Daft Dijon #2

The bunnies have been a bit naughty about going back to their cage at night recently. It may be because the tin of treats (we use a muesli-style rabbit feed for treats) is getting a bit low, with not as many of their favourite bits.

They usually come running back, full speed with binkies, but recently they have developed a very defiant look, and we can see them dig their heels in and sit tight. Mabel usually comes in the end, but Dijon is so stubborn. It ends up with a silly game of chase, and of course bunnies are best at this game.

However, a couple of nights ago, after nearly 30mins of crawling under table and creeping around armchairs to usher him back, I had a brainwave: I remembered how we always joke about Dijon being silly enough to walk into any dead-end container. Even after a trip to the vet, he will quite happily walk into the pet carrier if it's placed near him.

So that is what we did... put the carrier on the floor, in he walked,and was carried back to his cage, where Mabel was waiting (having eatenall the treats).

Surely it wouldn't work again the next night? Anybun with half a brainwould realise our trick. But it did work. And again the followingnight... and, if miraculously he does develop some forward thinking,we'll have to find some different containers for him to explore!

Daft Dijon

A sunny day here, but still a bit chilly... nevertheless, the buns told me that it was definitely warm enough to leave the patio door open, so they could venture outside briefly, then retreat to the threshold... close enough to the doorway to step outside every time I attempted to close the door (we were all freezing).

With the door open, they have access to a safe, fenced off area of the patio. I've planted up lots of containers - grass, herbs, and even a couple of dandelions I've cultivated (huge plants, actually transplanted from a neighbour's garden). There is also a large container of compost for them to burrow.

Mabel enjoys all the grass, herbs, branches out there... but Dijon?? He prefers to eat the rubber seal around the patio door, the cobwebs under the sill, the plastic flower pot, and the sticky label on the side of the large container.

Weeee!

Often, when we're slouched on the sofa, winding down at the end of the day, Dijon will hop over for a brief stroke. Whilst sitting at our feet, having his ears gently tugged and his cheeks massaged, he drop a few poops. We've grown used to it.

Last night, however, he hopped over, then quickly rushed off again flicking his feet at us.

The little monster had done a massive wee right by the sofa. There was absolutely no reason for him to do this. He could easily have gone in one of the litter trays in his cage. Quite what came over him we don't know, but we hope it doesn't become a habit.

An apology... and beggar's belief

First an apology for waiting a month before finding time to post an update. The bunnies have been very settled, enjoying the warmth of springtime, and generally being extraordinarily well behaved. Even when we had to leave them locked up for 12 hours, they didn't kick up much of a fuss. There really hasn't been much bunniness to report.

But today Mabel excelled in exhibiting some daft bunny behaviour... Both she and Dijon can be undignified at time, stretching up at human meal times, and begging for food. Able to smell the bread at lunch time, she did this today, but when offered a piece, did she eat it? No, of course not, she merely sniffed it, and gave it a good, firm, long scenting. Then another, and another. All in all, she scented the morsel NINE times, after which I turned it around, at which point she did decide to eat it. Normally, Dijon would dive in and eat it for her, but today he was otherwise engaged - crossly ripping up a new cardboard box, and teaching it some kind of lesson.

Yawn

It's a hard life being a house rabbit... Dijon, caught mid-yawn:

Stubborn Bun

We mentioned recently that Dijon uses his litter trays all day - such a good boy, but in the evening when the bunnies' area is extended into the living room, something goes wrong.

I am growing tired of picking up 30+ Dijon poos from the living room floor every evening before bedtime, so this evening I've reluctantly placed one of the three (yes, three) litter trays from their cage into a position near sofa where he seems to poo most frequently.

He jumped straight in and did a wee, and is currently scenting every edge of the tray and pooing all around it... on the carpet!

Messenger Bag

More sewing inspired by Mabel & Dijon. This time we've been hard at work on a messenger bag. As with the tote bag, this is made from unbleached calico, but is lined with material from an 'upcycled' duvet cover.

The bag is large enough to accommodate books slightly over A4 size, and has three internal pockets for holding a purse or wallet, smart phone, and a pen.

The edging is home made bias tape made from the same fabric as the lining.

 Calico is a devil to iron, though. Just look at the creases.

Bag for Life

We've been busy sewing over the past couple of days. Inspired by the bunnies (who have been very settled over the last week), we made this 'bag for life':

A Bunny 'Bag for Life'

 The bag is made from unbleached calico with cotton appliqué rabbits. Dijon inspired the one on the left, and Mabel the right. Compared to the bags for life sold in supermarkets, this is far superior – stronger, more comfortable to hold thanks to its broad handles, and totally unique, of course. And at approximately 37cm (h) x 31cm (w) x 14cm (d) it holds just as much shopping.

Mabel & Dijon were the inspiration

Dijon...

Mabel...

Bedtime? No thanks.

We've worked out that at bedtime, when Mabel and Dijon are called back to their cage, Dijon becomes decreasingly obliging as the treat tin empties. We use muesli-type rabbit mix as a treat, just a pinch sprinkled into the cage so they can be busy finding it when the door is closed. When the tin is nearly empty, there are not so many of their favourite chunky bits, and Dijon gets a look about him. He almost seems to dig his heels in. He sits stubbornly, refuses to budge until we come close, then he darts into one of the boxes to hide.

A silly chase follows - of course we never win, then we have to pretend to give in, and give him cuddles when he relaxes, until he forgets what's going on and we can scoop him up and carry him back. Not ideal, but we like to go to bed before midnight!!

Meanwhile, Mabel takes advantage of the situation and finishes off the treats before greedy Dijon returns.

Poorly Mabel

A couple of days ago, Mabel showed no interest in her breakfast. Her portion was reserved for later, and she soon recovered enough to eat.Yesterday, however, she missed breakfast again and was obviously not well. We've often noticed that unwell bunnies sit oddly - not just the way they might sit or lie awkwardly, but in unusual places. Mabel was going from hunched up positions to fully stretched with even her chin stretched out on the floor, and settling in odd places, eg. the entrance to the cardboard tunnel, and facing the wall.

Dijon did his best to care for his poorly wife-bun. First he ate all her breakfast, then he licked around her mouth in an attempt to siphon her medicine, and he stuck his nose under her tail every time she settled. When she refused to budge, he scrabbled and scrabbled at her, demanding attention.

I tried tempting her with all sorts of tasty treats, gave her some. Metacam to relieve any pain she might have, and when she hadn't eaten for a few hours, syringe-fed her some Burgess mashed with water. We were beginning to think a trip to the vet might be necessary, when, very suddenly, in the early afternoon she resumed normal bunny services - chewing cardboard, pulling at carpet, and eating the treats we offered. Possibly the behaviour at the root of her problem?!