A animal charity is asking people to research into caring for a rabbit before buying them this Easter.

Forget-Me-Not Animal Rescue have warned countless numbers of rabbits are bought from pet shops or breeders at this time of year because of excessive numbers of 'bunnies' being used in advertising. The worry is there is not enough known about what rabbits require to be happy and healthy as a companion animal.

Paul Thomas from Forget-Me-Not Animal Rescue has given the following tips:

Space: Rabbits in the wild have huge areas to explore and run around, recent surveys show they have an area around the size of 32 tennis courts and caged rabbits are bored, unhealthy and generally miserable. A hutch is not enough and neither is the 'attachment run', they need space to be happy. A fenced off area of the garden is best - at least 12-foot by 12-foot - even better is the whole garden or at least half the garden. It must be fenced properly and checked regularly as rabbits are notorious 'diggers'.

Friends: They also need company - usually a neutered male is kept with a female or two neutered females or even neutered males. A lot of rescue centres will already have bonded pairs that are neutered and ready to go to a good home.

Food and water: Rabbits need access to good quality hay and water at all times. They require very little dry rabbit mix and a good variety of fruit and vegetables. Carrots can be given but only as a treat a couple of times a week as they are full of natural sugar and can, if given too often, cause a rabbit to be unhealthy.

Please consider how much time and effort needs to be given to a pair of rabbits. We have only covered the basics. If you still think you can successfully care for rescued rabbits please contact your local rescue who will be delighted to see you!

If this is too much effort: "Make Yours A Cuddly Bunny or a Chocolate Bunny this Easter!"

Forget-Me-Not Animal Rescue Registered Charity 1152987 email: info@forgetmenotanimalrescue.org.uk website: www.forgetmenotanimalrescue.org.uk Tel: 07504 197588