LOOSE MONEY.....RAISE RABBITS

It begins with the free rabbit that your friend offers you. He thought it was a male, and was surprised to find that he now
owns seven rabbits instead of one.

So you get the Rabbit Starter Kit (150.00~).
Then you buy all the rabbit books that the pet store has, along with worth of Rabbit Treats and chew toys. (75.00~)

Then you find out that the books were written in 1950 and are mostly wrong. The Rabbit Treat is too rich for them. The starter kit is full of things like alfalfa and cedar shavings that are bad for rabbits. The bunny ignores the chew toys - what
they really want is paper and cardboard.

You also discover that the cage you bought is inappropriate for rabbits and just about any other small animal. Moved by guilt, you purchase a better cage with a nice pan underneath (+65.00).

You hear that rabbits can be litter-trained, so you buy a litter pan and kitty litter. (10.00~) The clay litter turns out to be not so good, so you replace it with a flushable litter (20.00~).
The paper and cardboard cause intestinal blockage which requires surgery (another 100.00~).

And their nails grow too long and you try to cut them, but the bunny amputates one of your fingers, so you pay a vet to do it (25.00~ for nail clipping; 75.00 for YOUR doctor visit).

You discover that you have one of those rabbits which need their teeth trimmed, too! (15.00~+)
Then he pees all over and humps your foot, so you pay to have him neutered (75.00~).

Then he discovers your computer and chews through the power cable and printer cord (15.00~).
He ruins your antique furniture and chews up the baseboards (~ whole lot).

It turns out it is a she. He starts digging in the wall to wall carpeting, creating a huge hole. He eats the stuff underneath, requiring another trip to the vet for surgery. The landlord finds out and you are forced to leave, forgoing your security deposit ( 300.00 and up!). That's not mentioning the new security deposit and moving costs....

The phone goes dead and you see the last of the cord disappearing into bunny's mouth. He eats the phone book for dessert. You get smart and you rabbit-proof the house ($~100-).

And then he jumps up on your lap and rubs your nose with his. "Awww," you say, "It's all worth it."

HEALTH INFO:

Here's a few of my hints:
In hot weather, freeze unopened soup cans to put into your cages... the rabbits love laying against them. My rabbits also enjoy playing with plastic keys that you buy as baby toys, also plastic golf balls that have the holes in them. The rabbits are able to grab them with their teeth to throw, or use their nose to roll them around. To help ease their feet, place a 12 inch square of plywood into the cage... be sure it's not treated with any chemicals, you can also use pieces of drywall plaster board instead of the wood... Don't worry, it won't hurt them to knaw on it! I've had good luck using Preperation-H on sore feet. This eases the pain and puts a waterproof barrier on the open sore. If dandruff is a problem, in a spray bottle mix 1 part ORIGINAL Listerine mouthwash with 5 parts water. Lightly mist the wool, and skin area and let dry.

Here's some other Hints that I've found during many years of raising rabbits... I've tried some, others I haven't.

This list was made possible by contributions from the Herbal
Rabbit list. Individual acknowledgements are shown.

"Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to
handle them - and pretty soon, you have a dozen." John
Steinbeck

Herbs for Rabbits

Basil
Leaves can be rubbed on insect bites to reduce itching and
inflammation. Leaves can also be taken as a warming and
uplifting tonic for nervous exhaustion or any cold condition.
The juice with an equal quantity of honey can be used for
ringworm and itching skin. An infusion (tea) of Basil combined
with Wood Betony can be given immediately after birthing to
prevent a retained placenta or afterbirth. Cautions- do not use
essential oils externally or internally. Harvest before
flowering. ~ Cheryl

"Comfrey is highly recommended for rabbits. It is a digestive
aid, helps with wool block and is used for many other things. It
is an old remedy which should under no circumstances be
discounted. In extreme doses, comfrey can cause diarrehea.
This is its effects working too hard and if left unnoticed, the
rabbit may dehydrate. When used with common sense,
Comfrey is one of the best herbs we can give the bunnies!"
Rebecca


Dandelion
"Dandelion is an excellent food given fresh in unlimited
quantities. Fermenting or wilted plants can cause bloat.
Dandelions are one of the most nutritious food plants for
rabbits. Being rich in protien and poor in fiber. The digestibility
percentage is high at an estimated 70%. Well known for it's
curative powers. The bitter milky sap stimulates the working of
all glands, including the milk glands of lactating does. The plant
has both laxative and astringent qualities and regulates
constipation and diarrhea.

Dandelion is good for many things in people and can be used
for rabbits with these problems also: preventing osteoporosis
(for the old bunny), bladder infections, lactating, liver problems,
swelling, tonsilitis, warts, and pneumonia.

I feed alot of Dandelion every day, especially to my babies and
they just love it, but you have to be careful because that is all
that they will want and won't eat their pellets. So I limit it to a
few small handfuls a day." Cheryl

Dandelion Made My Bunnies Glow With Health!
"I have been giving my rabbits Dandelion leaves every morning
for the last two weeks. Two (2) leaves to my Dwarfs and four
(4) leaves to my Mini Rex and 6 to 8 leaves to my Flemish.
After two weeks they all seem to glow! They are eating well,
increased drinking, their fur is looking great and recovering
from moult in fine fashion - not lingering in moulting for weeks
and missing the shows. I now have a little "dandie" garden,
because I can't believe the extreme changes with my
concentrated efforts of daily dandelion leaves." Deanna

Lavender
Common Lavender - or - Narrow leaved Lavender - or -
Lavender Spike (Lavendula augustfolia)
"Lavender is not to be used lightly or frivously in breeding
stock. It has a direct effect upon the uterus in helping to expel
the contents, dead or alive, as well as being a diuretic. A late
birthing doe will benefit from a little Lavender in order to
naturally speed the process and it saves using drugs. The
flowers are actually a mild tranquilizer, acting upon the heart in
easing blood pressure rather than acting upon the brain as an
anti-stimulant. In other words, good for a stressed out rabbit.
Lavender Cotton (Abrotonum foemina, Chamaecyparissus) is a
specific medicine for internal worms, and also assists the
kidneys in cleansing and breaking up of stones. It also helps
reduce swellings if applied outwardly, and is generally good
taken internally for the liver, chest and uterus." Judy

-----
Lavender is analgesic or pain-relieving, anticonvulsive,
anitdepressant, anitmicrobial, antirheumatic, antiseptic,
anitspasmodic, antitoxic, gas-relieving, bile-stimulating,
deodorant, diuretic, insect-repelling, relaxing,
circulation-stimulating, tonic and worm-repelling. Effective
against burns & scalds, neutralizes the venom of insect bites &
stings.

Lavender Oil - Inhaled or ingested, it treats respiratory
conditions. Orally, it relieves nausea, prevents flatulence,
alleviates cramping, improves digestion & clears urinary tract
infections. Applied to the skin & coat, it helps repel insects &
treats abscesses, fungal infections, ringworm, lice, scabies,
sores, sunburn, dermatitis, earache, wounds & inflammation.
Reduces anxiety & lifts the spirits.

"I haven't tryed straight Lavendar Oil by mouth or used it that
way on my rabbits. I have used it in apple cider vinegar or
water. I have made Lavendar tea from the flowers to give my
rabbits by mouth and I've sprinkled some of the flowers on top
of their food. One of my books says to add 3 to 5 drops of the
oil on a sugar cube and take twice a day orally. So you may
want to duilte it with carrier oil, water, or apple cider vinegar."
Patty

Marjoram, Sweet (Majorana, Sampiucus, Amaracus)
A diuretic, opens obstructions of the liver and spleen, is good
for colic pains and for disorders of the head (whatever they are)
and settles the nerves. ~ Judy


Marjoram, Wild (Origanum Vulgare)
For "colds"- although rabbits do not actually contract the
headcold as we know it. Useful for coughs, pleurisy and
obstruction of the lungs and uterus (take care here) and is also
calming. This one, crushed and applied direct, will help control
swellings and eruptions and bruises. Apparently the distilled oil
of this will ease toothache. ~ Judy


Mint
Used for colds, eye inflammation, liver stimulant, and used to
relax the muscles of the digestive tract and stimulate bile flow
so are useful for indigestion, flatulence and colic and similar
conditions. Reduces milk flow. Cautions are to avoid prolonged
use, it can irritate the mucous membranes. Do not give any
form of mint to young babies. To be harvested just before
flowering. ~ Cheryl


Plantain (Plantago spp.)
Character: Slightly sweet, salty, and bitter; cool, mainly drying
Leaves: Relaxing expectorant, tonify mucous membranes,
reduce phlegm, antispasmodic, topically healing

"The leaves soothe urinary tract infections and irritations. Good
for gastric inflammations. Juice pressed from fresh leaves is
given orally for inflamed mucous membranes in cystitis,
diarrhea and lung infections. Use the juice for inflamations,
sores, and wounds.

Plantain does not cause digestive problems. The plant regulates
the function of the intestines and is generally good for the
mucous membranes. Useful in the diet of weanlings and can be
harvested year around." Cheryl


Rosemary
Ideal for exhaustion, weakness, and depression. The arial parts
(stems, leaves) invigorate the circulation, stimulate the
digestion, and are good for cold conditions. Harvest fresh
year-round. ~ Cheryl


Sage
Reduces lactation when weaning, digestive stimulant and a
uterine stimulant. This herb should be used with caution and
should be avoided during pregnancy. Sage contains Thujone,
which can trigger fits in epileptics. ~ Cheryl


Thyme
The arial parts (stems, leaves) are ideal for deep-seated chest
infections marked by thick yellow phlegm. They are also a
useful digestive remedy, warming for stomache, chills and
associated diarrhea (irritable bowel). Expels worms. Cautions
are to avoid therapeutic doses of thyme and thyme oil in any
form because the herb is a uterine stimulant. Thyme oil can
irritate the mucous membranes, so dilute well. Harvest before
and during flowering in summer; discard the woody stems. ~
Cheryl


Harvesting Herbs

"I dry mine for all summer use and winter use, just because
they are suppose to be harvested before fruit ripens or
flowering to maintain their medicinal values. It's best to dry
them in a hot area not in direct sun. Store the dried leaves in a
dark area or cupboard. Brown glass jars are recommended.
The less light for storage the better." - Cheryl



Making Herbal Preparations
Information provided by Cheryl

Infusion
Extraction of the medicinal or flavor elements of plants by
soaking in cold or hot water. Used for leaves, stems and
flowers. For internal and external use. I prefer using hot water,
since it works better and faster.

Decoction
Extraction of medicinal constituents by gently simmering the
denser parts of plants for extended periods of time. ie. roots,
barks, seeds, berries, etc. - dried or fresh. To make, add 30g
dried or 60g fresh herb to 750ml of cold water. This reduces to
around 500ml after simmering. Store in a covered container in a
cool place or in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Don't make more
than you need. Internal and external use.

Medicinal or Beverage Tea
Prepared by placing the herbs in a vessel of boiling water
(preferably distilled). Stir, cover and let steep for 10-15
minutes.

Poultices
Fresh or dried herbs mixed with enough liquid to make a thick,
pasty consistency for external application to the skin and
muscular injuries.

Syrups
Syrups are generally made by simmering fresh or dried herbs
down into a concentrate. Honey, glycerin, Sucanat, Nutri-Cane,
maple syrup, rice syrup or other natural sweeteners are added,
then simmered down until the mixture reaches the desired
consistency. Quick syrups can also be made by adding herbal
extracts to the sweetener, with the advantage of not using heat.
This method best preserves the volatile (best) constituents. It
can also be done with a infusion or decoction. Use 500 ml
infusion or decoction and 500 ml honey or unrefined sugar.
Can only be stored for approximately 3 months.



Natural Solutions for Bunny Problems

CONJUNCTIVITIS/WEEPY EYES
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that covers
the eyeball called the conjunctiva. Key symptoms of
conjunctivitis is increased sensitivity to light which will cause
squinting of the rabbits eyes or frequently keeping them closed.
It is also painful with soreness or swelling with discharge that
may be watery or contain pus.

Agrimony (Agrimonia spp.)
Use a weak infusion for conjunctivitis

Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile & Matricaria recutita)
Dissolve 5-10 drops of tincture in warm water, use for
conjunctivitis or strained eyes

Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis)
Make an infusion and wash the eyes and add a few drops into
the eyes after the wash. It is for sore and inflamed eyes so can't
say if it will work as i have never tried it. You could also try to
add some of the infusion into the rabbits water.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Use a cooled and strained infusion for conjunctivits and other
eye problems

Walnut leaves (Juglans spp.)
Use a strained infusion or 5 drops of tincture in 20ml of warm
water for conjunctivitis

Motherwort (Leonurus spp.)
Use a weak decoction for conjunctivitis, sore or tired eyes

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Use 5-10 drops of tincture in 20ml water or a well-strained
infusion for conjunctivitis

"I have tried Echinacea and it has worked for me but only for a
short time. The buck had weepy eye for quite some time
though, so it was probably too late."

Provided by Cheryl

----
Basil (basilcon vulgarae majus et ocimum)
"Among it's other very well known uses, an infusion of this is
really good for inflammation of the eyes, works for us as well
as the rabbits. Tried and tested!" Judy

~~~~
DIARRHEA (scours)

Apple (Malus domestica)
Apple pulp is rich in pectin. That's why apples and applesauce
are a folk remedy for diarrhea. Apple pectin also helps treat
constipation because it acts as a gentle stool softener. It's an
amphoteric, which means that it works in either direction,
plugging up the bowels when loose or loosening them up if
constipated.

Bilberry & Blueberry (Vaccinium, various species)
Dried berries (fruits) help relieve diarrhea because they are rich
in tannins and pectin.

Blackberry & Raspberry (Rubus,various species)
Leaves fresh or dried are also high in tannin so are also very
good for diarrhea.

Carrot (Daucus carota)
Use cooked carrots to treat diarrhea. When they're cooked,
carrots seem to soothe the digestive tract and control the
diarrhea while also providing nutrients that are lost.

Provided by Cheryl

~~~~
DIGESTION

"Have you tried Ginger? I suggested it to a friend who was
desperate, losing weaning age bunnies by the handful, and she
swears by it now. She sprinkles a couple of tablespoons of
powdered ginger on their feed daily and says she hasn't lost any
since she started using it. It works well for nausea and/or
diarrhea." Dawn

~~~~
EAR MITES

"I use a mix of apple cider vinegar in olive oil. First, clean the
ear with a Q-tip, removing the brown waxy build-up. Then,
with a dropper, drop 6 or 7 drops in each ears, holding the ear
flap closed for a few minutes after each treatment to keep
bunny from shaking the oil all over you. A few tablespoons of
apple cider vinegar in the water bottle is also supposed to act as
a repellant and general tonic. Handy stuff...a basic for any
bunny medicine cabinet! Dawn

~~~~
FLEAS

"I have a book called "Everything I Ever Knew About Fleas
And Was Afraid You'd Never Ask," by Rocky. Following are
some exerpts from that book:

*- Certain herbs such as sage, tobacco, eucalyptus, sassafrass,
bay leaf and vetiver when dried and powdered and used on pets
and surroundings help to repel fleas.

*- Natural diatomaceous earth sprinkled on pet bedding or on
the animal will kill fleas by the silicon material of the earth
dehydrating them by chafing their shells which causes them to
lose body fluids. You must be very careful, though, in applying
it because the dust can irritate the lungs of both you and the
pet.

*- Quite good results have been had with feeding brewers yeast
and garlic to the pet as apparently the smell comes out in the
skin of the animal and repels the fleas. This method is not
terribly efficacious by itself but is a help when used with other
methods. And as both are healthy food additives they cannot
help but be good for the animal even if they don't work too
effectively against fleas.

Provided by Alice

----
"I have heard that apple cider vinegar, when added to the
water, will cause rabbits to be unattractive to fleas. It doesn't
actually kill them (unless you drown them in it!), but is
supposed to make the rabbit "smell" wrong to the fleas. I don't
know if it's true or not, but we add a couple of tablespoons to
32 oz of water about once a month, and haven't had fleas on
the bunnies (we also have 4 cats & 3 dogs who are often in the
bunny barn, and who play with bunnies who visit the house).
However, we also treat with Ivermec regularly, so who
knows?" Dawn

~~~~
FLY REPELLENT

"Mixing plain water with the essential oil "citronella" works
pretty well. You need to keep shaking the spray bottle while
you're spraying to keep it mixed. I don't know the exact
proportions but I'd say 10 drops of oil to 1 cup of water would
be pretty good." Debi

~~~~
FUNGUS

Tea Tree Oil works well. We keep it mixed up in a spray bottle
-- about 20 drops to 1-1/2 cups. Just spritz it on whatever
needs it -- cuts, sores, etc. We also spray the cages after
powerwashing/cleaning as a disinfectant -- it's antibacterial as
well. -- Debi
~~~~


INFERTILITY

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
According to reports of reasearch with animals in Saudi Arabia,
Ginger significantly increased sperm count and motility of the
sperm. You can buy Ginger in health food stores whole. Give
in small pieces the size of a quarter (coin).

Spinach ( Spinacia oleracea)
Several studies suggest that zinc deficiencies may be tied to
male infertility and poor sperm quality. Good sources of zinc
include Spinach, Parsley, Collards, Brussels Sprouts,
Cucumbers, String Beans, Endive, Cowpeas, Prunes and
Asparagus. Feed in small quanities until they get use to it as
they may cause scours; it may be a good idea to feed hay along
with the greens as a prevenative to scours.

Sunflower (Helianhus annuus)
Often recommended is supplementation with the amino acid
arginine for low sperm count in humans - 4 grams per day.
That's the amount found in about 2 ounces of sunflower seeds.
For rabbits I would cut that amount to less than a 1/4 ounce.
They can get pretty fat on the seeds. Sunflower seeds are the
highest for arginine at 8.2% on a dry weight basis. Other herbs
rich in this nutrient include: Peanuts, Sesame Seeds, Soybeans,
Watercress, Almonds, Broad Beans, Lentils and Fenugreek ( do
not use to much of this herb as it can cause abdominal distress-
1/4 tsp.(1.25 ml) or less).

Oat (Avena sativa)
Oats have long been considered a male sexual energizer.
Herbalists suggest that oats boost male fertility. You can get
oats cheaply in oatmeal and at bulk food stores. 1-2
tablespoons a day for a week and then once or twice a week
thereafter.

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry leaf is usually recommended for pregnant females to
calm uterine irritability, but raspberry leaves added to the males'
feed increases fertility.

Provided by Cheryl

~~~~
KIDNEY STONES

Parsley ( Petroselium crispum ) "Parsley is a diuretic that helps
prevent and treat kidney stones. It is recommended to make a
tea of dried root, drinking 2-3 times a day. It would have to be
given orally to rabbits to help dissolve them. Use fresh as a
preventative." Cheryl

~~~~
LABOR

"I use raspberry leaves for rabbits in labour. When they are
ready to give birth, I give the does just a leaf or two to
stimulate labour. I give raspberry leaf tea if they are late or not
progressing well in their labours. I squirt the tea into their
mouths if they are too exhausted to eat the leaves." Kellie

~~~~
MISCARRIAGES

"When I drink a cup of Red Raspberry tea I always give the tea
bag to the doe. I've had a few of them that miscarry in the third
week and the Red Raspberry seems to help them." Lula

~~~~
MITES

"I've had an ongoing problem with skin mites on the ears of one
of my lops and after reading about Tea Tree Oil and mites
decided to give it a go. After all the flea powder and rinse had
done little good. I mixed some up with plain old vegetable oil
[about 1 tablespoon and 3-4 drops of oil] and smothered her
ears with it. I noticed a difference within 48 hours and have
done it a second time, and her ears are looking about 200%
better." Barb

~~~~
PAIN

Willow bark contains salicin. It is an effective pain reliever for
everything. For pain relief in people they recommend 1/2 tsp.
of willow bark or up to as much as 5 tsp. of white willow
(S.alba - which is lower in salicin concentrate - salicin varies
from species to species of willow). So start with a low dose of
bark tea given orally. I have given my bunnies a small branch
of leaves with no problems.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Good for painful muscle conditions.

Sunflower (Helianushus annuus)
Sunflower seeds are among the best sources of Phenylaline, a
chemical involved in pain control.

Provided by Cheryl

~~~~
PARASITES (worms)

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)

Pumpkin seeds and there extracts have been shown to
immobilize and aid in the expulsion of intestinal worms and
other parasites. The seeds can be bought at a bulk food store
hulled and the bunnies just love them.

Garlic (Allium sativum)
Use garlic to treat pinworms, roundworms, giardia (an Amoeba)
and other parasitic infections.

~~~~
PNEUMONIA

"Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated Dandelion's
effectivness against pneumonia, bronchitis and upper
respiratory infections. Use fresh leaves, flowers and dig up
root, all parts can be dried, also useful to make a tea with all
parts especially the root." Cheryl

~~~~
STRESS

"We use vitamin C for stress. It's a tip that an "old-timer"
passed on to me. Just drop a 1000 mg tablet in the water bottle
& let it dissolve. Or, try Rosehips--a naturally high source of
vitamin C, which rabbits should eat happily. Our Angoras tend
to be low-stress guys & gals anyway, but it certainly hasn't
hurt. There seems to be less "show molting" going on, which I
associate with stress." Dawn

~~~~
SWELLING

Garden Thyme (Thymus) mashed and pounded with vinegar,
applied to the swelling and bound with a dressing, works well
for swellings." Judy



Herbal Safety


"Proper dosages should be used with herbal treatments just as
with chemical treatments. The fact of the matter is that some
plants most assuredly do have side effects and should be used
with caution. While many are safe in any amount, not all are.
For example, foxglove, from which digitalis is derived, is a
deadly toxin. Belladonna & Monkshood are a couple of others.
I realize these are extreme examples, but they illustrate the
point. A more commonly used plant is Blessed Thistle, which
increases lactation. However, it can also cause vomiting and
diarrhea in large doses. The attitude that "since it's natural, it's
got to be safe" is a dangerous one. So, by all means, if you're
not familiar with a remedy, ask questions from someone who
is!" Dawn

Dangerous Herbs

These range from deadly-poisonous, to hard-on-a-bunny, to
having no nutritional value:

Amaranth, Arrowgrass, Bracken Fern, Bromweed, Buckeye,
Burdock, Castor beans, Chinaberry, Chokecherry leaves or
pits, Fireweed, Foxglove, Goldenrod, Hemlock (poison),
Horehound, Jimson weed, Johnson grass, Larkspur, Laurel,
Lima beans, Lupine, Mesquite, Milkweed, Miner's lettuce,
Moldy bread or moldy anything, Oak (not oak leaves),
Oleander, Pigweed, Poppy, Potato (leaves, sprouts, or peels),
Rhubarb leaves, Soybeans or soybean vines, Spinach, Sweet
clover, Swiss chard, Tarweed, Tomato leaves

This list was compiled by Carla Emery, and included in her
book, "The Encyclopedia of Country Living."