The Lonehill Bunnies

24/06/2026

Some friendships are measured in years, others in shared sunny spots and cuddles. Cara and Andy enjoying a cosy Johannesburg winter morning together. 🐰☀️❤️🐰

23/06/2026

We’ve always known owning a pet is incredible but it never hurts to be reminded of the benefits 🤗

Pets may be doing more than offering companionship as we age.

A long-term study published in Scientific Reports found that adults over 50 who owned dogs or cats experienced slower cognitive decline compared to non-pet owners. Dog owners showed stronger memory retention over time, while cat owners had a slower loss of verbal skills, pointing to possible benefits tied to daily routines, mental stimulation, and social interaction.
Researchers note that while pets aren’t a cure, they may play a meaningful role in supporting brain health as people get older.

23/06/2026

Want to help children learn more about rabbits and responsible pet care? Why not invite our ARC Rabbit Assist friends to speak at your school? Their fun and informative talks help educate learners about rabbit welfare, proper care, and the commitment involved in giving bunnies the happy, healthy lives they deserve.

22/06/2026

🐰 Cadbury vet trip today for a small surgery 🐰

When our handsome boy came to us a couple of months ago, he had a tiny wart on the inside of his ear. At first it seemed insignificant, but over time it continued to grow until we started becoming concerned. Not only were we worried about what it might be (especially as Cadbury is on the paler side of the colour spectrum), but we were also concerned that those enormous, adorable back feet of his might accidentally scratch it open and cause bleeding.

Thankfully, all went well. We are incredibly grateful to Dr Georgie for her time, expertise, and care in removing the growth and confirming that there is nothing sinister to worry about. Thank you Dr Georgie!

For the next couple of days, Cadbury will be sporting a rather fashionable, colour-coordinated white bandage before returning to his usual dashing self.

As it turns out, the whole experience was far more stressful for us than it was for him. Within no time he was back to bouncing around, demanding snacks, and reminding everyone that food is life’s highest priority.

Perhaps there’s a lesson in that for all of us. So often we spend our energy worrying about the “what ifs,” only to discover that the reality is far less frightening than we imagined. Cadbury certainly seems to have mastered the art of taking life’s challenges in his stride.

And while we’re talking about reminders, here’s an important one: keep an eye out for any changes in your rabbits, whether it’s a wart, a lump, a change in behaviour, appetite, or personality. Small changes can sometimes be the first sign that something needs attention, and seeking advice from a rabbit-savvy vet early could make all the difference.

Now, if you’ll excuse Cadbury, he has some serious recovering (and snacking) to do. ❤️🐰

18/06/2026

Many people buy rabbits without realising that they have very specific needs and require lots of love and affection. Sadly, many end up being surrendered to the SPCA when people underestimate the commitment involved.

Rabbits are lovely family pets for both children and adults. They need love and affection as well as proper care. They can even be taught to use a litter box and can become very domesticated. With safe spaces to explore and a family that understands their needs, rabbits make wonderful companions.

12/06/2026

🐰🌾 For the fussy bunnies who refuse to chow hay…

If your bunny gives hay the stink-eye while pellets and herbs disappear instantly, this simple mix method can gently turn things around.

🌾 The Hay Mix Formula:
• Oat hay (for its crunchy and tasty appeal)
• Chopped-up erogrostis hay (for a daily fibre base)
• A light sprinkle of lucerne for extra appeal

💚 Why this works:
Oat hay gets interest, eragrostis builds the habit, and lucerne adds that rich “what is this?!” factor that encourages nibbling.

⚠️ Lucerne note:
Best used sparingly for adult rabbits due to higher calcium and protein. It’s more suitable for young, nursing, or underweight bunnies.

🥣 How to use it (this is the key part):

1️⃣ Mix all the hays together, keep a ready batch on hand and store in a breathable container where it will not get damp
2️⃣ Use it in three sneaky ways daily:
• Sprinkle and mix into their pellets
• Mix into their fresh herbs/greens (it sticks to leaves and once in their naughty mouths they may develop a taste for it)
• Offer as a standalone hay pile for grazing moments (we love stuffing empty tissue boxes with this mix - ensure to remove any plastic bits)

🐰✨ Our magic trick is to set it up as “accidentally unavoidable” hay. Instead of presenting hay as a separate boring option, it keeps showing up inside the foods they already love — pellets and herbs — so they slowly start eating it without even realising at first.

🌟 Extra success boosters:
• Offer hay in multiple spots (not just one pile)
• Refresh regularly so it smells fresh and appealing
• Use herbs they love most so hay gets carried along for the ride

💬 We want your ideas! Have you tried mixing hay into herbs, pellets, or other sneaky tricks? What actually worked for your fussy bunny? Share your tips with us please.

11/06/2026

🌻 THANK YOU, LONEHILL SHOPPING CENTRE 🌻

To still have your support after all these years, and to know that our rabbits and other rescued animals will always have pellets and hay thanks to your generosity, is something we never take for granted.

Your kindness and commitment to our rescue make a real difference every single day, and we are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our journey.

If you’re in the area, please consider supporting the businesses at Lonehill Shopping Centre. Their support helps us continue our work. 💛🐰🦆🐐

Thank you for being such an important part of our rescue family. 🌻

08/06/2026

03/06/2026

MISSING CAT - Lonehill

(Below is from one of our bunny moms, please help her by being on the lookout and sharing. Thank you!)

My sweet, beautiful boy Stretchy has gone missing and I am absolutely heart broken 💔

He was last seen on 16 May at our home in Lonehill. No one in our road enclosure has spotted him so it seems he ventured out 😞

He is microchipped so hoping someone picks him up and has him scanned!

If you have seen him or perhaps have him visiting in your home, please contact me on 0724592961.

Thanks in advance for your help 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼