Hot Cross Hoppenings is THE place for Rabbitry Updates.
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We are celebrating the safe return of all six Buns from their spay/neuter surgeries. All went very well and there were no complications. We will keep a close eye on all of them to ensure a safe and speedy recovery of these precious furry friends. If all goes well, they will be ready for their new homes by October 3rd.
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September 15, 2020
We have more photos of the littlest Buns on the Baby Holland Lops page. I have also added junior doe Pumpkin Roll to the Meet the Hot Cross Buns page. Formerly called Peachy Keen (and a lot of other trial names, besides), Pumpkin Roll is the daughter of Luigi and Goldilocks. We are so pleased to officially add her to our rabbitry. |
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September 12, 2020
We wanted to share a reminder with our clients and followers that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease V2 is still a threat to the rabbit population of the United States. Although Ohio has not had any new cases reported since the very first case of RHDV2 in the USA was reported in Medina County, OH in September 2018, it is spreading throughout the southern states. This disease has been fatal in approximately 90% of all rabbits who have contracted it. This article gives the most thorough information I have been able to find on the current situation.
Our hope is that all rabbit-loving families will be aware of the signs of RHDV2, develop and diligently practice bio-security measures to keep their rabbits safe, and to keep their bunnies housed safely indoors.
We wanted to share a reminder with our clients and followers that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease V2 is still a threat to the rabbit population of the United States. Although Ohio has not had any new cases reported since the very first case of RHDV2 in the USA was reported in Medina County, OH in September 2018, it is spreading throughout the southern states. This disease has been fatal in approximately 90% of all rabbits who have contracted it. This article gives the most thorough information I have been able to find on the current situation.
Our hope is that all rabbit-loving families will be aware of the signs of RHDV2, develop and diligently practice bio-security measures to keep their rabbits safe, and to keep their bunnies housed safely indoors.
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September 11, 2020
It's a happy day for Pillow and Jimmy's new family! They are on their way to their home in New York State. Pillow and Jimmy will be very gently and gradually introduced to their new bunny brother and sister, Fernando and Blanca, who are also Holland Lops. It's going to be a non-stop Bun party at that house! We loved meeting their new family, who are very forward-thinking in living with bunnies and caring for their needs. We wish them all the very best. We also want to send a gentle hug to Pillow and Jimmy's first family who had to re-home them due to their own health issues. They love Pillow and Jimmy dearly, so this was very hard on all of them. We have been honored to work with them from the very beginning, and so hope that their lives will be blessed with health, hope, and joy in the coming days and years. They are wonderful, caring people and we know how difficult this has been for them. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Finally, we acknowledge today as being Patriot Day, in remembrance of the the lives that were lost, the lives that were changed, and the lives that will never forget what hatred and terrorism did and continue to do to people. We don't have to agree with everyone's choices, but showing kindness, gentleness, respect, and love will heal a world full of hurt. May we be a blessing to each other, friends. |
NEVER FORGET 9/11/2001 |
September 10, 2020
We updated Frederick's (Momo's) photos, as well as Eloise's this evening. While we were at it, we decided to take some pictures of their litter mate, Spark.
Spark is doing absolutely wonderfully now, and we hope to list him/her in another two or three weeks for a family who is open to a Bun who may or may not have special needs. We still haven't been able to ascertain his/her gender yet, but are hoping to be able to tell in another week or two. Size-wise Spark now looks like a Bun who is about 5.5 - 6 weeks old. Although his/her litter mates are about 12 weeks old now, Spark had some health issues we have not been able to have accurately diagnosed.
Spark was very healthy and grew normally the first three weeks of his/her life, and then stopped growing and wouldn't eat. We tried hand raising Spark with kitten formula, but that didn't help very much. In despair, we tried feeding the little Bun Sherwood Pet Health's Appetite Restore to keep it hydrated. Spark held on, but didn't seem to be making any progress. Every day, we were amazed that the little Bun was still alive. Spark was nothing but fur and bones, with an incredible will to live. We kept doing what we could to get any nourishment into him/her, but it felt like we were fighting a losing battle. Spark would nibble just a tiny amount of pellets, oats, and hay each day. It was still taking a small amount of Appetite Restore, but each day it would take less and less. The day came when Spark refused to take anything by syringe feeding. That was the day I gave up. Spark was weak and listless, and he was losing his fur. I begged God to end Spark's suffering and take the tiny life Home. I fully expected to find him dead the next morning, but he wasn't. Instead, he was cuddled up with his litter mates, munching on some hay. Later on, I noticed him drinking from his water bottle. The next day, I found him sitting in his food bowl, taking tiny nibbles of the oats that were sprinkled on top. A few days later, he was diving into the pellets with Freddie and Eloise. I don't know what happened to cause him to begin eating again. We had offered him pellets, hay, and oats, along with milk replacer, pureed pumpkin, goat milk, etc, countless times, but he always refused them. I believe that God healed Spark, because that is the only thing that makes sense to me. Nothing our human hands did for Spark made a difference. We just loved on that tiny little Bun, and did the only things we could to provide comfort.
Since then, Spark has been growing steadily and is a delightful bundle of mischievous sweetness. We rejoice in every ounce added to his/her frame and love the little bunny tummy that is nicely rounded. Somewhere, there is a special family who will love and appreciate all that Spark went through and will want to care for him/her through the remainder of Spark's days, however many there may be. Since we don't know what was wrong, we don't know if there will be any relapse in Spark's symptoms, but our hope and prayer is that this special little Bun will live a long, healthy life.
We updated Frederick's (Momo's) photos, as well as Eloise's this evening. While we were at it, we decided to take some pictures of their litter mate, Spark.
Spark is doing absolutely wonderfully now, and we hope to list him/her in another two or three weeks for a family who is open to a Bun who may or may not have special needs. We still haven't been able to ascertain his/her gender yet, but are hoping to be able to tell in another week or two. Size-wise Spark now looks like a Bun who is about 5.5 - 6 weeks old. Although his/her litter mates are about 12 weeks old now, Spark had some health issues we have not been able to have accurately diagnosed.
Spark was very healthy and grew normally the first three weeks of his/her life, and then stopped growing and wouldn't eat. We tried hand raising Spark with kitten formula, but that didn't help very much. In despair, we tried feeding the little Bun Sherwood Pet Health's Appetite Restore to keep it hydrated. Spark held on, but didn't seem to be making any progress. Every day, we were amazed that the little Bun was still alive. Spark was nothing but fur and bones, with an incredible will to live. We kept doing what we could to get any nourishment into him/her, but it felt like we were fighting a losing battle. Spark would nibble just a tiny amount of pellets, oats, and hay each day. It was still taking a small amount of Appetite Restore, but each day it would take less and less. The day came when Spark refused to take anything by syringe feeding. That was the day I gave up. Spark was weak and listless, and he was losing his fur. I begged God to end Spark's suffering and take the tiny life Home. I fully expected to find him dead the next morning, but he wasn't. Instead, he was cuddled up with his litter mates, munching on some hay. Later on, I noticed him drinking from his water bottle. The next day, I found him sitting in his food bowl, taking tiny nibbles of the oats that were sprinkled on top. A few days later, he was diving into the pellets with Freddie and Eloise. I don't know what happened to cause him to begin eating again. We had offered him pellets, hay, and oats, along with milk replacer, pureed pumpkin, goat milk, etc, countless times, but he always refused them. I believe that God healed Spark, because that is the only thing that makes sense to me. Nothing our human hands did for Spark made a difference. We just loved on that tiny little Bun, and did the only things we could to provide comfort.
Since then, Spark has been growing steadily and is a delightful bundle of mischievous sweetness. We rejoice in every ounce added to his/her frame and love the little bunny tummy that is nicely rounded. Somewhere, there is a special family who will love and appreciate all that Spark went through and will want to care for him/her through the remainder of Spark's days, however many there may be. Since we don't know what was wrong, we don't know if there will be any relapse in Spark's symptoms, but our hope and prayer is that this special little Bun will live a long, healthy life.
September 9, 2020
Today is the day we take six of the Buns to the vet for their pre-spay and neuter appointments. They will have their surgeries on the 16th. Millie, Cake Pop, Mrs. Lynde, Sweet Tart, and Sukie will all be spayed, and Joshua will be neutered. Joshua and Sweet Tart will be remaining with us as pets. Millie and Cake Pop have new families already identified for them when they have healed from their surgeries and are ready for their retirement placements. We are still seeking loving homes for Mrs. Lynde and Sukie, so if you are open to the idea of loving a slightly older bunny, we would love to hear from you!
We are also thrilled that little Frederick has been reserved! He will be with us until the 20th, but that time will fly. His new family has given him the adorable name "Momo."
Today is the day we take six of the Buns to the vet for their pre-spay and neuter appointments. They will have their surgeries on the 16th. Millie, Cake Pop, Mrs. Lynde, Sweet Tart, and Sukie will all be spayed, and Joshua will be neutered. Joshua and Sweet Tart will be remaining with us as pets. Millie and Cake Pop have new families already identified for them when they have healed from their surgeries and are ready for their retirement placements. We are still seeking loving homes for Mrs. Lynde and Sukie, so if you are open to the idea of loving a slightly older bunny, we would love to hear from you!
We are also thrilled that little Frederick has been reserved! He will be with us until the 20th, but that time will fly. His new family has given him the adorable name "Momo."
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September 8, 2020
We have baby pictures (and even some short videos!) posted of the newest additions to the Hot Cross Buns Nursery. Hop on over to the Baby Holland Lops page for a special dose of cuteness! Here's a sneak peek... |
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September 4, 2020
Little Molasses (potentially named Lana) is on her way home with her new family! We're going to miss that little sweetie, but know she is going to charm the socks off of her new big bother Leo (formerly HCB's Mystery). We have a feeling they will be like two peas in a pod before you know it. It was great catching up with their family and we wish them all the best now and in the future!
Little Molasses (potentially named Lana) is on her way home with her new family! We're going to miss that little sweetie, but know she is going to charm the socks off of her new big bother Leo (formerly HCB's Mystery). We have a feeling they will be like two peas in a pod before you know it. It was great catching up with their family and we wish them all the best now and in the future!
September 3, 2020
We have added a video to Pillow & Jimmy's listing and have also set up a listing for the three baby bucks from Millie's litter (we had a surprise addition to Team Buck, and have no available does this time around). Millie's babies have all been named after types of clouds, so we are referring to the listed bucks as "The Cloudy Boys".
Eloise and Frederick are waiting to be matched with loving families, as well.
We have added a video to Pillow & Jimmy's listing and have also set up a listing for the three baby bucks from Millie's litter (we had a surprise addition to Team Buck, and have no available does this time around). Millie's babies have all been named after types of clouds, so we are referring to the listed bucks as "The Cloudy Boys".
Eloise and Frederick are waiting to be matched with loving families, as well.
September 1, 2020
We officially listed Pillow and Jimmy today! They are doing very well and love living together full-time. If we had room for two more pet Buns, I would seriously consider keeping them. They are going to be a great fit for some wonderful family out there, and we are praying, day and night, for that family to find our website in the near future.
We are planning to list Millie's litter over the weekend, It's a bit later than normal, but we have been hemming and hawing over keeping the little doe, and have decided to do so. She may be listed in the future, but we would like to grow her out a bit before determining if she would be suited to life in the rabbitry. The three little bucks will be available, first to the families on our waiting list, and then to those with approved New Bunny Questionnaires.
We officially listed Pillow and Jimmy today! They are doing very well and love living together full-time. If we had room for two more pet Buns, I would seriously consider keeping them. They are going to be a great fit for some wonderful family out there, and we are praying, day and night, for that family to find our website in the near future.
We are planning to list Millie's litter over the weekend, It's a bit later than normal, but we have been hemming and hawing over keeping the little doe, and have decided to do so. She may be listed in the future, but we would like to grow her out a bit before determining if she would be suited to life in the rabbitry. The three little bucks will be available, first to the families on our waiting list, and then to those with approved New Bunny Questionnaires.
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August 30, 2020
We promised updated photos of Jimmy and Pillow and here they are! Jimmy looks pretty much the same as when he was placed (such a handsome boy!), but Pillow is a lovely doe, rather than a little baby now. She is larger than Jimmy and is wonderfully sweet and affectionate, while Jimmy is the same spunky boy as always. ************************************************ We hope to post pictures of three newborn arrivals next weekend. Primrose had one baby and Cupcake has two wee ones. As neither has raised a litter before, we are being cautious before their official birth announcements are made. |
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August 30, 2020
Douglass (now named Ninja!) is on his way home. He was his very sweet little self when he met his new family. We hope that he will learn to love them very quickly and that he will become best buddies with their pet guinea pig. We really enjoyed meeting them and wish them all the very best! |
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August 26, 2020
We have been asked by one of our favorite clients to help re-home their bonded pair of Buns. Their little boy has developed a severe allergy to the bunnies (and their kitties) and, although they have tried everything in their ability to protect their son's health while keeping them, have sadly realized that Jimmy and Pillow will need a new home.
Pillow is a gentle, cuddly, spayed girl, broken chinchilla in coloring. Jimmy, a solid squirrel, is an active, playful neutered buck (he is our Joey and Primrose's litter mate). Jimmy just celebrated his first birthday on August 23rd, while Pillow will turn one year old on November 10th.
Their current family will be filling out a lengthy questionnaire containing a lot of pertinent information about the Buns, their temperaments, and their likes and dislikes. We will post this information when we receive it. Their family is including many supplies for them, and we all hope that they will be placed together very quickly with a carefully screened new family. The longer they stay with us, the more difficult it will be on them because they will have two big adjustments, rather than only one. We anticipate their arrival either at the end of this week or early next week.
A re-homing fee will apply. If you are interested in providing a loving home for Jimmy and Pillow, please contact us via the New Bunny Questionnaire and note that you would like to be considered for them.
Thank you, friends!
PS. Here are some photos of Jimmy and Pillow, taken shortly before they were placed. They have grown up since then and we will post new photos as soon as they arrive.
We have been asked by one of our favorite clients to help re-home their bonded pair of Buns. Their little boy has developed a severe allergy to the bunnies (and their kitties) and, although they have tried everything in their ability to protect their son's health while keeping them, have sadly realized that Jimmy and Pillow will need a new home.
Pillow is a gentle, cuddly, spayed girl, broken chinchilla in coloring. Jimmy, a solid squirrel, is an active, playful neutered buck (he is our Joey and Primrose's litter mate). Jimmy just celebrated his first birthday on August 23rd, while Pillow will turn one year old on November 10th.
Their current family will be filling out a lengthy questionnaire containing a lot of pertinent information about the Buns, their temperaments, and their likes and dislikes. We will post this information when we receive it. Their family is including many supplies for them, and we all hope that they will be placed together very quickly with a carefully screened new family. The longer they stay with us, the more difficult it will be on them because they will have two big adjustments, rather than only one. We anticipate their arrival either at the end of this week or early next week.
A re-homing fee will apply. If you are interested in providing a loving home for Jimmy and Pillow, please contact us via the New Bunny Questionnaire and note that you would like to be considered for them.
Thank you, friends!
PS. Here are some photos of Jimmy and Pillow, taken shortly before they were placed. They have grown up since then and we will post new photos as soon as they arrive.
August 25, 2020
We are still learning more about the Sherwood food concern, but are happy to report the two bunnies who were very ill are making wonderful recoveries.
If you do feed your bunnies the Sherwood Timothy pellets, please follow the feeding directions very carefully. The formula is highly concentrated, and a Holland Lop bunny should need no more than 1/8 cup per day, along with a lot of hay and fresh water. If you are following the proper feeding guidelines and still have concerns, please feel free to discuss them with me, or contact the Sherwood Pet Health company directly through their website. They are very helpful and responsive.
We are still learning more about the Sherwood food concern, but are happy to report the two bunnies who were very ill are making wonderful recoveries.
If you do feed your bunnies the Sherwood Timothy pellets, please follow the feeding directions very carefully. The formula is highly concentrated, and a Holland Lop bunny should need no more than 1/8 cup per day, along with a lot of hay and fresh water. If you are following the proper feeding guidelines and still have concerns, please feel free to discuss them with me, or contact the Sherwood Pet Health company directly through their website. They are very helpful and responsive.
August 23, 2020
PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE OF CONCERN REGARDING SHERWOOD TIMOTHY PELLETS
Over the past three days, we have become aware of three rabbits who have suddenly taken ill. One of the rabbits has died. One of the three rabbits was born at Hot Cross Buns, but the other two were not. The only common factor (discovered so far) among these rabbits was that all three were on Sherwood Adult Timothy pellets. I have contacted the Sherwood company, alerting them to our concern and asking them for assistance. This in no way implies that there is a definitive problem with the food nor that they are responsible in any way. We are just issuing a caution to other rabbit families who use Sherwood Timothy pellets to observe their bunnies carefully and note any sudden behavioral changes (especially lethargy, lack of interest in food and water, and little to no poo ball production). Please seek veterinary care for your rabbit if needed.
We will pass on any further information we receive.
PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE OF CONCERN REGARDING SHERWOOD TIMOTHY PELLETS
Over the past three days, we have become aware of three rabbits who have suddenly taken ill. One of the rabbits has died. One of the three rabbits was born at Hot Cross Buns, but the other two were not. The only common factor (discovered so far) among these rabbits was that all three were on Sherwood Adult Timothy pellets. I have contacted the Sherwood company, alerting them to our concern and asking them for assistance. This in no way implies that there is a definitive problem with the food nor that they are responsible in any way. We are just issuing a caution to other rabbit families who use Sherwood Timothy pellets to observe their bunnies carefully and note any sudden behavioral changes (especially lethargy, lack of interest in food and water, and little to no poo ball production). Please seek veterinary care for your rabbit if needed.
We will pass on any further information we receive.
August 10, 2020
We just made pre-op appointments for six of the Buns to be spayed/neutered. Sukie, Mrs. Lynde, Sweet Tart, Millie, and Cake Pop will all be spayed in mid-September (we are waiting for Millie to wean her litter so we can take them all in together), and Joshua will be neutered at that time, as well.
If you are interested in adopting an already spayed/neutered Bun who is ready to retire from breeding, please let us know by completing and submitting the New Bunny Questionnaire. We prefer to place them after they have been spayed/neutered to ensure that they are healthy and cancer-free, which is especially important when bringing home an older doe. Because we know them and love them, we find that it is less stressful for the Buns to have their surgeries and recuperate while in our care prior to placing them with wonderful new families.
Joshua and Sweet Tart will be remaining with us, but Mrs. Lynde, Millie, Cake Pop, and Sukie will be available to pet homes.
We just made pre-op appointments for six of the Buns to be spayed/neutered. Sukie, Mrs. Lynde, Sweet Tart, Millie, and Cake Pop will all be spayed in mid-September (we are waiting for Millie to wean her litter so we can take them all in together), and Joshua will be neutered at that time, as well.
If you are interested in adopting an already spayed/neutered Bun who is ready to retire from breeding, please let us know by completing and submitting the New Bunny Questionnaire. We prefer to place them after they have been spayed/neutered to ensure that they are healthy and cancer-free, which is especially important when bringing home an older doe. Because we know them and love them, we find that it is less stressful for the Buns to have their surgeries and recuperate while in our care prior to placing them with wonderful new families.
Joshua and Sweet Tart will be remaining with us, but Mrs. Lynde, Millie, Cake Pop, and Sukie will be available to pet homes.
July 2, 2020
With the rising temperatures come greater risks to a bunny's health. Please be certain to give your pets plenty of fresh, cold water (they love ice cubes, too) throughout the day.
When it gets really warm out, we monitor the Buns very carefully. How do we help them stay cool?
Bowls of cold water can be placed in their space so they can dip their ears into the water. This is bunny air conditioning!
Circulating the air with fans is always wonderful when air conditioning is not available.
Some breeders use chilled ceramic tiles (replacing them with cold ones frequently) for their bunnies to lie on.
Frozen water bottles, pop bottles, or milk jugs are always a big hit.
What's our favorite? Fill a plastic shoe box 3/4 of the way with water, put the lid on the box, and freeze for at least 24 hours. The Buns can lie on top of the shoe box or sprawl out next to it. Because the ice is thick, it won't melt as quickly as a smaller water bottle.
With the rising temperatures come greater risks to a bunny's health. Please be certain to give your pets plenty of fresh, cold water (they love ice cubes, too) throughout the day.
When it gets really warm out, we monitor the Buns very carefully. How do we help them stay cool?
Bowls of cold water can be placed in their space so they can dip their ears into the water. This is bunny air conditioning!
Circulating the air with fans is always wonderful when air conditioning is not available.
Some breeders use chilled ceramic tiles (replacing them with cold ones frequently) for their bunnies to lie on.
Frozen water bottles, pop bottles, or milk jugs are always a big hit.
What's our favorite? Fill a plastic shoe box 3/4 of the way with water, put the lid on the box, and freeze for at least 24 hours. The Buns can lie on top of the shoe box or sprawl out next to it. Because the ice is thick, it won't melt as quickly as a smaller water bottle.