Bunny Warmer

I found a nifty little gadget (if it can be called a gadget) at the PA show in Feb, and I was so thrilled when I saw it that I had to pick one up for $12. The technical name of it is 'Toasty Bunz', but it is essentially a small heating pad for exposed kits with a neat little pouch that is big enough to contain an entire litter if necessary.

Unfortunately I do not have the name of the woman makes these---I had assumed that her card was included with the paper in the baggie but it wasn't, so I am unable to include a link or email for her. If anyone reading this knows of one, please contact me at amy@spangangoras.com. The way this tool works is that if you find a kit (or multiple kits) on the wire or anywhere else they've been exposed, you simply open the pouch, take the rice bag out and stick it in the microwave for 45-60 seconds, and then reinsert it and place the kits into the little pocket on top to warm.

An important word of caution given to me by the creator of this product is to make certain that the pouch is warm but not hot when the rice bag is inserted. Check it by laying your hand on it. As anyone who has revived litters knows, it is essential not to warm the core of a cold kit too quickly, and it is also extremely easy to 'bake' a litter to death on a heating pad if it is too hot. Care in monitoring the temperature before sticking babies inside is critical.

The pictures below show the various features of the bunny pouch. This first pic shows the entire package, with the ricebag already inserted into the fleece cover:



This second picture shows a closeup of the label it came with. In case the photo is not clear, the directions included read as follows:

'Simply warm the rice bag in the microwave for 45-60 seconds, and place in the bag slot. Gently tuck the babies into the pouch and your work is done. After 15-20 minutes you can reheat the bag. For ease of cleanup, you can put the rice bag inside a plastic zip top bag to prevent soiling. Machine wash fleece pouch and dry on low heat'.





This is the compartment that houses the rice bag, which you slide out to heat in the microwave and then tuck back in.

And finally, this is the pouch on top into which the kits are inserted.

Overall, I am extremely excited to have found this item only because it makes life a lot easier when there are multiple kits in trouble and there is exactly one solution I can reach for all the time. This saves time and crazed panic in running around for lamps, towels, and other assorted materials when a first time doe decides to drop a litter of 12 on the wire and walk away (*grin*).

If I learn of the maker's name and contact info. at some point I will certainly post it here. She had a booth in PA and told me that she sells many of her handmade items to 4-Hers (she also makes wristguards in different sizes). I imagine something like this would not be difficult to make yourself if you were so inclined, and you could even improvise something similar by folding a microwaveable heating bag into a towel and folding one end of it over to make the pouch.

One last point*--it is very important to remember that babies should not be returned to a nest until they are active and very warm to the touch. If you are not certain of the temperature you are aiming for, simply put your hands into a properly made nest and check the warmth of the kits within. They should not feel cool to the touch at all before they are placed back into the nest.

More again next week as I post pictures of some of the new juniors growing out around here:). Have a great week!

P.S. Just a quick note to anyone who has tried to access my website lately and can't. I've been having a few server problems that I expect to resolve by this week. The site with upcoming litters posted should be available by Wednesday at the latest.