Tag Archives: Baby Bunny

Reference: The End Game

wabbitwiki

Every year, WordPress.com sends us an email with a summary of weblog activities. The statistics include “The Most Views” post and that was how we found out that one of our posts being the top post throughout the years. Another amazing information we found out through the summary is that we have been listed as one of the references in WabbitWiki.com – Baby Rabbits. What an honour to be referenced by such a wonderful site.

We were also very excited to see an article written about Weaning Baby Rabbits by our dear friend Golden Pines Rabbitry being referenced as well.

We would like to thank the people who found our post informative and worth being a good reference for the rabbit community at large!

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How Should A 8 Weeks Old Look Like Part II (Remake Of The Most Popular Post)

This weblog was started back in 18th June 2007 and this is the 1421st post. Throughout the years, the post entitled “How Should A 8 Weeks Old Look Like” remains as the #1 top post with 10,033 views to date. However, this post contains photos of different rabbits growing up and I feel that is not as effective as using just one litter of kits to highlight their week by week development.

Today I would like to re-post photos of baby rabbits as well as a couple of new photos to emphasize how important it is that baby rabbits should be kept with their mothers until the age of 8 weeks.

The first week of a kit’s life….

At 3 days young, you may see some flakiness on their skin. This is similar to cradle cap in human babies. Most kits (baby rabbits) are born without fur and for the first few days, milk can be seen in their plump tummies. This usually helps me in knowing that the dam has been doing a good job feeding them.

At 3 days young, you may see some flakiness on their skin. This is similar to cradle cap in human babies. Most kits (baby rabbits) are born without fur and for the first few days, milk can be seen in their plump tummies. This usually helps me in knowing that the dam has been doing a good job feeding them.

At 1 week young, their fur has grown and eyes are not open until the 10th or 11th day.

At 1 week young, their fur has grown and eyes are not open until the 10th or 11th day.

At 10 Days young, their eyes will usually open and these wee ones will see their world for the first time.

At 10 Days young, their eyes will usually open and these wee ones will see their world for the first time.

The second week…

The kits will start to get fluffier and cuter at 2 weeks as their fur grow thicker and longer. This is their most vulnerable time in the pet trade. Most buyers are mesmerized by their cuteness not realizing that they are still very young to be taken away from their dam.

The kits will start to get fluffier and cuter at 2 weeks as their fur grow thicker and longer. This is their most vulnerable time in the pet trade. Most buyers are mesmerized by their cuteness not realizing that they are still very young to be taken away from their dam.

The third week…

Between the 3rd and 4th week, these kits are at their cutest stage. It is absolutely difficult to resist. Though they look quite mature and seemed to be nibbling on solid food, please be reminded that they should not be separated from their dam at this age. Their developing stomachs still depend on milk. Rabbit's milk is so unique that it is quite impossible to find a replacement that matches 100%. The closest would be goat's milk.

Between the 3rd and 4th week, these kits are at their cutest stage. It is absolutely difficult to resist. Though they look quite mature and seemed to be nibbling on solid food, please be reminded that they should not be separated from their dam at this age. Their developing stomachs still depend on milk. Rabbit’s milk is so unique that it is quite impossible to find a replacement that matches 100% – the closest is goat’s milk.

The fourth week…

Absolutely irresistible at 4 weeks young.

Absolutely irresistible at 4 weeks young.

This is when I like to start teaching them how the breed should pose. Some are naturals while others take longer time to learn.

This is when I like to start teaching them how the breed should pose. Some are naturals while others take longer time to learn.

The fifth week…

Ophelia seen here at 5 weeks old. At this age, they start to munch on hay, pellets, and drinking from bottle or water bowl while still being nursed by their dam.

Ophelia seen here at 5 weeks old. At this age, they start to munch on hay, pellets, and drinking from bottle or water bowl while still being nursed by their dam.

I usually use rabbit food higher in protein content for both dam and kits when they start eating solids. I usually keep some probiotic paste handy just in case the solid food causes gut flora imbalance.

I usually use rabbit food higher in protein content for both dam and kits when they start eating solids. I usually keep some probiotic paste handy just in case the solid food causes gut flora imbalance.

The sixth week…

Cute Ophelia at 6 weeks young. She is very friendly and comes near me for head rubs whenever I walk towards her.

Cute Ophelia at 6 weeks young. She is very friendly and comes near me for head rubs whenever I walk towards her.

Otto is a natural poser and loves the attention he is getting. At 6 weeks, they both like to zoom across the room and launch themselves in mid air while turning their bodies - the action is called Binky.

Otto is a natural poser and loves the attention he is getting. At 6 weeks, they both like to zoom across the room and launch themselves in mid air while turning their bodies – the action is called Binky.

Weaning starts at the seventh week and they will be separated from their dam at the eight week.

The Seventh Week…

I have started the weaning process by separating them from their dam.

Week 7: Otto

Depending on their lineage, some kits will start to grow into their ugly stage when limbs seemed to grow in length rather than width. Their muzzles may look a little elongated rather than the desired “shortness” particularly in the Holland Lop breed.

Week 7: Ophelia

Weaning starts this week by separating them from their dam. Ensure that they are eating well on their own before deciding to wean.

The eighth week…

How time flies and we are at our final week. Since Christmas is over now, we will no longer have the Christmas themed photography. The two kits are growing up beautifully and they are fully weaned. Ear length seemed to have increased but nothing to worry about as their head will continue to grow and in time, every part of their body will balance out.

At this age they are usually ready to go to their new homes but these two cuties are not going anywhere.

Tru-Luv's Otto at 8 weeks. He is such an awesome little guy. Always running towards me when he sees me approaching. Natural poser, absolutely love him.

Tru-Luv’s Otto at 8 weeks. He is such an awesome little guy. Always running towards me when he sees me approaching. Natural poser, absolutely love him.

 

Tru-Luv's Ophelia. I love everything about this doe and am excited to see how she will blossom. As is she is very friendly and loves her daily head rubs.

Tru-Luv’s Ophelia. I love everything about this doe and am excited to see how she will blossom. As is she is very friendly and loves her daily head rubs.

Last but not least I must give credit where credit is due. I want to thank DC Rabbitry for making this otter project possible. Thank you very much for the gorgeous blue otter doe. A great mom right from the start. I reckon she will be a great producer.

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Filed under Community Service, Friends Of Tru-Luv, Rabbit Education

Merry Christmas 2014!

Here wishing one and all Joyful Holidays, Blessed Christmas and a Wonderful New Year 2015!

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What Christmas Really Means Around Here

Living in a multi-cultural environment can be very interesting because we get to experience the diversity that it brings. Each unique celebration brings about and stirs up different feelings within us. The music from each festive season reminds us that it is time to send warm greetings and well wishes to each other. Take the Chinese New Year for example. From its origins, it is a time when the first sign of the Spring season is being celebrated after a long harsh Winter. But as for us living in the tropical climate, the Chinese New Year is usually celebrated during the month of January or February. We all know how warm it can be during these months and it does not in any way make us feel that it is Spring time. But I am sure that the music played in the malls will always make us feel a little warmer.

Likewise, during the month of November and December when we experience more rainfall, can make us feel cooler. With the celebration of Christmas, we can almost feel the “snow”.

Whatever the celebration, there will always be one thing that most if not all of us should experience and feel – the JOY in our heart.

The world in itself is already quite depressing with all the negative news about wars, religious intolerance, and the many unnecessary issues created to cause disunity and conflicts. We are in fact all humans and have the same (red colour) blood running through our veins.

Let us not forget our role to wish each other well in whatever occasion. The least we can do is recognize the JOY of giving. not necessary material things but giving our will and desire sincerely to see our neighbours, friends, or acquaintances happy. The world is in dire need of compassion and most of all, LOVE…

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Filed under Greetings, Juniors

The Joy Of Christmas

December is usually a joyful month here mainly because it is the school holidays and everyone seemed to be in the holiday mood as well. It goes to show just how much the festive seasons influence one’s mood. Another week has gone by and I can no longer take photos of the two little bunnies together. They look awkward being together.

Based on our “probably inaccurate” guesses of their genders, we have reasons to believe that they are a boy and a girl. We named the boy Otto and the girl Ophelia. In case they have a natural “sex change” along the way, we will have to other suitable names.

I just want everyone to pause and recognize their cute looks at the moment. Have a mental note how a four (4) weeks old baby rabbit looks like. This is usually how most rabbits being sold at the pet stores look like. The cutest age and yet most crucial that they are not to be separated from their mother. They look rather mature but internally, still depend very much on their mother’s milk. Don’t be fooled by their looks and please do me a favour by not patronizing a pet store or any breeder trying to sell you cute baby rabbits at this age.

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Filed under In The Nestbox, Juniors

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!

Let the cuteness flow….

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Am I cute or what?

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Double dose of cuteness!

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You got to love the natural posers!

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If you’ve got an itch, you’ve got to scratch it!

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Are we done yet? I am sleep….yawn…….

 

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It’s Snowing

Once again, it is snowing here at TruLuvRabbitry.com and that only means we are getting closer to the wonderful Christmas day.

Personally, it has been a superb year for me overall. The job is as amazing as ever, the family growing up nice and pretty, and there are just so many things to be grateful for. Christmas time is always magical. This year it will be extra special for the family and I as we expand the extended family. The biggest part of the celebration has always been around children and I am so excited that this year it will be just that – for the children.

Who would have thought that a friendship forged through the rabbit hobby more than 7 years ago still continues to grow. I have met many friends along the way and this gives a brand new definition to what friendship is all about.

Remember the reason for the season is LOVE and nothing but LOVE.

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And to spread the Christmas cheer, here’s one of the songs that is looping on my playlist…

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Something About November

The famous band Guns N’ Roses have a song entitled November Rain and every year, we have a lot of rainfall in Malaysia during November. Whenever it rains during this month, the song comes to mind.

For me personally, the November month serves as a reminder that we are getting closer to Christmas which is always joyful. For the past few years, it has been a yearly tradition here at Tru-Luv Rabbitry that we capture photos of rabbits in the Christmas theme. We are quite fortunate to have babies around this time and I can relate rabbits with Christmas more than Easter.

By now, most malls have started putting up their Christmas decorations and when December comes, there will be full swing shopping.

I am sure for those who celebrate Christmas, they can relate to Christina Perri’s beautiful song entitled “Something About December”. So to get you into the mood, here is the amazing song for your enjoyment:

And as we gear up for the festive season, here’s a couple of photos of cute bunnies. These are the first otter variety Holland Lops born at Tru-Luv Rabbitry and they are cute as buttons…

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Filed under In The Nestbox, Random Topics, Thoughts

Just Some Random Musing

Just how much can you write about rabbits?

Perhaps I am too occupied with other priorities to a point that the only time rabbits come to my mind is during feeding time. Don’t get me wrong, I am not bored of the hobby. It is just that it remains as a hobby and as clearly defined by Google as “an activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure”.  I am really glad that this is just a hobby because I have seen many who have resorted to being manipulative trying to make ends meet while others who are more disciplined have found success. Much respect to them.

So this year ARBA Convention will be held at Forth Worth, Texas and unfortunately, I will not be attending. I am so going to miss all my Holland Lop breeder friends and I wish them safe travels and all the best in the show.

Throughout the years, I always look forward to convention time to enjoy all the photos of beautiful rabbits available for sale. I must say that as the years go by, the quality of the rabbits improved exponentially. Many believe that it is a numbers game but now I also see that it is a waiting game. The key is not to outlast another breeder but more so to outlast all the difficulties in producing the “best” rabbit.

What’s up at Tru-Luv Rabbitry lately?

Nothing really, just the regular binkies here, there and everywhere…

Not sure if it is just me or the entire rabbit world here has suddenly gone quiet which prompted me recall a post I wrote 6 years ago entitled “Rabbits: A Passing Craze/Fad/Trend?

I sometimes wonder about people who have been attracted by all the cute bunny photos online, proceeded to purchase a rabbit just to find out a couple of months later that it is not what it seemed to be. All the problems like odour, fur, and they are not as interactive as written by many “first person” write-ups/blogs. I guess you will never ever know until you try something out for yourself and I have reasons to believe that there are a percentage of people who have picked up and gave up the hobby in such circumstances. A small percentage are those who tried, and fell in love with their pets.

Just thought of writing something to let everyone know that we’re still very much alive and kicking. And I’ll leave you with my attempt of drawing a 3D picture of a rabbit…

3D Bunny

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The Newspaper Story

I am quite sure about the fact that newspapers and pets can be inseparable and I do not mean wrapping newspapers around them. What I mean is that, newspaper can be extremely useful when we own a household pet be it a dog, cat, or a rabbit. In the past, I have successfully litter trained puppies using newspapers. When it comes to rabbits, the most practical use for newspapers is lining the tray underneath their cages. I do not remember an instance where I have not used newspapers throughout the years raising rabbits.

There is something about newspapers that always caught me off guard. I sometimes get a shock while lining the trays with newspapers. Due to the reason that I am so used to lining trays with newspapers, I am usually very quick in opening to the centrefold.

Just imagine this.

Because of how fast I spread the newspapers apart, I get scares from faces staring back at me. Yes, you guess it right – the Obituary Section!

Right after getting a scare and shock by the black and white faces looking back at me, I will normally have mixed feelings whether to use these pages to line the tray or otherwise. There will be two common reactions. If the shock is bad enough, I will quickly squash the pages up and trash them or, I’ll gently place another piece of newspaper on top just to cover the obituary section.

What about you? What do you normally do when this happens?

I just do not think it is right for my rabbits to pee or poo on faces of dead people, it is just not right!

Today it was a full page with an old lady smiling at me – God bless her soul!

As for me, I almost felt part of my soul leaving my body…

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Filed under Obituary, Thoughts