Y-NOT BUNNIES

Always Under Construction - - More to come!!

Updated: March 04, 2007

Please check-out the rest of our site.

Y-Not Bunnies is a home grown rabbitry located in Cresco, Iowa. We have been raising and breeding rabbits since 1996. We have had many different breeds and learned a lot of information along the way that we would like to share with you.

We have specialized in Holland Lops. Out of all the different breeds that we have raised, we have found Hollands to be the most enjoyable and docile. They really have their own personality and are VERY friendly, not to mention funny. We are constantly striving to breed the highest quality Holland Lops possible for both show and breeding. We also have pets available.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or bunny needs you may have, we love to help any way we can.

ynotbunnies@yahoo.com

Chandra Weinacht

414 10th Ave SE

Cresco, IA 52136

563-547-5411

Y-not Bunnies is a registered member of the ARBA and HLRSC

Frequently Asked Questions

A big thank you to everyone who had a question to ask! If anyone else has a question they want answered, please send me an email. This page has only just been started and I am not sure if I'll keep it like this. Any suggestions are always appreciated.

	How long does a rabbit live? Answer: The average lifespan for a rabbit is from 7-10 years.
	Do rabbits need shots like dogs or cats do? Answer: In North America shots are not required for rabbits. Worming, watching for fleas and other mites, and a clean environment should be enough to keep your rabbit healthy and happy.
	Are rabbits nocturnal? Answer: Rabbits are actually crepuscular, meaning they are most active in the twilight hours of sunrise and sunset. In the wild, this is to help rabbits avoid both nocturnal predators and diurnal predators.
	Can rabbits live outdoors? Answer: So long as rabbits are protected from rain, snow, wind, and direct sunlight, they can be kept outside. Rabbits can easily adjust to the cold so long as they have a nest box and are sheltered from the elements.
	Can rabbits live indoors? Answer: Yes, rabbits can live indoors. A rabbit may have a hard time adjusting to the heat inside the house if it was previously caged outdoors, but after sometime, a rabbit can be just as comfortable indoors.
	Can you ever put two males in the same cage? Answer: Usually, the answer is a firm "NO!" However, I have had brothers caged together without any problems up until the age of five months, when one was sold. I've also met a few people with two grown bucks living together. I think that if there are no does around, and the bucks have had minimal contact with does in the past, it's more likely that they would be okay with another buck. Neutered bucks are more likely to be okay with each other.
	Does my rabbit need a friend? Answer: In my opinion, the more friends your rabbit has, the better. In the wild they are social animals. In our barns, however, they become territorial over their cages, so it can take some time and effort before two rabbits will become friends.
	How do you make pedigrees? Answer: Pedigrees can be made using Microsoft Publisher. It takes a lot of time and patience, but it isn't too hard to do. You can also purchase a book of blank pedigrees from the ARBA. Computer programs are also available, that will make up a pedigree for you once you fill in the required information. (See LINKS - Evans Software)
	How do you make nest boxes? Answer: You can purchase metal nest boxes from almost all rabbit equipment companies. Mine are homemade, using fir. Four walls with a hole in one and a removable lid are all that's required. Even a cardboard box with a hole cut out of one wall will do.
	If I'm breeding my doe just once should I spay her after? Answer: Breeding your doe once doesn't really help to eliminate the possibilities of reproductive cancers, so I'd suggest, yes, spay your doe if you're breeding her just once.
	Is the gestation period the same for all breeds of bunnies? Answer: Yes, gestation lasts from 28 - 34 days for all breeds. However, sometimes individual rabbits will kindle a few days early, or a few days late etc. every time.
	What are the chances of the babies having long hair? Answer: Unless both parents have long hair, the babies won't. The gene that causes long hair is recessive. However, if you were to breed a long haired rabbit to a short haired rabbit and kept a baby out of that litter (which would be short haired) and bred it BACK to the long haired parent, you would then get long haired babies.
	When can the babies be weaned? Answer: I personally wean my babies at 7 to 8 weeks of age.
	Can my rabbit be neutered? Answer: Yes, rabbits, both male and female, can be altered. Please visit the Rabbit Breeding page for more information.
	I've heard that rabbits aren't good with anesthetics is this true? Answer: Rabbits aren't the greatest with anesthetics, however if things are done properly, the operation is as safe as on any other animal. Please visit the Rabbit Breeding page for more information.
	My rabbit’s urine is red, should I be worried? Answer: Red urine in rabbits is not uncommon, and usually is nothing to worry about.
	Do I need a mineral stone for their teeth? Answer: Most of my cages have some wood framing, or a wooden nest box inside, which provides something for the rabbit to chew on and keep their teeth down (just make sure it's not cedar!). I've also seen a salt lick for rabbits, but none of mine use them.
	What is the difference between extruded food and regular pellets? Answer: Some foods are produced by extrusion. This way the ingredients are cooked, expanded and formed under high temperature and pressure. Extruded food is nice because it creates more durable pellets. Also, extrusion makes more of the starches digestible so less starch gets into the large intestine to be fermented by the bacteria. This means there is less chance of rabbits getting diarrhea when eating extruded food.
	Tell me more about Martin's extruded rabbit food. Where can I buy it? Answer: Martin's Rabbit Food is sold in most pet stores across Canada. I am very pleased with Martin's not only because it's extruded but because it contains Yucca, which helps lower the level of ammonia in the rabbit's urine, making the rabbitry a better smelling place for both the rabbits and yourself.