Wisconsin HOUSE RABBIT NEWS

Spring 2018 | Volume XXV | Issue 1

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Rabbit photograph by Casandra Parshall | Designed by Kanae Hoshina WHRS Chapter News What’s happening at Wisconsin House Rabbit Society?

HOPPY HOUR Twitch Fund Drive information email [email protected]. RETROSPECTIVE A special fundraiser for Wisconsin House PG 4 Bunny Day at HAWS, April 15th, 12-4pm Rabbit Society will began on March 1st. SPRINGTIME During the month of March, Timid Bunny, a The program for this year’s HAWS Bunny Day PARASITE RISKS Twitch online content creator, will promote is now set. Dr. April Wittenburg from Brook PG 6 WHRS during her streams. The purpose is to Falls Veterinary Hospital will speak on “Senior make people aware of all WHRS does to help Citizen Rabbits: How to Keep Your Bunny A SAFE OUTDOOR rabbits. Both WHRS members and the event Hopping in Old Age.” Dave Stevenson, PhD, will PLAY AREA organizers, Romy and Mike, have taken lots speak about “How Rabbits Became Pets: New PG 7 of video footage behind the scenes and at Evidence from DNA.” As always, we will have hay for sale, great items in the Bunny Boutique, RUBY-EYED RABBITS our public events. So, please tune in to see us at work. The program will also promote our and free educational materials. This year we PG 8 Easter message that rabbits are not seasonal will invite you take quizzes on rabbit diet, basic FORAGING FOR novelties, and it will attempt to raise donations environment, toys, and wellness and grooming. SPRING FLOWERS for us as well as showcase our adoptable PG 11 rabbits. The fund drive will culminate in one big Hoppy Hour at HAWS 8-hour event on April 1st from 10am to 6pm. In June 24th UPDATE ON March, you can watch Timid Bunny three times We now have a date for our next Hoppy Hour. CHLOE & J.W. a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday It will be at HAWS this time, and registration will PG 14 from 11am to 2pm at https://www.twitch.tv/ soon open. We will send out an announcement timidbunny. Every cent donated during March to members by email when the registration PICTURES and during the April 1st event will be given to form is available on our website. Then two POSTS & LETTERS Wisconsin House Rabbit Society to help pay PG 15 medical costs for its rescued rabbits. For more (continued)

Wisconsin House Rabbit Society wisconsinhrs.org | [email protected] | facebook.com/groups/wisconsinhrs WHRS Chapter News weeks later, we will open registration to the public. WHRS to Speak at U.W. Oshkosh to beat the clock. Rescuers have been trying desperately to trap and rehome Wisconsin House Rabbit Society has the hundreds of rabbits at these Bunny Day at DCHS been invited to present a talk on rabbits dumping grounds because the State October 7th at the University Staff Professional of Nevada has decided to move in, Development Day at the University of We are making plans for a great Bunny trap and most likely euthanize them. Wisconsin, Oshkosh. All U.W. Oshkosh Day in Madison at the Dane County A transport of bunnies rescued from staff are eligible to attend. Our talk will Humane Society this fall. Meryl Schimek Las Vegas will be coming to Wisconsin. focus on common beliefs about rabbits will expand on her article in this issue As of this writing, we know of four and the alternative or supplemental about letting bunnies play outdoors. organizations here who will be taking views promoted by WHRS. The This is an important decision for all Las Vegas rabbits: Wisconsin House presentation will be on May 31. bunny guardians, and we will have a Rabbit Society will be taking four to six chance to hear more from Meryl and to rabbits; the Humane Society of Jefferson More WHRS Events to Come ask her questions. We are also planning County has agreed to take four; HAWS a speaker on alternative, holistic We have been contacted by some great in Waukesha will take two; and Oshkosh therapies that might supplement (but members with interesting fundraising Area Humane Society will take two. never replace) traditional medical ideas. One is “Yoga with Rabbits,” and The transport is expected to arrive in approaches to bunny illnesses, such the other is a “Wine and Paint” night, Wisconsin the weekend of March 17th- as acupuncture, massage, herbal where people can come and do an easy 18th. Rodney McCoy and Jodie Williams therapies. step-by-step bunny (or another pet) portrait that they can take home with are doing the transports for this effort. They live in Illinois near O’Hare and do New WHRS Volunteer them. We’re excited to see if we can get not belong to any rescue group. They Coordinator these organized and test the interest among our members. If you have an did their first transport for Georgia Kristi Heid has generously agreed to HRS, and were asked last November to opinion about either, please let us serve in the new position of Volunteer do the Las Vegas ones. Jodie says they know. Coordinator. She will keep a master are committed to giving a week of their list of all people who have told us they Las Vegas Rabbits time per month to help. Besides the car would like to volunteer. She will send transports, Jodie flies animals with her everyone on the list an email when Many of you are probably following in the cabin to their destinations. Please we have a volunteer need. They can the story of the fate of the rabbits at support the groups who are stepping respond to Kristi if they are available to dumping sites in Las Vegas, including up to assist with this massive rescue help. She will also keep specialized lists the clandestine poisoning of many of problem. of volunteers who regularly assist with them while local rescuers attempted specific programs, such as cleaning at our main foster home and exercising/ socializing the bunnies at various humane societies. Please consider filling GOT HAY? out a volunteer application and getting Full-Bale $16.00 | Half-Bale $8.00 on Kristi’s lists!

Easter Outreach at Mounds Fresh, locally-grown grass hay is available for pickup every Sunday from Please help! Our schedule for Mounds 4 - 4:30PM. Call 608.509.4774 or email tabling is almost complete but not [email protected] if you have quite. We need one more volunteer any questions. Please bring your own for Mounds East on March the 24th, container; a 19-gallon tote, or larger, 10am-2pm. Please consider helping us works well. All proceeds support WHRS spread the word that bunnies are not foster care. Easter novelties nor children’s gifts.

Photograph by Michelle Blink

2 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter

February 11th Hoppy Hour Retrospective by Liz Allen

On February 11th, love was in the air with Shutterbun Studios for romantic confirmed adoptions and three possible out at Dane County Humane Society photoshoots of both single buns and matches that need a second look. for the first Hoppy Hour of 2018. happily bonded pairs. Because this was our first time doing Tying in Valentine’s Day with Adopt-A- bunny dating after Hoppy Hour, there Joining us for the first time was a Rabbit Month, WHRS partnered with were some delays. Future bunny dating familiar face to DCHS staff—volunteer DCHS to bring in as many adoptable opportunities after Hoppy Hour will be videographer Benjamin Bartow, who rabbits as possible to promote bunny revamped to streamline the process. took video of the event: https://1drv. matchmaking, made even sweeter with A huge thank you to everyone for their ms/v/s!AhofOwnQusz9gYRQTKrLx- waived adoption fees for any bunny patience and understanding while WZcbwZ2A. This video will be featured adopted as a result of finding a bunny we tried out a new way to do bunny on the Timid Bunny Livestream on April partner at the event. introductions. 1st and will be a wonderful resource for Attendees were greeted with sweet WHRS to use in the future. In total we had approximately 40 rabbits treats, lovely decorations, and lots out on the playground, 12 of which were After Hoppy Hour was over, volunteers of smiling faces as we said hello to adoptable. I am forever grateful to all the set up large pens, and the bunny dating acquaintances from prior events and amazing volunteers who pulled together began! Speed dates were overseen by met new friends who were joining to get the event set up and got it off trained matchmakers Joan Johnson, us for the first time. Our volunteer without a hitch. Our next Hoppy Hour Renee Stodola and Liz Allen. As of the photographer, Jake Garvey, was set up will be at HAWS early this summer. writing of this article, we have two

5 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Springtime Parasite Risks: Keeping the ‘Bugs’ off of your Bunny by Meryl Schimek

Spring is (hopefully) right around the lives in the keratin layer of the skin and recommended. corner, which has many of us looking can look like dandruff flakes that are Flies forward to spending time outside again. moving on your rabbit’s fur and skin. But should our rabbit companions It causes scaly and dry skin infections Warm weather can also predispose join us on these adventures? While that can be very itchy, or you can see your rabbit to colonization by Botfly we never recommend that domestic patches of hair loss along your rabbit’s larvae (Cuterebra species). The larvae of rabbits be housed exclusively outdoors, neck, body and hind end. these flies mature in the subcutaneous they can safely be given some outdoor space beneath your rabbit’s skin, which enrichment with their caretakers. creates firm swellings of inflamed tissue Screened and covered enclosures can with a “breathing hole” in the center for let our rabbits enjoy some fresh air the larva as they grow. The swellings and frolicking with protection from are most commonly noted along your predators and other dangers. rabbit’s neck and back or in their armpit region. These larvae should be removed However, many parasitic disease states by your rabbit-savvy veterinarian and can still threaten our bunnies even can cause pain and discomfort if they with the most secure outdoor exercise are left in place. The larvae can also set-ups. Here are some risks to consider Patches of hair loss due to fur mites. migrate through other tissues such as prior to letting your rabbit play outside. Photography courtesy of U.W. Veterinary School. the nasal passages, ear canals and into Fleas Mites the central nervous system, causing Rabbits who are most commonly more dangerous clinical signs. Ear mites: Rabbits can become infected with fleas tend to be those infected with a species-specific ear who share a home with dogs and mite (Psoroptes cuniculi). It has a three- cats, but they can easily contract an week life cycle and can survive off of infestation while outside where dogs, a bunny host for up to 21 days. While cats, wild cottontail rabbits, squirrels it is usually transmitted from contact and raccoons traffic through your yard. with other infected rabbits, this ability Fleas caught by your rabbit outside to survive in the environment means can also conversely infect other pets that a rabbit spending time outside in your home. While dogs and cats can still contract an infection from can be treated with flea preventive other infected mammals in the area. medications that last a month or The inflamed tissue and “breathing hole” of a Botfly larvae. This Clinical signs include redness and picture was taken last summer, after WHRS rescued nine “meat longer, there is currently no labeled rabbits.” The bunny was treated, survived and is now doing well. inflammation of the ear canals, red- medication that is both safe for your brown discharge from the ears, shaking Another threat that flies pose to your rabbit and that protects them in the of the head, droopy ears and excessive rabbit is the laying of eggs in moist same way. Revolution (selamectin) can itching of the ears. These infections can or matted fur in warm months. The eliminate a rabbit’s flea infestations, lead to deeper ear infections, causing maggots that hatch can feed on flesh but has not been demonstrated to perforation of a rabbit’s ear drum and a even without a pre-existing wound. have the same long-lasting residual head tilt. Long-haired rabbits with urine or feces effects that we expect when we treat present on their fur, overweight rabbits Fur mites: A fur mite infection can our other furred friends. Therefore, or rabbits with dental disease who be transmitted from other mammals treating flea infestations can only struggle to groom themselves normally passing through your yard (wild animals, be reactive instead of proactive with are all at risk for the skin damage that dogs or cats). But the Cheylitiella our rabbit companions. Frontline maggots can cause and the secondary parasitovorax species most commonly (fipronil) is commonly used in dogs bacterial infections that can set in as a diagnosed can also infect you and your and cats, but the active chemical in the result. family members! This burrowing mite medication is fatal to rabbits and is not (continued) 6 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Springtime Parasite Risks: Keeping the ‘Bugs’ off of your Bunny

Ticks Tapeworms allowed some outdoor play time, be sure to inspect your rabbit’s skin and Your rabbit can also serve as a host for Ticks (such as the deer tick, commonly coat when they come in from outside. intestinal parasites such as tapeworms seen in Wisconsin) can bite and feed Always supervise your rabbit when they on rabbits at any stage of the insect’s that also affect other mammals. Pet are spending time outdoors. Domestic rabbits who graze in garden or yard life cycle. These ticks can be deposited rabbits should never be housed areas inhabited by pet dogs, cottontail in your yard by deer, raccoons, wild permanently outdoors. Please consult rabbits, or wild foxes can become cottontail rabbits, dogs, cats and other your rabbit-savvy veterinarian if you infected. Rabbits ingest eggs of the wild mammals. Their bites can transmit have medical concerns or questions parasites deposited in the soil by other bacterial and viral diseases. Severe about your rabbit’s health or would mammalian hosts, which move through tick infestation can cause blood loss like more information about parasite their gastrointestinal system causing anemia as well. Ticks surprisingly can risks and medications to treat parasite intestinal blockages or liver damage. pose a threat even in colder months infestations. too! They can survive off of a host for Some species of tapeworms can also extended periods of time and enter migrate from within your rabbit’s Meryl Schimek is currently a 4th year a torpor (similar to hibernation) in gastrointestinal tract through other veterinary medical student at the University cooler temperatures. Any increase in tissues and cause space-occupying of Wisconsin-Madison. She will graduate in the environmental temperature of 15 and damaging cysts. Clinical signs can May of 2018 and will be working at Brook- degrees can awaken the ticks from their include abdominal pain and distention, Falls Veterinary Hospital and Exotic Care in torpor and set them searching for their decreased appetite and weight loss. Menomonee Falls, WI, with a focus on exotic next meal, which could be your rabbit! companion mammal medicine and surgery. With the warmer months on their way, There is no preventive medication She and her husband are owned by a 3-year- there is a lot of pent up demand to that can be administered to rabbits to old New Zealand White rabbit, who definitely get back outside. Please consider the prevent ticks from biting them. is head of the household. She looks forward risks to your rabbit if they are allowed to continuing to support rabbit rescue efforts to spend time outside. If they are as a veterinarian and bunny lover!

Creating a Safe Outdoor Play Area

Inspired by the “Caticos” seen on the the bunnies from burrowing out. The play yards for bunnies should be. The internet, this outdoor play area is at rabbits have no trouble accessing the screening also lets one keep the window the WHRS sanctuary in Edgerton. It has play yard through a series of two tables open, so that the rabbits can go in and heavy wire fencing on the outside and is and three ramps, and the climbing is out as they please. screened on the inside. It also has buried great exercise. Although most Caticos wire mesh under the dirt floor to keep are not screened, we feel that outdoor

7 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Ruby-Eyed Rabbits (REWs) by Renee Stodola

Have you ever heard some of the heart- in record time, and move faster than rabbit. Low and behold, at the end of breaking things people say about REWs? any animal I have met. However, at the my search, I did wind up with a female, end of the night when all her energy has red eyed, white Flemish Giant. She has “They look evil.” been burned, she will lay next to you opened my eyes and heart to the world “I’m not a fan. I do think that they are less for endless amounts of time accepting of REW rabbits in so many ways. Her attractive than bunnies with dark eyes.” all the pets you are willing to give. She 3-feet-in-the-air binkies bring laughter truly is one of a kind, and despite the to me, as she almost looks animated, “The red really brings out the pink in the numerous hours I have spent trying to like the Pillsbury dough boy or Casper ear and makes it look really veiny. They outsmart her (I’ve yet to win), I wouldn’t the friendly ghost. She is a fluffy white don’t seem to look as soft to me.” trade her for the world. Her silly antics bundle of cuddles who always manages “The red eyes freak me out.” and wonderful personality have ensured to stay bright white. Her eye lashes and that my house will forever include a eye brows are absolutely gorgeous and “They seem fleshier. I can’t explain it.” REW bunny. would be the envy of any high fashion No wonder REWs take so long to be model! Her beautiful eyes glow blue adopted at shelters and rescues! Harry & William and pink with amazing depth. She has Imagine if these things were said about from Jenn & Joe Springhetti the most perfect pink trim on her ears, the way you looked! In fact, REWs were (Oconomowoc) eyes and lips, and her fur always shines bred to be albinos so that humans could bright like a diamond and looks so pure. Why were our bonded REWs special? My REW has the elegance of a swan and use their all-white fur to dye whatever Harry and William were rescued from color they wanted. The result was eyes looks beautiful in all seasons for all the the Adams County confiscation by right reasons! Yes, my REW has taken me that lacked pigmentation. Talk about WHRS, fostered by Marilyn and Don for down the rabbit hole like Alice into the unfair! over a year, then adopted by us in 2011 land of REWs! But we are so happy that many of our after our beloved Kiki passed. Never members feel differently. Here are once did we think white bunnies So, open up your heart and your eyes, some great comments about REWs with red eyes were anything BUT and allow a REW to captivate you in from our own Wisconsin House Rabbit special! They were so beautiful! They every way and color your world white Society Members. always were right by each other’s side, like a crayon! My REW is my angel. double the cuteness! We went from All of these replies are so wonderful that 3 lbs of gray spunk to 15 lbs of white Rubi we couldn’t choose a contest winner. So, we mellow! White always reminded me from Kristi Heid (Lodi) drew a name out of a hat, and the winner of how pure and gentle their souls was Kristi Heid. Congratulations, Kristi. My first rabbit (Roo) is the reason I fell were! We were blessed with 3 years of Thank you all for submitting such beautiful in love with rabbits and the reason I the bonded REW brothers before Harry descriptions and helping to change minds learned everything that I know about passed unexpectantly, then 3 more and hearts. them. When she passed away, I wanted amazing years with Willy! In March we’ll to find a way to honor her, so I decided celebrate one year of loving Angelo’s WHRS Adoptable REWs to foster my first rabbit. This rabbit, moxie (rescued from Georgia by WHRS, The next page includes pictures and a REW whom I named Rubi (creative I fostered by Mary and Kevin)! know), was found stray in Milwaukee biographies of our own REWs now up and came to me covered in oil and Gracie for adoption. Please consider opening your home to a rabbit so often exploited terrified of the slightest noise, but none from Lyn Cushman and her REW soul and left behind when others find their the less was the sweetest rabbit I have mate, Gracie (Greenfield) ever gotten to know. I quickly realized forever homes. that I would not be able to let go of Rubi, When the time came to adopt another If you have a rabbit and would like to find and she became a foster fail. To this day bunny soul mate and companion him or her a friend, we are glad to assist in she is the most unique and personality- from WHRS, I had several choices. this process. filled bunny that I have ever had the A couple of them were REWs, which pleasure to know. She can scale a 48” I saved to meet until the end of my x-pen, dig through 6 layers of cardboard search. I was totally unaware of the beauty and expressiveness of a white (continued) 8 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Ruby-Eyed Rabbits (REWs) for Adoption at Wisconsin House Rabbit Society

Basil & Dill by police from a neglect case. He was they’re eating their pellets. When let out being raised for meat and was living in of their cage to run around, they are horrible conditions. When he arrived at curious and perform sprints and leaps WHRS he was thin and covered in urine into the air to show their joy. stains. He is now a healthy weight and What these two sisters desperately need has beautiful snow white fur. is a quiet home with a patient person While Boca was at our main foster who is willing to sit with them while they facility, we noticed that while he seemed learn to trust. Once they do, you’ll be to hop around normally most of the rewarded with binkies of thanks! time, his hindquarters seemed weak Poppy and he would slip when making a fast This mother and son pair were rescued turn or trying to jump up on something. from a neglect case where Basil was We took him to the vet and had being raised for meat and housed in radiographs of his back and hips taken. horrible conditions. Shortly after she Everything appeared normal. We’re not arrived at the local humane society sure why Boca’s hindquarters are weak, Basil gave birth to nine kits. but the vet said he could have been Unfortunately, only three survived. Dill born this way or have an old injury. The is one of the three survivors and has good thing is that it doesn’t seem to been with Basil since birth. Basil was bother him at all. He’s not in pain, and it a very good mother despite her poor doesn’t stop him from exploring. condition, but was terrified of people and hands coming into her cage while Boca is a bit shy, but his personality raising her babies. Dill sensed her fear is sure to blossom once he feels and became wary of people. He is still comfortable in his new home. on the shy side, but has turned into Chicory & Parsley Poppy is a curious and very active young a curious teenager who loves to run, New Zealand White rabbit. She came to explore and leap into the air when he’s WHRS with several other rabbits who happy. He will also sit still for a few had been rescued by the police from pets while he’s eating his dinner. Basil a neglect case. She likes to dig in her is still shy, but Dill is now showing her blanket box, does crazy binkies, and that humans aren’t as scary as she once loves to explore. Poppy is spayed and thought. has excellent litterbox habits. She can even be a little protective of her litterbox. This dynamic duo desperately needs to Since she wasn’t handled much prior to find a quiet home with someone who coming to WHRS, she’s still frightened will give them the time they need to of being picked up. She’ll only allow the learn to trust. Once they do, they will These two sisters have had a tough start briefest of pets at first, but once she reward you with binkies of thanks! in life. Their mom, Basil, was one of several rabbits rescued by police from a trusts you, she’ll come and lay against Boca neglect situation. Shortly after arriving you and nudge you with her nose. at the local humane society, she gave Salsa birth to nine kits. Unfortunately, all but three died. Chicory & Parsley are two of the three who survived and have been together since birth. Although Basil was a very good mom, she was in poor health and terrified of people while raising these two girls. They sensed her fear and therefore grew up being wary of people. They are very shy, but are Boca is one of several rabbits rescued slowly getting used to a few pets while (continued) 9 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Ruby-Eyed Rabbits (REWs) for Adoption at Wisconsin House Rabbit Society

Salsa is one of nine rabbits WHRS personality. She didn’t run away when is getting better every day. She can be helped rescue from a neglect case. All approached. She stood her ground and territorial in her cage, so she would do the rabbits were being raised for meat defended herself. We quickly realized best in a home without young children. and were living in horrible conditions. that Salsa needed a foster home where Salsa has been very good while running When they arrived at WHRS they were she could get some much needed TLC in her foster home. She has amazing terrified of people and hands coming and socialization. litter box habits and is good about into their cage. Most of the rabbits ran chewing her toys and not the house. She Salsa now loves life! She knows she is to the back of their cage and hid when is appropriately 1 year old and waiting safe and has learned that people can approached, but Salsa got her name for her forever home! be good. She is still a little head shy, but because she was bold and had a “spicy”

U.W. Vet School Rabbit-handling Lab by Renee Stodola

Every year, the Special Species opportunities involving rabbits are The other rabbits we brought were at department at the UW vet school optional. the next station over, where there were asks the Wisconsin House Rabbit two veterinarians teaching the students WHRS brought approximately ten Society for assistance in teaching vet how to perform a health exam on a adoptable foster rabbits (plus two of students how to properly handle and rabbit and what to look for while doing Renee’s personal rabbits) to the vet care for rabbits. And every year WHRS so. The students were able to examine school at 8:30 a.m. on each of these volunteers are happy to help out. the rabbits themselves after being dates. Approximately half of the This year Joan Johnson, Liz Allen and shown. rabbits stayed at our station, where we Renee Stodola volunteered for the two educated students on proper handling This is just one of the many educational hands-on labs held on January 12th and rabbit care. All the students were events WHRS is involved with and 19th . These labs are very unique required to pick up a rabbit, and our throughout the year. But it is one of and important because they are one of volunteers were right there to coach the most important ones. After all, who only a few educational opportunities them. Many of the students admitted better to teach future veteranarians on focused on rabbits and other exotic that it was their first time picking up a the proper care and handling of rabbits pets which all vet students are required rabbit! than WHRS? to attend. Nearly all other educational

10 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Spring Flowers: Early-Season Foraging for Flopper by Julie Smith

For humans, flowers in food are your research to make sure you have “look no hands” dandelion suck up, as beautiful and startling because they gotten the identification right and that captured here: https://www.youtube. don’t belong there. They add novelty it is OK for rabbits. Dandelions are an com/watch?v=mgL9Xj1n8Nk. and interest to human cuisine. But why obvious choice. If you have access to If you’re lucky to find a young dandelion forage for flowers for rabbits? Bunny chemical-free dandelions and are not with a tight crown of emerging buds will not be taken aback by a red splash giving them to your rabbit, well, that’s in the center, well then you have a of nasturtium in her parsley (she doesn’t just animal abuse. problem. You’ll have to decide whether see red anyway) nor give much thought Dandelions to give it to Bunny or eat it yourself. This to whether Johnny Jump-ups or blue is the best stage for human eating, the Chicory add the prettiest final touch to time the dandelion is least bitter and the Romaine. richly filled with vitamins, minerals, and I have foraged for spring (and summer) anti-oxidants that will keep you strong flowers for my rabbits for many as a bunny guardian. At least that is years. By late March, I am sick of the a good excuse for grabbing the salad bland, industrially-grown lettuces and dressing for yourself. All of the plants parsley from places like California mentioned here are from field guides and other points south. Until recently, for human eating. when development took over my Common Violets neighborhood in Edgerton, I had access to acres of vacant, unsprayed land I have given all parts of the dandelion— where many species of wild plants root, leaves, flower stems, and grew. My yard has been chemical free flowers—at all stages of growth. I have since 1998 when I first moved in, and it a dandelion extractor, so I often include produces lots of great weeds. So, I do the roots (and wave it high to lawn it because they are there in abundance chemical companies on their way to and because all of the flowers I gather befouling my neighbors’ yards). If I take also have leaves that rabbits eat. Thus, I the root, the dandies will be dirty, so I get my fresh food for the ten sanctuary hose them down outside and let them rabbits without having to go to the drain in a large mesh strainer until I Photo credit https://auntiedogmasgardenspot.wordpress. grocery store all of the time. And it’s wash them properly for the evening com/2013/04/01/wild-violets-care-how-to-grow-wild-violet-plants/ salads. Once washed, greens should be free and close by. But more than the Common purple violets signal that served soon. I always give wild plants savings or convenience, walking around spring is here to stay. They can grow as two separate baths in two dishpans of natural places looking for bunny treats, single plants or can blanket the ground clean water, shaking them out lightly aka foraging for Flopper, is fun and among the grass. You’re likely to find each time. However, when I took a satisfying. I believe that wild flowers and them in your chemical-free lawn. So, to beginners’ foraging class this summer, I greens add something to rabbits’ taste adapt a comment by the well-known noted that teacher and students picked experience that they do not get from Wisconsin foraging expert, Sam Thayer, and ate plants along the trail with never cultivated food—complexity, variety, “Perhaps you should stop seeing violets so much as a “shouldn’t we wash this earthiness, and perhaps ancestral as a weed in your lawn and begin to first?”. In any case, the additional water memories of scores of different kinds of see your lawn as a weed in the violets” is great for the rabbits. bitter greens. Rabbits are, after all, one (Incredible Wild Edibles, p.380). From the of nature’s great foragers. They have If I just pull off the dandelion leaves, rabbit point of view, the two go perfectly many, many more taste buds than we stems, flowers, I put them in a plastic together. I have always just ripped up do, so I want to make their domestic bag in the refrigerator with other edible handfuls of violet leaves, flowers, and world more attuned to a larger idea of plants, washing a portion just before grass and put them in my bag, as it is who they might still be. serving. Unwashed, they will keep for pretty tedious to gather one plant at a My recommendation for starting is about a week. The stems of the flowers time. Skip the roots. If you get a little to choose one plant with which you go limp, so you might want to give a already have visual familiarity. Then do fresh one to Bunny just to watch the (continued) 11 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Spring Flowers: Early Season Foraging for Flopper

Creeping Charlie with it, not to worry. our domestic rabbits, the wild bunny in humans. Apparently, the tips of each That’s in the mint family and edible too. this Youtube video gives a pretty good little branch, 4-8 inches down, are mild idea of how rabbits feel about White and sweet. I believe I have seen it, and Clover: https://www.youtube.com/ this spring I will attempt to find and watch?v=bdfRI1EB_Eg. gather some. While the tips are best for humans before the flowers emerge, Purslane I’ll wait for the little flowers so that I can securely identify the plant. They have five petals, but those are cleft so deeply that they look like ten. Its flowers most obviously distinguish chickweed from any undesirable lookalikes based Photo credit http://vetivresse.blogspot.com/2008/12/vio- on leaves. Check a foraging guide for lets-smell-funny.html other differences, but the flowers are a reliable key. Apparently, chickens are White Clover crazy for chickweed; thus the name. I’ll

soon see about rabbits. I have noticed Purslane for the forty years I’ve been in Wisconsin. I’ve seen it growing between the bricks of our patio, in the cracks of sidewalks, in flower beds. It’s so obvious because it has succulent, fleshy leaves and stems, which are reddish and branch across the ground. For years, I eradicated Purslane from my rock garden. But Photo credit https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/ white-clover now I want to try it in my salads and in Photo credit http://onf.coop/an-all-purpose-herb-chickweed/ As most of us know, white clover also the rabbits’ medley of fresh greens. It grows in lawns. Again, you’ll be ripping is hyped as a superfood for heart and up grass and clover together—another general health, a real miracle plant. Pineapple Weed or Wild Chamomile great combination. Rabbits just love it. And because I know exactly what it is As I get older, bending down for long without a lot of research, it’s on my list. periods becomes harder, so I tend to Admittedly, I have never seen a picture wait for the red clover to come up later, of a rabbit eating Purslane, although in the summer, because it has tall stalks. it is included in all rabbit-safe food guides. Maybe we’ll publish the first one While we’re told that rabbits shouldn’t ever in the WHRS summer newsletter. have clover because of its high calcium levels, that precaution applies to giving Chickweed rabbits dried clover regularly as part of their daily hay. As with most things, Photo credit www.thedancingherbalist.com moderation is a good guide. Like Red Clover, Alfalfa “volunteers” can escape Here’s another small plant one can cultivated fields, and I often find them pull out of the cracks in sidewalks— growing with red clover, flowering at Pineapple Weed, which grows in sunny, about the same time. A modest once poor, compacted, even rocky soil. It only a week serving of each adds zip to a gets about 6-8 inches high, and you can rabbit’s world. Imagine yourself having easily identify it by the yellow-green just discovered chocolate. cones that are the flower heads, which have no petals. It tastes good, and it is Although a Cottontail rather than one of Chickweed is one of those wild edibles touted in every foraging handbook for (continued) 12 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Spring Flowers: Early Season Foraging for Flopper extremely easy to identify because it http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/GI_ dried fruit for this purpose. However, smells like pineapple when you crush diseases/Food/Toxic_plants_en.pdf you first really need to determine which the little cone heads. Every part of the dried flowers he likes best and will put http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/ plant is safe for Bunny, although there’s in some effort to find. GI_diseases/Food/feeding_en.pdf not much of it. The brands Flopper’s Garden and http://homecomers.org/janesville/ Cautions About Foraging Rosewood Naturals sell dried plants, foraging.html including flowers, to the rabbit-devoted All literature on wild edibles includes https://www.wildmanstevebrill. public. Reading their labels has taught cautions. Most are just common sense: com/plants.html me to identify some rabbit-safe wild 1. Make sure you know the area where a plants that I would otherwise have 3. Wash the plant well. As Meryl plant comes from. Has it been missed and that I can now look for Schimek’s great article in this issue sprayed or does it get salted in in my area. Sold on the Binky Bunny tells us, wild animals can spread winter, as roadsides do? If so, look website, Flopper’s Garden describes parasites to domestic bunnies who go for a more secluded spot or go back medicinal properties for its dried plants outdoors. But bringing the outdoors further off the road. Stick with areas and plant combos. Small Pet Select also indoors by collecting safe wild plants, with which you are familiar. has a line of dried plants to which it and then washing them very well, attributes medicinal properties. One can 2. Make sure you have properly seems an excellent compromise. find much less expensive organic dried identified a plant and know which 4. Always feed very small portions at flowers in many other places—Amazon, parts are safe. If you need to wait first and gradually increase amounts. smaller internet botanical shops, and for the flower in order to absolutely It’s always fun to see what new plants local co-ops. I have purchased dried identify it, then wait. That’s what I rabbits will consider treat food, and plant combos and picked out individual do with Queen Anne’s Lace in mid- that’s a good way to start—little treat flowers to try them out on bunnies summer. Bunnies don’t have to have bits at a time. one at a time. Since rabbits seem to the most delicate stage of the plant, have strong individual preferences as humans often do. So you can wait 5. And remember: you can always buy (big surprise), I will now buy packages until you see the flower. seeds for these wild plants and that have just one kind each, so that grow them in pots on your deck or Really, the easiest way to forage for I won’t waste money on dried plants apartment balcony. bunnies is to find a plant on a bunny- they don’t like. At the Humane Society safe list that you already know you Dried Flowers of Jefferson County this morning, Lunar can recognize, and then read up on it and Clipsey showed a strong preference Dried flowers are happy options when a bit more. Once you’re sure about a for sunflower petals over marigolds, fresh ones are not available. They let plant, you will have it on your safe list hibiscus and even rose petals. I may try you serve flowers in winter and flowers for many future years. growing some sun flowers this summer (like rose petals) that rabbits love but and drying the petals myself. Human foraging guides are good are difficult to grow in our area without sources of information on plant chemicals. I tried growing chemical-free Much thanks to Steve Drake for helping me identification and toxicity. But once wood roses, and I might as well have with this article. you have identified a plant, you put out a sign out that read, “Calling all also need to check lists of bunny- Japanese Beetles.” I dug up the roses safe edibles. Here are some good and planted the inedible dwarf lilacs. resources for both tasks: Dried flowers are good for foraging toys https://bunnyapproved.com/ like boxes and bags that the rabbit must edible-flowers-and-petals-for- destroy to find the flower treat. A small rabbits/ brown bag to which you have added a http://www.rabbitsonline.net/ half teaspoon of dried flowers and tied showthread.php?t=52762 with natural twine can make a good boredom buster. Flowers are also good http://www.therabbithouse. for logic toys that require a bunny to com/blog/2012/02/29/rabbit-safe- pull off a cover of some kind to discover flowers-annuals/ a treat. And they are less fattening than 13 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Update on Chloe & J.W.

Thank you to the wonderful people who that so quickly picked up on training I knew that he may be a hard bunny to donated to Chloe and J.W.’s medical like this. At that point, I knew Chloe was adopt out, especially as he was also a fund. Both have had their expensive something really special. She also loved possible E.c. case. surgeries successfully completed. And cheek rubs and head pets and would both have gotten adopted! Here are tooth purr with total enjoyment when the updates from the wonderful people she felt safe and when the attention was who adopted them. on her terms.

After Chloe’s extensive dental work, I A Forever Home for Chloe received a message from Sharon that from Darlene Mackett her Petfinder ad was updated and that she was officially up for adoption again. As I read through her profile, it literally broke my heart to learn how and why she was surrendered. This sweet, smart little girl who I found to be so excited and curious about life was pushed to such extremes.

Chloe seems quite comfortable with us, and in the short time she has been here she has made amazing progress. I Back in February, I decided to try my couldn’t help but fall in love with Chloe! hand at fostering a bunny for the I hope that I can give her a hoppy life— Wisconsin House Rabbit Society. I she deserves it! really thought I could succeed at this foster thing, and I wanted to have the J.W., New Friends I did lots of research on E.c.., although experience of finding a special little soul from Stephanie Grosz a forever home. there is little to go off of on the Internet. I found that it was not as contagious as Along came a little Dutch girl named I thought it would be and can be well Chloe. I was told that this bunny was contained. I had to try J.W. with my very cage aggressive and that she had bonded male pair, as it was the only way a very big personality. Well, I found out that I could adopt him. We did our first quickly, she was all that! I also saw a date, and it was love at first sight; all sweet, smart girl who was very scared three bunnies seemed very happy and and was fighting back the only way content with one another. We even had that she could. As I started to interact grooming on the first date! I decided with her, I quickly saw that she was an then that I would take him home. After exceptionally smart rabbit. I started Being partial to lops, I have wanted J.W. he was healed from his eye surgery, I working with her to hop into her carrier, ever since I saw him enter our main picked him up and adopted him. He gets and she immediately picked up on this! foster home while I was helping with along so well with my bunnies! I am very Actually, I was stunned at how quickly cleaning there. He is such a kind, good happy that I got to adopt such a sweet she learned to do this! She is very bunny who is always looking for head bunny! Even with his surgery behind motivated by food, and after the third pets. Once I had heard that he bonded him, he never gets depressed or down session, she was more than happy to with his mate, Lucy, I knew I couldn’t about losing an eye. He is as perky as hop right into and out of her carrier as adopt him because I was unable to ever—loving to explore new areas and if she had been doing it her entire life. adopt a pair. But I was happy for him as greeting all sorts of people! Once she figured out she would get a I knew he was happy with her. When I small treat for hopping in, and another heard she had passed away, my heart treat for coming out, she became a true broke. Poor J.W., all alone again, and professional! I have yet to have a bunny with his upcoming eye removal surgery, 14 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter Pictures, Posts & Letters We love hearing from you!

WHRS Alum Update doing the hard work with the bunnies. As RECENT ADOPTIONS from Jane & John McWilliams (Rosie & Alfie) a result, you are truly deserving of all of the “thanks” here. PICKLES Please keep me apprised of J.W.’s and Chloe’s ARTHUR & MARC CHIU progress and thanks very much to all of you! CHLOE Loved the Newsletter DARLENE MACKETT from Jane Vandre

IVY Hi Julie—I LOVED the newsletter . . . very DEB PEITZ impressive, informative, and fun. I . . . especially enjoyed the pioneer story. I plan to share it MOCHA with my girls at church because it has such a AMANDA GRONEMEYER sweet and poignant message. HEMLOCK Hi Liz and Renee—Here is a photo of Rosie Joining WHRS MADELINE BOGGS (formerly Glinda, who was fostered by Liz Allen) with her husbun, Alfie. They both love Kale. It’s from Herb Zautke JASPER been difficult to get a photo of them together, Hello Julie—I have only now figured out what KATE PISCHKE as when you approach they usually move, happened. I joined the wrong House Rabbit BABE whether to get their heads scratched or look Society. I sent my membership contribution MICHELLE BLINK for treats. So we have lots of blurred photos to the International House Rabbit Society, and of bunnies moving! Anyway, they are happy you must think I’m some kind of Scrooge for TESSA together, and it didn’t take Rosie long to settle not joining the Wisconsin House Rabbit Society. KATHLEEN DAILY in. Thank you! I certainly apologize and hope to be able to contribute retroactively for 2017 at the same J.W. The Benefits of Bunny Coupledom time we pay for 2018. Perhaps you can furnish STEPHANIE GROSZ from Mary Anne Strachota me the correct link so my contribution goes to Congratulations and thank Hi Julie . . . The donation was intentional, and the right place. you for providing such not because I’m under the influence [of pain When properly joined up, will it be possible wonderful forever homes. medication from a hip replacement surgery] to get a paper copy of the winter issue for my ;). I keep a list of places for donations, and archives? I would love to frame it. Perhaps ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ WHRS is on my list of places to donate for Mary Anne could even be persuaded to sell one this quarter. We try to rotate between a few of the frames or render a facsimile. We would rescues and do what we can. Joelle is a daily love some of Mary’s original work and would be BINKIES OF THANKS reminder of the good work you all do. She has glad to compensate her or WHRS for it. TO RECENT DONORS brought so much love into our lives—especially Tater’s—they are a true love match. I used to Peggy forced me to read “Cornmeal” at feel so guilty anytime we went on vacation and Christmas to the family, and there wasn’t a dry ♥ Noreen & Wayne Ratzlaff had to leave Tater behind. Even though our eye in the house at the end. I was pleased that ♥ David Schmid neighbor who took care of him would spend a everyone liked it because I didn’t think it was ♥ Rosanna Dell couple hours each day keeping him company that great. I think it was the wonderful art that went with the that story really made it. The ♥ John Bach and taking care of him, I felt bad that he was home alone. Now that he has Joey and she has immigrant rabbit with the babushka captured ♥ Jake Stroup & Amanda Grady him, I know they are never lonely. Were it not my grandmother so well it could have been ♥ Jean Cookle for WHRS, Joey wouldn’t even exist now. A sad drawn from life, and on the whole, the art Donation in honor of my truth. What you all do, does matter. wonderfully embellished the story. . . . friend Amy Lautenbach who is a bunny lover! Thank You ♥ Ryan & Carrie Karas from Todd Cleary Donation for Bella & Kramer Hi Julie—I’m obviously glad my donations ♥ Kristi & Lucas Heid helped, but you and your group are the ones (continued) 15 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter MORE Pictures, Posts & Letters BINKIES OF THANKS Officially Bonded she has laid in my lap with petting for over an from Amanda Gronemeyer hour! They have been together since Tuesday, and they have been great together! Thank you ♥ Jennifer Fiske for helping with the bonding and adoption in memory of Ruby, Felix and experience; I hope all the other buns find loving Lenny Wilson furrever homes! ♥ Christine Lieber in memory of Sunshine and Report on Babe to help with the care of Attila from Michelle Blink and Pickles ♥ Anonymous Holiday Donation ♥ Shari Piehl ♥ Stephanie Kleine ♥ Alliant Energy Foundation Hi Renee—I’m not sure if you have seen matching Grant, requested the House Rabbits’ Facebook page or my by Stephanie Kleine Facebook page but Mocha and Nabisco are ♥ Sally Best officially bonded as of February 13. They ♥ Diana Wilson in honor of Lenny, Ruby and gave me no trouble at all, no biting, boxing or Felix other aggressive behaviors, just lots of initial mounting on Nabisco’s end, which rarely has ♥ Anonymous Hi Renee—The car ride home went great! They in memory of Flora--your happened since the bond, and a few stray snuggled most of the time (when Babe wasn’t sweetness, tooth crunches, poops and pees on Mocha’s end. At first and curiosity will never be trying to explore). They were both exhausted Nabisco would only groom Mocha, but now forgotten. Thank you for all of when they got home, so they took some naps. the love that you gave, and for she occasionally grooms him as well. I wish I They’re having dinner now. It was wonderful to all that you taught us. could email you some videos (I have a couple meet you! I’ll keep you updated. ♥ Mary Jo & Dave Bobholz on my Facebook page), but my email will not ♥ Mary Anne Strachota allow. I have attached the photo where they Send your pictures, posts and letters our way! We Donation from the proceeds first voluntarily laid side by side. Also, Nabisco would love to hear from you on any topic. Was of CafePress sales of original artwork and donation in still gives me kisses when he isn’t kissing your bunny adopted from WHRS or a Wisconsin thanks for Joelle. Mocha, and when I lay down by them both humane society? We want to know how they are ♥ Deb Peitz Mocha and Nabisco give kisses to me. Mocha doing! Send pictures to [email protected]. In memory of Sashi has really started coming out of her shell. She For extra fun, add a caption to your picture. ♥ Stephanie Grosz is still difficult to pick up, but once I have her Donation toward J.W.’s eye removal surgery ♥ Emilee Richter Donation toward J.W.’s eye Milwaukee Pet Expo removal surgery by Sharon Mueller ♥ Todd Cleary Donation toward J.W.’s eye removal surgery and Chloe’s It was especially nice to have adopters of our dental surgery WHRS bunnies come to the booth and update us. ♥ Kotoyo Hoshina A number of people stopped by for information on Donation toward Chloe’s rabbits because they were considering adding one dental surgery to their family. Thanks again to AWARE—Alliance ♥ Rebekah Pflueger of Wisconsin Animal Rehoming Efforts—for hosting ♥ Kourtney Franck this great event showcasing animal rescues! In memory of Peanut Thanks also to Mary Jane (Krueger), who chauffeured ♥ Jenn & Joe Springhetti our foster bunnies Harriet and Hayward to the Expo, Donation to help WHRS Foster and to Darlene (Mackett) and Terry (Marach) for Bunnies helping to staff the booth! Special thanks to Susan ♥ Kara Henn We had a wonderful time again at this year’s Boehme for stopping by, hanging around for the last ♥ Gail Banovez Expo. We had many visitors who had questions to couple of hours and helping to take down and pack up ask and stories to share of their beloved rabbits. all our stuff! 16 Spring 2018 Edition | Wisconsin House Rabbit News | House Rabbit Society: Wisconsin Chapter EVEN MORE BINKIES OF THANKS Wisconsin House Rabbit Society Who’s Who in Wisconsin HRS

♥ Diane Murphy Board of Directors Hoppy Hour Programs Donation for the bunnies-in- [email protected] need...to whoever needs it the [email protected] VOLUNTEER FOR most urgently! Julie Smith Liz Allen WISCONSIN HRS ♥ Mollie Nelson Chapter Manager Coordinator General Administration ♥ Sarah Muench Newsletter Staff Can you foster a bunny Donation to help WHRS Foster Renee Stodola [email protected] or help out at one of the Bunnies Principal Director of Fostering & Adoption Erica McCoy socialization/exercise ♥ Susan Boehme programs at our main foster Sharon Mueller Design & Production ♥ Herb Zautke home in Deerfield, at our Director of Fostering & Adoption for Julie Smith ♥ Michelle Blink Southeastern Wisconsin sanctuary in Edgerton, or at Content Acquisition & Editing a Wisconsin shelter? Are you Mary Liebig Technical Team Secretary of the Board willing to clean pens, cages WELCOME NEW Membership Secretary Zach Boatwright and bunny play areas? Do MEMBERS! Kelly Young Members’ Website Design & Support you like creating posters, Treasurer Stephanie Cook flyers, and other marketing Facebook Page Webmaster materials? Would you enjoy ♥ James Stacho writing for the newsletter Sharon Mueller Kotoyo Hoshina ♥ Romy Ilich Administrator (we can suggest topics, if Technical Support ♥ Stacey Garbarski Fosterers needed)? Have you organized Hoppy Hour Programs a fundraiser or membership ♥ Deb Peitz [email protected] [email protected] drive? Would you like to help ♥ Rebekah Pflueger Liz Allen Kristi Heid at events like Bunny Day or ♥ Heidi Schlehlein Kristi Heid Coordinator Hoppy Hour? ♥ Kazuki Anderson Joan Johnson Mary Jane Krueger CONTACT US If any of these appeal to you, ♥ Lindsey Anderson Connie Leung General Inquiries or if you can do something ♥ Kristen Niendorf Mary Liebig [email protected] else and would like to get ♥ Melissa Phinney Sharon Mueller Wisconsin HRS more involved with WHRS, ♥ Herb Zautke Julie Smith P.O. Box 46472 please see and submit the And to the many of you who Sanctuary Madison, WI 53744-6473 volunteer application on our have recently renewed your Renee Stodola Hay Inquiries website. membership, thanks for being Main Foster Home [email protected] part of the warren! 608.509.4774

Wisconsin House Rabbit Society Mission

Rabbit Rescue. Adoption. Our goal is to assist humane societies with rabbit The desired outcome in a rabbit rescue is placement rescue, care, adoption, and education of the public in a permanent, loving home. Every rabbit placed about rabbits. means another can be rescued from a shelter.

Education & Outreach. Sanctuary. Through our newsletter, web page and community Some rescued rabbits have special needs that require activities, we inform others about nurturing the long-term care in a sanctuary setting. This activity physical and mental health of rabbits as well as is the most demanding on all of our resources, and understanding their behaviors. We also seek to extra public support is always needed. educate the public about the causes of rabbit overpopulation and abuse.

Wisconsin House Rabbit Society wisconsinhrs.org | [email protected] | facebook.com/groups/wisconsinhrs