About Nibbles

Age: 4 (at the moment)

Birth date: 17 of September

Type of breed: cute and fluffy?

Gender: male

Age when adopted: 6 weeks

Personality: VERY adventurous, and just in general crazy!

Loves:

• Running (or in this case hopping)
• Chasing me all around the house (and nearly making me trip over him all the time) 
• Kale
• Parsley
• Carrots 
• Getting rubs on the head
• Flopping out (as shown down below)
• Being cheeky and going out and adventuring into the garden
• Going through the tunnel
• Playing with a see through curtain

Dislikes:

• Big dogs
• Stairs (yet he is adventurous and enjoys going for a little wonder upstairs, even when he is not supposed to)
• Dried corn
• Going into his hutch

So as you can tell Nibbles loves many things but when he is put in a situation in which he 'dislikes' such as being put into his hutch which normally ends up with Nibbles running up and down kicking the sides of his hutch a couple of times, just to get the message across that he is annoyed and wants to be brought back inside (that cheeky munchkin). My favourite thing that Nibbles loves doing is playing with the curtain, he just runs around with a bit of the curtain in his mouth trying to twist it and just playing and having fun with it in general, which I think is adorable.

Links:

Instagram - @rabbitnibbles

https://www.instagram.com/rabbitnibbles/

Youtube - Rabbit Nibbles
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpc7tARjuAVkJK4jUTzqaYQ

Email - rabbitnibbles.owner@gmail.com

What Nibbles Eats Daily

In the morning Nibbles normally wakes up before I wake up especially in the holidays. Every morning whilst I watch TV and eat breakfast, he hears the TV on and realises that I'm up so he starts to kick the sides of his hutch to get my attention. Once I have finished eating my breakfast I finally give into the urge of getting him out of his hutch and bring Nibbles inside to have his breakfast.

MORNING:
There is half a cup or less of pellets which is always at his reach throughout the day and also a bowl of water which he can drink or eat at anytime because they are the most important source of nutrients that a rabbit can have.

LUNCH:
Around lunch time or dinner time I would give Nibbles either a seed mix or some kale (which is his absolute favourite food). At lunch time I would let him go outside or play with him inside with some of his toys, if you would like to see what toys Nibbles plays with to help stimulate his brain check out my last blog post. http://rabbitnibbles.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/toys-that-your-rabbit-will-and-will-not.html

DINNER:
After Nibbles has gotten a bit tired out from either playing with his toys or running around outside, or I guess just chasing me around the house. I give him a carrot once finished if he is still hungry I'll give him either some parsley or a homemade treat which I have also written a blog post on how to make them. The good thing about making your own rabbit treats is that you know there aren't any chemicals or preservatives and you definitely get a lot of rabbit treats which will last you around 4 weeks or more.
http://rabbitnibbles.blogspot.com.au/2015/12/homemade-christmas-cookies.html









After dinner I let Nibbles stay inside until he needs to go into his hutch, which is bedded with hay and newspaper underneath. Nibbles also has a drink bottle. Small animal drink bottles cost from $5 to $15 here is a cheap one which seemed to last quite a long time.
 https://www.petstock.com.au/products/S0000670/pet_one_-_deluxe_drinking_bottle_for_small_animals

I hope this helped or informed you on what is good for your rabbit to eat and what Nibbles eats daily. As at times I am not at home with Nibbles, before I go I put a carrot or a couple pieces of kale into his hutch so he wont go hungry. For rabbits, it is ideal to have around 4 hours of play time and free roaming whether it's inside your house or on the grass area.

links:
Instagram - @rabbitnibbles
https://www.instagram.com/rabbitnibbles/
Email - markosvictoria.rabbitnibbles@gmail.com

Toys That Your Rabbit Will And Will Not Enjoy

As I live in Australia I'm unable to purchase quite a lot of rabbit toys because most rabbit websites that sell rabbit toys, treats and food, don't ship to Australia. I am a rabbit owner who likes to see my rabbit have fun and toss things around. (Fun fact : rabbits play by throwing things around). So I find other alternatives such as toys that are made for birds, cats and mice. Or basically anything that is small enough for a rabbit to play with.

Here are toys that Nibbles plays with:

"Avi one coloured wood parrot toy chain"
Price: $5.99 (similar types cost $5 to $15)
Note: The bell is easily detachable with a bit of force
Pros:
- Your rabbit can chew on on and grind their teeth down.
- Its got a hook that enables you to place the toy anywhere.
Cons:
- It has a bell on it, many rabbits get frightened with bells.
- It is rope so your rabbit may chew through it.

This item doesn't necessarily need to be hung up on the roof of a cage. Nibbles normally just chucks it around, even when it's on the ground. Even though the toy can be chewed to grind down his teeth, Nibbles does not often chew it and seems a bit pointless in that regards but it seems like he does enjoy this toy. So overall a good purchase but would only get one as it is not his favourite.
https://www.petstock.com.au/products/112111000255/avi_one_coloured_wood_parrot_toy_chain,_perch,_beads_&_bell_-_26cm_long


Cat tunnel
Price: $10 (similar types cost $5 to $10)
Pros:
- Easy to put away (folds up).
- There are three ways to get out of the tunnel.
- It's a good obstacle to use when training your rabbit.
Cons:
- The crunchiness of the tunnel (the sound it makes when played with).
- It moves around a lot due to the shape of the tunnel.

I must say Nibbles was not 100% on what the anonymous object was at first, so he sniffed and poked it here and there but soon got comfortable with the toy. This toy is definitely Nibbles's favourite, although it does take up quite a lot of room. When folded it can be easily stored though. If the size is a problem for you and want to be able to fit it into a small space there are quite a lot of lengths in which cat tunnels come in, just make sure to check the size before buying it. I would definitely recommend buying a cat tunnel for your rabbit... If you can stand the noise. Make sure to feel the fabric before buying to see if you can stand the noise or not.
http://www.cheapaschips.com/products/pet-accessories/pet-accessories/product/cat-tunnel-90x25cm-canvas/


Cat toy spring with ball
Price: $4
Pros:
- You can put food such as kale in the middle of it and make it a challenge for your rabbit, by doing this the challenge stimulates their brain.
- Nibbles also likes to put it onto it's side
Cons:
- Due to Nibbles size the toy is a bit bigger than him which does effect him playing with it.
- The ball rattles.

I must say this object does have many ways rabbits can play with it. One problem I have come across when I bought it, is that the ball on the top rattled, rabbits are not all that fond of objects that rattle when moved. A quick solution is to take the ball off which is quite simple to do and by doing that Nibbles seems to interact with the toy a lot more. Overall not the most interactive toy in which Nibbles is attracted to, I would not bother buying another one if it breaks. The toy is a good way to stimulate your rabbit's brain now and then but overall Nibbles doesn't seem to be attracted to the toy.
http://www.cheapaschips.com/products/pet-accessories/pet-accessories/product/cat-toy-spring-with-ball-27cm-x-13cm/

I do not have a photo of Nibbles with this
as it broke a while ago, apologies

Cat swat and swing
Price: $2.50
Pros:
- Nibbles enjoys playing with anything he can move.
- It's easy to store away.
Cons:
- The mouse fell off after a while.

Nibbles wasn't all that interested in this toy, and it also broke quite easily. The toy is thin but if you don't have a cupboard to store it away, it is rather quite noticeable. I do not have much to say about this item as I will not be repurchasing it due to it breaking quite easily and Nibbles wasn't all that interested. He would play with it for a couple seconds at a time but it was definitely not his favourite toy.
http://www.cheapaschips.com/products/pet-accessories/pet-accessories/product/cat-swat-and-swing-pet-toy/


Trixie natwood flex wicker bridge
Price: $10.99 (similar types cost $10 to $31)
Pros:
- Can grind down rabbit's teeth with the wood.
- The toy is very flexible and can change from a tunnel to a wood mat and others.
Cons:
- For a rabbit of Nibbles's size it needs to be a bit bigger.

apologies for the bad quality, this is
 the only photo I have of the item

The wooden bridge was a bit of fun, but for a rabbit of Nibbles's size it was a bit too small and it is more suited to hamsters or guinea pigs. I may in the future buy this item again, but only if it is bigger. Nibbles did go through it and also sit on top of it but still was a bit too small. If there was a bigger size I would have definitely opted for the larger one. The bridge was not chewed very much and I would say if you wanted it so your rabbit can grind down their teeth, go for a different option as this is not what you're looking for. Instead go for a hard food block or a pine cone. Over all this toy is worth buying if you want your rabbit to have some fun (just make sure to check the size).
https://www.petstock.com.au/products/S0000962/trixie_-_natwood_-_flex_wicker_bridge_-_for_small_animals

Links:
Instagram - @rabbitnibbles
https://www.instagram.com/rabbitnibbles/
Email - markosvictoria.rabbitnibbles@blogspot.com
Contact me if you know a rabbit website that sells toys and ships to Australia via my email or instagram.

Welcome 2016!

Happy New Years everybody! This year has been amazing, I have had such a great year. I've made new friends, experienced going to Kangaroo Island for the first time, getting my first job, teaching others and experiencing how to be a fun teacher but also an "in control" teacher which I'm not going to lie about. It was hard at the start but I've found a way. This year I have had so many amazing opportunities to expand my learning and I am very grateful.

Nibbles has honestly learnt so much this year and has had so much fun. He learnt how to stand up on two feet when I put my hand above his head, he's learnt how to jump over obstacles, go through tunnels etc. even though he is cheeky sometimes and goes into the garden when he's not allowed to, so I have to try and catch him in the garden and bring him back inside. I still love him, we play games around the house such as chasey where he tries to catch me but I've realised that sometimes he waits in one spot until he can't see me and once he can't see me he runs to me, hahaha I love it, he's my little clever munchkin. I also play hide and seek with him, as he always follows me up into my room, he automatically thinks I'm in there and then he realises I'm not in there and runs back and finds me, he's so cute!

This year I was fortunate to meet Lola's owner who I'm now best friends with, she makes me laugh so much and I'm so grateful to have her in my life. When meeting Lola's owner, we shortly realised that we both have rabbits and would like to see if Lola and Nibbles get along with each other. At the start I must say it wasn't smooth sailing but I can definitely tell you as of this moment they are great friends. From the 23rd of December 2015 till the 6th or 7th of January 2016 Lola will be looked after by me and my family (but mostly me). Lola is one, and just like when Nibbles was a baby he did not like being held or picked up and would freak but over the past week I have held Lola many times and she seems to enjoy it and doesn't freak out so easily. Yesterday I face-timed Lola's owner who is currently on the other side of the world,  I wanted to show her Lola as she hadn't seen Lola for a while. I held Lola and Nibbles on either side of me to show her. I am glad to experience having another rabbit in the house. I can tell you Nibbles has been over the moon about it!

This year in November I decided to create a blog... well my mum suggested it as a joke but then I said "why not?" and I must admit I'm glad I did it. I love sharing Nibbles' adventures, healthy tips and recipes. I never thought that Nibbles' instagram would blow up in the past year. The amount of support that Nibbles' followers give is amazing and I thank everyone of you for following, commenting and even liking. I would just like to say to you reading this thank-you and I hope you have the best year, for 2016 is going to be a good one I can tell!

links:

instagram - @rabbitnibbles

https://www.instagram.com/rabbitnibbles/

lola's instagram - @omg_lola_the_cola

https://www.instagram.com/omg_lola_the_cola/

Fruity Ice Cubes

 Fruity ice cubes are a nice and cool treat for your rabbit this Summer. Nibbles really enjoys having one or two ice cubes on a hot day. These are easy to make and you can make these with any kind of vegetables or fruit. Nibbles first just nudged the ice cube but once he sniffed them he started to lick and bite it, then devoured it in seconds (obviously not in seconds that would be a bit worrying).  Anyone can have these ice cubes as they don't have any rabbit food in them, you could pop some into a smoothie or some juice.

You will need

An ice cube tray

A freezer

Types of vegetables and fruit:

Carrots

Kale1

Parsley

Papaya

Raspberries

If you have frozen vegetables or fruit put

them in warm water first so they can thaw

Have your ice cube tray on standby before you start.

Grab your carrot/s (as many as you want, but just remember how many carrot ice cubes you want to make) chop them up so they are 1 to 2cm thick and place them into the blender with two tablespoons of water (you may add some more if you feel the need to) once blended like a smoothie pour it into the ice cube tray.

With other ingredients such as kale, raspberries and or parsley you won't need to cut them up as they are small enough for the blender to blend them up! And if any of you were wondering I took the skin of the papaya and cut it up into cubes then blended them with water.
I recommend you giving papaya to your rabbit as it is good for their digestive system, but not too much! Give your rabbit half of the papaya or less, and then you can have the rest.

Once all of your fruits and vegetables are blended and poured into the ice cube trays, all you have to do then is put it in the freezer overnight!

You may want to keep the kale ice cubes in the

freezer for longer because as I realised there was still a bit of kale that was not frozen properly, so leave them in for a bit longer but other than that you're ready to go.
A good tip, save some of them by putting them into a plastic bag and into the freezer for later!

links:
instagram - @rabbitnibbles
https://www.instagram.com/rabbitnibbles/

How To Keep Your Rabbit Cool In Summer

As some of you may know rabbits are more active during Spring and early Summer, as most animals come out of hibernation. At this time of the year it is mating season as well but only for a fraction of the Summer. Most rabbits and other small animals will get hot very easily and will possibly dehydrate without the proper care and shade. Here are some ways and ideas to keep your rabbit cool and hydrated in the Summer.

• Frozen water bottle (also a good way to recycle)

• Frozen fruit cubes

• Water (put ice cubes into the water to keep it cool)

• Cold tiles such as bathroom or laundry

• Drape a dry towel and have a fan blowing through the towel so it doesn't hit the rabbit directly

• If unable to bring inside drape a wet towel over their hutch

• Make sure their hutch isn't in direct sunlight throughout the day

• Rabbits release heat through their ears so mist the outside of their ears now and then

• Brush your rabbits fur as nobody wants extra fur when its hot

• If unable to go inside place a ceramic tile in their cage for it to lie on

These are just a few easy ways to keep your rabbit cool and hydrated through those hot summer days. I understand that many of you may not be in summer at the moment but as many of my readers live in the southern hemisphere I thought it would be appropriate to share some ideas to help your rabbits get through those incredibly hot days. If you would like to see how I created those ice cubes I will be writing a future blog post on the recipe and the process of creating them.

links:

instagram - @rabbitnibbles

https://www.instagram.com/rabbitnibbles/

Nibbles And A New Friend

As many of my Instagram followers may know, Nibbles had a play date with my friend's rabbit called Lola. She is a year old and is quite small. As Nibbles and Lola are not desexed yet, we had to keep them separate, so I guess it wasn't much of a "play date."

On the 23rd of December, Nibbles will be having a "play date" for around two weeks as Lola's owner (my friend) and her family will be travelling overseas. Neither me nor Nibbles have ever had another rabbit stay over for a night let alone two weeks! But I am thrilled to take care of another rabbit, as I have only ever had one rabbit, Nibbles. I have wished to have another rabbit so Nibbles wouldn't be lonely and would be able to learn how to share and have the enjoyment of playing with another rabbit.

I can't wait to take care of Lola and Nibbles, it will be an adventure and a challenge with the two of them together as Nibbles is a crazy bunny who loves to adventure everywhere, and Lola is very quick and can get into small spaces. So who knows what those crazy bunnies will get up to in two weeks.

I'll be sure to write another blog post on what antics they get up to and how I will keep them cool and hydrated throughout this summer heat. Let me know in the comments below if you would like to know more about Lola. There will also be another blog post on what they get for christmas! (if their good bunnies that is...)

links:

instagram - @rabbitnibbles

https://www.instagram.com/rabbitnibbles/

lola's instagram - @omg_lola_the_cola

https://www.instagram.com/omg_lola_the_cola/