As spring is progressing and the weather warms, the pace of activity increases. Planning, planting and dividing need to be done in all the many garden beds. A precursor should be your soil amending, to enable to best start for the coming fruit, but can be started as you have supply available. Many animals offer direct use manures including rabbit, sheep, goat and alpaca. Their plant foods are readily digested in the gut of the animals and their 'waste' can be used without diluting directly in your gardens.
The fruit trees have started leafing out and it reminds us that apple tree branches are a wonderful supplement to rabbit diets. Rich with minerals their bark is is a tasty treat.
We have more than one rabbit shedding their coat at this time and it means spending lengthier 'snuggle sessions' to complete the grooming. There are some interesting behaviors rabbits exhibit when they are annoyed, stressed, sick, happy, and more. Just as marking territory happens in different ways these 'tells' can be shown differently, but more often you'll find a few of the same.
The fruit trees have started leafing out and it reminds us that apple tree branches are a wonderful supplement to rabbit diets. Rich with minerals their bark is is a tasty treat.
We have more than one rabbit shedding their coat at this time and it means spending lengthier 'snuggle sessions' to complete the grooming. There are some interesting behaviors rabbits exhibit when they are annoyed, stressed, sick, happy, and more. Just as marking territory happens in different ways these 'tells' can be shown differently, but more often you'll find a few of the same.
When rabbits are happy with snuggling, petting or grooming they will actually 'purr'; not like a cat purrs but with what I'd describe as a 'chittering' of their teeth. This is different than grinding of the teeth done when an animal is in pain. You have to be attentive to feel it as your petting near their neck or very quiet to hear it.
When your rabbit has had enough snuggle time and wants to run around, he'll either make attempts to leave your lap by looking for the best spot to hop down or try to crawl up your chest to get another view. Sometimes you can get a bit more time by offering a simple treat like a piece of apple, carrot, kale, etc. We have one rabbit that likes to give kisses and snuggle close to a face, much like a cat....she's a different case altogether. As you spend more time with your rabbit, you'll learn what kind of time frame you can work within. As you gain more trust from your rabbit, the time can be increased.
An example of this mutual understanding is a spinner creating beautiful yarn directly from a contented Angora rabbit, happily settled into her lap. As well, rabbits that can be calm in the midst of swirling activity and lounge happily on a new lap because they've only known real husbandry, are a pleasure to behold. When we've shared our rabbits at the Dementia Care facilities - staff are always surprised by how calm and contented our rabbits are and how eager to snuggle - from the youngest to the oldest.
When your rabbit has had enough snuggle time and wants to run around, he'll either make attempts to leave your lap by looking for the best spot to hop down or try to crawl up your chest to get another view. Sometimes you can get a bit more time by offering a simple treat like a piece of apple, carrot, kale, etc. We have one rabbit that likes to give kisses and snuggle close to a face, much like a cat....she's a different case altogether. As you spend more time with your rabbit, you'll learn what kind of time frame you can work within. As you gain more trust from your rabbit, the time can be increased.
An example of this mutual understanding is a spinner creating beautiful yarn directly from a contented Angora rabbit, happily settled into her lap. As well, rabbits that can be calm in the midst of swirling activity and lounge happily on a new lap because they've only known real husbandry, are a pleasure to behold. When we've shared our rabbits at the Dementia Care facilities - staff are always surprised by how calm and contented our rabbits are and how eager to snuggle - from the youngest to the oldest.