Dandilion Rabbits

13/04/2017

These make better presents for Easter 🐰🐰🐰

22/03/2017

Today we lost our Dandi he was how it all started and the inspiration for the Dandi lion name RIP Dandi boy.

10/09/2016

Dandilion Rabbits's cover photo

10/09/2016

Rabbits have an excellent sense of smell, hearing and vision. They have nearly 360° panoramic vision, allowing them to detect predators from all directions. They can see everything behind them and only have a small blind-spot in front of their nose.
Rabbits have extremely strong hind limbs which allow them to leap great distances. They can jump up to one metre high and three metres long.
Rabbits are territorial animals which live in loosely organised social groups. They live in warrens comprising of an intricate series of underground tunnels with different entrances and exits.
When rabbits ‘binky’, this is an expression of joy. They will run, jump into the air, twist their body and flick their feet.
Rabbits are affectionate social animals that enjoy the company of other rabbits. They will perform allogrooming where two individuals will simultaneously groom each other.
Although typically very quiet, rabbits do communicate vocally, with varying types of vocalisations communicating different messages, e.g. low humming when running around an individual is a signal of affection.
Rabbits stand upright on their hind legs to give themselves a better vantage point to look for predators. They alert other rabbits to the presence of danger by thumping their hind legs.
For the last 60 years rabbits have been increasingly commonly kept as pets in the UK and other countries. In the last ten years there has been an especially big increase in the UK making them the nation's third most popular furry pet. In 2010 about 1 million rabbits were kept as pets. However, before taking on the commitment of caring for a rabbit as a pet consideration should be given to whether its physical and emotional needs can be met. Properly caring for an animal as a pet can have significant time and cost implications. For example caring for a rabbit is likely to cost more than £3,000 over the course of its lifetime.
People often think rabbits are very easy to look after and that all they need to do is pop them in a hutch in the garden and feed and clean them when needed. However, this is actually very far from the truth. Nowadays, we have a far greater understanding of rabbits and there are a few things we need to recognise in order to keep them happy. Rabbits expressing aggressive behaviour toward people and other pets often indicates they are in distress and suffering emotionally. There are many ways to improve the lives of rabbits kept as pets:
Rabbits should be kept in pairs. Companionship is key to the welfare of rabbits – without the company of another neutered rabbit they get lonely and bored. In the wild, rabbits are social creatures, a fact that doesn’t change just because they are kept as pets.
Rabbits need an appropriate diet. Fibre, in the form of hay and grass, is the most vital food for rabbits – it’s essential for their digestive health, and they can die without it. Whilst a small daily amount of green veg is good, a diet based solely on vegetables, fruit and carrots does not provide all the nutrients that rabbits need, leaving them malnourished.
Rabbits kept as pets should be offered shelter and hiding places - rabbits confined to open spaces with no protection will feel threatened. Predators such as dogs may also scare prey species such as rabbits.
In the wild, rabbits have plenty to keep them occupied, from foraging to reproduction to territorial defence. Captive rabbits, on the other hand, often lack stimulation, which can lead to behavioural problems and poor health. Much like humans, they need to be kept physically and mentally active. A rabbit’s natural environment can be imitated by providing enrichment such as tunnels and platforms for climbing, tree stumps, twigs, suitable toys, and places to hide such as cardboard boxes.
Digging is an innate and favourite pastime of rabbits, both wild and domesticated. By providing digging substitutes, such as a sand or earth pit, rabbits kept as pets will be able to dig away without damaging your garden or escaping.
Just like humans, rabbits become bored if their environments remain the same, so can benefit from variety and occasional change of scenery. However, too much change can have adverse effects. A wild rabbit’s survival depends on an intimate knowledge of its surroundings in order to escape from predators, so structural changes to the “warren” of a rabbit kept as a pet should be kept subtle, such as changing their toys and regularly providing new ones.
It’s incredibly beneficial for rabbits kept as pets to start interacting with people, other rabbits and also other pets such as cats and dogs from an early age. Familiarity with other species will help rabbits develop into friendly and confident adults. Exposing them to normal everyday sights and sounds is also important, so they’re relaxed and happy in their environments.
Not many people know that rabbits can be trained. Those kept as pets can really benefit from reward-based training. For example, they can be trained to exercise and go over small jumps, which in turn is great for their health. Being active reduces the risk of rabbits becoming overweight and even obese, as well as providing physical and mental stimulation.
The gentle timid nature of rabbits saw them used by many Renaissance artists representing purity and the unquestioning faith in religion, for example Titian’s Madonna with Rabbit (1530).
Rabbits have long been recognised as symbols of fertility and rebirth, hence their association with spring and Easter.
The rabbit is one of the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac. It represents graciousness, kindness, sensitivity, compassion, tenderness and elegance.

10/09/2016

Tips for Helping Your Bunny Survive the Cold
Winter is now approaching and so the issue of cold weather is on many peoples minds. Bunnies handle the severe cold much better than they handle the severe heat. There are two basic issues you must be concerned about during the winter months.

First, make sure your bunny has water available. During the winter months we go with crocks instead of water bottles for all of our outside rabbits. The tube of the water bottle freezes much too quickly. We then check the water three times a day to make sure the water is not frozen. If your bunny does not have enough water, it will not eat enough food to keep it warm.

The second thing to consider is shelter from the wind, rain and snow. A wet rabbit cannot maintain the correct body temperature, and this is further compounded by the wind. Yes, wind chill factors make the rabbit feel even colder than the actual temperature. It is important not to completely block ventilation in barns and sheds. Ventilation in your rabbitry is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Insulating a barn for the winter will help keep the barn a little warmer. A balance between shelter and ventilation is important.

There are several other things you can do for your rabbits to keep them safe during the winter. We always give extra straw or timothy hay to our bunnies in the winter. This allows them to snuggle into the hay should the temperatures get really cold. Additionally, you can place nest boxes in all of your cages, as an extra place for the rabbits to snuggle into. This would be similar to a wild rabbit going into its den during extreme cold.

Breeding through the winter can present a problem. Baby bunnies are born without fur. The mother compensates for this by pulling her fur and covering the babies. There are a couple of options available to winter breeders. Using a heat lamp, will give the additional warmth a baby may need to survive. Also, the nestbox could also be brought inside the house for the first two weeks. Of course the nestbox would need to go out to the doe once or twice a day so that she can feed her kits. After a couple of weeks they have enough fur to survive the cold temperatures, and will often huddle together or nestle up to the doe to stay warm.

Heaters can be used to keep buildings warm. Keep in mind the extra cost of doing so. Often these are more for our comfort than for the rabbits. The nice thing about a heater is that water crocks won’t freeze as quickly, and the barn is a little warmer when you go out to care for the rabbits.

Rabbits can survive the cold. Your diligence in making sure they have fresh water, greatly increase their comfort level and chances of survival.

23/08/2016

House Rabbit Society

The following information is taken from www.rabbit.org (House Rabbit Society)
It is especially important to remember to keep an eye on your rabbit during the summer months. Rabbits do not tolerate heat well and can actually die from being overheated. Each rabbit will tolerate heat differently and it is important to observe your rabbit daily.
How do I keep my rabbit cool?
Make sure bunny is out of the sun. If they are confined to a cage or small room for part of the day, be sure that there is plenty of shady space for the bunny to rest.
Set up a circulating fan that will breeze past your rabbit without blowing directly on him all day. You can also drape a damp towel over part of the cage so the fan will blow through the towel and create cooler air. Be sure to bunny-proof the fan cord!
Place a ceramic tile or marble square in the cage or in bun's favorite place. The marble or tile stays cool for them to lie on. Don't leave these in the sun - they'll get boiling hot!
Place a few ice cubes in their water crock so the water is tempting and they can also lie against the cool crock.
Mist the rabbit's ears. Rabbits dissipate heat through their ears and misting them will help keep the rabbit cool.
Brush out excessive fur. Who wants to wear an extra fur coat in the summer? If you have a long haired rabbit, consider cropping your bunny's coat short for the summer months.
Fill 1 or 2 liter soda bottles with water and freeze them. Once frozen, put the frozen water bottle in Bun's cage so he can lean against it to keep cool. Keep a few of these on hand in your freezer.
Be sure Bun is getting his fair share of veggies to help keep him hydrated. See safe veg page.
Be especially watchful of rabbits over 5 years old or ones who are overweight or incapacitated. These rabbits tend to be more sedentary and may not get up to drink water if they are too hot. This can quickly lead to dehydration which can lead to death or other health problems.
If it's unbearably hot and your house is cooler than outside, bring your rabbits indoors if possible, and let them run around outside once the hottest part of the day has passed.
What do I do if my rabbit experiences heat stroke?
DO NOT submerge him in cold water. This could place the rabbit in shock.
Dampen his ears and body with cool water.
GET HIM TO YOUR VETERINARIAN OR EMERGENCY CLINIC IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT WAIT!
What other concerns arise in warm weather?
Fly Strike. As the weather warms, flies can strike and kill a healthy animal who has temporary loose stools, but at particular risk are aging, disabled, long-haired or overweight rabbits who are not able to clean themselves. Within 24 hours, rabbits can enter a terminal state of shock due to maggot infestation. Moisture, warmth, and odor attract flies. If open sores are present, or if thick fur is dampened with urine or f***s, flies will head toward these warm incubation areas to lay their eggs. The chances are greater if the rabbit is outside, but it only takes one fly indoors to do the damage. Maintaining a watchful eye, keeping your bunny dry and (if needed) short-even-shaved are the most critical preventitive steps. More fly strike info...

Buy a Bunny a Little Time

29/06/2016

Best4bunny

Best4bunny

Protect your bunnies from flystrike
Follow our tips here... http://best4bunny.com/protect-rabbit-flystrike/

17/06/2016

ALL NOW READY TO RESERVE 💕 Stunning pure mini lop babies now available.. Beautiful babies, handled daily and are bred from fantastic type parents :) viewings welcome.. Come with change over food, bunny pack, birth certificate and generation pedigree 🐰💕 all babies are flea/mite treated, wormed and coxoid treated ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Bucks and does available... PM for more info 💕🐰
Collection or courier from Halton holegate, lincs 💖

09/06/2016

Best4bunny

Bunny behaviour...
www.best4bunny.com

04/06/2016

Good morning everyone, is the sun gonna shine today, let's hope so, is the sun shining where you are ?????

30/05/2016

Sneaky peek of one of the babies from Harriet's litter 😍💕🐰 blue harliquin White ear Dutch split - DOE! 🙈💖

29/05/2016

New hay racks have now been fitted 💕🐰 everyone is say enjoying them now! X

29/05/2016

A beautiful litter born yesterday to beaux - choc vc and bounty - BEW 😍😍😍 x

29/05/2016

Harriet - opal White ear Dutch split X bounty - BEW
1x opal white ear extreme - buck
2x opal white ear extreme - does
1x BEW - doe - keeper!
1x blue Harli white ear Dutch split - doe
1x opal Vm - doe

Sooty - black vc X chewy - blue torte Vm
4x blue self VC - bucks
1x blue self VC - doe
1x black self VC - doe
1x black Vm - buck
VERY HAPPY!!!! 😍😍😍

26/05/2016

Dandilion Rabbits

Dandilion Rabbits

I am a breeder. I spend a lifetime learning pedigrees, going over rabbits, talking, and learning from those in my breed and those outside it. I raise each litter as if I gave birth to them and spend an equal amount of time finding them loving forever homes. I only put bunnies on this planet that I think will be the healthiest (mentally and physically) and nicest examples of their breed. I support each family who chose one of my babies and let them know they are now a part of our extended family. I am there if one needs to come back. I support my breed in rescue and education. I hold them when they arrive and leave this world. I share my knowledge and socialize my rabbits so that they will be the advertisement for my dedication. I don't keep track of the money and time I put in to my love of them, it would not be a true measure of how I feel. The price I charge for my babies is never profit, but investment in the next generation. I am not ashamed of who I am... I work hard at being a good bunny person and encouraging others to be the same. I am a breeder and I am proud of it. If we don't support each other - we are doomed as a fancy. Copy and post if you agree!

25/05/2016

Timeline Photos

11/05/2016

Due to work commitments I am unfortunately having to downscale... I have lots of babies and adults available ready now and to reserve 🌟 lots of splits, VMs, blue eyed, self and white ears x

07/05/2016

Best4bunny

Best4bunny

Top tips to help keep your bunnies cool... http://best4bunny.com/keep-rabbits-cool-summer-simple-top-tips/

01/05/2016

Auroras little ones have enjoyed the sun this afternoon and had sooooooo many cuddles and a little run around!!! So proud of them... 💕 there's 2 boys and 4 girls so now they need special names... 🐰💖

30/04/2016

UPDATE!
Auroras 6 little ones still look to being doing ok without her, they're on special checks and are having goats milk to supplement them 💕 aurora must be watching over them... Still can't believe she's gone! 😩😩 can everyone please keep there fingers crossed for this miracle 6 💖
💕💕aurora💕💕

30/04/2016

Congratulations to lilo and bounty who welcomed a beautiful litter into the world this afternoon! 💕😍🐰💖

30/04/2016

Update - Aurora's little babies are all doing really well, there such cute little ones, fingers crossed they'll have a fighting chance 💕🐰💕🐰

16/04/2016

Auroras 6 little ones 😍😘💕

11/04/2016

Aurora has a stunning litter of 6 that'll be available to reserve in a few weeks 😍 lots more VM!

11/04/2016

Please visit and like our sister page - Guinea's at Dandilion 🐰🐰🐰🐰

04/04/2016

Dandilion Rabbits

03/04/2016

I have some beautiful little ones now available! (Now Easter is over!🙈)They are fantastic babies with equally fantastic characters 💕 I have bucks and does bred from 3 different litters :)
Pairings are:
Choc VC - blue torte VM
Chin white ear (carrying opal) - blue torte VM
Blue torte VM - BEW
They have been bred from the very healthiest and friendliest of parents who are all here to meet and handle... I do also have grandparents and siblings I've kept back from previous litters 😍 they have been handled daily and brought up in a busy family setting with no expenses spared!! 💖 All babies will leave flea/mite prevention treated, wormed and will have had a 10 day course of harkers coxoid for the prevention of coccidiosis 🌟 they will leave with change over food, care sheet, birth certificate, generation pedigree, care leaflets and a lifetime of support! viewings always welcome.....
Prices vary - deposit secures ❤️

16/03/2016

Bunnies all clean... Only took 4 hours... 💕💕

06/03/2016

PLEASE NOTE: DANDILION RABBITS WILL NOT BE REPLYING TO ANY RABBIT SALES MESSAGES NOR WILL I BE SELLING ANY RABBITS ON THE 27TH (EASTER SUNDAY) OR 28TH (EASTER MONDAY) OF MARCH '16 🐰 I HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND COMMITTED OWNERS WONT MIND WAITING UNTIL TUESDAY 29TH 💕🐰

03/03/2016

I have available some fantastic babies from 2 litters 😍 Mum is Harriet my opal white ear split doe and dad is chewy my blue torte VM buck... I have babies from this litter of 6 and then I have a STUNNING Vm/VC litter bred from sooty my black self doe and chewy 💕 I have babies also available from this litter 😍 all parents are so lovely and are here to meet and handle, I also have older siblings from previous litters here aswell 🌟
Babies have been handled daily since birth and are developing there beautiful little characters 😘 they will come with a Dandilion rabbits leaving pack which includes 4 week insurance, birth certificate, pedigree, care sheet, treats, change over food and a lifetime of advice 🌟 babies will come flea/mite treated, wormed and babies will also have a 10 day course of harkers coxoid for the prevention of coccidiosis before they leave 💕 8 BABIES STILL AVAILABLE!!! BUCKS AND DOES! 💕

03/03/2016

I don't like having to post things like this... Easter is only a few weeks away! Please remember and think about this post if you, your child or anyone asks for an 'Easter bunny' this year 🐰💕 please be responsible 🌟

29/02/2016

I have available some fantastic babies from 2 litters 😍 Mum is Harriet my opal white ear split doe and dad is chewy my blue torte VM buck... I have 3 available from this litter of 6 and then I have a STUNNING Vm/VC litter bred from sooty my black self doe and chewy 💕 I have 3 also available from this litter 😍 all parents are so lovely and are here to meet and handle, I also have older siblings from previous litters here aswell 🌟
Babies have been handled daily since birth and are developing there beautiful little characters 😘 they will come with a Dandilion rabbits leaving pack which includes 4 week insurance, birth certificate, pedigree, care sheet, treats, change over food and a lifetime of advice 🌟 babies will come flea/mite treated, wormed and babies will also have a 10 day course of harkers coxoid for the prevention of coccidiosis before they leave 💕 8 BABIES STILL AVAILABLE!!! BUCKS AND DOES! 💕

28/02/2016

I have available some fantastic babies from 2 litters 😍 Mum is Harriet my opal white ear split doe and dad is chewy my blue torte VM buck... I have 4 available from this litter of 6 and then I have a STUNNING Vm/VC litter bred from sooty my black self doe and chewy 💕 I have 4 also available from this litter 😍 all parents are so lovely and are here to meet and handle, I also have older siblings from previous litters here aswell 🌟
Babies have been handled daily since birth and are developing there beautiful little characters 😘 they will come with a Dandilion rabbits leaving pack which includes 4 week insurance, birth certificate, pedigree, care sheet, treats, change over food and a lifetime of advice 🌟 babies will come flea/mite treated, wormed and babies will also have a 10 day course of harkers coxoid for the prevention of coccidiosis before they leave 💕 8 BABIES STILL AVAILABLE!!! BUCKS AND DOES! 💕

26/02/2016

I HAVE SOME STUNNING BABIES THAT ARE NOW READY TO RESERVE!!! ALL PURE MINI LOPS IN LOTS OF INTERESTING COLOURS... BUCKS AND DOES! 😍💕🌟