The Rabbit House» Product Reviews Archives – The Rabbit House

The Relaxed Rabbit: Learn how to massage your bunny

Tamsin — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:17:37 +0000

When I was looking for a proofreader for my book, I wanted someone that knew about bunnies as well as grammar. I found Chandra Beal, a bunny owner and proofreader – the perfect combination. Chandra is also the author of The Relaxed Rabbit: Massage Techniques for Your Companion Rabbit, and she very kindly sent me a copy of her DVD a few weeks ago so I could give it a try with Scamp. She’s also offering you the chance to win a copy (scroll down for details).

I had a couple of questions for Chandra first…

What gave you the idea to perform massage on rabbits?

I actually started by learning energy work. I used to sit near or touching my first bunny, Maia, and over time I noticed a palpable energy exchange between us that left us both feeling happy and relaxed. This intrigued me and I began learning many healing arts, starting with Reiki, which I practiced with Maia and with foster and shelter rabbits. I enrolled in human massage school and learned the fundamentals of Swedish massage, and later Thai massage and a host of different techniques. I practiced these, too, on Maia, and began to adapt bodywork for her anatomy. I saw a real difference in her body over time, and compared to rabbits in other situations (for example, a shelter). I thought that if I approached it with the same responsibilities as human massage, such as avoiding contraindications and working safely with a rabbit’s body, that bunnies could enjoy massage, too! I set out to formalize my techniques and instruction in a book and DVD so I could share it with others.

Do rabbits really enjoy massage?

Oh, yes! Although we all know that rabbits can be quite fierce when they want to, they are generally “yin” animals who are receptive to energy and touch. Rabbits regularly touch each other through grooming, and just imagine the close quarters of a warren. They are sensitive creatures who appreciate the sensual side of life. My guys get a massage just about every day, and they are the ones who ask for it by appearing on our “massage” rug. I know they’re enjoying it because they chatter their teeth, fall asleep in my hands, and totally surrender themselves. Plus I usually get a ‘thank you’ kiss. And from a massage therapist’s point of view, I can feel their muscle fibers actually lengthening and letting go, and observe signs of relaxation.

How about owners?

Absolutely! All those sensations I experienced with Maia now have scientific support. There are many documented studies now showing that touching a pet, or even just being around a pet, can lower blood pressure, increase self-esteem, lower anxiety… In massage we talk about entrainment, the synchronization of two life forces, which can happen through the rhythm of strokes or through music. When that happens, it’s just bliss. You can also increase the human-animal bond by interacting with your rabbit in a trusting and supportive way. It’s win-win, really.

Sounds good, I admit, I was a little hesitant about the odds of Scamp sitting still long enough for a massage but we were up for having a go. My first impression of the DVD was that there is actually a lot more on it than just massage techniques. There is excellent explanation of rabbit’s physiology – how their bones and muscles fit together – did you know there are 16 bones in a bunnies tail? Chandra also talks about rabbit behaviour, the benefits of the contact that massage encourages and reading feedback signals from your bunny.

Scamp learning rabbit massage techniques

The massage techniques were just as interesting. Some parts I was nodding along to thinking “well, that explains why bunnies like being stroked there so much” and others were completely new things to try out. Scamp’s idea of ‘relaxing’ is dropping (flopping) to the floor for five minutes in between binkies but he did let me try out a few new things and I’ll continue to introduce them slowly. One of the things I was surprised at was how much he seemed to enjoy the rocking, he blissed out for ten minutes or so on the back of the sofa as I gently swayed him side to side – for him that’s a long time to stay in one place!

The production of the DVD itself is brilliant, it’s really professional. Sorry Chandra, but I think you were completely upstaged by Gilligan. He’s a beautiful dutch bunny/assistant that demonstrated how to be massaged, and he looks completely relaxed throughout the whole DVD.

If you want more information or to get your hands on a copy, visit Chandra’s website or it’s available at Amazon.

Win a Copy of The Relaxed Rabbit DVD

For a chance to win your very own copy, just leave a comment answering the question: how many bones in a rabbit’s tail? before December 10th. Chandra will draw a winner and I’ll announce it here on the 11th.

UPDATE: Chandra drew Diana Moll, from the QI Papers as the lucky winner – congratulations Diana, I hope your bunnies enjoy the massage!

Rabbit Carriers

Tamsin — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 17:07:03 +0000

Awhile ago Scamp’s transport case had a little accident. By accident, I mean I underestimated Scamp’s chewing abilities, again. I left the carrier in the kitchen as he was enjoying popping in and out and sitting on top. In hindsight perhaps I should have considered his previous box redesigns but it is (was) a fairly sturdy carry case. As cases go I thought is was quite nice, Scamp thought there was something missing though. It only had one exit… you can probably see where this is going. Yes, Scamp’s secure rabbit transporter now has an emergency exit.

I should point out, at no point was Scamp shut in the carry case. He was not a poor trapped bunny that wanted to escape. Nope, he just felt that the large doorway a few inches from he tail was not the best route out and proceeded to make his own exit.

Need less to say, that means a new carrier. Whilst emergency exits are usually good for health and safety, they are no so good when trying to get a rabbit to the vet. I considered going for an all wire mesh one but I think they are too open for a rabbit to feel secure and the risk of him sticking a leg through the wire is too high. After a bit of browsing I decided on this carrier from Wilkos:

It has all the basics: solid sides for a feeling of security, wire door (no point in plastic ‘mesh’ with a rabbit), plenty of ventilation holes, and it splits into two so it takes up less room when not in use. All that for £14, which isn’t too bad if someone eats it again!

I’m trying to expand the advice for bunny owners on The Rabbit House, so you can read my tips on rabbit carrier selection here.

Rabbit Toys: Nut Knot Nibbler

Tamsin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:27:09 +0000

Super Pet claim the Nut Knot Nibbler is:

a great big ball of fun…Â Pets will nibble and gnaw this wooden chew toy to reach an all natural surprise inside – a real walnut! … a perfect chew toy for rabbits

I thought this was going to be a hit. It got quite a bit of initial interest and a few nibbles but it soon became another of those chew toys that get totally ignored. A walnut might be a great motivator for a pet rat but I’m not sure natural, walnut, and rabbit are really words that go together?

I think the problem with wooden chews is by the time the woods been dried, shaped, coloured blue, and wrapped in plastic it’s so far from an actual tree it’s lost all its tastiness. The bark also seems to be a rabbit’s favourite part and most toys don’t have any.

A nice fresh apple branch gets much more interest. This ones had all its bark stripped:

If you don’t have your own apple tree then ask around and see if you can find a friend/neighbour with one or ask on freeads/freecycle. Just make sure they don’t spray with pesticides.

Rabbit Toys: Food Ball

Tamsin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:36:52 +0000

Scamp takes a lot of entertaining and a rabbit food ball (sold by Rosewood Pets and various other companies) is one of his top toys. Unlike some other rabbit toys that get played with a bit and then ignored this has kept his attention. Though, that may have something to do with the food I keep filling it with.

It’s a very simple toy; a wire ball with a chain to hang it up and a bell on the bottom. One side has a section of wire missing so it’s easy to fill with goodies. It’s too small to hold enough hay to be useful, but it is perfect for stuffing with veggies.

The wire restricts access so that food has to be nibbled as the ball swings and you can adjust the height to make the activity more easy or difficult as required. If your rabbit is really clever, hang the ball up high so it’s only just in reach or only in reach when stood on a box.

Making rabbits work hard for food is great enrichment. It stops them getting bored and eating your wallpaper instead, and it also encourages them to be active, stretching and jumping to get what they want.

In this photo I’d wrapped Scamp’s veg up in paper before putting it in the food ball to make him work extra hard. As you can see, shredding the paper to get the treat is giving him a good work out.

Rabbit Toys: Treat Balls

Tamsin — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:00:44 +0000

Over the last few years the range of toys available for rabbits has grown enormously. Of all the products available, I think the absolute best is: the treat ball. A treat ball is a hollow ball you fill with dry food/treats that has a small hole. As the rabbit pushes the ball around the food gradually falls out the hole. What’s so amazing about this? Rabbit’s are grazing animals and would usually spend hours every day eating. The treat ball helps mimic this by stretching a bowl of food, that would usually be eaten in ten minutes, out in to an hour long activity. It’s great for getting your rabbit more active and preventing boredom, both of which will help your rabbits over all health. There are various treat balls available. The most basic (and smallest) are designed for cats and are about 2″ diametre. They split in two to fill/clean.

The other type of treat ball is sold in various sizes for rabbits, cats and dogs. They have an opening at the top which can often be adjusted to control the amount of food that falls out. If your rabbit is a chewer avoid brands with raised patterns around the ball that could be chewed off.

What to Put in Your Treat Ball

The name treat ball is a bit misleading. You should not fill your rabbits ball with extra treats, otherwise your rabbit may get fat! Instead put your rabbits normal dry food in to the ball. This should be a portion of its normal amount, not extra. Once your rabbit has the hang of it, you can put all your rabbits dry food in the ball – and throw out your food bowl.

Teaching Your Rabbit to Use It

Some rabbits are quicker at others to pick up how to get get the food out of a the ball. Start by placing the ball with the hole down and a few pieces of food next to it. As your rabbit tries to get the food the ball will move knocking more food out. You may have to help your rabbit a few times until they understand what they need to do. If the opening is adjustable start with it on the widest setting. Once your rabbit has the hang of it they’ll soon be chasing it around super-fast!