The ASPCA wants to inform the public of the dangers pets, wildlife and
livestock face in the winter months. Pet owners are advised that their animals
may need extra attention during unfavourable weather conditions. Animals kept
in hutches should be given extra bedding for warmth, and if at all possible, moved
into a dry shed. Rabbits have a tendency to be forgotten in the winter. Garden
fishponds need to be checked constantly to prevent the water from freezing over.
Wild birds also find the winter months challenging since they have difficulty
sourcing their natural food, so if you own a bird table please ensure that the
water is cleaned on a regular basis and fresh fruit and nuts are plentiful. Farmers
with sheep and cattle in areas vulnerable to flooding need to take early measures
to move their animals away from danger.
Horses require extra calories to stay warm, so they may need additional food
throughout the coming months. Feral cats, as well as house pets and wildlife may
climb onto vehicle engines for warmth during adverse weather conditions, so you
must check the engine mounting in your vehicle frequently and move any animals
that may be seeking shelter inside. Dogs are also extremely susceptible and suffer
badly when the weather is poor. The A.S.P.C.A believe there is nothing worse than
a dog being left outside in harsh weather conditions with no shelter, which is
in actual fact against the law. In severely cold or inclement weather no pet should
be kept outside.
Hand rearing baby rabbits
Housing
Use a fairly big cage, say 4ft x 2 ft, lined with newspaper and hay. Keep in a
quiet room in the house and let the leverets get used to their new surroundings
for about 5 days before moving the cage into a shed or outbuilding. Do remember
to keep check of the temperature as wooden buildings can get very hot or very
cold. With 2 or more leverets, use a dab of liquid food colouring on the inner
ear to identify them. After their morning feed, put them outside in a small run
or grassed area so they can graze. An upturned open-fronted wooden box (no base)
should be provided for shelter during the day, and then they can be returned to
the indoor cage after the evening feed. Provide a bark-covered log or tree stump
for gnawing and a large piece of weathered stone or brick for them to lick for
their mineral content.
Weighing
This is essential, as it will indicate if they are receiving sufficient milk.
At first, weigh daily at the same time of day. Once they have settled into a feeding
pattern, weigh every two days. They may lose a few grams initially but should
soon settle into a daily weight gain of 5 - 20 grams. When changing a feeding
pattern, weigh them daily to see if they are ready for the change. As the amount
of feed taken increases their weight might well remain static for a day or so
before it begins to increase. If the leverets lose weight for 2 days running,
you will need to re-introduce the dropped feed for 2-3 days before trying to change
again.
