Hopefully it’s dry and sunny as you read this. At the time of writing the rain is lashing and the wind is howling but our thoughts turn to chocolate, spring flowers, cute lambs and baby rabbits as Easter approaches. SESAW volunteer, Karen, who specialises in looking after our rabbits, offers some seasonal advice.
“Watching rabbits running, jumping, playing and grooming each other is a lovely sight but Easter is not the time to get them as pets for your children. Sadly rabbits are often neglected because people assume they are easy to look after and don’t live very long.
They need a spacious exercise area attached to a roomy hutch which should be seen as a place to rest in, NOT A PRISON. Rabbits should be neutered and live in pairs or groups; a single outdoor rabbit living alone would have an extremely miserable life. Unlike Bugs Bunny, rabbits do not just eat carrots! The diet should consist of 80% good quality hay, small amounts of commercial feed and leafy greens. They DO NOT like being picked up and carried around so children should play with them at ground level. Rabbits can live up to 10 years and require yearly vaccinations, regular worming and health checks. If you understand that having a rabbit is NOT an easy or short term commitment, then please offer a home to a rescue rabbit after Easter.”
That just leaves me enough space for our contact details for Karen when you have finished your chocolate eggs – but make sure to keep them away from all the dogs including me, Kenny (the Boss) Chihuahua.
Suffolk & Essex Small Animal Welfare, Registered Charity No.1124029, Stoke Road, Leavenheath, CO6 4PP. Tel: 01787 210888 www.sesaw.co.uk
