A little rabbit story
The rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) has become one of the 3 most popular pet species. It is also one of the species whose domestication is the most recent. This domestication really begins in France, in the 8th century. It is the work of monks.
It was from the 18th century, when the first pet rabbits appeared, that the morphology of domestic rabbits really began to differ from that of wild rabbits.
The social, sexual and maternal behavior of domestic rabbits is almost identical to that of wild rabbits. But unlike wild subjects, domestic rabbits show more controlled emotional reactions and seem to adapt more easily to novelty and the presence of other species.
“…there is no animal more difficult to tame than a young wild rabbit; hardly any
animal is as familiar as a domestic rabbit rabbit…” Charles Darwin.
A recent study, comparing MRI images of domestic and wild rabbit brains, showed reduced amygdala and greater development of the medial prefrontal cortex, with decreased white matter in the corpus callosum, the corona radiata. and the subcortical region, which would explain the better emotional control in domestic rabbits. ( See our article on Rabbit and Fear )
Chemical communication in rabbits
Rabbits all have various scent glands that they use for communication. Pheromones are a key tool in the intraspecific communication of lagomorphs.
- Anal glands: brown in color and very malodorous (especially for males), sensitive to castration: probably alarm and/or sexual pheromones.
- Harder’s glands: 2 lobes (one red and one white): function unknown
- Chin glands: territorial marking
- Inguinal glands: sex pheromones
- Urine: sex pheromones
- Glands of the nipple: suckling pheromone: guides the rabbits towards the nipple but also towards the caecotrophs
- Intermammary glands: maternal soothing pheromone
In order to keep her young rabbits safe (i.e. grouped and calm) in the nest, the doe mainly uses 2 pheromones:
- Rabbit Appeasing Pheromone (RAP)
- Nipple pheromone: 2 methylbutyl – 2 enal
So what is SecureBunny for rabbits?
- Its active ingredient is an analogue of the Rabbit Appeasing Pheromone, the maternal appeasing pheromone of the rabbit.
- It is diffused thanks to a passive release system devoid of any risk or toxicity, which uses a hydrophilic gel. No electricity, no heating system.
- The pheromone is released during the dehydration of the gel.
- When the gel has reached its smallest volume (4 weeks) the pheromone diffusion lasts for 7 to 10 days
- A block diffuses in a space of up to 50m²
How to use it ?
- Easy: just open the box!
- Place it near your rabbit’s living space (out of its reach, this product cannot be eaten)
- Keep it open all the time: your rabbit needs to be able to detect the pheromone when it needs it, and you can’t imagine anything that might stress it out.
- There is no antagonism between SecureBunny ® and another diffuser of another pheromone product (for cats, for dogs).
For breeders this product allows :
- A decrease in mortality among young rabbits
- Reinforced maternal behavior (breastfeeding, child care)
- Reduction in the potential aggressiveness of some mothers
- Reduced stress (primiparas, for example, may experience significant stress in the face of this new situation)
- Facilitate the arrival of young rabbits in their new families by inviting adopters to obtain the SecureBunny before the arrival of their new companion.
The SecureBunny a product resulting from scientific research and tested in the laboratory
Don’t worry, the Signs laboratory places great importance on the well-being of their animals. The bunnies used for the tests are at no time mistreated in any way.
The behavior of the rabbits is evaluated against several criteria including their arrival in a new environment:
- Exploration, movement
- Spontaneity
- Immobility
- Interactions with objects or people
- food intake
For example, there is about 23% more chance that a rabbit will spontaneously explore a new environment thanks to the SecureBunny. The same goes for post-operative awakening, rabbits having been exposed to SecureBunny are more active and show better recovery.
When to use SecureBunny?
The SecureBunny is useful in any situation that will challenge your rabbit’s adaptability.
- Moving house
- Long transport/movement or rabbit particularly stressed regardless of the duration of the trip
- Arrival of a new person in the house: new rabbit, new human or any other new animal (cat, dog, etc.)
- Adjusting to a new home
- Adjusting to a new family (adoption)
- Operation – visit to the veterinarian – repetitive care – hospitalization
- Trauma
- Aggressive behaviors, territorial behaviors
- Anxiety: rabbit suffering from inhibition who hides all the time or rabbit who overreacts to the slightest noise or sudden movement
- Stressed rabbit with repeated digestive disorders
- Conflicts between rabbits
In conclusion
- Pheromones can be used successfully in pet rabbits, a species known to be sensitive to stress
- SecureBunny ® is a product proven to be effective in managing stress-related problems in pet rabbits, both at home and in the veterinary clinic.
- The new delivery system, offered by SecureBunny®, is devoid of any toxicity or harmful effect, or risk, for animals, humans or the environment.
- By providing rabbits with pheromonotherapy, a method now proven for cats and dogs, we are helping this species to join the club of human beings’ favorite companions.
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