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You're no-bunny till some-bunny loves you!
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Lunar rabbit
The constellation of Lepus (The Rabbit or Hare) is placed in the sky just below Orion. According to Greek mythology, the rabbit was a favorite food of the mighty hunter, so it was often the prey of a day's hunt. Lepus' stars are so bright they can be clearly seen in even the most severely light polluted skies.
Lepus is an ancient constellation, so old there is no agreement on who first named it. We do know that the Arabs as far back as 300 BC called Lepus "The Throne of Orion". In Egyptian astronomy, Lepus was often associated with Selene, the goddess of the moon; and stories told then said the dark regions on the surface of the moon are shaped like a rabbit because this is where Lepus spends the summer. The Hindus called the dark areas of the moon Sasanka "marked with the hare". Sanskrit and Cingalese tales say the palace of the King of Hares was on the face of the moon.
Although there is clearly a great similarity among ancient stories associating Lepus with the moon. How the tale spread through so many different cultures remains a mystery to historians and astronomers of today. A very old German myth says that Lepus was at one time a bird that was changed into a hare by the goddess of the spring as punishment for flying into the moon. The goddess allowed the hare to keep its power to run as fast as it once could fly, and once a year (on Easter) it was allowed to lay eggs. This is how the Easter rabbit became associated with brightly colored eggs that appear in spring.
Story by, Philip Imbrogno, Philip is a science educator. This is a reprint from the Republican American a Waterbury, CT. paper. You may e-mail Philip at bel1313@msm.com. This story was reprinted by Cynthia Gooding with the Author’s permission.
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Myth busting!!!!
If you have looked into raising hares or read anything on the web about these beautiful creatures I am sure you have heard the claims that hares are high strung, not for the inexperienced, difficult to raise, etc. Well, I am fairly new to rabbit breeding but I would like to share some of my experiences with you to bring a different perspective to this subject.
First Let me tell you I have never met another breed of rabbit that is more curious, gregarious, or ready to "meet & greet" the world. My rabbits run to the door when I come to feed or handle them, and they rarely resist being picked up. They love to get nose to nose with me for a discussion on world politics, religion or what ever is on my mind. I return the favor by listening to their requests for more time in the play area. This is a twelve foot by six foot enclosure made of stacked bales of hay and bedded with shavings where they can cut loose and run, jump and really show their stuff. When I go in the enclosure they are quick to make circles around my feet to let me know they want me to play too.
I have to say the little Netherland Dwarf rabbit, that was a gift from a friend, when I first started raising hares was a much greater challenge. It resisted my attempts to tame it and destroyed a very expensive cage that my husband built for the rabbitry. I eventually had to neuter the little dwarf and place him with a person looking for a buddy for another neutered dwarf she kept as a pet. This arrangement did work out, but was an expensive lesson for me. Things are not always what they seem... Just because a bunny is cute and small does not mean it will make the best pet. Like-wise, just because a bunny is big and racy does not mean it will not make a great pet. As a companion animal I would rate the Belgian Hare a 10. So next time you are at the bunny show, take some time to get to know the Belgian Hare. They are friendly, magical creatures, and I would recommend them sincerely to anyone wanting a house pet, they litter-box train easily and will provide hours of entertainment with their antics.
If you are a person looking to raise these animals the only true difference between Belgian Hares and other breeds is that hares do require solid floor cages, and bedding to keep them from getting sores on their feet. They do not have the heavy padding that most other breed have on their feet, so they need the extra support that a solid floor will provide.
The people that raise hares are a great group of fanciers from all over the country and will all be glad to share their wisdom with anyone interested in getting started with the wonderful Belgian Hare...
Written By, Cynthia Gooding
Brier Patch Belgian Hares
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A litter box for your rabbit's cage?
Hi, my name is Cynthia. I am new to rabbit breeding, but have been involved in animal husbandry and animal behavior most of my life. I have raised horses, dogs, and cats. (Pretty much the usual while growing up.) I received my degree at Utah State University as a Dairy Herdsman and married shortly after graduating. I raised beef cattle with my husband in Northern New Mexico for several years. While there, we established a small herd of our own ... two wonderful boys now 15 and 20 years old respectively. I also worked for the Forest Service doing Spotted Owl research, Goshawk research and Elk & Cattle monitoring for impact studies on open range in our National Forests. In addition, I spent time working with camelids (i.e.. Llamas and Alpacas) for the USDA at their quarantine facility in Key West, Fl. and enjoyed a summer with the Fish and Wildlife as a Park Ranger at Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, Fl. Wow, I think I need a nap!
The point is: Watching animals is what I do. Figuring out what they need and what they want, is what I do best. So, in the short time that I have had my beautiful bunnies, this is what I have learned about their habits and housing needs.
Yes, it is easy to train most rabbits to use a litter box in their cage. It is definitely more sanitary. I would recommend it for any rabbit that is kept on a wood floor or plastic floor cage. Belgian Hares are usually raised in this manor to protect their feet from the sores that will occur if they are kept on wire. I find my rabbits are happier if their homes are kept clean, and using a litter box makes clean-ups a snap. So how do you do it? First, let your rabbit start to soil a new cage or use an already established corner to place your litter box. Clean the comer first but do not clean with disinfectant to start with. I use corner litter boxes found at most pet stores now days. If your pet store does not have one they will probably order them for you. Use two boxes to start with, one in each back corner of the cage. If your rabbit starts soiling another corner move the litter box to that corner and thoroughly disinfect any soiled exposed corner (I recommend one part bleach to nine parts water for this purpose.) Move bunny to a carrier for an hour or so while the fumes evaporate. Remember that bleach can be liver toxic. It will be completely safe when dry. Then spray the area with apple bitters to discourage re-soiling. This can be a game of musical litter box with some rabbits but they will eventually tire of the game. I use peat moss or wood shavings for litter. I find some of my rabbits prefer one over the other, so I let them choose. There are many litters to choose from now days, be careful that the ones you choose are safe for your rabbits. Some rabbit breeders have told me they no longer use shavings for bedding due to pulmonary and liver problems in their rabbitrys. I have not seen the research on this but would caution you to not use fine shavings with dust problems or shavings made from unknown woods, as some wood shavings can be very toxic. (Large shave, dust free, pine) is what I use. It can be purchased at PetsMart, in the equine section, in large bales for a reasonable price. Used in litter boxes I believe it is reasonably safe. If you bed your cages and I would recommend that you do, you may wish to choose straw or even one of the more expensive beddings available in the small pet section at your local pet supply. Remember NO CEDAR as this is a volatile oil wood and could be toxic to your bunny if eaten.
Watch your animals for signs of respiratory distress use common sense and your powers of observation to keep a healthy environment. Don't let your bunny get bored. A bored bunny is a destructive bunny! Provide new things for your rabbit to investigate and he is less likely to start re-arranging his cage. It usually takes less than a week to establish a routine. Once your rabbit is faithfully using his litter box you can usually remove the second box. If your rabbits are housed outdoors I recommend replacing your second litter box with a nest box or play house so your rabbits will stay warm in the winter. They will love their new home and so will you.
By, Cynthia Gooding
P.S. You will find once composted, the waste from your litter box is black-gold for your garden, but you already new that ......
12/6/03
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