Friday, March 22, 2013

Living with the Easter Bunnies

Hellooooooooooooooo there! Happy Friday to you! Hannah here.

Seeing as Easter is next Sunday, Harrington and I wanted to give you a very special peeky into our world. What it means to live with Easter bunnies. Yes, both of us are Easter bunnies. We'll share more on that a little later. But first, let's get started with some facts about living with bunnies.


First, we are adorable, soft, fuzzy, gentle, fragile and loving. You simply can't help yourself. You must fall in love with us. We're bunnies. It happens.


Second, we are very quiet. We don't make much noise at all. We will stomp our back feet if we are upset. You know, just like Thumper in Bambi. Pretty much, we sleep during the day. We are most active at dusk and dawn. This is when we jump and play and run around like little maniacs as Mama always says.


Like cats, we can be litter box trained. Pretty much we will go there on our own. Just add some Carefresh litter to the bottom and a little Timothy Hay on top. We'll hop right in!

 Please don't use that icky pine shaving stuff. It makes our kidneys stop and causes major allergy issues. It's like you sitting in a bucket of Lysol. Yuck. Plus, if you are a gardener, carefresh litter is made from recycled paper. You can empty our litter box into your compost pile for the perfect, natural, fertilizer.


**Doot Disclaimer: Please note that every effort is made to keep "doots" inside the litter box. However, occassionally, through no fault of our own, these said "doots" hop out of the box onto the floor. They are easily scooped up with dust pan and broom and returned to their proper place in the litter box.


Speaking of hay, it is the most important part of our diet. Timothy hay is what adult bunnies need. We have hay in our litter boxes as well as a big ole basket.


 We need the hay for our digestive systems. Mama get's our hay shipped in from the Midwest.


Like cats, we hate to be dirty and we don't need to be bathed. We groom ourselves and each other all day long.

Unlike cats, we can't cough up a hairball. Bunnies can't vomit. So, in order to get the hair out of our system, we must have the fiber in the hay.


We also need fresh greens. Our favorite is the 5 lettuce blend. We get a giant salad plate of this every morning.

We also get 1/4 cup of Timothy based pellets. These are quite yummy and we wish Mama would let us have more, but we know we'll be fat little bunnies if we do.


Like most humans, bunnies have a sweet tooth. We will eat tons and tons of bad things if you let us. Mama doesn't eat junk food and she doesn't let us have it either. The above Fiesta mix is naughty.
Eating any kind of pellets with seeds, nuts and other items is the same as a human eating fast food every single day. Don't do it. Stick to simple Timothy hay based pellets. Be healthy!


We are allowed to have one snack per day. Baby carrots are a good snack. We could each have one half of one. However, we looooooooooove banana chips! Love them!

We get two chips, not packages, but two individual chips per day. All natural and healthy.
Outside of that, we have plenty of fresh water. We prefer to drink from a dish rather than a bottle.

Bunnies are natural chewers and diggers. Like children, we also get bored very easily and need things to change around. The boxes that our hay is shipped in, can be fun new condo's.

We enjoy redecorating them and adding more windows and doors.

For a long time we were allowed to run free in the Bunnyville studio. That is until we started chewing everything that stood still.

I was particularly thrilled with the taste of baseboard moulding.

Harrington enjoyed the flavor of furniture.

Mama...well let's just say she had a major fit and decided we needed to go to the peniteniary. Now Mama isn't one to shove pets out in the yard and forget about them. She loves all God's creatures and believes if you're going to have anything in this world, you should take care of it properly. Plus, bunnies are very social animals and enjoy the company of each other and humans. Nobunny wants to be lonely.


That being said, she got us a playpen system. However, since we are also her employee's, we told her we wanted a large corner office in Bunnyville. Mama also believes in taking good care of her employee's so they continue to do good work. She got us three playpens and a really nice rug so we wouldn't slip around.

We come out daily to run around and play, but she's always keeping an eye on us so we don't chew things up. 

Hannah, that's not a good hiding spot. I'm pretty sure Mama can still see you.

Unlike dogs and cats, we don't have to have yearly shots and checkups.   This is a good thing as regular vets cannot treat us. We are considered "exotic" pets. Mama drives 2 1/2 hours one way if we need a doctor. We have also been spayed and neutured by these special vets. It keeps us healthy and keeps lots of bunnies from appearing. ;) These special vets are very expensive. Mama has had lots of bunnies over the years. Her cheapest vet bill was $450. Her most expensive was $3,500.

**Note** Our bunny friend, Wendy, of  The Crafters Apprentice, in the UK informed us that bunnies in her country need shots 3 times per year to prevent various diseases that affect bunnies there. Please check with the vets in your country to see what is required. You can also hop over and visit Wendy for further information.

Bunnies teeth grow like fingernails. Yep, they grow! Most of the time we wear the teeth down with chewing on hay and eating. But sometimes, they have to be shaved down by a bunny savy vet. Our cousin, Mickey has to have this done almost evey month.


Glad we don't have to go to the vet. Getting our toenails trimmed by Mama is bad enough.

Unlike our "Wild Hare" friends, domestic bunnies can live up to 10 years. Some of our bunny friends have lived beyond that. Domestic bunnies like us cannot survive in the wild. We don't know what to do and our disgestive systems are different. Likewise, while it might be possible, it is very rare for a wild bunny to survive as a house bunny.  If a bunny becomes very scared, it can give itself a heart attack.

So, there you have some basic facts about what it's like to live with Easter bunnies. Oh yes, now onto the Easter bunny part.


Harrington and I were both purchased as Easter presents for children from a pet store. While we were loved and paid attention to when we were babies, for some reason the people no longer wanted us.

Maybe it was because I got to be a big bunny and I shed. (Mama say's I'm her official dust bunny.)

Maybe it was because Harrington has a wonky ear.

Luckily, we were given to a lady that runs a rabbit rescue. If we would have been turned loose into the wild, we would have died. Again, we are domestic bunnies and we don't know how to camp.


What's even more lucky for us is Mama. All the bunnies she has had came from rescues. She never knows what she's going to get or how long we will be around. All she knows is she let's her heart guide her. Mama has loved bunnies since she was six years old. Mama has friends all over the country that rescue bunnies and work in rabbit rescues. One of her most wonderful friends is our Auntie Christina. Auntie Christina is really an angel in disguise.

Mama doesn't care that we are messy and have parties and throw hay and paper all over the place, or that she has to vacuum three times a week to get our fur up from the floor.


All she says every single day is she is truly blessed to have us. We bring her joy, we bring her love, we bring her inspiration. We are precious little creatures that hopped into her life. The best part of her day is seeing our faces in the morning and watching us dance around for breakfast.

So, now that you know some facts about what it's like to live with Easter bunnies, we would like you to consider this.


When choosing the bunny for your basket this year, if you decide to make it a real bunny instead of a chocolate or toy bunny, would you please consider visiting a rescue and adopting a bunny from Easters past? There are lots and lots of us out there just waiting for you to find us and love us and share your life with us. In return, we will melt your heart.

Thank you and we love you. Happy Easter.

xx,
Harrington and Hannah, the Easter Bunnies

52 comments:

Kristi said...

Wonderful post....and thank you to your momma for adopting two wonderful bunnies!

Brynwood Needleworks said...

What a beautiful story, with lots of facts I never knew before! Thanks for the educational post, Easter Bunnies!
(Tag liked your pictures, too!)
xoxo
Donna

Kris said...

FABULOUS post, Shell - I hope all the Mommies and grand-mommies out there show your post to their kids and grandkids!! From experience, I know bunnies take a lot of love, work, commitment and money!! Thank you, dear Shell!!

Briar Rose said...

Delightful Post, thank you Michelle, Hannah and Harrington.
Happy Easter to you all.

Rosalie in Australia.

Lesley said...

This was a wonderful pst to read! I loved the pictures and the 'behind the scenes' stories. Hope that the two beautiful Easter bunnies continue to enjoy their lovely homes!

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Lovely post Shell - and Happy Hoppy Easter to two very special Bunnies!

Fiona said...

Great post Shell.... lovely to hear all that is involved in bunny care
Hugz

Anne-Lise at Rag, Tag, Bobtail said...

Gorgeous photos and interesting bunny facts.
Wishing the Easter bunniea and mom a Happy Easter!

bunnits said...

What a wonderful post. And wonderful, beautiful bunnies who are cared for and loved by a wonderful and beautiful lady. Happy Easter.

bunnits said...

What a wonderful post. And wonderful, beautiful bunnies who are cared for and loved by a wonderful and beautiful lady. Happy Easter.

Christine M said...

Lovely post Harrington and Hannah.

Anonymous said...

such an interesting post Shell,xx

Little Miss Titch said...

Happy Easter to you all! great post today,xxx Speedy and Rachel

Beverly...Heartland Creations said...

Hannah and Harrington,
Thank you for the information on bunnies. I was thinking about getting a bunny for my birthday. Realizing I don't have the proper home for a bunny, I adopted a rescued Kitten. Him and his siblings were found under a dumpster. I know how to take care of cats. Guess I will just be happy with the wild bunnies in my yard. Your adorable and so lucky to have a great mama. Happy Easter

Sparklyjools said...

Dear Harrington and Hannah,
That was a really, really lovely post, and so eloquently put.You know that despite being a cynical grumpy, I get incredibly angry any mistreatment animals receive from unthinking and uncaring humans. I'm very glad that here in the UK there isn't really a trend to give real bunnies at Easter, this is one time the chocolate variety is infinitely preferable!
You're very good bunnies to tell everyone how lucky you and your friends are to have been adopted by such lovely people.I hope Mama gives you both one extra banana chip on Easter Day! Lots of love from Auntie Jules xxx

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Michelle, this was the most TOUCHING POST; I had to share it with Ruben. He was just standing over my should as we both were enjoying Hannah and Harrington's report on a most important issue! I will come via email....Anita

Unknown said...

...world without end, Amen! Just this morning at Wal Mart, the checker asked what our hay was for. We told her we had rabbits. She oohed and ahhhed and said she wants a bunny so bad. I told her they were expensive, messy, and a lot of work. She said, oh nevermind and laughed a little. Everyone loves a BUNNY, but not just anyone can care for a RABBIT.
God bless you, H and H, and your mom and dad, too, along with ALL the past Easter Bunnies, and especially the present Easter Bunnies who will have a long journey ahead of them. Hopefully their trials will not be in vain, and it will mean less FUTURE Easter Bunnies!

krislovesfabric said...

Great post, thanks for sharing all this with us!

Karen M said...

Lady Hannah, you represent so well! Blessings to you, and Harrington (and you, too, shell!).

Sue said...

Lovely post, the bunnies are so lucky to have such a caring Mom, Happy Easter to you all!

Jade said...

Mr. Mick and I heartily approve this message! :D

Mick also sends nose bonks and bunny kisses to his cousins and his beloved Auntie Shell.

Hugs and smooches from me to you two adorable Easter bunnehs and your wonderful mama as well. :)

tink's mom said...

Great post Shell, never knew about most of that info. The best part is that H & H found you. and I love that wonky ear. A Happy Easter to all of you.

Anonymous said...

I ad no idea all that is in volved with keeping a healthy and happy bunny. Great post! I wish this could be printed out and posted in all pet shops selling Easter bunnies! Your bunnies are soooooo very lucky to have you.

Crafty Green Poet said...

what an excellent post, very informative and lovely photos too

d. moll, l.ac. said...

GREAT POST.

jackiero said...

Love your post! I read everything and went to every link.
Blessings to you & yours
:) Jackie in NC (Raleigh area)

Tina said...

Dear Hannah ~ This is the MOST wonderful post! I've never had a CLUE about what bunnies liked, what they ate, or the difference between wild bunnies or ones like you. This post was SO INTERESTING! I have cats, but if I am ever able to adopt a bunny, believe me I will be looking at rescue bunnies!!!
P.S. Your mom is one lucky lady to have you and Harrington!

Christina said...

This is an absolutely wonderful post. Hannah and Harrington are so lucky to have a mom like you Shell. I dread Easter and avoid all farm stores like the plague but it seems to be getting a bit better and with continued education from wonderful bunny folks like you, we can make the world a better place for all those bunnies. Hugs and love to Hannah and Harrington and their beautiful mom and guardian.

Annette Tait said...

Wesley is delighted to sit on my lap as we read your fantastic post Shell (and he doesn't like being picked up)
- he was an abandoned bun too, but luckily made it to a rescue and I found him there :)
- and he just wanted to say that he thinks the designer work on the skirting boards and lower furniture pieces is very tasteful (yum yum :) and that more of it should allowed
(this is coming from a rabbit who can't chew anything with his front teeth because he has only got a single lower incisor, that has to be burred down every 6 weeks)
so he is looking forward to more episodes of the interior designs of H&H Indoor Construction/Deconstruction Coy Ltd

have a great easter xxx

Jeanette said...

Beautiful post Shell. Hugs,xx.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Shell, what a MARVELLOUS lesson on bunnies! Thank you so much, hon. :-)
When Blossom was younger we had two bunnies, 'Blossom' and 'Pumpkin'. They were adorable...
You're amazing my friend. xxx

Donna Nowicki French said...

Great info. I think a lot of that goes for any kind of pet. People do not realize how much of a committment an animal is. You can't just buy them and sit them on a shelf to look at. Puppies are popular for Christmas presents and unfortunately the shelters are full of unwanted animals. I have actually heard of animals being given up simply because they do not match the furniture. UNBELIEVEABLE! But it is true. I wish people would look at it as a lifetime committment. I could go on and on. Thank you for giving us thie info.

RG said...

You covered it all perfect. Lucky bunns and you too!

Clairellen said...

This is one of the most beautiful posts ever...and so informative. I wish everyone could read it, and also that it would be required when people purchase baby bunnies as Easter gifts. God bless you, Michelle, and all your rabbit rescue friends.

Jillayne said...

Well said - a wonderful and timely post!
I think you are all so very lucky to have each other - Bunnyville looks like a wonderful place to be!

The white cabbage said...

ciao,

I had your link from carolyn .
I think I'm going to die in seeing this post! My daughter had a bunny
since she was thirteen , and she was in love with him, when she left home to attend the University I had to look to the Bunny, Ettore was his name , something got wrong and the bunny died .... I can't explain you how I felt guilty, and how sad was my beloved daughter .... years are gone , but in our home we can't speak about bunnies , our eyes are full of tears .

ave

Sparky said...

I had no idea...I have been so bunny educated, beautiful photos and bunny tales wow..

Mary Menzer said...

Spot on! I cringe at Easter thinking of the bunnies bought and put in a cage!
I have 5 buns right now, we just got two babies, we have 3 rescue buns, but we decided to get two babies from a breeder. We wanted the fun of two babies playing together. We lost a bun a year ago and another of our buns is 10 1/2, so the playfulness of babies makes the transition of losing a bit easier. Our buns live in the sun room -which is really a 4 season room with AC, etc and they are allowed to chew all the wicker furniture they want. No stopping a bun from chewing. They have the full room for all their bun activities!
Thanks for the lovely post.

Elly D said...

Awwwww! Lovely post Michelle :) and spot on too :) Bunnyhugs Ellyxx

kc said...

OMG! Got tears runnin' down my face - tears of laughter, tears of joy, tears of love, & tears of remembrance of my own bunny loves!! Thank you & God Bless you for such a wonderful post - it shows how much love bunnies & delight can bring and just exactly how to properly care for them!

I will *never* forget the day I came home & found my first bunny in the bathtub.....that's where my girlfriend put him while I was at work - it was the only place he was safe from my 2 pups at the time. Yes, of course we got him a hutch built and the pups learned to love him as much as I did, but that was one special surprise!

Over the years, our bunnies taught our twin girls so very much - responsibility, compassion, animal husbandry (and how to prevent it!), grooming, showmanship, money management, even TIME management. When we sold our farm, the hardest part was knowing we wouldn't have bunnies again. 15 years later, I still cry about that, so now you know why I love you, your bunnies and their posts!

Le-Chat said...

Thank you for this wonderful story and the beautiful and funny pictures. Your bunnies are adorable!

Scout and Sage said...

AHEM! ((Thumps)) 'Scuse me!

That ear is not "wonky!" It is ARTFUL! .. I actually always see him using it as dressing like we silly humans wear our hair as dressing. :)

Other wise.. *Snurgles the cuteness* Do like the employee activity centre. I think its very nice of their boss to give them a human free zone. ;)

Deb said...

I hope folks read your post Hannah and listen to your wise bunny words and don't buy poor baby bunnies for Easter presents for their children this year. Thanks for telling us all about how wonderful your Momma is although I think we already suspected that <3

tink's mom said...

Shell, I finished and mailed my postcard. Scary handing it over to the Post lady. I posted about it today.

Vicki B said...

Wonderpost! I learnt so much about bunnies. Your love shines through.

Wendy said...

Hi Shell,

I know you know a lot about bunnies but I was concerned when I read that you don't have to give bunnies shots. Now, maybe things are different over here, but bunnies need 3 shots a year - Myximatosis twice a year and VHD once a year. Even if they are house bunnies, they can catch these deadly diseases because we can bring them in on our shoes and clothes. Maybe you don't have these diseases in the US, but any UK reader may think they don't have to have give their bunnies vaccinations and they really, really do. It's not that expensive over here. The jabs/shots are £15 each, a teeth op is about £100.

KMSC said...

Very informative post Hannah and Harrington! It will give perspective "bunny buyers" a lot to think about.

suz said...

Sadly I'm very allergic to bunnies. I'm delighted there are people like you who love them and give them wonderful homes. Thank you for all this information - I learned a lot! Happy Easter to all of you!

Melody said...

Such a wonderful post from my very favourite bunnies and their bunny mummy too.

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

Oh great, now I have leaky eyes from missing having a bunny..

Hannah and Harrington are absolutely beautiful!!

Loris said...

Such great information and sweet bunny news. I'm so sorry Harrington had to go through that bit of challenge. Hope he is feeling very good again. These two bunns are the sweetest pair. Hugs to you all ... especially to Captain for making the trips with you!

Lilac Haven said...

Good info. We have 5 rescue bunnies that were dumped in local parks over the years. One of them is at least 13 yrs. old. People have no idea how much care rabbit require. And they make terrible pets for children. Happy Easter!

Lady Hannah Goldenhare - Nothing Gold Can Stay

Hello dear friends, It's been a minute hasn't it? My last post was over a year ago. I decided I wanted to stay in my bubble where it...