‘B’ stands for bunnies aplenty at Mill Creek

By Sean Barron

CANFIELD — For the last few years, the faces of many area nursing-home residents have brightened when they’ve seen Hayley Shasteen and Baxter approaching.

About three years ago, 11-year-old Hayley got Baxter as her pet rabbit. Shortly after, the two began visiting several long-term care facilities and bringing added joy to residents who have met them.

“They ask to pet him,” said Hayley, of Berlin Center, a Western Reserve Middle School fifth-grader and member of two local 4-H clubs.

Baxter also proved to be a gentle attraction to many of the people who attended Saturday’s “B is for Bunny” program at the Mill Creek MetroParks Farm on state Route 46.

The four-hour event — appropriately on Easter weekend — allowed people of all ages to look at, touch and learn more about the dozens of breeds and mixed breeds of rabbits.

Hayley’s pet also will be appearing on Kent State University’s East Liverpool campus to show students “how pet therapy works,” explained Hayley’s mother, Debi, a student in KSU’s two-year certified occupational therapy assistant program. Animals tend to be therapeutic for many older people, she noted.

“It brings up past childhood memories,” Debi Shasteen explained.

Also on hand were the two large rabbits belonging to Gabrielle Wilson of New Springfield.

Gabrielle, 17, brought to the event her checkered giant and giant chinchilla, two animals that can weigh up to 15 pounds.

Beginning around age 7, Gabrielle got her first rabbit, which led to her later joining 4-H clubs and showing her animals at fairs and other settings. Last year, she received a showman honor at the Canfield Fair, competed against three other winners and became overall judging champion at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus.

“I got bigger rabbits over the years,” added Gabriella, who’s also president of the Country Kids & Kritters4-H club of New Middletown.

Saturday’s program aimed to educate people about how to properly take care of rabbits, as well as give them an opportunity to see the different kinds, explained Kim Moff, an agricultural educator at the farm.

An estimated 47 breeds of rabbits live in the United States; 20 to 25 were represented at the MetroParks Farm, Moff noted.

Before taking a bunny for a pet, it’s important to know basic ways to take care of it, she stressed. For example, a rabbit’s main food source should be commercially approved pellets. Carrots, lettuce and grass should be given as treats in moderation, not as their main staple, she cautioned.

It’s also imperative that people buy their pets from reputable breeders, she advised.

The event also featured crafts for youngsters, as well as a bunny hunt in which children were given stickers on cards for successfully finding different breeds.

Among the MetroParks farm’s offerings during the spring and summer are educational programs for schools, tractor-wagon, group and self-guided tours, and children’s activities. Between November and March, the facility conducts educational programs in area schools.

For more information, go to its Web site, www.millcreekmetroparks.org.

PET CARE

Rabbits

Many people feel that bunnies make cute pets, but they also require responsibility and certain maintenance tips. Among them:

Have a spacious enclosure so the animal can exercise (hop), stand and stretch.

Keep the cage or hutch sanitary. Occasionally use a mild bleach to thoroughly cleanse and disinfect the tray and cage, then rinse to prevent insect problems or the spread of diseases.

Place outdoor cages in an area protected from rain, direct sun, wind and extreme weather. On hot days, set a gallon jug of water in its cage and cover the outside with moist towels.

Maintain fresh water daily in a container that cannot be overturned.

Praise the animal by giving it a treat when it uses a litter box.

Feed the rabbit commercially prepared pellets each day but get rid of uneaten food. Avoid overfeeding.

Check the pet’s teeth regularly to ensure it doesn’t have malocclusion, or improper bite, and check for fleas.

Use a small grooming brush to remove excess fur when the rabbit sheds, which is generally twice a year.

Handle the animal gently and consistently. It’s also wise to teach youngsters to respect rabbits’ natural instinct to be close to the ground.

Source: Kinship With All Life Foundation of Westminster, Calif.