Autumn that's such a clever idea! I never would have thought of that. It's such a simple solution too.
I was going to call the vet today but I forgot that they're closed on weekends. Today my Dad said that he was going to the farmer's supply store and he asked if I wanted him to get anything for Peter. I wrote down some of the food brands you suggested and the quote: "Try to find something with no more than 14% protein, 2% fat, and at least 20% fiber if possible. Avoid seeds, dried fruits and veggies, and corn. The first ingredient should be timothy hay. Alfalfa is ok if it has the right protein and fat numbers." I also asked him to look for kiln-dried pine bedding or wood stove pellets.
I woke up from my nap to find three 5lb. bags of rabbit food, 1 bag of Carefresh Pet Bedding, 1 bag of Feline Pine Original, and a copy of the 2009 Annual Rabbits USA magazine outside my bedroom door. I must say he outdid himself.
The food is called Zupreem Nature's Promise Premium Rabbit Food Made From Timothy Hay (long name). It says it has no soy, no wheat, and no pesticides. The crude protein is 14.0%, crude fat is 1.0%, and crude fiber is 28.0%. And it's just pellets, no colorful stuff.
I put 1/4 cup of food in Peter's bowl - 1/2is his old food, 1/2 is the new food. He picked out and ate all of his old food before trying the new food, lol.
The Carefresh Pet Bedding I've used before. It's not too expensive, but we were using it for 4 rodents, 3 of which are living in (what I consider) large cages. We stopped using it because it was getting too costly. But, my Dad says it's not a problem for just one rabbit cage. All of the other rodents don't seem bothered by the aspen shavings we've been using. Anyway this bedding is made from reclaimed short-fiber pulp that can't be made into paper. It's pine and cedar oil free, and it's free of ink, dyes, clays, and chemicals used in the paper making process. It's also sanitized to 380 degrees Fahrenheit to reduce bacteria, mold, and fungus. I don't thinkPeter (or anyone)can possibly be allergic to this stuff.
The Feline Pine litter was too heavy for me to use in his entire cage. The bottom of the cage is sort of suspended. If there is too much wait, the plastic bin will bend and fall. Unfortunately we've experienced this once with my sister's rabbit (he was ok just stunned and in need of rescue). The bottom of these cages basically work like a drawer. I can explain it or show it to you later if anyone is curious about it. But anyway...I cleaned Peter's cage and used the Carefree bedding. I put some of the Feline Pine in the corner he uses as a bathroom. I like to use some kind of litter in the corner so I can scoop out his poops between cage cleanings (weekly). I didn't see anywhere on the Feline Pine about it being kiln-dried.Willit still beokay to use?
The magazine my Dad bought has been really informative and interesting. It relayed many of the things you've already said and I learned a new game that Peter likes! In the very back it lists names of vets by location. It says the listings are sent to the magazine by the veterinarian offices. It only listed one in Wilmington but I expect that they are more experienced than my current vet. The staff at my current vet said that they never see rabbits or really any exotic animals come in - just cats in dogs. I'm sure my vet is qualified but I think I'll try this other place.
I saw that you didn't have any vets listed for Wilmington, NC when I looked at your vet directory earlier. I added my vet to it but I think I'll go edit that post andreplace it withthe information that was listed in this magazine. The magazine's vet directory is really long. I think it'd be a great place to check for updates for your site's directory.
...going to call this other place a.s.a.p. and make an appointment for Peter, and I'll ask about an E-collar while I'm there. Peter is loving all of this extra attention by the way.
