Rabbits do what comes naturally
Detail:
I had to laugh out loud when I read a report from the Swedish news agency TT. I don’t know how many of you are aware, but back in February heavy snowfall caused the roof of a large tennis complex to collapse overnight, which at the time was hosting Sweden’s premier rabbit show, the Nykoping Rabbit Show. It left hundreds of rabbits dead, buried or unaccounted for – 1,648 rabbits had been registered. Rescue workers and owners believed many survivors probably fled to the surrounding forests.
Now that is not what I laughed at.
But what has since happened is that apparently a number of those missing bunnies have done what rabbits do only too well and made friends with each other. Lots of friends.
Builders who are rebuilding the complex have discovered a bit of a rabbit circus. Breeds that have previously never mixed have found new playmates, with the variety of colours and types throwing up all manner of new, offbeat combinations such as Lionheads x Himalayans, and British Giants with Dwarf Hotots.
Continuing this theme of rabbits around the world, it seems there is a bit of a mystery in New York’s famous Central Park in that all their wild rabbits have disappeared. Wild rabbits have not been seen in about four years, yet had lived on the land since before the park was established over 160 years ago.
This has led to all sort of theories, including a virus outbreak and the hazards of predators (hawks and falcons are common), weather and cars.
However, in what has become almost a ritual every year after Easter, domesticated rabbits are set free within the park. These animals are bought on impulse for children, and then the realisation sinks in that they need feeding and cleaning…Park rangers round up these domestic rabbits and take them to rescue centres.
And this impulse purchase of rabbits is a large problem here in the UK, too. I was talking last week to the branch manager of Leicestershire’s RSPCA, Lisa Smith, who is noticing an alarming rise in rabbits being given up.
In 2008, the branch took in 152 rabbits. Last year this went up to 184 and if this year carries on the way it is going, they will receive more than 215 rabbits. So bad is the problem that they have a three-month waiting list to take in unwanted bunnies.
Although many reasons are given, one concerns wrong sexing. Recently, a man brought in a family of rabbits. He’d bought two females from his local pet shop, and some time later discovered four kittens had arrived – one of the ‘females’ was, in fact, dad. The man had packed the family up, parents included, plonked them on Lisa’s counter and said he didn’t want them any more.
When told she did not have space, he replied it was not his problem as he was not taking them home again and walked out. Luckily, Lisa has a few volunteers and was able to foster them out.
Do you and your staff know how to sex rabbits accurately? It’s not easy, but such a crucial aspect when selling livestock. For a fee, your local vet might be willing to train your staff in telling the sexes apart.
Now that is not what I laughed at.
But what has since happened is that apparently a number of those missing bunnies have done what rabbits do only too well and made friends with each other. Lots of friends.
Builders who are rebuilding the complex have discovered a bit of a rabbit circus. Breeds that have previously never mixed have found new playmates, with the variety of colours and types throwing up all manner of new, offbeat combinations such as Lionheads x Himalayans, and British Giants with Dwarf Hotots.
Continuing this theme of rabbits around the world, it seems there is a bit of a mystery in New York’s famous Central Park in that all their wild rabbits have disappeared. Wild rabbits have not been seen in about four years, yet had lived on the land since before the park was established over 160 years ago.
This has led to all sort of theories, including a virus outbreak and the hazards of predators (hawks and falcons are common), weather and cars.
However, in what has become almost a ritual every year after Easter, domesticated rabbits are set free within the park. These animals are bought on impulse for children, and then the realisation sinks in that they need feeding and cleaning…Park rangers round up these domestic rabbits and take them to rescue centres.
And this impulse purchase of rabbits is a large problem here in the UK, too. I was talking last week to the branch manager of Leicestershire’s RSPCA, Lisa Smith, who is noticing an alarming rise in rabbits being given up.
In 2008, the branch took in 152 rabbits. Last year this went up to 184 and if this year carries on the way it is going, they will receive more than 215 rabbits. So bad is the problem that they have a three-month waiting list to take in unwanted bunnies.
Although many reasons are given, one concerns wrong sexing. Recently, a man brought in a family of rabbits. He’d bought two females from his local pet shop, and some time later discovered four kittens had arrived – one of the ‘females’ was, in fact, dad. The man had packed the family up, parents included, plonked them on Lisa’s counter and said he didn’t want them any more.
When told she did not have space, he replied it was not his problem as he was not taking them home again and walked out. Luckily, Lisa has a few volunteers and was able to foster them out.
Do you and your staff know how to sex rabbits accurately? It’s not easy, but such a crucial aspect when selling livestock. For a fee, your local vet might be willing to train your staff in telling the sexes apart.
By:
Sandra
Date/time :
19/04/2010
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