With the coming of colder weather, pet owners need to take precautions to protect rabbits and guinea-pigs that spend their lives in door hutches and runs.

It is vital to make hutches weather-proof, so check roofing felt, which needs to be replaced regularly. Guinea pigs need to be brought into a porch, shed or garage where they are safe from the worst of the winter. These small creatures cannot survive outside for long periods of severe weather. Repair cracks in walls.

All small mammals need to be cleaned out to keep the hutches dry and given lots of hay for insulation Advice on caring for small mammals is available on the RSPCA website rspca.org.uk.

Ronald F Kirkby
FRSA MIoD
President Hillingdon Slough Windsor Kingston & District Branch, RSPCA