306 MARCH 20 – Gryffe Advertizer

Next deadline - Wednesday 11th March
Gryffe Advertizer | www.advertizer.co.uk
PET
NEws
Raving about Rabbits
Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK.
There are three main points to consider to ensure your
rabbit leads a healthy, happy life:
1. Rabbits are sociable
Wild rabbits naturally live in large social groups. Pet
rabbits should therefore be kept in pairs or groups.
This provides companionship and allows rabbits to carry out normal behaviours such as
mutual grooming. Rabbits that are kept alone suffer from loneliness, increased stress levels
and increased health problems. The ideal pairing to avoid potential aggression between
rabbits is housing a neutered male with a neutered female.
2. Rabbits are active
Wild rabbits cover an area equivalent to six football pitches every day. This means your pet
rabbit needs plenty of space to exercise, a hutch or cage is not enough. Ideally rabbits should
have free access to a run or enclosed area in the garden (or house if an indoor rabbit).
As a general rule a hutch or cage should be large enough for a rabbit to take three hops and
tall enough for a rabbit to stand upright in. A run should be a minimum of eight feet long
(approximately four rabbit hops!).
It is also useful to provide tunnels and toys within the run for your rabbit to keep them active
and entertained.
3. Rabbits eat grass
Rabbits are designed to eat grass for several hours every day. Rabbits have continuously
growing teeth and a complex gastrointestinal system designed for this high fibre diet. The
wrong diet can lead to severe dental and gastrointestinal problems in pet rabbits.
The ideal diet for your pet rabbit is composed of approximately 80% good quality hay, 15%
fresh leafy vegetables and 5% good quality commercial rabbit food, in a uniform pellet mix.
Starting out with these three basic rabbit facts can make a big difference to the health and
welfare of pet rabbits.
Avian Pox on the
Rise – Clean Your
Bird Feeders
What is it?
Avian Pox is a viral infection affecting
varieties of British Garden Birds.
According to the British Trust for
Ornithology, previously birds such
as Wood Pigeon and Dunnock have
been affected; however, recently
there have been increasing numbers
of cases involving smaller birds such
as Great Tits. This illness does not
seem to effect humans or other
mammals
What Does It Look Like?
And, how does it spread? Birds with
the disease present with tumour-like
growths on the head (around eyes of
beak) wings or legs. Experts believe
it is spread by biting insects, birdto-bird
contact (direct and indirect)
through contaminated bird feeders
and water baths. Growths are usually
grey, red, pink or yellow.
What can you do?
Clean and disinfect feeders regularly.
A weak solution of domestic bleach
or disinfecting solutions (diluted)
can be used. Clean out bird baths
on a daily basis, and refill with fresh
water.
Microchip Details
Its always worthwhile to take a minute to check your pet’s details
so your furry friend can always be returned safely should they
wander away..
If you have changed any of your contact details such as your
phone number or you have moved house, don’t forget to update
your pets microchip details.
It could be what helps reunite you with them if they are lost or
stolen.
MISSING PET?
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Send details to:
info@advertizer.co.uk
01505 613340
Indentibase
Petidentity UK
Petlog
Pet Protect
Pettrac
Smarttrac
0190 448 7600
0800 975 1960
0129 633 6579
0800 077 8558
0800 652 9977
0844 542 0999
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