rabbit pests

Question
I clean my rabbits hutch out every other day and their run every day. Can you suggest any plants i could plant next to their run or even in it to deter flies in this hot weather? Thanks for any help you could give me.

Answer
Dear Becca,

I know of no plants that will deter flies.  The safest place for your bunnies during the dangerous, hot summer months is inside with the air conditioning.  Rabbits are not equipped to survive or thrive in hot weather!

You can find tips on litterbox training and other aspects of making your bunnies into proper house rabbits here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

If you are worried about fly strike, then you *definitely* should get the bunnies indoors.  As a precaution, be sure to check their private areas frequently for any sign of runny stool, which can attract deadly flies.  Keep them dry with a powder bath:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/buttbath.html

and use Revolution (NOT Frontline) to help prevent any maggots from developing into larger forms that could threaten life.

I hope that helps!

Dana