Volume
3, Issue
4 -
November
2003
Dear Auntie Bea
Dear Readers,
In this newsletter, I would like to abandon my letter format to address some warnings for the holiday season. This can be a difficult and dangerous time for your rabbits. The hustle and bustle of parties or out of town guests can be quite stressful for your bunnies especially if your guests will be using the rooms that your bunnies call home. I recommend that you place your bunnies in a quiet bedroom or other space away from the activity and noise associated with houseguests. Do not allow visiting children unattended interaction with the bunnies as inadvertent accidents can quickly occur and the exuberance of children is sometimes disturbing to sensitive rabbits.
The Christmas tree harbors a myriad of hazards. The lights can give the bunny an electric shock and partially chewed cords are a fire danger. Christmas tree preservatives, tinsel, and nibbling on artificial trees can cause illness or death. I recommend that you place your tree in a baby’s playpen or surround the tree with some sort of barrier or fencing. You can make an inexpensive, easy to move barrier from “Organize It” cubes. Just because your bunnies didn’t bother the tree last year, does not mean that it will be the same this year. Bunnies are incredibly curious creatures who explore their world with their mouths. A tragic accident can occur in a moment!
Beware
of toxic
holiday
and
winter
products,
not
only
for
your
bunnies
but
your
other
animal
companions
as well.
And,
remember,
if an
accident
occurs,
THE
EARLIER
YOU
SEEK
TREATMENT,
THE
BETTER
THE
OUTCOME
FOR
YOUR
PET.
Low
Toxicity
Poinsettia
leaves
and
stems
Tinsel
and
Angel
Hair
Snow
sprays
and
flocking
Styrofoam
Crayons
and
paints
Moderate
Toxicity
Holly
berries
and
leaves
Bubbling
lights
(contains
methylene
chloride)
Alcoholic
beverages
and
chocolate
High
Toxicity
Some
types
of ice
melting
chemicals
that
can
be tracked
into
the
house
Mistletoe
(especially
berries)
Epoxy
adhesives
Antifreeze
If you have a question for Auntie Bea, you may write to her at:
Auntie Bea
Colorado House Rabbit Society
P.O. Box 238
Broomfield, CO 80038-0238
