A rescue centre has launched an appeal to find new owners for three rabbits who have been without a home for more than a year.
The trio – Mia, Sox and Hex – arrived at Rabbit Residence Rescue near Royston in December 2020, and despite their adorable looks, they have not been found a new home.
Mia was found as a stray with another rabbit and shortly gave birth to a litter of babies, including Sox and Hex. Her other babies have found new homes, but this trio are still waiting.
Lea Facey, Rabbit Residence Rescue manager said: “We are looking for quite a particular home which is why they might have been waiting for so long. They are friendly, healthy and very active, always up to mischief and have a habit of making a mess. For this reason we are looking for at least 100 square foot of outdoor space for them, with lots of places to hide, a nice big shed to snuggle in, and lots of toys, tunnels, somewhere for a good dig and different levels. They really enjoy running through tunnels and hopping up high to look out for humans coming with snacks.”
The charity is one of many to follow the Rabbit Welfare Association’s guidance on rabbit housing and supports the ‘A Hutch is not Enough’ campaign.
Lea added: “For all rabbits, including Mia, Sox and Hex, just an average hutch does not offer them enough space or environment enrichment. If a hutch is used it should only ever be considered a bedroom.
“Many adoptees build incredible outdoor set ups for their rabbits, using sheds, playhouses, aviaries and lots of tunnels. These set ups don’t always come cheap, however, and this must be budgeted for if you are considering rabbits. Unfortunately ‘cheaper’ options including flat pack hutches are often flimsy and don’t offer the security and weather proofing outdoor rabbits need.
“Sadly we also do not encourage allowing rabbits to free range in your garden unsupervised, even though this can seem like you’re offering them lots of space, as hazards and predators can appear at any time. Rabbits must have lots of space and enrichment, but also be kept safe from harm and snug in bad weather.”
