Welcome to Tails & Toys!
We’re dedicated to giving your pet rabbits the happy, healthy lives they truly deserve.
I’m Natalie, the proud bunny mom of two free-roaming house rabbits, Jet and Leo. These cheeky fluffballs are my world, but my love for rabbits started long before they hopped into my life. Over the years, I’ve had the joy (and occasional heartache) of caring for many wonderful rabbits, each one leaving me with more love and knowledge than I ever imagined.
Our Mission
My mission is simple: to help you create a safe, enriching, and loving home for your bunnies, so they can live their best lives – just like Jet and Leo do! They roam freely around my house, causing adorable chaos and occasionally redecorating my furniture with a nibble or two.
Meet Jet and Leo
Let me introduce my two furry partners-in-crime. Jet and Leo are the heart and soul of this website. Jet is the adventurous one – always the first to explore a new room, climb on furniture, or stick his nose where it doesn’t belong. He’s curious, playful, and full of energy. Leo, on the other hand, is the chill one. He’s perfectly content lounging around and enjoying the occasional head rub or snack.
Before Jet and Leo, I cared for several amazing rabbits who are no longer with me, but their memory inspires everything I do here. They’ve taught me just how special rabbits are, and why they deserve the best care we can give them.
Why I Believe In Free-Roaming Rabbits
Let’s be real: rabbits weren’t meant to be stuck in cages. I’m passionate about letting them roam free indoors, and I’m here to show you how to make that happen for your bunnies.
- Indoor Rabbit Safety: Keeping your rabbits indoors isn’t just cosy, it’s smart! Inside, they’re safe from predators, nasty weather, and harmful substances like pesticides or toxic plants. Plus, you can keep a close eye on them to catch any health issues early. Jet and Leo can vouch for the fact that living indoors is the good life – couch naps included!
- Enhanced Bonding: When rabbits live indoors, they naturally get more playtime and interaction with us humans. That means stronger bonds, more snuggles, and endless funny moments. Not to mention, they’re way more relaxed in a climate-controlled home. Jet loves zooming around, while Leo is perfectly content flopping down next to me while I watch TV.
- Safe Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Rabbits need space to exercise and stay entertained. Giving them a designated indoor area to hop, explore, and play keeps them physically fit and mentally sharp. Trust me: a bored bunny is a mischief-making bunny! Jet and Leo love exploring cardboard tunnels, chewing toys, and bouncing around in their bunny-safe space.
Respecting Rabbits: More Than Just Cute Faces
Rabbits are much more than adorable faces: they’re intelligent, emotional creatures with unique personalities. It’s important to respect their needs and allow them to be themselves.
- Understanding Rabbit Needs: Rabbits feel everything we do – joy, pain, fear, and excitement. I’ve learned that respecting their instincts, giving them room to roam, and letting them express themselves is key to their well-being.
- Building Trust: Like any relationship, building trust with your rabbits takes time and patience. But when you respect their space and meet their needs, you’ll earn their trust and create an amazing bond. With Jet and Leo, it’s all about letting them explore on their own terms and giving them lots of love (and treats).
Rabbit Health: Let’s Talk About It
Good health is the foundation for a long, happy bunny life. One of the most important things you can do for your rabbit is to spay or neuter them.
- The Importance of Spaying and Neutering: Not only does spaying or neutering prevent health issues like uterine cancer in females and testicular problems in males, but it also keeps their behaviour in check. A calm bunny is a happy bunny! Neutering reduces aggressive or territorial behaviour, making your rabbits more sociable and easier to handle. Plus, it helps control the rabbit population – fewer bunnies in shelters means more happy homes for those already here.
- Behavioural and Social Benefits: Spaying and neutering can work wonders for your rabbit’s temperament. It cuts down on spraying, biting, and other territorial behaviours, making it easier to bond with your bunny.
Thinking About Getting a Rabbit? Do Your Homework!
Before diving into the world of rabbit ownership, make sure you’re ready. Rabbits are wonderful companions, but they also require a commitment of time, energy, and a bit of research.
- Research Before Adoption: Rabbits might look low-maintenance, but they need as much love and care as any other pet. Ensure you’re prepared to meet their dietary, social, and health needs before bringing one home. Jet and Leo taught me that owning rabbits is a full-time job (with lots of rewards, of course!).
- Emergency Care: Always consult a vet if something seems off with your rabbit’s health. While I’ve gathered tons of tips here, a professional opinion is crucial for emergencies and keeping your bunny in tip-top shape.
What You’ll Find Here
I’m here to help you give your rabbits the best life possible. Whether you’re a first-time rabbit owner or an experienced bunny parent, you’ll find resources on this site that I hope will be genuinely helpful. I cover topics like:
- Transitioning to Free-Roaming: Tips on setting up a safe space and rabbit-proofing your home.
- Diet and Nutrition: Keeping your rabbits healthy and happy.
- Housing and Enrichment Ideas: Stimulating your rabbit’s natural behaviours and keeping them engaged.
- Health tips: Spotting common issues early and ensuring your rabbits remain in top shape.
Everything I share is something I’ve either learned first-hand or researched extensively, so you can trust that it’s coming from someone who’s been through the ups and downs of rabbit care.
Caring for rabbits is an adventure – full of love, learning, and maybe a few chewed-up wires along the way. I’m excited to share this journey with you and help your bunnies live their happiest, healthiest lives – just like Jet, Leo, and all the bunnies I’ve been lucky enough to care for.
Please note: while I share advice based on my personal experience and research, I am not a vet. Always consult a professional for medical concerns with your rabbits.