SPRING CLEANING FOR YOUR EASTER BUNNIES
As National Spring Clean Day (1 April 2000) approaches, Supreme
Petfoods is issuing ‘hutchkeeping’ guidelines for pet owners across the UK
– in an effort to combat the number of rabbit illnesses caused by poor hygiene.
Supreme Petfoods is the UK’s leading manufacturer of small animal
foods and bedding and takes a keen interest in the well-being of the 3.5 million small
pets across the country.
Supreme’s manager of pet care and nutrition, Dr Christine Huggett
explained: "Flystrike* and xxx** are common and quite unpleasant complaints found in
rabbits where the hutch is poorly maintained – and these seemingly innocuous problems
can become serious if not treated immediately.
"However, prevention is better than a cure, and so we have issued
some spring cleaning guidelines to ensure that pet rabbits remain happy bunnies this
Easter."
Ensure that your rabbit’s hutch is cleaned at least once a
week – an annual Spring Clean with strong detergents is a great idea but it must
be supplementary to the usual weekly clean.
Don’t simply replace old bedding – make sure you use a
reliable hutch cleaner to eliminate bacteria, germs and odours before putting down
fresh, new bedding. Supreme’s lemony fresh ‘Home Help’ disinfectant reduces
the risk of infection by creating a hygienic environment for pets and this is important as
hutches often have poor ventilation, which can pose a threat to your rabbit’s
well-being.
Choose a variety of bedding for your pet. Rabbits need soft,
warm, natural and absorbent bedding for their sleeping compartment (such as barley straw)
and will enjoy coarser materials such as hay for foraging. Supreme’s bedding range
incorporates barley straw and hay, as well as woodshavings. All are dust extracted –
making them very safe for your rabbit’s nose, eyes and ears – plus they contain
natural bactericide, virucide and fungicide to help keep your rabbit healthy.
An annual Spring Clean is a great opportunity to reconsider your
pet’s environment. Can you provide more stimulation for your rabbit by hiding
treats or by organising a secure run in the garden for regular exercise? Also remember, a
rabbit hutch can never be too big and it should be large enough to let your pet stand on
its hind legs.
