Rabbit Pest Control
Rabbit Description
The European Rabbit :
- Small, grey haired, mammal
- 34 - 45cm long, 1.3 - 2.2kg in weight
- Has long ears, large hind legs and short, fluffy tails
Rabbit Breeding
The phrase "breeding like rabbits!" is not an empty one :
- A rabbit pregnancy lasts just 31 days
- Each litter contains 2 to 12 rabbits
- They can produce 4 to 7 litters per year
- Resulting in 30 to 40 young produced per year
- They are of reproductive age at just 3 to 4 months old
- Young are born into a nesting burrow, where the mothers return to suckle
Rabbits as Pests
Rabbits are a particular problem for gardeners and farmers, eating any kind of vegitation, including flower gardens, tree sapplings and food crops. They are estimated to cause £100 million of damage every year.
Rabbit population management
Rabbit populations can be brought under control by shooting and trapping. A rabbit proof fence (3ft high) can also ensure rabbits don't freely wonder onto your land.
For gardeners, swapping to plants that are less attractive to rabbits might also be considered. For example, Arum Lilies, Cactus, Red Hot Pokers, Iris, Daffodils, Bottle Brush, Heather, Marigolds, Lupins, Agapanthus, Aloe, Lavender, Jasmine, Black Eyed Susans, Freesias, Foxgloves, Oleander, Rosemary and Sage.