Is Now the Time for a New Friend? - The Carrot Tribune - January 2021

The Carrot Tribune

In this issue…

• Is Now the Time for a New Friend?

• Bunny and Guinea Pig of the Month

• Help I Found a Wild Bunny!

• Happy 2021

Please note, we're still closed to public due to Covid-19. We're looking forward to reopening the shelter, restarting Hoppy Hour, and holding Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig classes again. Until it's safe to do so, we are here for the rabbits and guinea pigs and for bunny and piggie parents.

Is Now the Time for a New Friend?

Have you been considering finding a friend for your rabbit? BUNS is ready to help.

We provide free, low-contact services that allow your rabbit to meet (aka "date") rabbits at the shelter. Call us today to discuss the possibilities.

Contact us at (805) 683-0521 or info@bunssb.org.

The House Rabbit Society has a great article about the benefits of bonded rabbits. Read it at: https://rabbit.org/better-with-two/

Bunny of the Month

Mrs. Mellow is mellow at times, but this shy little fluff ball can be lively, too! When she is on the move, she is a joy to watch, with her adorable semi lop ears working overtime, as they go every which way! She is a beautiful bunny with a soft coat and a nice mix of Lop and Lionhead, helping to give her such a striking appearance.

Mrs. Mellow is hoping to start the new year off right with a loving forever home!

Meet our Guinea Pig of the Month!

Help! I found a wild bunny!

Wild in the Streets

Wild bunnies may look like they need our help but often do not. Before you rush to the rescue, consider that you may be “kidnapping” with the best of intentions.

Young bunnies begin to leave the nest at 2-3 weeks when they are 4”-5” long. They start nibbling natural foods as they explore. By 3-4 weeks of age, when they are 5”-7” long, they are weaned. By 5 weeks of age they are independent. Instinctually, rabbits freeze in place once they detect a predator (you). Unless you can see an injury or see that the bunny doesn’t move as it should, it is probably fine.

If your cat or dog brings you a bunny, it probably needs rescue. Bunnies will fight to avoid capture using claws, leaps and darting changes of direction. The struggle may cause tiny skin punctures, crushing injuries or nerve damage. The bunny may be exhausted and terrified. (Photo, Baby Wild Bunny)

If you find a nest with babies leave them alone. Their nest is shallow, fur and grass lined depression in the earth or sometimes pots and planters. Grass and leaves may cover the nest. Wild bunnies do not burrow like domestic bunnies.

In order not to draw predators, wild mothers don’t spend time at the nest. The mother visits the nest twice a day, often at dawn and dusk. She nurses quickly, grooms the babies and leaves. The babies do not need their mother to keep themselves warm.

Re-cover the nest with grass and leaves. Leave a tic-tac-toe pattern of light twigs or string on top. The mother will still feed the babies if she smells our scent. The next day you can tell if the pattern was disturbed by the mother. If the pattern is undisturbed for 12-24 hours, the babies need rescue.

Remember “Warm, Dark and Quiet” if a bunny or wild critter needs rescue. Line a box with soft, warm materials, add the bunny and a secure lid. Place in the quietest part of the house. No peeking by friends or family. Don’t give food or water. The bunny might inhale the water which adds stress.

Please contact a licensed rehabilitation organization right away. The bunny will be cared for and nurtured until it can be returned to the wild.

Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
1460 N. Fairview Avenue
Goleta, CA 93117
(map)

Wildlife Care Network Rescue Hotline: (805) 681-1080

Happy New Year!

YAY! 2021 is here!

The bunnies are safe with the RHD vaccine available through BUNS!

Double your BUN – The Carrot Tribune – October 2020

In this issue... Bunny of the Month Double your BUN October 18 Vaccine Clinic Photos from Last Weekend's RHDv2 Vaccine Clinic Please note, we're still closed to public due to Covid-19. We're looking forward to reopening the shelter, restarting Hoppy Hour, and holding Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig classes again. Until it's safe to do so, we are here for the rabbits and guinea pigs and for bunny and piggie parents.   Bunny of the Month Christina is one cute little bunny!  She is an adorable Lionhead breed with such a lovely coat and color. She is a lively and curious girl, and really likes her time exploring in her exercise pen. She doesn’t mind being held either, and appreciates pets and cuddles. Christina is looking forward to finding her forever home and forever human! Learn who our Guinea Pig of the Month is by visiting bunssb.org! Read More       Double your BUN The touch of a friend. The pleasure of a kiss. A contented evening spent with family. Like you, your bunny would love to have a bunny friend. My bunnies groom each other, nap side by side and have bunny races. They are so cute! Finding a companion for my bunny has made us both happy. Your bunny’s new best friend could be waiting at BUNS. And BUNS will help you find that friend. We will introduce you and your bunny to new bunnies. When you find that special friend, we will be there to help. A skilled bunny bonder will help make the bond from start to finish. Of course, between Covid19 and RHDv2, dating has changed. To get ready to date your bunny, here is what to do: First, vaccinate your rabbit for RHDv2. Your rabbit’s vaccination certificate is his/her ticket to true love! (See info on signing up later in this newsletter...) Second, schedule an introduction by contacting: info@bunssb.org or talking to your BUNS adoption counselor. Curious about bonding? Contact info@bunssb.org. Or read this article from the Georgia House Rabbit Society: https://www.houserabbitga.com/bonding-rabbits   Vaccine Clinic Signups Our next RHDv2 vaccine clinic is October 18. To sign up for the October 18 clinic click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rhdv2-vaccination-clinics-tickets-122149724113 If October 18 does not work for you sign up to be notified of future clinics here: https://forms.gle/UuU9FMYTa7QQuUU49   Last Weekend's Vaccine Clinic Our RHDV2 Vaccine clinic number 3 is a wrap, with over 75 rabbits vaccinated! Huge thank you to Dr. Anne Sostrin and our medical team for volunteering their time to save rabbit lives! Read More

The Carrot Tribune – September 2020

In this issue... Bunny of the Month The Superpower of BUNS: Love in Action! Vaccine Clinic #2   Bunny of the Month Our Bunny of the month, Sven, was just ADOPTED! He is such a handsome boy! He is an active and curious young bunny, and has a sweet personality to boot! He really enjoys his time exercising, and will stop and check in with you, especially if treats are involved! Sven has a beautiful coat just made for petting, and he is hoping to find a loving adopter who will do just that! Learn who our Guinea Pig of the Month is by visiting our website... click "Read More" below! Read More       The Superpower of BUNS: Love in Action! In late April, the President of BUNS, Kimmy Swann, received notice from the Santa Maria shelter that a badly injured male rabbit had been brought in as a stray. Kimmy immediately arranged for a member of the Board of Directors from BUNS to transport him to Santa Barbara. The rabbit had what appeared to be a cigarette burn on his forehead and he also had multiple wounds over his entire body (see before & after image below). It took months of veterinary care including warm compresses, wound flushing, antibiotics, injections, baths, and pain medications to heal the damage to his body. When he was ready to leave the veterinary hospital, Kimmy (also a veterinary technician) continued his round the clock care. He trusted her and responded to the outpouring of love by being a cooperative patient. A volunteer with BUNS was eager to adopt this transformed bunny and gave him the name Shiloh, which means “peace”. He’s now getting the young bunnyhood he missed. The mission statement of Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter is not an easy task to carry out. What’s the superpower? The love of the volunteers and Board of Directors shows in their actions throughout fires, floods, Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 (RHDV2), Covid-19 precautions, and more. Our Mission To provide shelter and care to rabbits in need; To promote the spaying and neutering of rabbits; To promote the education of humane care, welfare & behavior of rabbits. To provide humane care to other small animals at the shelter And to do all of the above every day from the heart! ❤️     Vaccine Clinic #2 BUNS's second vaccline clinic was on Septmber 6th. A huge thank you to Dr. Sostrin, Esther, Elks Lodge, Kimmy, Kendra, Jean, Heidi, Sam, Phil, Russ, Forrest and Rudi for all the dedication and barely surviving the heat! They saved over 50 bunnies from RHDV2! Our next clinic is not yet scheduled. If you'd like to be notified of clinc updates, please visit our RHD page on bunssb.org and fill out our online form: (http://www.bunssb.org/bunnies/rhd/). Read More

RHD Vaccine Clinic Update – The Carrot Tribune – August 2020

In this issue... RHDV2 Update How old is my Guinea Pig? Bunnies of the Month Viva La Fiesta! RHDV2 Prevention While the Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) has not been detected in Santa Barbara County yet, it is important for all rabbit owners to take precautions to protect their rabbits. Even if there are no wild rabbits in your area, the virus can be transmitted by flying insects, scavenging animals (birds, etc.), and tracked in on shoes. For these reasons, it is important to bring rabbits inside, prevent insects from entering your home, and remove shoes before you enter the house. Another source of the virus is contaminated feed. Infection risk from dry feed such as hay is low (and hay is typically aged before it is sold), but you should consider the source of the greens that you use to make your bunnies’ salads. The virus would be very hard to remove from contaminated veggies through washing, so BUNS has stopped sourcing any greens from south or east of Santa Barbara. We recommend you check the source of your veggies and do the same. If the virus is confirmed further north (it is currently confirmed in San Clemente), we will adjust our source again. We have also stopped foraging for wild plants due to the potential interactions with wild rabbits. Many rabbit owners outside of California are afraid to feed their bunnies any veggies from our state, so we are thankful to have the ability to know the source of our veggies and avoid the outbreak areas. The most important action you can take to protect your rabbits is to vaccinate them. We are excited to announce that we have placed the order for the vaccine (ERAVAC), and it should arrive in approximately 4 weeks. Please see our past newsletter post for more information and to sign up for the vaccine clinic (http://www.bunssb.org/bunnies/rhd/). Read More   How old is my Guinea Pig? At BUNS people always ask the age of adoptable guinea pigs. (We almost never know when our shelter guinea pigs were born. Unless, they were born at the shelter.) But we make a good guess and hope for the best. Then we found this helpful guide posted on the Small Pet Select web site. https://smallpetselect.com/how-old-is-my-guinea-pig/ This article will help you estimate your guinea pig’s age. But it will also give you an idea of health issues to look for as your piggie ages. Read More       Bunnies of the Month Brock and Hedwig are such super bunny brothers and really lots of fun! They are active youngsters who do enjoy their exercise time, and can definitely settle down for a grooming session – a good thing, as these beautiful Angora breed boys deserve a nice brushing to keep their amazing coats looking great! They are part of a large litter of siblings who are all stunning in their own way, and like them, these bonded brothers truly deserve a wonderful forever home! Visit bunssb.org to learn who our Guinea Pig of the Month is! Read More     Viva La Fiesta! Read More

Vaccine Clinic for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus – The Carrot Tribune – July 2020

In this issue... Vaccine Clinic for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) Guinea Pig of the Month Please note, we're still closed to public due to Covid-19. We're looking forward to reopening the shelter, restarting Hoppy Hour, and holding Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig classes again. Until it's safe to do so, we are here for the rabbits and guinea pigs and for bunny and piggie parents. RHDV2 Vaccine Clinic Note: information on Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is constantly changing. Please visit our website for the latest information: http://www.bunssb.org/bunnies/rhd/ We are very relieved to announce that we have received approval to import the Eravac vaccine from Europe, with help from our local veterinarians. We expect to receive our shipment of the vaccine later this month. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is a highly contagious and deadly disease of rabbits caused by the RHD virus (RHDV and RHDV2). This disease is very often fatal and there are no treatments for it. The best way to protect your rabbit is to vaccinate. See our “RHD Background” section below for more information on this virus. BUNS will be conducting vaccination clinics with the assistance of several local veterinarians. If you are interested in the vaccine clinic, please fill out or online form (link below). We anticipate the cost of the vaccine to be approximately $30 per dose, but this is subject to change. If your rabbits are current patients of Adobe Pet Hospital (Dr. Haskell) or VCA Noah’s Ark (Dr. Sostrin), please contact them first and let them know you would like to get your rabbits vaccinated. If you have a different vet, or are directed to the clinic by Dr. Haskell or Dr. Sostrin, please fill out our online form and we will contact you with information on the clinic as it becomes available. Direct link to the clinic signup form: https://forms.gle/UuU9FMYTa7QQuUU49 The Eravac vaccine has been used in Europe for many years and is very safe. It is routinely used on elderly rabbits as well as those with underlying medical conditions. It needs to be given once per year for full protection. Vaccination is expected to be effective for most rabbits. It may not prevent the disease in 100% of rabbits, but if vaccinated, it helps rabbits survive if they have been exposed to the RHDV2 virus. BUNS is paying for the up-front cost of importing this vaccine in order to help our rabbit community. We understand that many are struggling financially during this challenging time. If you are able, please make a donation to BUNS to help defer the cost of importing this necessary vaccine and to help BUNS care for rabbits and guinea pigs in our community. RHD Background: Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease is a highly contagious and deadly disease of rabbits caused by the RHD virus (RHDV and RHDV2). The RHDV2 strain of the virus has been spreading through the Southwest and has finally reached California. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has confirmed that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) was found in a dead rabbits in the Palm Springs, (Riverside County), Yucca Valley (San Bernardino County), Poway (San Diego County), and most recently San Clemente (Orange County). Because it is in the wild rabbit population, we can assume that RHDV2 will become common in California, and will reach the Santa Barbara region relatively soon. Currently RHDV2 has not been confirmed within a 150 mile radius of Santa Barbara, but it epidemic is moving our direction. BUNS has already modified our operations to reduce the chance of spreading the virus. We recommend that you consider modifying your routines to help reduce the chance of RHD infecting rabbits under your care. RHD only infects rabbits and other members of the lagomorph family. You, your family and other pets will not get this disease. However, you can spread it inadvertently, so awareness is key. RHD is highly contagious and resistant to environmental conditions. It spreads through rabbit contact with a diseased rabbit’s fur, feces, urine, bedding, or direct contact. It also spreads via feces from other animals (scavenging predators, including birds) or insects that have had contact with a diseased rabbit, or contact with a contaminated surface or food. The virus can survive for at least 3 months in the carcass of a dead rabbit or dried on cloth. On other surfaces the virus may survive from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on conditions. It is resistant to both high temperatures (it can survive 1 hour at 122° F) and freezing. Rabbits housed outdoors are at the highest risk. Even if there are no wild rabbits in your area, insects (especially flies) are able to transmit the virus. A single fly speck can contain enough virus to infect a rabbit. There is no treatment for this virus and mortality rates are very high, so prevention is crucial. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, bleeding, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, jaundice, seizures, and sudden death. Most rabbits die within hours to days after exposure, while asymptomatic carriers can shed virus for over a month. The virus impairs the blood’s ability to clot, and death is most often caused by liver failure, or internal or external bleeding. The best way to prevent this disease is to vaccinate your rabbit. Please refer to the first section for information on getting your rabbits vaccinated. It may not prevent the disease in 100% of rabbits, but if vaccinated, it helps rabbits survive is they have been exposed to RHDV2. Biosecurity measures should still be taken to protect vaccinated rabbits. RHDV2 may reach Santa Barbara before all rabbits can be vaccinated, or before full protection is provided by the vaccine. We must also consider the health of our wild rabbit populations. Here are additional things you can do to reduce the risk to your rabbit and help slow the spread of this disease in our wild and domestic rabbits: If you find a sick or dead rabbit do not handle or move it. Call CDFW Wildlife Investigations Lab (916) 358-2790 to report dead wild rabbits, or Santa Barbara Wildlife Care network: (805) 681-1080, and tell them you suspect RHD. Housing your rabbit indoors is the single most important step you can take to protect your rabbit from this disease. If you cannot do that, then screen outdoor hutches to keep flies and other insects away from your rabbit. Exercise your rabbit indoors. If you cannot do that limit outdoor time and use fly prevention. Remove your shoes when entering your home, and wash your hands before and after handling your rabbit. Ask your vet about external parasite control. Vectra3D protects against flies and mosquitos and can be dosed correctly by your vet. Never use Frontline on rabbits. Avoid contact with other rabbits. Until further notice or until the vaccine is available, BUNS will not do rabbit introductions, grooming or Hoppy Hours. If you have friends with rabbits, or visit an area with wild rabbits, change your clothes and shoes after visiting their homes. Wash your clothes in hot water and dry on high. Let your shoes sit for several days to 2 weeks in areas away from your rabbit. If you have a dog or a cat, avoid situations where they may come into contact with a wild bunny or dead wild rabbit; leashes outdoors are recommended. You may want to wash your dogs paws when they enter the house. Stop foraging for wild greens and know the source of your feed. The rates of infection through food are not known, but contaminated feed has been suspected in cases where rabbits housed indoors in urban environments got sick. Greens grown in an outbreak area should not be fed. Here are some resources for additional information: Detailed info from the House Rabbit Society: https://rabbit.org/rhdv/ Two-page handout you can print and share: https://rabbit.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/hrs_rhdv_v5.pdf CA Dept of Food and Agriculture: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/pdfs/RabbitHemorrhagicDisease.pdf Read More     Guinea Pig of the Month Stripe is an aptly named piggy, as he has a nice black stripe down his side which is part of his beautifully colored coat. This handsome boy is a lively and sometimes shy youngster who came into the shelter with several of his siblings, and is hoping to find a forever home all his own! Visit bunssb.org to learn who our Bunny of the Month is! Read More     Follow us on Facebook Read More

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease found in California – The Carrot Tribune - May 2020

In This Issue... Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) Guinea Pig of the Month #BunniesOfInstagram Please note, we're still closed to public due to Covid-19. We're looking forward to reopening the shelter, restarting Hoppy Hour, and holding Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig classes again. Until it's safe to do so, we are here for the rabbits and guinea pigs and for bunny and piggie parents. RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported that Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV2) was found in a dead rabbit in the Palm Springs area. The RHDV2 virus has been spreading through the Southwest and has finally reached California. Because it is in the wild rabbit population, we can assume that RHDV2 will become common in California. We do not know if RHDV2 has reached Santa Barbara County. However, BUNS will begin changes in our operations at this time. We recommend that you consider any changes you may need to make in light of RHDV2 . RHDV2 only infects rabbits and other members of the lagomorph family. You, your family and other pets will not get this disease, but you can spread it inadvertently, so awareness is key. RHDV2 is highly contagious and resistant to environmental conditions. It spreads through rabbit contact with a diseased rabbit’s fur, feces, urine, bedding, or direct contact. It also spreads via feces from other animals (scavenging predators, including birds) or insects that have had contact with a diseased rabbit, or contact with a contaminated surface or food. The virus can survive for at least 3 months in the carcass of a dead rabbit or dried on cloth. On other surfaces the virus may survive from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on conditions. It is resistant to high temperatures (it can survive 1 hour at 122o F) and to freezing. Rabbits housed outdoors are at the highest risk. Even if no wild rabbits are in your area, insects (especially flies) are able to transmit the virus. A single fly speck can contain enough virus to infect a rabbit. There is no treatment for this virus and mortality rates are very high, so prevention is crucial. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, bleeding, loss of appetite, lethargy, fever, jaundice, seizures, and sudden death. Most rabbits die within hours to days after exposure, while asymptomatic carriers can shed virus for over a month. The virus impairs the blood’s ability to clot, and death is most often caused by liver failure, or internal or external bleeding. There are vaccines in England and Europe for RHDV2. While the vaccines are not available in the US, they can be imported by veterinarians with the approval of the USDA and the State of California. BUNS is working with local vets to import vaccine. Please contact your vet to discuss this as well. The good news is that the precautions that reduce the chance of myxomatosis will also reduce the chance of RHDV2. Here are things you can do to reduce the risk to your rabbit and help slow the spread of this disease in our wild and domestic rabbits: 1. If you find a sick or dead rabbit do not handle or move it. Call CDFW Wildlife Investigations Lab (916) 358-2790 to report dead wild rabbits, or Santa Barbara Wildlife Care network: (805) 681-1080, and tell them you suspect RHD. 2. Housing your rabbit indoors is the single most important step you can take to protect your rabbit from this disease. If you cannot do that, then screen outdoor hutches to keep flies and other insects away from your rabbit. Exercise your rabbit indoors. If you cannot do that limit outdoor time and use fly prevention. 3. Remove your shoes when entering your home, and wash your hands before and after handling your rabbit. 4. Ask your vet about external parasite control. Vectra3D protects against flies and mosquitos and can be dosed correctly by your vet. Never use Frontline on rabbits. 5. Avoid contact with other rabbits. Until further notice or until a vaccine is available, BUNS will not do rabbit introductions, grooming or Hoppy Hours. If you have friends with rabbits, or visit an area with wild rabbits, change your clothes and shoes after visiting their homes. Wash your clothes in hot water and dry on high. Let your shoes sit for several days to 2 weeks in areas away from your rabbit.  6. If you have a dog or a cat, avoid situations where they may come into contact with a wild bunny or dead wild rabbit; leashes outdoors are recommended. You may want to wash your dogs paws when they enter the house. 7. Tell your vet if you want to vaccinate your rabbit.  8. Stop foraging for wild greens and know the source of your feed. The rates of infection through food are not known, but contaminated feed has been suspected in cases where rabbits housed indoors in urban environments got sick. Here are some resources for additional information:  Detailed info from the House Rabbit Society: https://rabbit.org/rhdv/ Handout that can be shared: https://rabbit.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/hrs_rhdv_v5.pdf CA Dept of Food and Agriculture: https://rabbit.org/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/hrs_rhdv_v5.pdf   Guinea Pig of the Month Padrillio is our Guinea Pig of the Month for June! Cute little Pod (a.k.a. Padrillio) is wondering why he is still at the shelter, as he knows how much he has to offer some lucky adopter! He is an independent boy who is not shy when it comes to expressing his opinions and would love to be the King of the household ! This great piggy  is happy to cuddle, and he won’t say no to a treat or two.  Pod also likes his time exercising and napping in his pen, no doubt dreaming of his forever home. Learn who the Bunny of the Month is on our website: http://www.bunssb.org/bunny-of-the-month/june-2020/ Read More       #BunniesOfInstagram Read More

Hop to it! We want to hear your stories from home! - The Carrot Tribune - May 2020

Hop to it! Life is never boring when you have a rabbit or guinea pig at home! We miss our adopters and volunteers, so let's get together online. Use the hashtag #BUNSfromHome and mention @bunssb to share photos of your BUNS alumni making the best of it from home. Who knows, maybe you'll get featured in next month's Carrot Tribune! Read More     Sable is our Bunny of the Month Sable is a very pretty bunny with amazing coat and color – a great example of the Silver Marten breed! Not only is she beautiful, she also has such a nice personality and is a calm and loving girl. Sable is hoping someone will give her a forever home where she can thrive and make her human adopter so happy! Visit bunssb.org to learn who the Guinea Pig of the Month for May 2020 is! Read More     Sheltered but not forgotton We're still closed to public due to Covid-19. We're looking forward to reopening the shelter, restarting Hoppy Hour, and holding Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig classes again. Until it's safe to do so, we are here for the rabbits and guinea pigs and for bunny and piggie parents. Bunny and Piggie Pantry If you lost a job or income due to covid-19, buying pet food may not be possible. We will help you and your bunny or piggie with free pellets and hay. Call or email BUNS to arrange a time for you to pick up food. If you are not able to leave your house, we may be able to deliver pellets and hay. Call 805-683-0521 or email us at info@bunssb.org Hay Sales Hay sales will continue during the closure. Bags of hay are ready for purchase on the shelter’s front porch. Each bag contains one flake of hay and sells for $5.00. Cash or checks can be placed in the green box on the wall above the hay. Please bring exact change. The shelter’s address is 5473 Overpass Rd. Goleta CA. Rabbit and Guinea Pig Care BUNS will continue to care for the rabbits and guinea pigs at the Santa Barbara County Stray Animal Shelter. If you are hospitalized or unable to care for your rabbit or guinea pig, we will help. Call us at 805-683-0521 or email info@bunssb.org Adoptions and Foster Care BUNS is able to facilitate limited adoptions to previous adopters with indoor housing for their bunnies or piggies. Interviews will be done by phone: 805 683-0521. Adopters may request a bunny or piggie from the photos on our website: bunssb.org/bunnies/adoptable-bunnies/. The final choice will made between BUNS and the adopter. All adoptions will be done by appointment only. Adopters may select a bunny or piggie online but will not be able to meet the pet before the adoption. Contact BUNS for more information. BUNS will consider fostering to homes with indoor housing for their bunnies or guinea pigs. Inquiries about fostering may be made by calling 805-683-0521 or by emailing info@bunssb.org. The decision to foster will be based on the needs of BUNS, the rabbit or guinea pig and our best judgement about the match between the animal and the foster home. We appreciate the offer to foster. Additional Information We will be available by phone or email to answer your questions and offer as much help as we can. Call us at 805-683-0521 or email us at info@bunssb.org How You Can Help Donate: Hay, pellets, and vet care all cost money. We can supply the love and the time — but your support makes everything else possible. To donate click here: http://www.bunssb.org/donations/

BUNS is Closed to the Public - The Carrot Tribune - April 2020

BUNS is closed to the public BUNS is closed to the public due to Covid-19. We look forward to reopening the shelter, restarting Hoppy Hour, and holding Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig classes again. Until then we are still here for the rabbits and guinea pigs and for bunny and piggie parents. Thank you for your patience and continued support during this difficult time. Bunny and Piggie Pantry If you lost a job or income due to covid-19, buying pet food may not be possible. We will help you and your bunny or piggie with free pellets and hay. Call or email BUNS to arrange a time for you to pick up food. If you are not able to leave your house, we may be able to deliver pellets and hay. Call 805 683-0521 or email us at info@bunssb.org Hay Sales Hay sales will continue during the closure. Bags of hay are ready for purchase on the shelter’s front porch. Each bag contains one flake of hay and sells for $5.00. Cash or checks can be placed in the green box on the wall above the hay. Please bring exact change. The shelter’s address is 5473 Overpass Rd. Goleta CA. Rabbit and Guinea Pig Care BUNS will continue to care for the rabbits and guinea pigs at the Santa Barbara County Stray Animal Shelter. If you are hospitalized or unable to care for your rabbit or guinea pig, we will help. Call us at 805 683-0521 or email info@bunssb.org Adoptions and Foster Care BUNS is able to facilitate limited adoptions to previous adopters with indoor housing for their bunnies or piggies. Interviews will be done by phone: 805 683-0521. Adopters may request a bunny or piggie from the photos on our website: bunssb.org/bunnies/adoptable-bunnies/. The final choice will made between BUNS and the adopter. All adoptions will be done by appointment only. Adopters may select a bunny or piggie online but will not be able to meet the pet before the adoption. Contact BUNS for more information. BUNS will consider fostering to homes with indoor housing for their bunnies or guinea pigs. Inquiries about fostering may be made by calling 805 683-0521 or by emailing info@bunssb.org. The decision to foster will be based on the needs of BUNS, the rabbit or guinea pig and our best judgement about the match between the animal and the foster home. We appreciate the offer to foster. Additional Information We will be available by phone or email to answer your questions and offer as much help as we can. Call us at 805 683-0521 or email us at info@bunssb.org How You Can Help Donate: Hay, pellets, and vet care all cost money. We can supply the love and the time — but your support makes everything else possible. To donate click here: http://www.bunssb.org/donations/   Guinea Pig of the Month Juanito is a handsome Peruvian mix piggy who has a nice blend of sweetness and swagger! This curious and engaging boy likes to know what’s going on and  is an active piggy who is quite keen on treats. Juanito is ready to join his forever home and a loving family. Learn who our Bunny of the Month is by clicking "read more" below! Read More       Join us on Instagram

The Carrot Tribune - March 2020

In this issue... Bunny of the Month Hoppy Hour & Pignic Basic Bunny and Guinea Class An Excellent Place for a Nap     Bunny of the Month Naomi is a beautiful lop breed bunny with so much to admire. She is a good sized girl with an amazing dewlap and a dense, lovely coat that's tailor made for petting! She can be a little shy sometimes, but settles down nicely for cuddling. Naomi is looking for a loving home to call her own! Read More     Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class Our next class is Sunday March 8. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More       Hoppy Hour and Pignic Our next Hoppy Hour and Pgnic is Sunday March 22 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Starting in 2020 we're starting half an hour earlier than 2019, so remember to come early! Bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and Guinea Pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour and Pignic is the perfect opportunity to let your bunny and guinea pigs play with others.  Hoppy Hour and Pignic will take place on the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit and guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. We'll be providing light refreshments for both you and your bunny, so please join us for an afternoon of fun! Read More     An Excellent Place for a Nap

New-sew Fleece for your Guinea Pigs – The Carrot Tribune – January 2020

In this issue... Guinea Pig of the Month Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class February Hoppy Hour Learn to Spot Stasis No-Sew Fleece for Guinea Pig Feet Bunnies Enjoying the Super Bowl   Guinea Pig of the Month Bob is the new pig in town, having only recently arrived at BUNS, but he’s already breaking hearts! This piggy boy is handsome and sweet! As if that weren’t enough, he also has a beautifully colored coat and is a nice size. He appreciates being made to feel safe, as he is a little timid, which only adds to his wonderful character. Even though he appreciates the wonderful care he is receiving at BUNS, Bob is hoping to find his forever home soon! Want to know who the Bunny of the Month is? You'll have to visit our website! Read More       Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class Our next class is Sunday February 9. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More     Hoppy Hour & Pignic Our next Hoppy Hour and Pgnic is Sunday February 23 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Starting in 2020 we're starting half an hour earlier than before, so remember to come early! Bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and Guinea Pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour and Pignic is the perfect opportunity to let your bunny and guinea pigs play with others.  Hoppy Hour and Pignic will take place on the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit and guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. We'll be providing light refreshments for both you and your bunny, so please join us for an afternoon of fun! Read More   Learn to Spot Stasis If you care for a rabbit, chances are good that you've heard the term "stasis." The simplest definition is really just a description of one of the symptoms: your rabbit stops eating, often quite suddenly. Though you and I can go for a while without food if we lose our appetite, stasis for a rabbit is life threatening. If your rabbit has gone through a bout of stasis, you know how stressful it is... for both you and your rabbit. One way to keep your stress in check and to equip yourself to better recognize stasis early is to learn about what's happening, medically, when a rabbit exhibits stasis. If you want to get technical, this article does a good job of explaining the details:  https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/differentiating-gastrointestinal-stasis-from-gastrointestinal-obstruction-in-domestic-rabbits-oryctolagus-cuniculus/ Remember: Please seek help if your rabbit refuses food when it would normally be enthusiastic. Stasis is a silent killer that can often be prevented or reversed if treated.  Read More   No-Sew Fleece for Guinea Pig Feet by Allison Malone Ed note: We've had a lot of guinea pig adoptions lately, so we wanted include something for all you guinea pig lovers out there! Unlike rabbits, guinea pigs have very small hairless feet, and housing them on wire bottom cages can result in injuries like bumblefoot and broken ankles. Therefore, bedding in hard bottom cages are an essential part of guinea-husbandry. There are many versions of guinea pig bedding, from shavings to recycled newspaper, but I have found fleece to be the best solution.    Fleece avoids many of the shortcomings of other bedding alternatives. For example, shavings can cause eye injuries, and both newspaper and wood shavings can get caught up in male reproductive organs causing irritation and in severe cases, infection. Fleece, however, provides a smooth soft surface that is easy on the feet. It’s also easy to clean- just sweep up the droppings and extra hay throughout the week, and when it’s time for a full cage change, just shake it out and throw it directly into the wash machine. Not only is this method quick, easy, and comfortable for piggies, it’s also environmentally friendly.  Read all about how to make fleeces for your guinea pigs on our website, bunssb.org! Read More     Enjoying the Super Bowl Did you miss our Instagram Super Bowl posts? Follow us on Instagram so you don't miss out!

Hoppy New Year from BUNS! – The Carrot Tribune – Janury 2020

In this issue... Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class Hoppy Hour and Pignic at a new time! Guinea Pig of the Month Holiday fun on Instagram     Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class Our next class is Sunday January 12. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More     Hoppy Hour and Pignic The first Hoppy Hour and Pignic of 2020 is Sunday January 26 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Starting in 2020 we're starting half an hour earlier than before, so remember to come early! Bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and Guinea Pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour and Pignic is the perfect opportunity to let your bunny and guinea pigs play with others. Hoppy Hour and Pignic will take place on the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit and guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. We'll be providing light refreshments for both you and your bunny, so please join us for an afternoon of fun! P.S.: Facebook originally listed this month's Hoppy Hour and Pignic as starting at 1:30pm. The bunnies were so excited to tell everyone about Hoppy Hour that they put up two different events for January, and got the time wrong on one. They appologize for any confusion. Read More       Guinea Pig of the Month Siegfried is such a handsome piggy boy. He is a calm and mellow fellow with a gentle demeanor, and he really enjoys cuddling, especially if it involves treats! Siegfried would love to start the New Year off right with a loving forever home! Want to know who the Bunny of the Month is? You'll have to visit our website! Read More     Follow us on Instagram… Did you miss our holiday fun on Instagram? Follow us on Instagram to make sure you don't miss out for next time!

National Day of Giving - The Carrot Tribune - December 2019

The Carrot Tribune

Support April on this National Day of Giving

April was found in Santa Barbara’s Alice Keck Park on Easter morning 2019. She was emaciated, coated in urine, infested by mites, had recently given birth with milk still leaking, and was terrified of humans.

April was nursed back to health with skill, patience and love from her BUNS foster parents who showered her with love and gained her trust.

Now that April is back at BUNS, healthy and happy, please DONATE to BUNS to help April and dozens like her find their forever homes.

Read More

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Hoppy Hour and Pignic

This month's Hoppy Hour and Pignic is Sunday December 22 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. So bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and guinea pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour is the perfect opportunity to let your fuzzy one play with others. 

We'll be at the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit or guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance.

Please join us for an afternoon of fun!

Our registration/waiver form is available online! Print it out before you come to save time at Hoppy Hour and Pignic registration! (If you've filled one out before, note that we've consolidated the Rabbit and Guinea Pig forms) You can download fill out out a form before coming:

• Download the Waiver Form

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Read More

Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class

Our next class is Sunday December 8. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more! 

1:00 to 2:00

- Handling and Husbandry

2:00 to 2:30

- Training

Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet! 

$5.00 for an individual

$10.00 for a family

Free to BUNS volunteers

All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter)

Read More

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Guinea Pig of the Month

Padrillio ("Pod" to his friends!) 

is a sweet piggy boy with a cute and sometimes bewildered expression (probably wondering why he is still at the shelter, when he knows he has so much to offer some lucky human!) He is a very observant piggy, and is always keen to receive treats and praise. Pod has one wish this holiday season - a wonderful forever home!

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Our Amazon Wishlist

Want to give a present to the bunnies and guinea pigs? You can!

The critters nominated Reese to update their wish list, but he just wrote down "nanners." So, we helped out a bit and updated the wish list with a few more useful items.

Remember that while you are shopping on Amazon, you can designate Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter as your charity. Then when you shop on Smile.Amazon.com, a portion of your purchase price will be donated to BUNS.

They're all on our BUNS Santa Barbara wish list on Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/15YGZ5VSH22TP/ref=cm_go_nav_hz

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The Carrot Tribune - November 2019

In this issue... Bunny of the Month November Hoppy Hour Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class Cutness from our Instagram!   Hoppy Hour and Pignic This month's is Sunday November 24 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. So bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and guinea pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour is the perfect opportunity to let your fuzzy one play with others.  We'll be at the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit or guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. Please join us for an afternoon of fun! Our registration/waiver form is available online! Print it out before you come to save time at Hoppy Hour and Pignic registration! (If you've filled one out before, note that we've consolidated the Rabbit and Guinea Pig forms) You can download fill out out a form before coming: Download the Waiver Form Read More     Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class Our next class is Sunday November 10. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More       Sugar is our Bunny of the Month! Sugar is a very aptly named bunny, as she is a very sweet girl! This beauty boasts an amazing Rex breed coat - it is snow white, with the texture of velvet . She also has gorgeous pink/lavender eyes, and as if that's not enough, she is also a supreme cuddle-bunny!  Sugar is waiting for a loving human who will give her all the pets and cuddles she so richly deserves, and her forever home. Want to know who the Guinea Pig of the Month for November is? Visit bunssb.org to find out! Read More       Follow us on Instagram…

Negotiating Territory with Your House Bunny - The Carrot Tribune - October 2019

In this issue... Basic Bunny Class October Hoppy Hour Bunny Pig of the Month Negotiating Territory with Your House Bunny     Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class Our next class is Sunday October 13. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More     October Hoppy Hour This month's is Sunday October 27 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. So bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and guinea pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour is the perfect opportunity to let your fuzzy one play with others.  We'll be at the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit or guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. Please join us for an afternoon of fun! Our registration/waiver form is available online! Print it out before you come to save time at Hoppy Hour and Pignic registration! (If you've filled one out before, note that we've consolidated the Rabbit and Guinea Pig forms) You can download fill out out a form before coming: Download the Waiver Form Read More       Alfalfa is the Bunny of the Month Alfalfa is a self-assured piggy boy, and what a handsome fellow he is! He is a busy guy, but not too busy to accept attention and compliments (and of course, treats!). Alfalfa would love to find his forever family, and knows he'd be a great addition to a loving home. Want to know who the Guinea Pig of the Month for September is? Visit bunssb.org to find out! Read More   Negotiating Territory with Your House Bunny By Lee Barber Bunnies are wonderful house pets. However, bunnies are territorial creatures and living with them entails negotiating territory. This process of negotiating can be lengthy, but once achieved means that your bunny can freely roam your home while respecting your space and belongings. As silly as it may sound, I think it helps to actually consider bunnies as having a concept of personal property and it is important to respect it. You bunny needs a space of his own. This does not have to be a large space. I recommend establishing your bunny’s territory with a folding exercise pen. Everything within that pen belongs to your bunny. Let your bunny rearrange his toys, food bowl, and hay box however he likes. If you notice your bunny peeing in a particular spot outside the hay box, move the hay box to that spot or even add a second hay box. Otherwise, let him do what he wants in that space and relocate him when it is time to clean his pen, so he does not see your intrusion. Now that your bunny has his own territory established, you can let your bunny explore other parts of home under supervision. It is important that during this supervised exploration your bunny is able to return his pen on his own both for his sense of safety and of course for when he needs to pee. While exploring, your bunny will try to claim new territory and when he does you must counteract his territorial behaviors. Bunnies claim territory by leaving their scent. When your bunny leaves droppings, quickly pick them up and put them in his hay box. When he pees, pick him up, place him in his hay box and close the pen; then clean the pee spot with white vinegar to remove the smell. You will also notice your bunny rubbing his chin on various things, this is another territorial behavior, and you will need to wipe down all those surfaces. Your bunny will also shed, leaving his scent, so its important to regularly vacuum your home. Besides cleaning, there are a couple of other ways to address territorial behavior. During exploration time, if your bunny returns to his pen, reward him with a treat or pets; and when he returns to his pen to pee in his hay box, give him an extra good treat! You can also let him know other spaces belong to you by leaving out clothing that carries your scent—shoes, socks, sweaters, hats—and let him smell and examine these things. As your bunny gains a reinforced understanding of what space belongs to you, you can extend these exploration times, reduce supervision, and eventually remove the pen or leave it open. It takes time and consistency, but a free range house bunny is truly a joy to live with!

Former BUNS Bunny Lost to Myxomatosis - The Carrot Tribune - September 2019

In this issue... Basic Bunny Class Sepember Hoppy Hour Bunny Pig of the Month Keeping Your Small Pet Cool This Summer Alicia Lost to Myxomatosis     Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class Our next class is Sunday September 8. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More     Hoppy Hour and Picnic - Sept 22 Now that summer is over, hoppy hour is back on the lawn! This month's is Sunday September 22 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. So bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and guinea pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour is the perfect opportunity to let your fuzzy one play with others.  We'll be at the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit or guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. Please join us for an afternoon of fun! Our registration/waiver form is available online! Print it out before you come to save time at Hoppy Hour and Pignic registration! (If you've filled one out before, note that we've consolidated the Rabbit and Guinea Pig forms) You can download fill out out a form before coming: Download the Waiver Form Read More       Bunny of the Month Beverly is a classy little lady with a big personality in a tiny body! She is a discerning bunny who knows what she wants, and will let you know it too! Beverly is looking for a confident, experienced adopter who can appreciate all this lovely Lionhead has to offer. Want to know who the Guinea Pig of the Month for September is? Visit bunssb.org to find out! Read More   Tips on Keeping Your Small Pet Cool This Summer This article is reposted with permission from our good friends at Small Pet Select. I don’t know about you, but I impatiently waited out all nine months of Colorado’s stubborn winter in eager anticipation of sweet, sweet summer. Sunburn. Mosquitos. Hot leather car seats. Two-shower days. Bring it on. I want all of it. But as much as I worry about keeping my small animals warm all year long, they could take or leave my beloved three months of summer. In fact, overheating can be even more dangerous than catching a chill for small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. Small animals can’t keep cool by panting like dogs or sweating like humans. Guinea pigs don’t even have sweat glands! An 80-degree day sounds like heaven to me, but is already too warm for your little one. Add in direct sunlight or high humidity, and you’re looking at a recipe for disaster. Extra fluffy breeds, overweight animals, babies, and seniors are particularly at risk. Here are some tips to keep your small animals cool during the warmer months. First things first. If the temp is pushing 80+ degrees, keep your small animals indoors – ideally with the air conditioning running. Save the fresh grass time for dusk. Invest in oscillating fans to help with air circulation if the air conditioning isn’t keeping up. If air conditioning isn’t available, you can DIY by blowing a fan over a cold, wet sheet. Time for a summer ‘do. My Texel guinea pig’s summer coiffure isn’t as stylish as his winter cut, but it gets the job done. Give your small animals some cool ceramic tiles to rest on, if they so choose. You can even freeze them for a few minutes first. Avoid placing in the sun though, as it can produce the opposite effect. I hear bougie buns like marble, too. Replace plastic hides with fleece forests, or a damp towel draped over your guinea pig’s cage for shade and shelter. Offer moisture-rich treats straight from the fridge like cucumber, celery, and melon. Rinse greens in cool water before feeding to encourage extra water consumption. Avoid feeding frozen veggies, however. Refill bowls and bottles with fresh, cool water a few times a day. You can even offer an ice cube or two for your buddy to lick. Freeze water bottles, wrap in a towel or old sock, and place in your small animal’s enclosure for him to lay against. Rabbits regulate body temperature through their ears. Mist your rabbit’s ears with water, avoiding moisture inside the actual ear canal. The evaporating water can help cool down a toasty bunny. Watch for signs of overheating or heatstroke and intervene as soon as possible. These include: Reddening of the ears Rapid breathing , panting, or open-mouth breathing Lethargy or weakness Laying on side Acting disoriented Salivating excessively Seizures Call your vet right away if you notice any of the above symptoms. Do NOT attempt to put your rabbit or guinea pig in a cold bath, as the shock of the sudden temperature change can be fatal. Enjoy some fun in the sun this summer, but take extra precautions on hot days to keep your small animals safe and cool. For more information: http://www.longislandrabbitrescue.org/summer/ http://www.rabbithaven.org/overheating/ http://binkyabout.com/heat-stroke-in-rabbits/ http://www.specialbunny.org/overheating https://rabbit.org/faq-warm-weather-concerns/   Alicia Lost to Myxomatosis We mourn the death of former BUNS bunny, Alicia from myxomatosis. Alicia was much loved by the Hysons her family. We are so happy that the last 2 years of Alicia’s life were spent in a safe and loving home. Alicia’s life was not always easy. First she was in a group of rabbits that were abandoned on a Santa Ynez Valley ranch. The ranch woman who found the rabbits described them as meat rabbits. She moved Alicia and the other girls to a large pen. Since the woman did not plan to breed rabbits, she put the males “to their intended use.” For a while Alicia lived in a pen with the other girls. One day the woman had to go out of town. She decided to “free” the rabbits. In August 2017 the woman abandoned Alicia and approximately 20 rabbits on Figueroa Mountain Rd in 100 degree heat. That night the rabbits were caught in the headlights of a mom and daughters driving home. The mom and daughters were able to catch several. In the next few days fourteen rabbits were saved. Rescue efforts were made by residents, Animal Services, the Animal Rescue Team and BUNS. We searched until there were no living rabbits to be found; sadly we found quite a few bodies. Residents kept three of the rabbits. Eleven rabbits were transferred to BUNS. Two of our 11 Figueroa Mountain bunnies died from Myxomatosis within a week. In the next few months Alicia and the other surviving Figuroa Mountain bunnies were adopted by loving families. We are so grateful to the Hysons for allowing Alicia to know what it is to be loved and safe. We share their grief at her loss. If you would like to learn more about protecting your rabbit from myxomatosis, read our June 2019 Extra Edition here: http://www.bunssb.org/newsletter/view/june-2019-extra/

Dennis and Denim, A Shelter Love Story? – The Carrot Tribune - August 2019

In this issue... Basic Bunny Class August Hoppy Hour (Indoors for the summer!) Guinea Pig of the Month Dennis and Denim, A Shelter Love Story? Hashtag Buns Alumni   Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Class Our next class is Sunday August 11. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More       Hoppy Hour & Pignic Due to a heightened risk of rabbits contracting Myxomatosis, Hoppy Hours this summer will be held in the education room of the Humane Society, rather than on the lawn as usual. The standard free health check is being enhanced to include a check of the rabbit’s temperature.  For the safety of the group, all rabbits must have their temperatures taken (by our experienced rabbit handlers) before being admitted. This month's is Sunday August 25 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. So bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and guinea pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour is the perfect opportunity to let your fuzzy one play with others.  We'll be at the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit or guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. Please join us for an afternoon of fun! Our registration/waiver form is available online! Print it out before you come to save time at Hoppy Hour and Pignic registration! (If you've filled one out before, note that we've consolidated the Rabbit and Guinea Pig forms) You can download fill out out a form before coming: Download the Waiver Form Read More       Guinea Pig of the Month Sammy is an adorable girl with personality to spare! She is very social and likes to be held, and will always appreciate a treat or two! This calm girl also boasts a beautiful ginger coloring and very expressive eyes. Sammy is such a well rounded piggy, and would make a perfect addition for some lucky family.    Click below to learn who the Rabbit of the Month is! Read More     Dennis and Denim, A Shelter Love Story? Denim and her friend Cotton were left at the Animal Rescue Team, a wild life rescue, in the Santa Ynez Valley. They lived in a large grassy meadow like two wild bunnies. But they were not wild. And, they did not find a home. So, they were transferred to BUNS in May 2017. The change from life in the meadow, to life at the shelter was hard.  Denim and Cotton started to fight and moved to separate cages.  When Cotton was adopted Denim was all alone.  Denim needed something to lift her spirits.  She began to range free throughout the shelter during the day, returning to her cage at night.  Denim loved her free time. She visited with the people who came to the shelter, accepting pets and food. She was happy, but she still had no home. Dennis Hopper was the shelter’s bad boy.  Like so many bad boys Dennis was irresistible.  He came to the shelter in June 2018. He loved pets and wanted attention. He was adopted quickly and returned three weeks later. “Dennis bites.” they said.  “We’re afraid to go into the yard when he’s out.”  What could be the problem? Everyone had ideas - he was bored, he needed more exercise.  Comparing his weights, we found that he had lost 25% of his body mass.  Dennis was hungry! Those bites were from a bunny who needed food!  So we doubled his food. But just in case he got food toys, clicker training and was given time to range free at the shelter. Now, there is only so much time for a bunny to range free around the shelter. Each bunny that had the chance to run free meant there was less time for the others.  So Denim got a little less time.  Denim was happy to get out of her cage, but it was had to see her at the door to her play yard as Dennis ran free.   One day, we decided to let both Dennis and Denim free range around the shelter together.  It was a little exciting. Bunnies who don’t like each other can have terrible fights. Denim had already broken up with Cotton. Dennis, well Dennis, had the reputation as a biter.  But, they did well together.  At first Dennis was a little more interested in Denim than she liked.  But they did not fight.  It took a couple of months but we began to notice that they were napping together.  One day Denim began to groom Dennis.  Were they a couple? Did they want to live together? Right after that someone applied to adopt Dennis. What to do!!  Then another person applied to adopt Denim!  Neither person was able to adopt both rabbits.  If the bunnies became a pair, it would be just that much harder to adopt them.  But we could not bare to separate them.  See Denim groom Dennis here: https://www.facebook.com/bunssb/videos/338047327148867/  What would you do?  Would you adopt them? Read More     Follow us on Instagram! Read More

The Carrot Tribune - July 2019

In this issue... July 14: Rabbit and Guinea Pig Care Class July 28: Hoppy Hour and Pignic Rabbit and Guinea Pig of the Month for July Hashtag BUNSSB   Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Classes Our next class is Sunday July 14. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More       Hoppy Hour and Picnic - July 28 Due to a heightened risk of rabbits contracting Myxomatosis, the upcoming Hoppy Hour (July 28) will be held in the education room of the Humane Society, rather than on the lawn as usual. The standard free health check is being enhanced to include a check of the rabbit’s temperature.  For the safety of the group, all rabbits must have their temperatures taken (by our experienced rabbit handlers) before being admitted. This month's is Sunday July 28 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. So bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and guinea pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour is the perfect opportunity to let your fuzzy one play with others.  We'll be at the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit or guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. Please join us for an afternoon of fun! Our registration/waiver form is available online! Print it out before you come to save time at Hoppy Hour and Pignic registration! (If you've filled one out before, note that we've consolidated the Rabbit and Guinea Pig forms) You can download fill out out a form before coming: Download the Waiver Form Read More     Bunnies of the Month Huna and Zen are amazing! These beautiful Giant Chinchilla breed bunnies are a loving pair of bonded sisters who enjoy nothing better than running around and having a great time. They are a true tribute to their breed, boasting beautiful coats so soft and made for petting, and of course their considerable size truly makes them a stand out!  Huna and Zen are calm and gentle, and offer a whole lot to love! Click below to learn who the Guinea Pig of the Month is! Read More     #bunsSB Share your Bunny or Guinea Pig with us on Instagram! Use @bunssb and #bunsSB to let everyone know you're a BUNS fan! Read More

Are You Doing Everything You Could be to Keep Your Rabbit Safe This Summer? -- The Carrot Tribune Extra Edition June 2019

Keep your Rabbit Safe this Summer As the weather heats up after a rather wet winter, have you double-checked your mosquito control practices? How about control of other disease-spreading pests? Santa Barbara County, like the rest of Southern California, has a fatal rabbit viral disease, myxomatosis, in our wild rabbits. Pet rabbits catch the disease after a bite from a mosquito or flea that has bitten a sick rabbit. Our Mosquito and Vector Control District of Santa Barbara monitors and controls mosquito populations. We recently asked them for an update on mosquitoes. Here is the very helpful response of Brian Cabrera: “Mosquitoes have been active locally in areas we'd expect such as around the Carpinteria salt marsh, the Devereaux lagoon, and around the airport plus more isolated spots such as private residences with standing water on site and near creek beds with pools of water. Activity should increase and become more widespread when the weather warms up. The last few months we have been dealing a lot with rats. One problem with rats is they have fleas and fleas can also vector the myxomatosis virus. My advice to rabbit owners is to inspect their property and remove all standing and stagnant water which is the breeding source for mosquitoes. They should check and empty buckets, pots, containers, container lids, pans under potted plants, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, tarps, toys and other household/garden items in the yard, tree holes, and plants, especially bromeliads, that can hold water. Discarded tires with water in them are notorious breeding sites for mosquitoes. Residents should also check bird baths, ponds, hot tubs that have not been used for a while and unmaintained swimming pools. To reduce rat problems, clear out or thin shrubbery, ivy, and other thick vegetation, trim fruit trees, pick dropped fruit off the ground, make sure trash cans and compost bins have secure lids, don't leave pet food and water dishes out overnight, remove bird feeders or use bird feeders that rats can't climb onto and also clean up bird seed on the ground. (My wife had a bird feeder in our backyard but I removed it once I discovered rats were using it at night and I saw several rats on the ground below feeding on spilled bird seed). If owners keep their bunnies indoors at night they should move them in before dusk and bring them out after dawn since most mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk. If the bunnies are kept outdoors, they might consider covering the hutch or enclosure with screens or mosquito netting (make sure the bunnies can't reach the mosquito netting since I don't know if they'd try and chew it). Residents from Rancho Embarcadero down to Carpinteria can also call the Mosquito District if they are having problems with mosquitoes or rats (for rats we will inspect and give advice but we don't provide any control services). We can also provide residents in these areas, plus unincorporated areas of the north county, with mosquitofish for small ponds and other small bodies of water (fish may not be immediately available due to high demand this year).” Among the helpful brochures is this one: Are You Growing Mosquitoes in your Backyard? You might be surprised; take a look. Read More

Beware Myxomatosis! – The Carrot Tribune - June 2019

In this issue... Bob and Paula are our Bunnies of the Month! Basic Bunny Class June Hoppy Hour A Healthy Rabbit is a Hay-Eating Superstar A Hoppy Way to Spend an Afteroon   Bunnies of the Month Bob and Paula are a loving bonded pair of beautiful bunnies who are a little shy, but are curious and energetic. They love their time exercising, and are equally happy lounging together watching the goings on at the shelter. These sweeties both have beautiful blue eyes, and lovely soft coats - perfect for petting! Bob and Paula would love a quiet forever home with adoring adopters! Read More         June 9 Basic Bunny Class Our next class is Sunday June 9. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More     June 23 Hoppy Hour This month's is Sunday June 23 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. So bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and guinea pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour is the perfect opportunity to let your fuzzy one play with others.  We'll be at the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit or guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. Please join us for an afternoon of fun! A reminder: our registration/waiver form is available online! Print it out before you come to save time at Hoppy Hour and Pignic registration! You can fill out out a Rabbit or Guinea Pig form before coming (we'll have forms available at the registration table if you forget): Download the Rabbit Form, or Download the Guinea Pig Form Read More     A Healthy Rabbit is a Hay-Eating Superstar A proper rabbit diet consists of about 80% grass hay, 10% veggies, 5% healthy pellets and 0 to 5% healthy treats (offer fresh water at all times).  Hay is much more than food Here are some benefits of hay: Hay keeps cecal flora in balance and promotes gut health.  Repetitive chewing promotes dental health Hay provides many key nutritional components Helps prevent fur blockage (especially important in Angora and long-haired breads)  Hay encourages natural foraging and grazing behavior Promotes activity, diminishes boredom and provides a sense of security Satisfies natural snacking and chewing urges.  Pile litter boxes full of fresh hay each morning. Add it to baskets in your rabbit's play pen or exercise area, or to baskets around your home. Rabbits naturally graze, eating hay, grass and other plants for long periods, mainly at dawn and dusk.  Try these tips to encourage hay eating If you suspect your rabbit prefers other foods to hay, try these tricks: Reduce treats Be sure not to over-feed pellets  Try adding different varieties of hay to your usual litter box mix.  Keep hay near your rabbit at all times  Incorporate hay into toys and games. Try blocking a favorite tunnel or box with hay, so your rabbit has to remove hay to get through it. Try mixing dry food, vegetables, fresh grass, or herbs (dry or fresh) in to the hay so your rabbit has to dig through the hay to find food. While searching through the hay your rabbit may accidentally eat some hay and realize hay doesn't taste so bad after all. A hay topper from BUNS is great addition. Head over to bunssb.org to read more about how hay is super important to your rabbit's diet! Read More     A hoppy way to spend an afternoon Follow us on Instagram for more hoppy bunnies!

Grow your own hay! The Carrot Tribune - May 2019

In this issue... Bunnies of the Month May 12 Basic Bunny and Guinea Pig Care Class May 26 Hoppy Hour and Pignic Growing your own Hay   Bunnies of the Month Caramel and Smokey are such a beautiful couple! They are a bonded pair of Harlequin mix breed bunnies who both have beautiful coats just made for petting. Caramel can be a timid girl, but is just as sweet as can be! She likes to be with her boy Smokey , and he is such a good companion for her. Smokey is the more outgoing of the two - he is a curious boy and will always welcome pets.  Together, these two  make a lovely and gentle pair of bunnies who would be a wonderful addition to a loving home. To learn who the Guinea Pig of the month is for May ... click "Read More" below! Read More     May 12 Basic Bunny Class Our next class is Sunday May 12. Join us on our Facebook event page to learn more!  1:00 to 2:00 - Handling and Husbandry 2:00 to 2:30 - Training Bring your Rabbit or Guinea Pig. Learn easy handling and care-taking during the first hour, then for the last half hour play training games that are fun for you and your pet!  $5.00 for an individual $10.00 for a family Free to BUNS volunteers All classes are in the Humane Society Education Building, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Goleta, (to the east  of the Animal Shelter) Read More       May Hoppy Hour & Pignic This month's is Sunday May 26 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. So bring your fuzzy friend and give them an opportunity to socialize with other rabbits and guinea pigs! Socialization is a very important part of overall rabbit and guinea pig welfare, and a Hoppy Hour is the perfect opportunity to let your fuzzy one play with others.  We'll be at the Humane Society Lawn, at 5399 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93111. Admission is $10 per rabbit or guinea pig. All animals must be healthy and rabbits must have been spayed or neutered at least 30 days in advance. Please join us for an afternoon of fun! A reminder: our registration/waiver form is available online! Print it out before you come to save time at Hoppy Hour and Pignic registration! You can fill out out a Rabbit or Guinea Pig form before coming (we'll have forms available at the registration table if you forget): Download the Rabbit Form, or Download the Guinea Pig Form Read More     Growing your own hay Volunteer Russ shared his experience growing hay for his rabbits: If you have a rabbit or guinea pig, you are already intimately familiar with Timothy Hay, the main staple of their diet. Did you know that it’s easy and inexpensive to grow? This isn’t going to replace or even greatly supplement your normal hay supply. But growing a little Timothy Hay can be a fun learning project for kids and adults alike. Instructions: Put dirt in a pot, sprinkle seeds on top Slightly cover some of the seeds (with a TINY amount of dirt) Leave others simply sitting on top of the dirt Water daily (which will cause some of those surface seeds to become covered by a thin layer of dirt) Wait a few days Watch with awe Keep watering Once your hay is big and tall, feed it (fresh) to your bunnies and guinea pigs! Russ got his hay online from Farmer Dave Pet Supply. Get yours here:  https://www.farmerdavepetsupply.com/hay/hay-seed.  Below: Meadow Hay, Orchard Grass, and Timothy Hay are all good choices for your rabbit; here's what they look like: