Leith Petwerks

11/27/2024

In 1996 (yeah...that's been a few years ago...what...28 YEARS)I was finishing up my degree at college and built some bunny homes which I sold at a local pet store. I named them Bunny Abodes...because they are 'homes' for bunnies. Jump ahead to November 22nd of 1997...I registered the URL for LeithPetwerks.com.

Since that time, sometimes with the help of others, we have made thousands of Bunny Abodes and lots and lots of advancements in design and comfort for your bunnies. All so your bunny can have a happy and healthy home with you for as long as possible. I know that lots of places like to point out that they are a 10 year commitment...but I feel like all we 'get' is maybe 10 to 14 years with them!

I am Thankful for the time we get with our bunnies and all of our pets, and friends, and family. Be thankful...it is over all too quickly. Hug your bunnies, family, and friends.

11/22/2024

Holidays are upon us!
We will be CLOSED for Thanksgiving and the day after...as well as the first week of December for a VACATION!

Closed: Nov 28 - December 9th.

Feel free to get your orders in during that time if you want them before Christmas. UPS, USPS, and Fed Ex all get swamped during this time of year so orders take longer to arrive. Inclement weather also wreaks havoc on shipping this time of year...so plan accordingly and get your orders in EARLY! I will get to them just as soon as I get back in December.

Orders received after December 16th may not arrive in time for Christmas!

11/22/2024

More cutes added to the website...get 'em now!

11/13/2024

It has been an interesting couple of weeks. The weather has certainly gotten colder and wetter here in the Pacific Northwest. Dark when I get to work and dark on my drive home at the end of the day...oh joy. However that tells me that Yule and Christmas are nearly upon us...and I LOVE that. So...I have been feeling crafty.

Check out all the new bunny decor that I have added to the Flourish Craftwerks section of the website.

I also went and put lots of stuff on SALE...it IS that time of year after all.

It is the perfect time to load up on all those Holiday bunny toys and treats...before they are gone.

11/04/2024

There was recently a question as to why there were so few veterinarians that saw pet rabbits (and why they were so expensive!).

Great question.
You know how populations grow and grow. Just look at the numbers of humans on the Earth. Well, it has been a bit different for pet rabbits.

Back when I got my first pet rabbit in 1992, there were approximately 4.6 million pet rabbits in the US. The number of pet rabbits peaked around 2010 with about 6.6 million pet rabbits. Today...there are only about 2.1 million pet rabbits. That is a HUGE decrease!

As a result, veterinarians are less and less trained for pet rabbits. The market just isn't there for them to spend a whole lot of resources and time on pet rabbits. Cats and Dogs rule the numbers when it comes to pets in the US.

Rabbits just aren't that popular by comparison, hence they are considered an exotic pet and only a small number of vets will have the training, equipment, and resources to see your pet rabbit.

It is big reason why you need to plan accordingly, have your rabbits checked annually, have your vet in hand...BEFORE you need a vet...because it may be difficult or impossible to find one in the heat of the moment. If you don't support them...they just won't be around to support you.

10/25/2024

When I was a wee little tyke, which seems like eons ago, I was on a trip in Canada with my parents. There was this bridge over a large ravine and I thought it was really neat. When we were crossing it, I looked through the metal rails so I could get a better look. It was a tight squeeze, but I got my look. The problem was that then I got stuck...as my ears went through, they naturally flopped open on the other side of the railing. I couldn't back up! Supposedly (I am pretty sure that I have blocked this next part), I started crying and screaming and thrashing around. My head would NOT come back through. My parents were trying to calm me down and attempting to get my apparently sizable noggin back through the railing. Nope. Not gonna happen. Eventually, probably due to my incredible screaming, someone got some management to help get me out. It took several people and they had to flex/bend the railing before they could get me out.

So...what is the point of all this?

I learned at a VERY young age that the spacing of things are critical. This absolutely applies to rabbits. They are shaped like an arrow. They are rather pointy on the front end so they can escape predators while running through the brush and weeds. This along with their often sizable ears makes it rather difficult, if not impossible, to back up once they have gotten their head through something.

Spacing and shape of things are important...it is worth repeating.
Spacing and shape of things are important. Your bunny's life may depend on it.

So, when you give your rabbit something, like hay racks with round holes or a hay bag, or a hay box...there is an increased likelihood that your rabbit will at some point get their head stuck in there. The results can be disastrous. A rabbit can seriously injure themselves thrashing about because they got their head stuck in something.

This is precisely why Petwerks Hay Racks use slats that are spaced closely together...so your bunny can't get themselves stuck and injured. They can still access all that wonderful hay...but they are safe doing so...and you can rest securely in the knowledge that your bunny won't get hurt.

If that much thought goes into a Hay Rack, imagine how much thought I put into everything else I make for pet rabbits!

It is just good design to think about the bunnies when you make something for them.

10/21/2024

One of the 'most frustrating' parts of being a first time bunny owner is that you just don't know what you don't know!
..and, what you don't know can quickly lead to a really expensive vet visit...or worse.

Add to that all the really bad, wrong, misleading, and even dangerous advice that is online and it is a recipe for disaster.

Instead of asking random strangers in some facebook group, and who may have no real knowledge of rabbit health and safety...maybe, just maybe, think about looking to those that have had LOTS of pet rabbits...like veterinarians, bunny shelters, rabbit rescues, the House Rabbit Society, and even me (I have had over two dozen rabbits in my 30+ years with them).

The people who have seen it all, will tell you that those who tell you that they are some kind of rabbit expert, are full of it! Each pet rabbit has their own personality and behavioral traits. There simply is not going to be a one-size-fits-all solution for pet rabbits. You need help from people with a breadth of knowledge about pet rabbits...not some internet troll that may never have had a rabbit or hasn't experienced the years of living with a pet bunny.

There's lots of ways to raise a happy and healthy pet rabbit as part of the family. Don't let those inconsiderate and obnoxious 'bunny bullies' that lurk on the internet, just waiting for the inexperienced bunny owners, ruin your day. If you are doing the best you can and looking for actual knowledge of pet rabbits, that is the best thing you can be doing for your furry family member.

Don't take criticism from people you would never go to for advice!

Okay...my rant is over for now. Have a great day...and hug your bunny!

10/17/2024

Tomorrow is the last day to get your bids in for our virtual auction! Bids close on October 18th at 10 pm PST, so don't wait to place your bids. Visit givebutter.com/c/HRSAuction/auction now.
There's still time to support HRS and make a difference for rabbits from the comfort of your own home. Happy bidding!

10/08/2024

Bunny Happenings.
Help some bunnies and get really cool bunny stuff in the process! The House Rabbit Society Auction...

10/04/2024

Would you leave your two year old child to go running off by itself?

Then why for the love of all thats holy would you leave your rabbit to go do what ever it wants? If you're not watching them... you're not parenting them.

Rabbits can and will get into things...things that can make them sick, injure them, or even kill them. Keeping them safe is a whole lot cheaper than an emergency vet visit...and a whole lot less stressful.

Give your bunny a safe and secure home space for when you are not able to watch after them...no one expects you to be looking in on them every minute.

10/04/2024

Bunny Happenings!

Next weekend...Saturday October 12th.

Then...while you're out in Massachusetts for the Run for the Buns...check out all the amazing Fall foliage! It'll be nearing peak color.

09/27/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/495jgFVPPnex6Yzn/

Bunny Happenings!
Hey all you Oregon bunny people...theres a fantastic deal going on this weekend for Neighborhood Pet Store Day AND International Rabbit Day.

Support your local pet store!!!

20% off everything Binky Bunny this weekend! 🐇🐇🐇

Neighborhood Pet Store Day and International Rabbit Day are both this weekend, so we are celebrating with a 20% discount on all Binky Bunny cardboard havens, mats, chews and their adorable "BUN, I

09/19/2024

Bunny Happenings!

Looks like a great weekend to be in San Diego. If you are there and have some time, swing on by and check out the festivities.

09/18/2024

Bunny Happenings!

If you are in Georgia on Saturday...and why wouldn't you be? There is a great bunny event happening.

Don't miss the Hare Ball this Saturday!
It's almost time - join us for an evening of fun with food, drinks, music, silent auction, wine draw, raffles, a crazy hair contest and more, all in support of the shelter! Get tickets now!!
The Hare Ball | September 21
The Hare Ball
Saturday, September 21, 2024
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Ben Robertson Community Center
2753 Watts Dr, Kennesaw 30144
Tickets are $60 ($40 for kids) and include...

Two free drinks from the bar (try our Fuzzy Bunny cocktail 👯‍♀️)
Delicious food to nom
DJ to get you hoppin'
Silent auction with delightful treasures, gift certificates and more
Mystery wine draw 🍾
Raffles for bunny supplies and grooming services
Bunny decor swap (bring 2 items from home, take 2 items back home)
Crazy hair contest - craziest hairdo wins a prize
Come have a hare-raising time in support the shelter bunnies! 🐰💗
Get Hare Ball tickets

GHRS is a 501(c)3 non-profit domestic rabbit rescue in Marietta, Georgia. We spay/neuter before adopting to approved homes. We also offer FREE FOSTERING to appoved homes. See website for more information.

09/13/2024

Do you all remember the Ebola Virus...the RHDV2 virus in rabbits is a little like that. That's one of the main reasons that I wouldn't let my rabbits go outside. Just too big of a risk. Here's some things your should consider before letting your rabbits go outside...

- the mortality rate is 50% to 100%
- the virus can stay viable on your clothes and other surfaces for up to TWO MONTHS
- it infects both wild AND domestic populations
- it kills very quickly and can wipe out entire bunny populations practically overnight
- there are vaccines to protect against RHDV2

08/21/2024

"Can my bunny eat grapes or raisins?"
This question has been going around for at least the last thirty years or more. The trouble is...we just don't know...and what you don't know can kill your bunny.

There's long been conclusive evidence with cats and dogs that raisins and grapes can lead to kidney failure. Just search for 'raisin grape toxicity' and you'll find tons of articles about the problem. It now appears that the culprit is tartaric acid. Grapes and raisins have quite a lot of it in them. Some other fruits contain some as well...including trace amounts in bananas and cranberries.

At this point we don't know how much is too much and ESPECIALLY as it relates to rabbits. There just has not been enough science on the relationship between raisins/grapes and kidney failure in rabbits. It is possible that events that have been contributed to GI Stasis (which is a really generic term) may have kidney failure as a result of raisin grape toxicity. Not enough data exists yet. It is also not known what quantities it would require to do damage. Surely a two-and-a-half-pound rabbit would need far less than a twenty-five-pound rabbit. Additionally, there are vastly varying amounts of the tartaric acid in grapes based on variety and growing conditions.

SO...while 'maybe' you could give your rabbit grapes or raisins...I wouldn't...there are LOTS of other better and safer options out there for snacks. Plus grapes and raisins are LOADED with sugar. That right there is reason enough to give them something else and avoid throwing their gut system into a spiral.

My bunnies...NO GRAPES, NO RAISINS!

08/19/2024

Every day there are questions from bunny owners that start with...I had my bunny for two days...five days...a week...less than a month...

Almost always followed up with how they moved them to a new location, changed their food, have been trying to bond them to a new bunny, given them some new treat, been picking them up and playing with them...etc, etc, etc.

S L O W D O W N

First...bunnies get beaten up on by everything in nature...they're prey animals. So...they are going to be nervous when some giant gorilla looking thing keeps looming over them and shoving their hands at the bunny and scooping them up.

S L O W D O W N

Second...it will 'likely' take several WEEKS to several MONTHS before your bunny is comfortable with their new environment. It takes them time to see your routines, your behaviors, make sure the surroundings are safe, figure out the new toys, treats, and foods that you are throwing at them.

Rabbits survive on consistency. They have to 'learn' that you are safe and not going to do them harm. Additionally, they have really sensitive gut systems that need to 'learn' what you are feeding them and allow their gut time to build a proper biome. It is like going to Mexico and drinking the local water...no bueno. We don't have the gut biome to properly deal with the water. You bunny is much the same way...so maybe stop giving them whole bananas because you think it is cute to watch them eat it. You're actively damaging their gut biome...which can get very costly, very quickly. Slowing down what you are giving them as treats can keep you from having a very expensive vet visit.

Slow down and just watch your bunny. Sit on the floor - at their level. Let them come to you. Take the time to build that trust with your bunny. Then you can start to address their behaviors and personalities. Their behavior in the first few days really tells you almost nothing. As they settle in and determine their safe spaces and routines, their behavior will change and develop. Taking the time to watch them do this will help you answer those inevitable questions of...Why is my bunny doing this? What does my bunny need? What does my bunny look like in normal situations? Etc. It might take six months, but get to really 'know' your bunny and let them get to know you and your household.

Don't throw so much at your bunny all at once...small, gradual changes will create far less stress for your bunny and ultimately for you as well.

07/02/2024

The Big Boooooooom. As Americans, we like to blow things up for Independence Day. Unfortunately these aerial displays of light and sound do not work well for our pets. Sure, there are some animals that just aren't even fazed by fireworks, BUT there are lots of them that are...and badly so.

You may want to house your bunnies in an area where they are less likely to be bothered by the Holiday displays. Cover your windows with curtains, sheets, blankets, anything to shield them from the goings-on outside. Turn on a radio (at a reasonable volume - Thanks Milton) to help drown out the booms. Hang out with your bunnies during the most active times of the celebrations (not me, I can't stay up that late).

Lots of us have other pets as well. Keep your doors and windows closed. Keep your pets inside as much as possible during these festivities...so they are less able to run off. If you have to take them outside, do so in a carrier or on a leash. Make sure they have their collar on and id tags, make sure they're micro-chipped, use calming medications if applicable, if you can...use something like Tile, or other trackers to keep track of your pets whereabouts.

I just really don't want anyone to lose their pets this Holiday, or anytime. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

A big shout out and THANK YOU to those municipalities that have begun using laser light shows and aerial drone shows instead of fireworks. Here in Oregon, the city of Tigard has a drone show for the 4th! These options are much less disturbing and stressful for our pets. Plus, you know, they're much less likely to burn down the state...we have enough wildfires already going on.

Have a safe Independence Day Holiday!

Tigard Drone Show: https://www.tigard-or.gov/explore-tigard/community-events/4th-of-july-celebration