Remember Remember your RABBITS! - 14/10/2005
Remember, Remember, The Fifth of November.......
Remember, Remember, your bunnies!
Sadly, so many people forget that bunnies (all animals) can be terrified of the flashes and bangs that go on days prior to and following Bonfire night. Gone are the days when fireworks were heard only on the 5th November.
Even if your bunny lives indoors, please remind your neighbours.
Here are a few ideas that might make their lives a little less stressful:
ü Ask your neighbours if they are having a firework party and make any necessary preparations for your bunnies.
ü Bring your bunnies hutch into a shed or garage as soon as it becomes dark...... (beware of car fumes)
ü If the hutch is too big to bring into a garage or shed, try turning it around so that it is facing the house wall or the fence, thus cutting off the light from the fireworks – remember to turn it back early the next morning.
ü Could you make a safe and secure home in the shed/garage if the hutch is too big to move.
ü Cover the outdoor hutch with a tarpaulin, carpet or thick polythene.... (don’t suffocate them)
ü If your bunny lives in a shed with lights, ensure that the light is on all night.
ü Cover the windows with a thick blanket to block out the colours from the fireworks that light up the sky.
ü Play a radio during the evening, but remember to use it for a few weeks prior to Bonfire night so that the rabbits are used to it.
ü If the noise is deafening, do make the effort to go outside and spend time speaking too and soothing your bunny.
ü Finally, be aware of the danger of ‘rockets’ they may set alight the rabbit hutch! Keep a bucket of water available.
ü If your rabbits eating habits change, (stress can cause a bunny’s gut to slow and stop) – it must be taken to a vet the same day.
ü Could you move your bunnies indoors and make them house bunnies? Any rabbit can be house bunny.
ü Could your bunny do with a bunny companion – someone to snuggle to and feel loved when scared, why not rehome a bunny from www.bobtailsrescue.co.uk or www.greenfieldsrescue.co.uk or www.rabbitrehome.co.uk Bonding services are available.
ü Be vigilant, be safe and have fun!
Can you help? Please contact your local radio station/local newspaper and asking them to broadcast an appeal, offer the above advice. It’s not too late! Save a bunnies life!
