so cute and funny had to share... reminds me I have a few videos of Roxanne doing binky's all over the house too ... House Bunnies are so funny to watch :)
Kirky xx
Showing posts with label bunny. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bunny. Show all posts
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Giant Rabbit Fossil Found
Illustration courtesy Meike Köhler
Article Shared: National Geographic News By Christine Dell'Amore
The Easter bunny came early this year for a few scientists working on the Spanish island of Minorca (see map).
The team has just announced the discovery of Earth's biggest known rabbit species, an oddly unbunny-like giant dubbed Nuralagus rex—"the Minorcan king of the hares."
The 26-pound (12-kilogram) prehistoric species was about six times bigger than the common European rabbit, found on most continents, according to an analysis of several bones. Study leader Josep Quintana is no stranger to giant Minorcan rabbit fossils, though it took a while before he knew exactly how big a find he'd uncovered.
"When I found the first bone I was 19 years old, I was not aware what this bone represented. I thought it was a bone of the giant Minorcan turtle!" said Quintana, a paleontologist at the Institut Català de Palentologia in Barcelona.
The animal, which lived about three to five million years ago, had several "odd" features that have never before been seen in rabbits, living or extinct, according to the study.
For one, the giant rabbit's "short and stiff" vertebral column meant it couldn't bunny hop. And the relatively small sizes of sense-related areas of its skull suggested that the animal had small eyes and stubby ears—a far cry frommodern rabbit ears (see picture.)
"I think that N. rex would be a rather clumsy rabbit walking," Quintana said. "Imagine a beaver out of water."
Despite its oddities, N. rex has many skull and teeth features found in rabbits—meaning there’s “no question” it’s a rabbit, according to Brian Kraatz, an expert in rabbit evolution at the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California.
“Really, this is a rather typical rabbit head [albeit large] stuck on an atypical rabbit body,” said Kraatz, who was not involved in the study.
Giant Rabbit Was Early "Beach Bum"?
The newfound rabbit's "roly-poly, tanklike" appearance and weird anatomy may have arisen because of its stress-free lifestyle, Kraatz added.
That's because the megarabbit had no predators on Minorca—a luxury that allowed the species to evolve to be bigger and more sedentary he said. Modern rabbits are small, spry, and have sharp vision to escape predators.
"He was probably on an evolutionary vacation," said Kraatz, like an "islander beach bum."
Yet, even though the giant rabbit "didn't have too many cares or worries," Kraatz said, "he got too comfortable, and eventually went extinct."
The new giant-rabbit fossil study appeared in the March Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.
-------------------------------
I LOL'd at how they called the ancient rabbit a beach bum.. lol think Roxanne considers herself a bit of a beach bum and we love all the beach bum bunnies at North Cronulla Beach... Although Roxie won't be going anywhere near them in fear of myx!
The Rabbit in the Moon
Many way to look at it :)
The Moon rabbit, also called the Jade Rabbit, is a rabbit that lives on the moon in folklore, based on pareidolia that identifies the markings of the moon as a rabbit. The story exists in many cultures, particularly in East Asian folklore, where it is seen pounding in a mortar and pestle. In Chinese folklore, it is often portrayed as a companion of the moon goddess Chang'e, constantly pounding the elixir of life for her; but in Japanese and Korean versions it is just pounding the ingredients for rice cake. READ MORE
Rabbit with fire pot or mortar and pestle (depending on the story)
In the Buddhist Śaśajâtaka (Jataka Tale 316), a monkey, an otter, a jackal, and a rabbit resolved to practice charity on the day of the full moon (Uposatha), believing a demonstration of great virtue would earn a great reward. A version of this story can be found in the Japanese anthology Konjaku Monogatarishū, where the rabbit's companions are a fox and a monkey.
THE LEGEND:
"Once upon a time long ago, a monkey, a rabbit, and a fox were good friends. During the day they played together and at night they slept in the forest. The Lord of Heaven heard about the three friends and wanted to see if such a thing could really be true. He went to them disguised as a poor old man. "I have travelled through mountains and valleys and I am hungry and tired. Could you give me something to eat?" he, asked laying down his staff in order to rest.
The monkey went off at once to gather nuts from the trees and bushes; the fox brought a plump fish from his trap in the river. The rabbit ran through the fields in every direction but could find nothing suitable to bring the hungry man. So he asked the monkey to gather some dried leaves and twigs and the fox to set fire to them. They did so. Then the little rabbit said to the elderly man, "Please eat me as I have nothing else to give you" and threw himself into the flames.
The pilgrim was moved by the rabbit's sacrifice, and wept, saying, "Each one deserves praise; there are neither winners nor losers. But the little rabbit has given an exceptional proof of love." So saying, he restored the rabbit to his original form and took the little body to heaven to be buried in the palace of the moon, where the rabbit may be seen to this day."
Fairytale - The Rabbit in The Moon :
Another representation of the Rabbit in the Moon
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Rabbit Rescue vs Breeding
/)_/)
( . .)
C(")(")Once you own a house bunny you realise why bunnies shouldn't be kept in cages!
So sad that people don't give their buns much exercise and a chance to kick their legs up and run and binky about :) ... I wonder if people who keep their bunnies in cages all the time have even seen their bunnies kick their legs and flick their ears up when you call their name and run to you, it's the cutest thing ever! I love that I have my bunny so comfortable with me now she jumps up on the lounge and comes and sits on my lap :)
The only cage Roxanne uses is actually used just as her litter tray & hay containment area :) or place to put her in when she needs to be secured for a short period of time (like mopping the floors lol ) or transported.. Made it easy to start off in cage for litter training when she was young and small. Her roaming area then expanded to the laundry and now she has the rest of the house when supervised :) She learnt to litter train in one day so never actually lived in it lol.. it basically contains the mess which makes for easier cleaning :)
I will never go back to breeding again either - too competitive and nasty at shows, too many breeders breeding the same rabbits to what - make money ? There's no real money to be made, and often I see that they are not kept in the best and cleanest conditions.
I admit when I was breeding I kept my buns in very large breeding hutches made from massive wardrobes, giant in comparison to store bought cages and they were litter trained too. I was only a small breeder but I know it would be impossible to keep that many rabbits all free range 24/7, but they got exercise daily they had playpens to excercise in the shed and outside we had a big rabbit yard for free roam time during the day when mozzies weren't out to dig and kick and play.. but now I feel they need even more, and with myxomatosis at such a high risk, keeping them as house bunnies is a much better and safer option.
Instead of owning many rabbits I am much happier with myself by helping promote rescue bunnies and teaching people how to care for them properly so they don't end up being abandoned and end up at shelters.
I really feel it's not the amount of bunnies you have that proves your love for rabbits , it's actually the amount love you have to give out that means the most.
play tunnel & chew basket - keeps me entertained so I don't ruin the furniture :)
Bunny Love : running to mum to give her bunny kisses or jumping up on the lounge to chill out with her :)
I really feel it's not the amount of bunnies you have that proves your love for rabbits , it's actually the amount love you have to give out that means the most.
There's too many mini lop breeders and it's crazy! I am always hearing about fights and bitchiness, mostly through facebook of course. I remember when I used to visit breeders to buy my bunnies, it scared me off attending shows as I don't like to get caught up in bitch fights that's for sure.. This post is not having a stab at breeders or stereotyping breeders, or against anyone in particular but I hear about it going on between a fair few breeders and just makes me question the intentions of some breeders.
Have people forgotton about why they are breeding? Have they forgotton about loving and caring for their animals? Have they forgotton about teaching people how to look after them so they don't end up being given up or dumped in the wild and that they can be a 10 year commitment? Have they learnt about rabbit language and what their bunny is telling them?.. Maybe their buns are saying "Get me out of this stinking cramped cage, quit your bitching and start cuddling me ." :P
It suddenly seems like it's less about the little loveable creatures and more about competitiveness and nastiness , and I guess it would only be worse at cat and dog shows!
Have people forgotton about why they are breeding? Have they forgotton about loving and caring for their animals? Have they forgotton about teaching people how to look after them so they don't end up being given up or dumped in the wild and that they can be a 10 year commitment? Have they learnt about rabbit language and what their bunny is telling them?.. Maybe their buns are saying "Get me out of this stinking cramped cage, quit your bitching and start cuddling me ." :P
It suddenly seems like it's less about the little loveable creatures and more about competitiveness and nastiness , and I guess it would only be worse at cat and dog shows!
Rabbits are amazing little creatures that can also be trained but need to have alot of time and patience for. If they aren't happy and given free time to run and play they are also less likely to bond with you and become cranky rabbits. Cranky rabbits that will stomp their feet cos they don't want to be in their cage, or lunge at you cos they haven't spent enough time with you to figure you out so they become scared of you. It's just like their owners haven't spent enough time with them to figure them out or they haven't been handled from a young age.. I've never ever heard Roxanne stomp once! :D
Mega Sized Rabbit Run = happy bunnies :)
I am actually going to look for a rescue rabbit to be friends with Roxanne, I spend 2 days at tafe now so I think she would like some extra company for those few hours during the day and bunnies like to live in groups, but not too many more than that :) two would be just fine.. I will probably be getting another female or a neutered male! Bonding will be easier if done while she is young and most rescue rabbits come desexed :)
Here are some ads and links for rabbit rescue groups (mostly australia) , please feel free to comment if you have more you would like to add to this list.
These are rescue groups in Australia :
------------------------
PORSCHE'S SMALL ANIMAL RESCUE :
(Central Coast , NSW Australia )
http://www.porschesrescue.com/
These are rescue groups in Australia :
search for bunnies & other pets needing homes all over Australia -
http://www.petrescue.com.au------------------------
PORSCHE'S SMALL ANIMAL RESCUE :
(Central Coast , NSW Australia )
http://www.porschesrescue.com/
------------------------
THE RABBIT RESCUE SANCTUARY
(Northern NSW, Australia)
http://rabbitrescuesanctuary.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Rabbit.Sanctuary
Some photos of bunnies needing homes :
------------------------
------------------------
BLACKTOWN CITY COUNCIL HOLDING FACILITY
(Blacktown, NSW, Australia)
http://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/petsonline/
Some photos of bunnies needing homes:
------------------------
RSPCA AUSTRALIA - ADOPT A PET
(Blacktown, NSW, Australia)
http://www.adoptapet.com.au/search/?t=Rabbit&newsearch=yes
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RSPCAAustralia
There are so many bunnies needing homes on this site! :(
------------------------
Please feel free to contact me if you would like me to add your rabbit rescue group to this list :)
THE RABBIT RESCUE SANCTUARY
(Northern NSW, Australia)
http://rabbitrescuesanctuary.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Rabbit.Sanctuary
Some photos of bunnies needing homes :
------------------------
RABBIT RESCUE
(Perth, Australia)
(Perth, Australia)
------------------------
SA RABBIT RESCUE and ADOPTIONS
(Perth, Australia)
(Perth, Australia)
------------------------
BLACKTOWN CITY COUNCIL HOLDING FACILITY
(Blacktown, NSW, Australia)
http://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/petsonline/
Some photos of bunnies needing homes:
------------------------
RSPCA AUSTRALIA - ADOPT A PET
(Blacktown, NSW, Australia)
http://www.adoptapet.com.au/search/?t=Rabbit&newsearch=yes
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RSPCAAustralia
There are so many bunnies needing homes on this site! :(
------------------------
Please feel free to contact me if you would like me to add your rabbit rescue group to this list :)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Worlds Biggest Bunny Collection
My Little Bunny Collection ... So Far
So I've started my own little rabbit collection but it's pretty poor in comparison to 'The Bunny Museum' rabbit collection lol Thanks to Karen K. for making me aware of this awesome museum ! :)
I think I'm going to have to keep collecting, good thing Easter is coming up - means lots of rabbity things are about! :) Combined with it being Year of the Rabbit I could end up with a big collection by the end of this year! lol
Here is my small collection! Including figurines, vintage rabbit vase from an old op shop, Japanese incese holder - year of the rabbit gift , ceramic rabbit with lace design (present my mum bought me for Christmas), faux moss garden bunny, and beach bunny haha lol I have a ceramic jewellery container rabbit pushing a pram of baby bunnies which I just remembered about. I hope I gave it to my mum when I moved as I can't seem to find it.. writing this blog just jogged my memory. It's quite special as mum bought it when she was pregnant with me... now I'm going to ring and ask her! I won't want to stop until I locate it!
19-02-11 UPDATE I found it (last pic) was accidentally put into storage.. FITZ And FLOYD, INC. Copywrite MCMLXXIX (1979) Handpainted.
19-02-11 UPDATE I found it (last pic) was accidentally put into storage.. FITZ And FLOYD, INC. Copywrite MCMLXXIX (1979) Handpainted.
The Bunny Museum
http://www.thebunnymuseum.com
Well I'm sure the Bunny Museum started off with a collection like mine at sometime :)
Well I'm sure the Bunny Museum started off with a collection like mine at sometime :)
The Bunny Museum in Pasadena, CA houses 28,000 bunny items and 7 real bunnies.
Owners Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski hold the Guinness World Record of collecting the most bunny items in the world!
Owners Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski hold the Guinness World Record of collecting the most bunny items in the world!
The Bunny Museum on Facebook
The 1928, Spanish stucco, Pasadena home of Candace Frazee and Steve Lubanski, is filled with almost everything bunny!
Over 23,000 bunny collectibles: most of their furniture, light fixtures, kitchenware, toiletries, books, and games are bunny themed. And lounging around their house, they have five real bunny pets that do not live in cages, and are litter box trained!
Over 23,000 bunny collectibles: most of their furniture, light fixtures, kitchenware, toiletries, books, and games are bunny themed. And lounging around their house, they have five real bunny pets that do not live in cages, and are litter box trained!
The world's largest bunny collection opened to the public 20 March 1998 housed in a living museum with bunny collectibles of every size, shape, and matter; featuring six Rose Parade® float bunnies.
The Bunny Museum Gift Store
Monday, January 31, 2011
Help Save Rabbits This Chinese New Year
ARTICLE SHARED - The House Rabbit Society - Year of The Rabbit
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY AND SINGAPORE HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY URGE PEOPLE NOT TO BUY RABBITS FOR LUNAR YEAR OF THE RABBIT
RICHMOND, CA/SINGAPORE (January 27, 2011) - House Rabbit Society (HRS) and House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS) strongly urge people not to acquire live rabbits for the Year of the Rabbit unless they are willing to make a 10-year commitment to properly care for the animals. In the Chinese calendar, the Year of the Rabbit occurs every twelve years. Asian animal welfare groups like HRSS are warning of an inevitable outcome this year: abandoned and neglected bunnies.
In Asian countries, and in Asian-American communities in the United States, there is a growing demand for pet rabbits, who are thought to bring luck during the Year of the Rabbit. Once the year is over, the rabbits are often abandoned. HRSS reports that in the 1999 Year of the Rabbit, rabbits in Singapore were abandoned at that nation's shelters at twice the rate that they were in 1998.
Both HRS and HRSS point out that while rabbits are intelligent, curious, loving pets, they are not "lucky charms." In addition, they are not low maintenance pets. Margo DeMello, president of HRS, encourages rabbit lovers to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit by purchasing artwork and gifts adorned with rabbits. Items can even be purchased from rabbit rescue groups, which then benefit rabbits, such as the rabbit-themed angbao (red envelopes in which to give money) sold by HRSS. "Rabbits are not 'low maintenance' pets," says DeMello; they require at least the same amount of work as a cat or dog, and often more."
Mary Cotter, vice-president of HRS, says that many of the rabbits purchased for luck will never live to see their first birthday. Some will die from neglect, while others will be abandoned in local parks or left at animal shelters. "It is irresponsible for pet stores to push rabbits during the Year of the Rabbit" says Cotter. "Unless people are willing to take full responsibility for the possible 10-year lifespan of a live rabbit, they should not acquire live rabbits. They should decorate their homes with rabbit-themed items instead."
Children, especially, do not realize that rabbits are fragile, ground-loving creatures who will struggle when held and are easily hurt when dropped. Also, it is near impossible for a child to commit to a rabbit for 10 years. All too often, the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up unwanted.
"Many pets in Singapore suffer unnecessarily because of ignorance on the part of their owners," commented HRSS President Jacelyn Heng. "During the Year of the Rabbit, many people buy rabbits for the wrong reason and do not fully understand the responsibilities of keeping an animal at home. The problem is particularly acute for rabbits because people wrongly assume that they are low-maintenance starter pets for children." Jacelyn added, "Many pet shops in Singapore are also not well informed about the care needed for a pet rabbit and often provide wrong or false information to unknowing first-time owners."
For people willing to make a long term commitment to a pet rabbit, HRS and the HRSS recommend adopting a rabbit from local animal shelters or rabbit rescue groups instead of purchasing them, as there are simply too many rabbits desperately in need of a good home. For those who are unsure about the commitment that they are able to offer, toys or rabbit-themed gifts would do just as well for this Lunar New Year's celebrations. Let's make this Year of the Rabbit a truly enjoyable time for our rabbits.
For people willing to make the long-term commitment, here are a few points to consider before acquiring a rabbit:
A person who chooses a baby rabbit as a pet must:
House Rabbit Society is an international, volunteer-based nonprofit organization with two primary goals: 1) to rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent homes for them; 2) to educate the public and assist humane societies in teaching proper rabbit care. HRS has fosterers, educators, and chapters around the world, and a rabbit adoption and education center in Richmond, California.
The House Rabbit Society Singapore is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to rabbit welfare and awareness. The HRSS runs a fostering program to rescue and re-home abandoned rabbits and participates in numerous public events to educate the general public about rabbit care and behavior.
-----------------------------------
RELATED BLOG POSTS:
-----------------------------------
LINKS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)