As the owner of a bunny, or any small herbivore pet, you know the importance of hay in their diet. If you have ever wondered WHY hay is so important I am going to go into further detail about how hay keeps your pet happy and healthy and its specific functions in your pets daily health.

Gastrointestinal stasis is a serious condition that occurs when the digestive system slows down or stops. As a bunny owner, there are key steps you can take to minimize the likelihood that your bunny experiences this condition.

• Feeding a high fiber diet with lots of grass hay (at least 70% of their daily intake)
  
• Annual vet checks with your exotics/rabbit savvy vet.
  
•  Keep a watchful eye out for any underlying health issues such as visible pain, dental issues, infections etc.
• Make sure your bunny has unlimited access to two sources fresh clean water
• Make sure they get plenty of exercise.

There are many conflicting opinions on whether bunnies should have a friend or if a solo bunny will have an equally happy life on their own. I can't tell you what's best for your family and your bunny, but I can compare some of the pros and cons to each option, to help you make a more informed decision. I will also discuss the long term aspects to consider and how to provide the right companionship to a single house bunny. 

To conclude, there is no right or wrong answer. All bunnies need companionship, and they can get that from you, another bunny, a cat, a dog, etc. If you are financially secure, patient, and want to experience multiple bunnies, then go for it! If you'd like a solo bunny to start and would rather learn about your bunny first, that's fine too. Do what works for you, and consider all your options. All bunnies can be happy and spoiled regardless. I hope this helped a bit.

   Every pet owner wants to keep their animals safe, and keep them healthy. It's a good idea to be aware of common injuries/illnesses that can occur and be prepared to treat them. It's also a good idea to have a bunny first aid/supplies kit to have on hand before anything happens. You never know, it's better to be safe, than be sorry. 

If you rabbit is not eating/drinking/pooping for 8+ hours please take your bunny to see a rabbit savvy veterinarian. This is an emergency. A first aid kit does not replace a Vet, but rather holds you over until you can see a vet. If you are treating something minor, you'll be glad you were prepared. 

Some common bunny ailments include:

• G.I stasis
• Ear mites
• Fur mites/fleas
• Fatigue/low energy
• Lack of appetite
• Change in poop (amount/size/consistency)
• Runny nose/eyes
• Drooling
• Head tilt
• Poor hygiene

Below are some links explaining these ailments in more detail
Signs your bunny is sick 
 How to tell if your bunny is sick 
 video on how to tell if a bunny is sick

I decided to make a post for anyone interested in adopting from Riverbend in the near future. Normally we sit and discuss bunny care and let you hang out with your bunny and check them over, but with social distancing we need to follow the rules below to do our part and keep everyone safe. Thank you for your understanding.
1. Please do not come pick up your bunny if you are sick, showing any symptoms, have been travelling, or are NOT practicing social distancing.
2. Only one person is to come grab the bunny. Do not bring your whole family as we want to keep contact with others limited.
3. We encourage paying by e transfer for the same reason, the less contact the better.
We will bring your bunny out to the driveway and set the carrier down and have you come grab your bunny. This will either be in the soft carrier we provide, or we can transfer them to your own carrier. Afterwards I will disinfect my carrier and wash my hands. I am taking full precautions for everyone's safety.
🥕Stay safe through this trying time everybun 🐰