Bob was first up for his check up and weigh in and then he was off for a groom. He is looking pretty good not to mention he is a handsome fella and I think he knows it!

It was weigh time in the bunny shed and whilst they are being handled for that I give them a good check up.  It’s important to weigh your bunny regularly as it can shed light on to any health problems. As most bunny owners know, they are very good at hiding any illnesses and pain.  So if there is a drastic change in their weight it can be the first clue something is amiss therefore allowing you to nip things in the bud if possible. It’s also a good chance to have a good look at your bunny and get to know what is normal for them healthwise, that includes body condition, how the eyes look and a general feel gives you an idea of their normal body.

Bungle is all good too and she also was off for a groom afterwards.

Molly is never too sure about being picked up.  She doesn’t panic when you have got her in your arms, its when you put her down she can start stressing.  I hate to say this but Molly isn’t the brightest spark and even though she has been having monthly weigh ins for well over a year she still acts as if its a new thing. I just deal with her in a calm and patient manner with lots of talking to her and she generally does pretty good.
No Peanut photo, he was too busy being naughty at his weigh in!

Apollo is another bunny who tends to get stressed when you put him down and ‘mess’ with him like a weigh in. He is very good though and just lets you get on with things. He does relax more than he used to do.  Not that long ago he would lay flat as a pancake on the scales. That is another good reason to weigh as it enables you to pick them up regularly and bunnies like Apollo get used to it.  This is very helpful if they end up on long term medication. It’s a good balance too rather than picking them up every week and forcing fusses on them, by mine having somewhere to go, like the desk for a weigh in, they get used to this routine and know that being held is just for a short time. They’re more relaxed that way.

Poppy is an old hat at being picked up as she had weekly brushes since she was just a few months old. She still doesn’t like to be picked up but is relaxed in your arms once she gets into her preferred position which is usually her paws on the shoulder looking behind you. She does like the odd cuddle too not that she would admit it. That said if you’re annoying her enough when you have her in your arms she will happily nip you.

Now Katie is another bunny who is very used to being handled. Being an Angora it takes a lot of work to keep on top of her coat so she is on twice weekly grooming and clipping. She is a big rabbit so you need to support her well and once she feels secure she is quite happy in your arms.

Thumper does not like being picked up but he knows the routines so well now he accepts it and sometimes you can even get a quick cuddle. On his return to his pen all I have to do is give him my shoulder and he puts his paws on and I lift him up and take him back to his pen. You’ve just got to make sure you don’t give him your shoulder too early as he’s always keen to get home. Weighing is extra useful to me for monitoring Thumper’s health because of his age.  At 10.5 yrs old he is invariably going to get a little muscle wastage and is more likely to become ill.  So knowing what his new elderly weight is, is a good marker to compare to if there is any suspicion of any health issues.