The place for news, updates, announcements, and water bottle gossip from the Buns and their humans.
Hot Cross Hoppenings
February 22, 2024
March 5, 2026
It has been a busy and sweet week here at Hot Cross Buns.
First, Noelle and Sweet Tea’s babies are one week old today. Their eyes are still closed and they spend most of their time tucked together in a warm little pile. A short reel of the babies has been added to The Nursery page if you would like to see them.
Meanwhile, Sullivan has made his own dramatic appearance in a new reel on his listing on the Available Buns page. Two weeks after his neuter he appears to still be in quiet mourning and has perfected the art of the sad, slightly accusatory stare. He assures me he has not yet forgiven me, though I suspect he will recover in time.
We have also added a new rabbit care article to the blog:
“Rabbit Not Pooping: When Is It an Emergency?”
One of the most important things rabbit owners can learn is when a change in droppings is normal and when it may signal something more serious. This post walks through what to watch for and when it may be time to seek veterinary care.
You can read the new article here:
Rabbit Not Pooping: When Is It an Emergency?
Thank you for following along with the little happenings of the rabbitry.
March 3, 2026
It has been a full week here at Hot Cross Buns.
We are saddened to share that we lost two of Tansy’s kits over the past several days. From the beginning, we could tell one little one might not be strong enough to thrive. When another began to lose ground, we grew very concerned and did everything we could to support both babies. Despite our efforts, we lost them.
We suspect Tansy may have accidentally stepped on the second kit, possibly causing internal injuries. It was devastating and difficult to witness.
The remaining three chestnut kits are doing well and continue to grow steadily. There is a brief video of them posted on The Nursery page for those who would like to see their progress.
Noelle and her babies seem to be coming along nicely. We believe she has three solid blue kits and one opal in her litter, and hope to share a video of them later this week.
It turns out that Zinnia did not conceive — which is rather amusing, as she behaved the most convincingly pregnant of the three does. In truth, we are a bit relieved. Seven growing kits between two litters is more than enough to care for attentively right now.
In other rabbitry news, we’ve learned that Henrietta may make a wonderful bonding bunny one day. Kipling (one of our young bucks who may sire a litter or two before being neutered and placed as a pet), in his enthusiasm during free roam time, has hopped into her pen twice for an uninvited visit. Thankfully, Henrietta is a spayed doe, so there is no risk of surprise litters. She doesn’t seem to mind his company, though it is still rather disconcerting to find him there unexpectedly.
Lastly, we have published a new blog post: Hay 101.
This post walks through the fundamentals of hay in a rabbit’s diet — types of hay, why long-strand fiber matters, how much to offer, and what quality hay should look and smell like. Hay is the foundation of digestive health, and understanding it well makes all the difference.
As always, we remain grateful for the healthy kits in our care and committed to stewarding them thoughtfully.
🤎
February 25, 2026
New on the Blog: What To Do If Your Rabbit Stops Eating
A rabbit that stops eating is never something to ignore — but it can be difficult to know what to look for in those first few hours.
Smaller droppings? Slight posture changes? A rabbit that still looks alert?
The early signs of GI slowdown are often subtle, and knowing how to assess them calmly makes a difference.
A new post is now live on the blog walking through:
• What to check first
• How to assess droppings and posture
• When hydration becomes a concern
• What escalation should look like
• When veterinary care should not be delayed
The goal is clarity, not panic — to help rabbit owners respond thoughtfully when something feels off.
You can read the full post here.
February 24, 2026
Now Available: When Your Rabbit Is Sick
How to Recognize Serious Changes and When to Seek Immediate Care
Rabbits instinctively hide illness. Often, the earliest signs are subtle — eating a little less, producing smaller droppings, sitting quietly, or simply seeming “not quite themselves.”
When Your Rabbit Is Sick is a 47-page emergency recognition guide created to help rabbit owners feel more steady and prepared when something feels off. It walks through common warning signs, explains how conditions like GI slowdown can progress, and offers clear guidance on when veterinary care should not be delayed.
Inside, you’ll find support for:
• Recognizing early digestive changes
• Understanding escalation in GI stasis
• Identifying true respiratory distress
• Monitoring hydration and recovery
• Knowing when it’s time to seek immediate care
The goal is not to create fear, but clarity — to help you act thoughtfully, communicate clearly with your veterinarian, and avoid dangerous delays.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Is this serious?” this guide was written for that moment.
It is now available in the HCB Shoppe.
February 20, 2026
A new post went up on the rabbitry site today.
After more than a decade of walking rabbits through spay and neuter, I felt it was time to write honestly about what those years have taught me — about risk, responsibility, and choosing wisely anyway.
If you’d like to read it, you can find it here: Spay & Neuter: What 10 Years Has Taught Me
I'm so grateful for this community.
🤍
February 19, 2026
Two Sweet Souls Now Available
Today's a big day at the rabbitry! I’ve listed Sullivan and Beanie on the Available Buns page. Both are very different personalities, and both are very dear.
🤎 Sullivan
Sullivan is calm in a way that feels grounding. He is steady and gentle. He is the kind of Bun who settles into a space and simply belongs there. He’s not flashy or dramatic, but soft, thoughtful, and dependable. He would do beautifully in a home that appreciates a quieter companion with a tender spirit.
🤎 Beanie
Beanie is one of Penelope’s babies, and if you’ve followed along for any length of time, you know Penelope’s kits always carry a little spark. She is shy at first, and is very much a mama’s girl who has stuck close to her mom while she figured out the world. But when she feels safe, she blossoms. There is a cautiousness in her… and just a touch of sass waiting underneath. She has a beautiful, thick coat and is a joy to cuddle and pet.
As always, placements here are thoughtful and unhurried. I don’t operate on a first-come basis. My goal is always the best match — for the rabbit and for the family.
If you’ve been quietly waiting for the right companion, you’re welcome to take a look at their full listings on the Available Buns page.
February 16, 2026
Placement Update
We received the most adorable pictures of Millie (formerly HCB's Ivy) on Valentine's Day from her BunMom, Katie. Millie was placed in early October 2025 as a bonding friend for her little sable point buck, George. As you can see from the pictures, the two have developed an incredibly sweet relationship and they all adore each other. Aren't they the cutest? <3
February 13, 2026
Beginning Again
When I closed the rabbitry, I believed it was for good.
After ten years of planning litters, raising babies, and carefully matching rabbits with families, I fully intended to step away and not return to breeding.
It felt like the right decision at the time.
But over the months that followed, I realized something unexpected — I missed it...deeply.
I missed planning pairings and studying pedigrees.
I missed watching tiny kits stretch and yawn in the nest box.
I missed the careful evaluation of temperament as personalities began to unfold.
And most of all, I missed working with families and witnessing that quiet, joyful moment when a rabbit meets their person for the first time.
Not the busy parts. Not the pressure.
But the heart of it.
So here we are again.
Hot Cross Buns is active — intentionally, thoughtfully, and at a sustainable pace. Smaller than before. Steadier than before. Rooted in experience and clarity.
Hot Cross Hoppenings is returning as a simple record of that life — growth, milestones, personalities, and the quiet rhythm that keeps everything grounded.
It feels good to say this:
I’m so glad to be back and welcome you to follow in this journey.
— Amy
Hot Cross Buns Holland Lops 🐰