From: dugan@wpi.WPI.EDU (Robert Francis Dugan)
Newsgroups: rec.pets
Subject: bunny stories/ second try to post
Date: 30 Dec 1992 15:15:55 GMT
Organization: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: wpi.wpi.edu

Hi!  This is actually my finace's account but I telneted into it so I
could write this post.  He came home for Christmas so Marilyn and
Ricochet are again under one roof.  But they are still at each other's
throats/ears so they are in different rooms.  They are both fixed and the vet
assured us that Marilyn had female parts and Ricochet had male.
I assume he knows since he removed them.  But these two buns are just
not very happy with each other.  On the advice of the house rabbit
handbook, I took them to my mother's house for a few days.  Ricochet,
who is usually the agressor in our home was very subservient.  He
presented to Marilyn and never once went after her.  But she must have
remebered all the times he did at home because she kept sneaking up
behind him and biting his behind.  I was sure this would lead to a
fight, but for about an hour Rick put up with this.  Finally he got
annoyed and stamped at her for 15 minutes.  Well she sulked in the
corner during that and then they actually layed next to each other.
Oh I was so happy!  Then about 20 minutes later I heard Ricochet
scream.  (That is one noise I'd like to never hear again)  Marilyn
had lept on his back and bit through his ear. (Now all he needs is an
earring)  That was the end of that experiment. 

But last night Bob found some neutral territory at home and tried
again.  Actually he was quite successful.  Marilyn was again the
agressor, but Bob kept her under control and no blood was spilled.
We aren't giving up on these two and we all thank you for your advice
and encouragement.


Our local SPCA always has homeless rabbits.  That is where we got both
of ours.  If you are looking for a rabbit, try there first before
going to a pet store or breeder.  If like me you don't have room for
any more bunnies then how about dropping off some good food for the
homeless buns and a few treats.  You could also take a few minutes to
talk to the shelter staff.  Our shelter does a great job taking care
of dogs and cats but has no idea how to care for rabbits.  Talk to
them about proper diet, nail clippping and teeth inspection.  And tell
them how wonderful it is to have a house rabbit.  My shelter was
amazed that we let the rabbits hop around the house.  And they were
even more amazed that my finacee who is VERY allergic to cats has no
problem with the rabbits.  We try to stop in once a month to check on
the rabbits.  They can always use some love and affection.  The
shelter staff admits few people pay attention to the rabbits.  

I am quite concerened about one of the shelter rabbits.  It is
pathetically thin and losing a lot of hair.  It has large patches of
exposed skin from hair loss.  I don't know what to tell them is wrong
with the bunny.  Any ideas anyone?  This is the sweetest bunny, just
wants to be held all the time.  And as far as shelter life goes, she
has is made.  They let her run around free in a large room all the
time.  The other two bunnies caged bunnies are obviously jealous.
But she is not well, and is obviously not eating.  Help?

Happy New Year!
Mary C. Krembs