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You can contact us by sending an e-mail to: enquiries@bunnyhugger.co.uk
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| Keeping A Rabbit | ||
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Rabbits can live up to 10 years old (sometimes older!) though many pet rabbits live a short, miserable and neglected life, stuck in a hutch which is too small for it, open to all weathers, only given attention when it‘s feeding time, never let out, and eventually forgotten about. It’s up to you to take care of it and keep it a happy bunny! It’s also essential to have them vaccinated against Myxomatosis and VHD (Viral Haemorrhagic Disease), regardless if there are wild rabbits nearby. Viruses can be carried in on footwear, dog's paws, bird droppings etc. Myxomatosis: Outdoor rabbits and even houserabbits are susceptible to this disease. You don’t have to live nearby wild rabbits for your bunny to pick up Myxomatosis. This virus can be spread in a variety of ways including any blood sucking / biting insects ie. fleas, ticks, midges, mosquitoes, as well as direct contact with another infected or carrier rabbit. The virus can also survive in overwintering fleas and mosquitoes sheltering in hay and in houses. It can also be spread by Cheyleteilla fur mites. Any owners who’s dog or cat hunts wild rabbits must be particularly careful. For further information on this go to: www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rwf/articles/understanding_myxo.htm or www.rguppy.freeserve.co.uk/ronnie%20story.htm VHD: Again this can affect both indoor and outdoor pet rabbits. This disease can be spread in a variety of ways including via hay and water contaminated by infected wild rabbits ie. hay is harvested from a field which would probably have been grazed by wild rabbits, any foods grown in the wild (ie. hedgerow weeds), and any water running through the grounds of your garden ie. a stream, or a garden pond which is visited by wild rabbits. It can be picked up from any area that is grazed by wild rabbits (including your garden). Birds, insects, vermin, hedgehogs, other pets can carry the virus on their feet or in their droppings to the area where your pet rabbit plays. It can be carried in by the wind. It can be unwittingly carried in on your shoes or clothing if you have been walking in an infected area (which could be anywhere really if you think about it!), or even a visitor who has been in contact with the virus through the same methods, could bring it into your environment. For further information on this go to: http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rwf/articles/VHD.htm IF YOU LOVE YOUR BUNNY, DON’T TAKE RISKS!!!! ASK YOUR VET FOR ADVICE.
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