Volume 4, Issue 3 - August 2004

Dear Auntie Bea

Dear Auntie Bea:
My rabbit sometimes licks the floor when I am petting her. Why does she do this?
--Cleanest Floor In Town

Dear Clean Floor:
You have found your rabbit's favorite spot to be pet or scratched. Some people like to call it the”Licky Button." Most bunnies do this when you scratch their bottom or back . . . They start licking in absolute delight. Every rabbit seems to have a secret spot where they love to be scratched or pet, so don't worry, you are just making her happy.

Dear Auntie Bea:
I am trying to switch to the better brand of pellets (Oxbow), but my rabbit isn't eating them. What can I do?
--Wants A Better Diet

Dear Diet:
The best way to do this is to take it slowly. Start mixing small amounts of the new pellets into the old ones. Gradually increase the amount of the new ones until the old ones aren't being fed at all. If your bunny doesn’t fall for this trick and continues to choose only the old pellets and leaves the new pellets, you can try removing ALL pellets from the diet for three days. However, only try this if your bunny is in good health. On the fourth day, give your bunny only the new pellets. Usually a bunny is so excited to have something crunchy that he will dive right into the bowl.

Dear Auntie Bea:
My husband recently treated the lawn with weed killer. How long should I wait before letting my rabbit go outside to play?
--Weedless in Denver

Dear Weedless:
The best situation for a rabbit is to never use lawn chemicals at all if your rabbit plays outside. However, if the lawn is watered regularly, it should be safe for your rabbit to play outside within two weeks. Always be on the watch for your neighbors spraying or treating their lawns as well, because it could leach into your yard close to the fence or property line. It is best to fence or partition off an area for "bunny use only" and never use chemicals there at all. And, as always, never leave your rabbit outside alone.

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