
Step 4: Record the number, take your pet home and make sure to reward them for their good behaviour with a healthy treat!
How Do I Figure Out My Rabbit’s Average Weight?
Once you have weighed your pet for 5 weeks straight, add up these numbers and divide them by 5. This will give you the average weight for all 5 weeks. Now you have a weight to compare future weigh-ins to.
Example: 2320g + 2332g + 2325g + 2322g +2329g = 11628g \ 5 = 2325.6g
The average weight is 2325.6g
If you are keeping your daily routine and weigh-in time the same and your pet is healthy, then you should see very little fluctuation in your pet’s weight from week to week. Our one guinea pig has stayed the same weight down to the gram for the last two years.
When Should I Be Concerned?
If your pet loses more than 10% of it’s average weight in a week then this is cause for concern.
Similarly a sudden or drastic gain in weight is also cause for concern. Infection can cause your pet to retain fluid and the presence of bladder stones or tumours could add weight in early stages.
Before you begin to panic, examine your pet’s environment and behaviour closely. Have you recently introduced a new member to your family that could be hoarding more food? Are you providing unlimited hay and lots of fresh water? Is your pet getting the exercise and attention that it normally does? Have you changed anything in their living area, weighed at a different time, changed diet around etc. that could provide a cause for the sudden weight loss or gain?
If you are noticing behavioural changes such as your pet hiding more, not coming out to see you, not interested in food, heavy breathing, discharge from the nose, urine dribbles around the cage etc. then it is time to book a vet appointment!
If however the weight loss wasn’t too substantial and you are seeing no other reason to be alarmed, then you can continue to monitor your pet closely and begin weighing daily. Just like with your weekly weigh-ins, be consistent with your routine and the time of day that you are weighing to get the most accurate results. If you continue to notice your pet losing weight consistently over the next couple of days or any other changes in their behaviour, then you need to get your pet to your exotic vet as soon as possible.
When Should I Book A Vet Appointment?
Even if you haven’t noticed any other behavioural changes in your pet, it is always a good idea to book an exam with your rabbit savvy vet at the first sign of weight loss. Vets can book up quickly and you can always cancel the appointment if needed.
If your pet recovers the weight but you notice regular weight fluctuations, book a vet appointment. There could be something going on internally that is not visible to you. It is also a good idea to review previous weigh-ins when you record your pet’s weight as a slow and steady weight loss or gain is also a cause for concern.
If you are noticing any behavioural changes or your pet’s weight continues to drop, book a vet visit as soon as possible!
If you haven’t been to the vet in over a year, this is a good time to book a vet appointment. Your exotic vet is a trained professional who will be able to assess things that you’re not able to at home. This also keeps your rabbit’s chart updated, making it easier for them to diagnose any future health problems or concerns.
Remember, it is best to find an experienced exotic vet before an emergency situation arises. Knowing you have a qualified vet to turn to assures your rabbit will get the best care as quickly as possible. For more tips on finding a rabbit savvy vet click here.
Keeping a weekly log of your small pet’s weight is an essential tool to monitoring your pet’s overall health and well being. By doing so, you are more likely to catch illness in your pet early so that it can be treated effectively. Remember that not all illnesses, especially those that come on suddenly, will be accompanied by weight loss. Knowing your pet and being familiar with their normal behaviour and routine in conjunction with weekly weigh-ins are both important tools in monitoring their health.
What Is This?
If you are a regular to BudgetBunny.ca you may have noticed something different on the right hand side of the blog:
I began BudgetBunny as a way to share my passion of rabbits with others. I myself underestimated how amazingly wonderful, personable and intuitive these creatures were and wanted to share my knowledge of them in hopes that I could educate and promote a better standard of living for these incredible animals.
BudgetBunny has grown from a small blog with budget friendly tips into an entire community of rabbit lovers spanning social networks such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. It is incredible and exciting to see how BB has grown over the years and I couldn’t be more thrilled!
Throughout these social networks I regularly provide free educational videos, informative articles, give you a look in to the daily lives of our pets, as well as do my best to answer any general inquiries my followers may have regarding basic rabbit care.
If you enjoy everything that BudgetBunny has to offer, why not consider making a donation to show your support? All of our supporters will get a personalized e-card from the bunnies and have their name put on our Supporters wall. 10% of all funds received will also be donated so that other pets in need can find the forever, loving homes they deserve too.
Most importantly please know that whether you are able to make a donation or not, all of the content on this website or any of our other public networks will always be available to you for free! There is never any pressure to donate and as always, my main objective is to educate the public on rabbit health and care!
Thank you so much for following! Your support means the world to me!
Four months ago Honey, Mr. Bb and I travelled to the Toronto Humane Society for a bunny date! There were a few handsome males that peaked Honey’s interest while she browsed the online ads but none more-so than an adorable 3 year old Silver Marten Rex named Cupcake. Honey waited (im)patiently while we spoke with one of the Special Species staff about her potential suitors.
When we heard little Cupcake’s story we were immediately in love! Adjacent pens were set up, Honey was placed in one and Cupcake in the other. The session went really well with neither displaying signs of aggression. Honey even flirted a little by flopping against the cage bars and having a bath! So we signed the paperwork and headed home with an extra little fuzzball in tow!
From there we renamed Cupcake to Sebastian and Honey and Sebby began their courtship. For the first few weeks they got used to one another in adjacent pens. Honey was incredibly curious about her new friend and spent a lot of time at the cage bars. Sebastian was getting used to the sights and smells of his new surroundings and didn’t seem too interested in what Honey would do.
Their first official date took place in the tub and it wasn’t long before they had moved on to snuggling and even some grooming! From there they advanced to a small area in the kitchen. It took them a few months to learn to trust one another, but that’s what dating is all about!
Finally a few months after that first meet and greet, the fighting had stopped and the humping was settling down. Floor time no longer needed to be supervised and both seemed overly smitten with each other. It was time for their first sleepover!
I set up a large pen within earshot of our bedroom with lots of space and places for them to hide so each had ample space to get away from the other if needed. Mr. Bb hooked up a security camera so I could check on them throughout the night through an app on my phone. That way I didn’t have to disturb them if it wasn’t needed and could still hear them if any scuffling or fighting happened. I woke the next morning and ran to their pen to catch them snuggling!
The sleepover was a success!
And so a few weeks ago, it finally became official! Honey and Sebastian are now in marital bliss and living together in the Pet Room! We couldn’t be more ecstatic and it warms my heart to see two bunnies who deserve a life of love and happiness doing just that!
Looking to add a small furry companion to your home? Why not two…or even three?! Many small animals like guinea pigs, rats and rabbits are incredibly social and do best when kept in pairs or more of their own kind!
For the month of August, the Toronto Humane Society is offering a promotion in their Special Species department; adopt a bonded pair or trio and pay half the price! That’s right, not only are their adoption fees reasonable to begin with but now you can give a bonded pair or trio the second chance they’ve been waiting for even less!
For a list of the current small animals available click here.
For the latest news on promotional events and adoptables follow THS on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
So what are you waiting for? Contact the Toronto Humane Society today!
The Toronto Humane Society
11 River Street,
Toronto, Ontario, M5A 4C2
Phone: 416.392.2273
Fax: 416.392.9978
Shelter Hours:
Monday to Friday 11am – 6pm (animal viewing until 7pm)
Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm (animal viewing until 6pm)
Submitted By: Chloe
This darling 1 1/2 year old is Dumpling! Dumpling loves playing with her giant jingle ball, cuddling, giving nose rubs and licking her Mama’s nose! She puts up a fuss during nail clipping and sulks when Chloe leaves for work every day! Sounds like your typical Diva! 😉
Thanks Chloe!
For more sweet rabbit photos check us out on Facebook!
Want your rabbit to be Bunday Sunday’s featured Bun? E-mail your pics to info@budgetbunny.ca!
Please read our disclaimer under Submissions before sending us your photos!
Submitted By: Coral
This 6 year old cutie is Honey! Honey rules the house but gives in to back and head rubs. She loves play time where she will run around for hours but is also incredibly sweet and if you give her a treat she will be your best friend. Her favourite game is hide and chase where Coral will look for her, find her and then Honey will proceed to chase her around!
Thanks Coral!
For more sweet rabbit photos check us out on Facebook!
Want your rabbit to be Bunday Sunday’s featured Bun? E-mail your pics to info@budgetbunny.ca!
Please read our disclaimer under Submissions before sending us your photos!
Submitted By: Jade
This adorable 1 1/2 year old mini-lop is Ollie! Ollie loves to run and play! His loves to toss things about and his favourite toy is a toilet paper tube which Jade likes to cut and fold in to different things to keep him entertained. Ollie loves his veggies – especially fresh lettuce and the occasional carrot.
Thanks Jade!
For more sweet rabbit photos check us out on Facebook!
Want your rabbit to be Bunday Sunday’s featured Bun? E-mail your pics to info@budgetbunny.ca!
Please read our disclaimer under Submissions before sending us your photos!
Submitted By: Graciel
This 3 year old Hotot mix is Shalom! Despite his obvious bunnitude, Shalom is a very sweet and mellow boy who loves to give kisses, snuggle and be pet. He also loves to pose for the camera!
Thanks Graciel!
For more sweet rabbit photos check us out on Facebook!
Want your rabbit to be Bunday Sunday’s featured Bun? E-mail your pics to info@budgetbunny.ca!
Please read our disclaimer under Submissions before sending us your photos!
After Rocky’s passing, Honey became a completely different rabbit. She lost her appetite, wasn’t moving much and seemed incredibly lonely and depressed. We set her up in an adjacent pen to Willow and Ollie which perked her up a bit and then attempted to bond all three to form a trio. After weeks of this however, it was clear that Willow did not want any part of it! So we turned to the Toronto Humane Society to find her an appropriate companion and to give a deserving rabbit a second chance at a loving forever home.
After contacting THS, I completed the application form and sent in additional photos of our setups as well as some information on Honey so they had an idea of her personality. We only waited a week or two before being contacted – they had a rabbit they felt met our requirements! We set up a meet and greet and made the trip out with Honey in the hopes of adding to our fur family!
When they told us Cupcakes’ story, we were immediately in love! This sweet 3 year old Silver Marten Dwarf Rex had been surrendered with teeth issues that had developed in to a large abscess under his chin. After having the abscess drained and treated, he was neutered and microchipped. From there he spent a few months in foster care to ensure he had properly healed and his teeth issues hadn’t returned before becoming available for adoption. This little bun was a true fighter and needed a home that could provide a lot of love and care!
While conducting the interview, Honey and Cupcakes were set up in adjacent ex-pens so that we could observe their behaviour. Both exhibited positive signs of interaction – Honey even had a bath and flopped against the cage bars. She was ready for a friend! We signed the paperwork and YIPPEE, Cupcakes was ours!
Cupcakes seemed completely at home from the moment he came through the front door. He excitedly hopped around his pen, chinning and observing his new surroundings. Although we provided many places for him to hide while he adjusted to his new home, we always found him sleeping out in the open. When our dogs or cats approached the pen he would hop up to them, excited to say hello.
Next we had to find a new name for this little dude as Cupcakes just didn’t seem fitting. It was Grandma Bb that actually suggested Sebastian after I sent her a photo of him. Mr. Bb and I both liked the name and thought it suited him. A fresh name for a fresh start.
We have now had Sebastian with us for 1 1/2 months and can’t imagine life without him! He comes when we call him and eagerly greets us every morning by running to the cage door! If you unlock it, he will grip the bottom of the door and pull it open, then run out to meet you! He loves a good snuggle with us and has really helped alleviate Honey’s loneliness. Although Honey and Sebastian are not fully bonded yet, they spend a large portion of their sessions snuggling and grooming one another.
Sebastian loves to explore during floor time and although we have yet to see a binky, there have been some pretty excited hops and tail twitches! He also loves to snuggle with us on the couch while watching tv. He is a cheeky boy who adores his food! He gets so excited for pellet time that I have to be careful not to step on him as he does a dance and circles my legs! He loves his farm fresh hay and veggie time as well!
If you are looking to add a rabbit to your family and live around the GTA, I highly recommend the Toronto Humane Society. The staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable while helping us find the right rabbit. All rabbits are spayed/neutered, microchipped and health checked prior to being adopted out so you know your new companion is healthy! They also offer meet and greets so if you are looking for a bonding partner for a rabbit that is already part of your household, you are more likely to end up with a successful bond – which was something incredibly important to us! It was also incredibly refreshing walking in to a facility that promoted the proper housing and house rabbit welfare I strive to educate others on.
Welcome to your new life Sebastian! We are very excited to have you as our newest member of the Bb Family!
You can see more of Sebastian here.
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