My, my, my!! He's already handsome--can't wait to see him once he has a little love smeared on him! He'll be drop dead GORGEOUS!!!
You asked for advice, so...
To me, the poor guy looks under-nourished. What is he eating? Timmy Hay and Oat Hay are best and to put on a little weight you might even try some alfalfa (but not much, alfalfa isn't good for an older bun's "main course.") I buy all my hay from www.bunnyluv.com -- a great business and proceeds go to help the Bunny Luv rescue. The oxbow hay company (sorry don't know the link offhand) is HIGHLY recommended by many bunnie people. I've never ordered from them so I don't know how they compare to Bunny Luv. Oxbow does offer a good timmy-hay based pellet.
Parsley, cilantro, endives -- most all dark greens are good for him too. Carrots, apples, etc. are good for treats but use sparingly. A good "rabbit-safe" veggie/fruit list can be found here: ABC's of Rabbit Safe Veggies/Fruits.
Because he's a long-haired breed, I'd make sure to give him papaya tablets and/or pineapple (the fruit or the juice -- make sure that sweetner is not added -- I used Dole's Canned Pineapple juice with Sophie. Piper hates it, so I use papaya tablets with him). This promotes good flora in the gut which allows things like hairballs and such to pass. W/ the pineapple jucie, I'd let Sophie drink all she wanted --once a week-- in say a 5 min. span. W/ the Papaya tablets, I give Piper two tablets per week. Another good thing to try is the pina colada yogurt (by pass the non-fat stuff, get the regular), 1-2 tbls per week. Also, Benebac is wonderful stuff for promoting good gut flora!
As for the cage, I'm not too fond of the wire bottoms...but that's strictly personal preference (I'd rather spend a few extra minutes cleaning than have a bun w/ sore hocks). If you stick with the wire bottom, just make sure he has a board that's big enough for him to sit/lay on.
The "bedding" at the bottom of the cage concerns me a bit -- cedar chips? Cedar (and a couple of other woods that i can't remember right now) isn't good for bunnies. I'd go with shredded newspaper or carefresh or something along those lines.
Ummm... just a few other questions/comments:
-- does he have a litterbox?
-- you've probably already considered this but, are you going to take him in for a check up? I'd encourage it-- the vet can give him a look-over (teeth, nails, weight, etc) and give you some great advice. Click here for a list of NH Bunny Vets. Even if you decide not to take Willow right away, I can't STRESS the importance of finding a good bunny vet EARLY on. Better to be prepared!
-- The NH House Rabbit Society might be of some use to you as well!
-- GREAT articles on general rabbit care
WHEW!! There's tons more info to give but I think that covers most of the basic stuff.... any more questions? Lemme know!
Give that handsome Willow boy a BIG BIG kiss and hug!
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