The Blackmore Vale April 21

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RESCUE ANIMALS

Rabbits: no cuddles, more space, never alone... they’re not the pet you probably thought they were. Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK - and probably the most misunderstood. As prey animals they do not like to be picked up and cuddled, which means they are not a good starter pet for young children. A great deal of consideration should be given to getting rabbits. In contrast to popular perception, they are time consuming and costly to keep in a proper, happy & healthy manner. They need yearly vaccinating against Myxomatosis, vhd1 and vhd2. They need Spaying or neutering, and regular check ups by a rabbit savvy vet (as not all are). Two unneutered boys will fight when they reach maturity, and unspayed girls are highly susceptible to uterine cancers.

Once you have got your rabbits - plural, as they should never live alone - you have to give them a great deal of space to run and binkie about. The rabbit welfare society suggests a minimum 6ft hutch, I find a shed is often far better, as it gives more space and better value for money, and is usually better made as well.

© Rob Nolan - RPN photography

Our fluffy friends are bundles of poop (about 300 a day!). Hutch hygiene is very important; they need cleaning more than once a week, sometimes everyday, especially in summer when flystrike can be a killer. However it is possible to litter train some rabbits! The rabbits will also need access to a safe exercise area with lots of enrichment - rabbits are highly intelligent and inquisitive animals, you and your pets will both benefit as the joy they will give you as you watch them is

rescue, there are thousands of unwanted rabbits in rescues all over the country which will give you advice and support. Rabbits will have been health checked, vaccinated, neutered and sometimes even bonding offered. So don’t support the pet trade... rescue. Angel Rabbit Rescue is a self funding, non profit rabbit & guinea pig rescue. You can support them by buying items from their Amazon wishlist here, or click the logo to follow them them on Facebook (cue many many adorable rabbit pictures in your daily feed!)

priceless. There are many places to get rabbits - breeders, pet shops, even free on the internet! However the best place is a

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