Many years ago, I kept English Angora rabbits, Jersey Wooly and now Mini Cashmere Lops
and consequently gained a good deal of experience with long coated breeds.
The Angora is top of the list
when it comes to the necessity of clipping and grooming. Their coat grows like a sheep – continually – and for
Angoras not to suffer the consequence of matting (which can vary in extremity), they above all breeds, need regular attention.
Other semi-long coated breeds grow their coat to a certain length and that is it. This is all fine and good until
moulting time comes around. However, when rabbits shed their coat and owners miss grooming them, some (not all) can end up
with matted areas that need to be dealt with.
For a average job, I charge a
minimum of $40, which is quite reasonable considering the time and effort it can take. If needing major work the
price would naturally increase, though I still try to keep it at a fair/reasonable amount. Bunnies tend to be dropped
off in the morning and picked up in the afternoon. I like to give bunnies 'time out' during a clip, so they can take
a break to hop around, refresh themselves with food/water and toilet, if need be.
Here are example photos of a cross bred angora bunny dumped in a cardboard box next to a rubbish bin. The young lady that
found and adopted the poor fellow brought him to me to clip his coat. Although it is not obvious in this photo, he had large
solid masses of tangled fur stuck to his skin.
Before and half way through the clipping procedure .
. .
. . . all finished and definitely feeling much more comfortable now!
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Boarding Bunnies and Cavies
(please be advised I'm based in Wanniassa, Canberra, ACT)
It is not surprising for pet owners to be pleasantly relieved when they find me, for
they can then go on a relaxing holiday with the knowledge that their bunny/s or squeaks are being well looked after. On occasion
I may receive a postcard or an e-mail saying 'Hi, we're having a wonderful time!" or "How is my baby, is
he okay, does he miss me?"
Many a time, I have been told disastrous stories about someone's pet left
in care with people who knew little about them. Unfortunately, if unfamiliar with the tell-tale symptoms of any illness,
they don't realize the seriousness of the situation.
Or some even forgot to feed, water or check on the pet,
resulting in unnecessary suffering or a worse case scenario – death.
Upon arrival
boarders receive a health check, so I can make sure they are in a good healthy condition and to avoid introducing anything
contagious to my rabbitry.
I generally do not reject bunnies with treatable health issues, though much depends
on what it is. For example (and sometimes unbeknown to owners), I've found cases of wryneck, mites, fly blow, malocclusion,
snuffles, weepy eyes and various other types of health problems. Apart from their own companion/s, boarders do not co-habit
with any other rabbits and so therefore are somewhat quarantined.
Although owners do not have to provide anything, they may choose to bring along veggies, which might go to waste
while they are away. Some also arrive with their buns favourite treats, a special toy or whatever they feel might be useful. Quite
often owners notice a visible improvement in their pet's overall condition and comment that their pet looks fitter and
healthier – as if having stayed at a health farm. This might be due to an improved diet with my
usual practice of providing an abundant variety of fresh vegetation. Sometimes too, owners are informed about their pet
needing to gain weight or alternatively the chubby ones would be put on a diet. To achieve this I adjust food intake
accordingly to individuals.
Boarding charges per pet are reasonable compared to cat and dog boarding fees.
Overnight charges pet pet
(calculated from the day you drop off
but not including the day of collection)
'Potluck'
hutches (available in a variety of styles and sizes) only $5 a night per bunny
'The Bungalow'
$7 a night each for up to
two sharing companions then $5 for each extra bun
Or for spoilt bunnies 'The Executive'
$10 a night each for up to two sharing companions then $5 for each extra bunny
If need be, your
pet will receive a complimentary manicure (or if maulting a quick brush/pluck) and if you'd like, I would be happy to
demonstrate these procedures. Advanced bookings are recommended and I can also cater for 'special needs' pets.
Phone Christine 6231 5862 or Email
Other
Boarding Facilities
Sydney (Annagrove)
Melody is very experienced with bunnies (former breeder) and her husband is a rabbit savvy vet.
Phone 0412 929 202 or Email
Sydney (drop off locations St Ives & West Pennant Hills)
Email or visit website: BunnyWonderland
Sydney
Kelly Lowe, Teshanie Rabbit Stud Email
Newcastle (NSW) Trish Ratford at The Rabbit Patch Phone (02) 4966 0836 or Email
Adelaide (Smithfield) Sally Arnold Wildwood Rabbit Stud Ph (08) 8254 8601 or 0418 611 780 E-mail
Melbourne Bek's Bunnies Phone 0416 276 997 or Email
From these photos you can see that Bek has fabulous boarding accommodations . . .
Since there are so few boarding facilities
for small animals, it would be very helpful if you could recommend others in your area!
Phone Christine 6231 5862
or Email
