Apologies, website is currently under construction.
About Me
Hello and Welcome to my Website! This is a personal website about me, my pets and family :)
My name is Emilie and I am passionate about animals! This website will cover many topics, from day to day care of rabbits, the best rabbit products on the market to rabbits for re-homing I hope the information provided will come in useful to both rabbit keepers and potential owners alike. I am focusing on Black & Blue Self, Agouti & Cinnamon, Chocolate Tort Miniature lops, Black/Blue Self Dwarf Lops, Blue Self /Otter Netherland Dwarfs and Opal & Lynx Mini Rex. In order to produce the very best examples of these colours and type within the breeds I keep other complementary colours. Bunnies of Mortimer website information is based on my experiences, research and veterinary advice/second opinions should always be sought. I am fortunate enough to live in an area where there is lots of greenery but still only 11 miles from central London where i grew up. Now living in the suburbs I really adore and appreciate being woken by birds singing in the morning. The closer i can get to living in the land of bambi the better really! I've always loved animals and still like spotting all the different wildlife in the garden and we are super lucky to get lots of beetles, ladybirds, butterflies and bumble bees! Below is a picture of my local park, Ewell Court. |
I rescued my first rabbit in 2011 after being taken ill with cancer and unable to carry out my job as a Community Support Officer. Please see Pixie's story to learn more about my first experiences with rabbits, it may give some indication into why I feel so strongly about providing proper care for pet rabbits.
Nonsuch Palace Gardens, where we like to walk to dog, Biscuit |
Why breed and add to the rabbit population?
I occasionally breed my bunnies when i think i will get a really nice kits with ideal temperaments. My rabbits come from successful show stock and well established blood lines so have great genetics for producing gorgeous rabbits true to type.
I breed according to the standards set out by The British Rabbit Council for Miniature Lops. I strive to breed only the best quality rabbits.
Breeding show rabbits is something I am very passionate about. The standard of a show miniature lop is so very different to that of many pet standard minis. They in general have amazing temperaments and due to the fact they ave very regular grooming and handling from birth, preparing them on the 'hussle and bussle' of the showing tables, crowds and judging, they are in themselves very calm and laid back. This makes them ideal family pets and the chunky ball of dense thick fur and bright big eyes makes ones heart melt. Seeing them run around the gardens, jumping through the long grass and playing with toys gives me immense fulfilment and joy.
NEVER PURCHASE A RABBIT UNDER THE AGE OF 8 WEEKS OLD!
I know that i alone can not reduce the number of baby rabbits being taken away from their mothers and siblings too early and while still nursing to be displayed in pet shops for children to fuss over. But i believe that as the general understanding of what young mammals require as a decent start in life, the more potencial rabbit owners will be looking to support rabbit rights by finding a good, honest breeder.
There is always that story of 'I was told it was a 'mini' or 'dwarf' rabbit by the pet shop' only for that cute little rabbit to then turn out to be a 8lb.+ rabbit once mature.
I love big bunnies too but they do require a lot more hutch space and are not really suitable for children as they can be very heavy and often giants just should not be picked up.
Most pet shops do not provide rabbits with the space and enrichment they require. Being crowded with other bunnies that they may not get along with and exposed for people to view in busy open areas cant be pleasent.
Pet shops dont want loads of hidy places for their rabbits to find security in, because they want people to be able to see them clearly, every day for many hours.
Pet shops do not usually have enough staff to provide the attention that each individual bunny requires.
Pet shops do not always know the history or genetics of a rabbit. This can be dangerous as many rabbit prone illnesses and behavioural problems are genetic (inherited) as well as down to the environment in which they are raised.
When I sell my rabbits i give a full description of their personalities and any character faults a rabbit might have, I like people to see all of my rabbits, their hutches, food etc. so they can see the love, time and effort i put into them. Boastful i know! lol.
I have been misled in the past and hope that instead of going to a pet shop, someone may stumble across my website or advertisements and get a fully informed and honest profile of what it is they are really letting themselves in for!
One hears all too often, 'my rabbit just dropped dead' and although illness in rabbits can come on very swiftly, it is more often the case that a baby rabbt bought before fully weaned will not have the immunity defenses gained from its mothers milk to survive on its own and that new rabbit owners were not fully aware of what is required in order to keep a pet rabbit healthy and happy.
Rabbit keeping takes just as much time and effort as keeping a dog.They need attention, training, cleaning, veterinary checks, worming, companionship, regular exercise and their tummies are much more delicate than most dogs too so the correct nutritionally balanced diet is essential!
UNLIKE PET SHOPS I WILL NOT SELL RABBITS TO JUST ANYONE, YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE RESPONSIBILITY AND LONG TERM COMMITMENT OF A RABBIT. If i do not feel that you are able to make this commitment or are unwilling to do the necessary research and carry out the proper care, i will decline an offer to buy a rabbit from me. Even if i feel you are perfectly prepared, i am likely to bombard you with bunny care information anyway! Lol, Sorry! :)
I AM NOT MAKING ANY PROFIT. Any money taken for bunnies goes directly back into them and does not pay for their upkeep at all, that is what my money does as their owner and carer. Keeping rabbits is a hobby i am more than happy to pay for and do not believe any pet should have to earn their keep.
Most of the money made from litters is reserved for the spaying of does as i will not breed my female rabbits after the age of three years old due to the risk of uterine cancer.
I will inform you of everything you need to know so you can choose the right bunny for you, i will go through the essencials of rabbit care and I like my rabbits new owners to keep in contact with me to update me on the progress of the rabbit(s). I am always happy to give advice both practical and explanatory, you are welcome back to visit me and my bunnies anytime and I am delighted to visit bunnies once rehomed.
BEWARE OF BAD BREEDERS - CHECK THE CONDITIONS OF THE LIVING SPACES OF RABBITS, ALL GOOD BREEDERS WILL BE HAPPY TO SHOW YOU THEIR STOCK, HUTCHES AND FEED.
IF THE ANIMALS ARE IN AN UNCLEAN ENVIRONMENT, DO NOT BUY FROM THE BREEDER, THERE ARE MANY HONEST AND RESPECTABLE BREEDERS THAT TAKE PROPER CARE OF THEIR ANIMALS.
I breed according to the standards set out by The British Rabbit Council for Miniature Lops. I strive to breed only the best quality rabbits.
Breeding show rabbits is something I am very passionate about. The standard of a show miniature lop is so very different to that of many pet standard minis. They in general have amazing temperaments and due to the fact they ave very regular grooming and handling from birth, preparing them on the 'hussle and bussle' of the showing tables, crowds and judging, they are in themselves very calm and laid back. This makes them ideal family pets and the chunky ball of dense thick fur and bright big eyes makes ones heart melt. Seeing them run around the gardens, jumping through the long grass and playing with toys gives me immense fulfilment and joy.
NEVER PURCHASE A RABBIT UNDER THE AGE OF 8 WEEKS OLD!
I know that i alone can not reduce the number of baby rabbits being taken away from their mothers and siblings too early and while still nursing to be displayed in pet shops for children to fuss over. But i believe that as the general understanding of what young mammals require as a decent start in life, the more potencial rabbit owners will be looking to support rabbit rights by finding a good, honest breeder.
There is always that story of 'I was told it was a 'mini' or 'dwarf' rabbit by the pet shop' only for that cute little rabbit to then turn out to be a 8lb.+ rabbit once mature.
I love big bunnies too but they do require a lot more hutch space and are not really suitable for children as they can be very heavy and often giants just should not be picked up.
Most pet shops do not provide rabbits with the space and enrichment they require. Being crowded with other bunnies that they may not get along with and exposed for people to view in busy open areas cant be pleasent.
Pet shops dont want loads of hidy places for their rabbits to find security in, because they want people to be able to see them clearly, every day for many hours.
Pet shops do not usually have enough staff to provide the attention that each individual bunny requires.
Pet shops do not always know the history or genetics of a rabbit. This can be dangerous as many rabbit prone illnesses and behavioural problems are genetic (inherited) as well as down to the environment in which they are raised.
When I sell my rabbits i give a full description of their personalities and any character faults a rabbit might have, I like people to see all of my rabbits, their hutches, food etc. so they can see the love, time and effort i put into them. Boastful i know! lol.
I have been misled in the past and hope that instead of going to a pet shop, someone may stumble across my website or advertisements and get a fully informed and honest profile of what it is they are really letting themselves in for!
One hears all too often, 'my rabbit just dropped dead' and although illness in rabbits can come on very swiftly, it is more often the case that a baby rabbt bought before fully weaned will not have the immunity defenses gained from its mothers milk to survive on its own and that new rabbit owners were not fully aware of what is required in order to keep a pet rabbit healthy and happy.
Rabbit keeping takes just as much time and effort as keeping a dog.They need attention, training, cleaning, veterinary checks, worming, companionship, regular exercise and their tummies are much more delicate than most dogs too so the correct nutritionally balanced diet is essential!
UNLIKE PET SHOPS I WILL NOT SELL RABBITS TO JUST ANYONE, YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THE RESPONSIBILITY AND LONG TERM COMMITMENT OF A RABBIT. If i do not feel that you are able to make this commitment or are unwilling to do the necessary research and carry out the proper care, i will decline an offer to buy a rabbit from me. Even if i feel you are perfectly prepared, i am likely to bombard you with bunny care information anyway! Lol, Sorry! :)
I AM NOT MAKING ANY PROFIT. Any money taken for bunnies goes directly back into them and does not pay for their upkeep at all, that is what my money does as their owner and carer. Keeping rabbits is a hobby i am more than happy to pay for and do not believe any pet should have to earn their keep.
Most of the money made from litters is reserved for the spaying of does as i will not breed my female rabbits after the age of three years old due to the risk of uterine cancer.
I will inform you of everything you need to know so you can choose the right bunny for you, i will go through the essencials of rabbit care and I like my rabbits new owners to keep in contact with me to update me on the progress of the rabbit(s). I am always happy to give advice both practical and explanatory, you are welcome back to visit me and my bunnies anytime and I am delighted to visit bunnies once rehomed.
BEWARE OF BAD BREEDERS - CHECK THE CONDITIONS OF THE LIVING SPACES OF RABBITS, ALL GOOD BREEDERS WILL BE HAPPY TO SHOW YOU THEIR STOCK, HUTCHES AND FEED.
IF THE ANIMALS ARE IN AN UNCLEAN ENVIRONMENT, DO NOT BUY FROM THE BREEDER, THERE ARE MANY HONEST AND RESPECTABLE BREEDERS THAT TAKE PROPER CARE OF THEIR ANIMALS.
Why do I keep so many animals?
I keep many different animals with very different needs. Its the variation in needs that keeps me so motivated and enthusiastic about my animals. Constantly learning and researching how i can do the best for my animals make me feel warm and good inside, selfish really aye!
Be it a cold blooded scaled snake, hot blooded hunting horse, cute fluffy bunny or a cat chasing a daddy long legs taking refuge in my house, i adore them all!
I first got a bunny when i was diagnosed with non life threatening cervical cancer which eventually meant i had to leave work as a social worker.
Since being diagnosed i found myself increasingly anxious and feeling very low. Having pet companions has given me focus and helped drastically with my anxiety and depression.
I like to help people and animals and so having rescued bunnies from homes were they were being neglected and being able to restore them to good health and give them a home where they can thrive is so rewarding.
Giving such helpless and vulnerable creatures the life they deserve rewards me with the beauty of nature every day. I appreciate life and all it has to give and take.
Be it a cold blooded scaled snake, hot blooded hunting horse, cute fluffy bunny or a cat chasing a daddy long legs taking refuge in my house, i adore them all!
I first got a bunny when i was diagnosed with non life threatening cervical cancer which eventually meant i had to leave work as a social worker.
Since being diagnosed i found myself increasingly anxious and feeling very low. Having pet companions has given me focus and helped drastically with my anxiety and depression.
I like to help people and animals and so having rescued bunnies from homes were they were being neglected and being able to restore them to good health and give them a home where they can thrive is so rewarding.
Giving such helpless and vulnerable creatures the life they deserve rewards me with the beauty of nature every day. I appreciate life and all it has to give and take.
Rescue
To rehome a rabbit from a Rescue centre is a wonderful thing which presents its own benefits and downfalls. I would love to think that most people will look into rescue before purchasing a baby bunny, but it would seem this is not the desirable option for most. And rescue outside of rabbit centres is not recommended as it can cost substancially in veterinary bills and does not always end well. I speak from experience, but continue to rescue as i feel i have an obligation to do so with the rabbit care knowledge i have gained and the amazing relationships i have gained with rescued rabbits. For someone new to rabbits, rescue of unwell and poorly treated rabbits is immensively difficult.
Often rescue bunnies have been through a difficult time and may have long lasting psychological challanges such as mistrust in humans. But this can be overcome with patience and an understanding of rabbit psychology. Please note, this is not to say all rescue bunnies are troubled.
Illness in rabbits can be resolved when addressed properly but in my experience a rabbit that has been very ill in the past is more suseptible to becoming ill again, no matter how much focus in put on healthcare. Often bunnies can live with parasites such as Coccidia for the rest of their lives without it affecting their overall health but contaminated rabbits must be kept isolated or carefully paired with mature rabbits.
It is not always the case that a rescue bunny is harder work, in fact rescue bunnies can be ideal as the support you get from the center and the care the center has already given a bunny means you know of health/behaviour problems before committing. There is also the benefit that they will already be neutered/spayed! :)
There are many breeders out there that will sell bunnies knowing they do not have great temperaments to new rabbit keepers, a rabbit rescue truly wants a happy rabbit in a loving forever home and will do their best to find the right match for you and your family.
Rescue rabbits really do seem to realise the second chance in life you have given them and this is demonstrated in their loving behaviour.
Often baby rabbits are born at rescue centers and are vet checked, handled and ready to make ideal pet bunnies.
Why not visit a rescue centre and see if theres a bunny or two suited to you?
A good rehoming centre will be happy for you to spend time getting to know the rabbit and inform you of its known history and exsisting challanges. There are some really attractive rabbits in rehoming centre in need of love too!
You will find variety of rabbit breeds in rescue centers just waiting for their loving forever homes. Rescue centres are also fantastic places for finding your existing rabbit a companion as there are often many friends for your rabbit to choose from.
If you are willing to rehome a rescue bunny, which can vary from needing no additional time or effort from that of a well established breeders bunnies to months of gradual trust building before handling, you truly are doing a wonderful thing and i strongly encourage you to do this. I have rescued bunnies and the reward can not be measured.
Others may disagree but I believe that most families would like a young rabbit from a good home where they can judge the parents of the baby for type and temprement. A bunny that is instantly trusting and eager to form a bond with people is logically more desirable. The family can watch the rabbit grow and with the proper care will have a bunny family member for many years to come.
This is another reason why i am honest about the personality of each baby i have. If someone is looking for a very calm and docile rabbit, i will advise them against any of my bunnies that have bold, lively and cheeky personalities. Rabbits are individual and have different personalities just as many other domestic pets do, I will always do my best to match bunny to its family and visversa.
Often rescue bunnies have been through a difficult time and may have long lasting psychological challanges such as mistrust in humans. But this can be overcome with patience and an understanding of rabbit psychology. Please note, this is not to say all rescue bunnies are troubled.
Illness in rabbits can be resolved when addressed properly but in my experience a rabbit that has been very ill in the past is more suseptible to becoming ill again, no matter how much focus in put on healthcare. Often bunnies can live with parasites such as Coccidia for the rest of their lives without it affecting their overall health but contaminated rabbits must be kept isolated or carefully paired with mature rabbits.
It is not always the case that a rescue bunny is harder work, in fact rescue bunnies can be ideal as the support you get from the center and the care the center has already given a bunny means you know of health/behaviour problems before committing. There is also the benefit that they will already be neutered/spayed! :)
There are many breeders out there that will sell bunnies knowing they do not have great temperaments to new rabbit keepers, a rabbit rescue truly wants a happy rabbit in a loving forever home and will do their best to find the right match for you and your family.
Rescue rabbits really do seem to realise the second chance in life you have given them and this is demonstrated in their loving behaviour.
Often baby rabbits are born at rescue centers and are vet checked, handled and ready to make ideal pet bunnies.
Why not visit a rescue centre and see if theres a bunny or two suited to you?
A good rehoming centre will be happy for you to spend time getting to know the rabbit and inform you of its known history and exsisting challanges. There are some really attractive rabbits in rehoming centre in need of love too!
You will find variety of rabbit breeds in rescue centers just waiting for their loving forever homes. Rescue centres are also fantastic places for finding your existing rabbit a companion as there are often many friends for your rabbit to choose from.
If you are willing to rehome a rescue bunny, which can vary from needing no additional time or effort from that of a well established breeders bunnies to months of gradual trust building before handling, you truly are doing a wonderful thing and i strongly encourage you to do this. I have rescued bunnies and the reward can not be measured.
Others may disagree but I believe that most families would like a young rabbit from a good home where they can judge the parents of the baby for type and temprement. A bunny that is instantly trusting and eager to form a bond with people is logically more desirable. The family can watch the rabbit grow and with the proper care will have a bunny family member for many years to come.
This is another reason why i am honest about the personality of each baby i have. If someone is looking for a very calm and docile rabbit, i will advise them against any of my bunnies that have bold, lively and cheeky personalities. Rabbits are individual and have different personalities just as many other domestic pets do, I will always do my best to match bunny to its family and visversa.
VolunteeringI try to be as active as I can when it comes to volunteering my time to worthy causes. Sadly since becoming unwell I am not as able as I have been before to give my time but I recommend it as something that all families take part in when they can.
Having previously done voluntary work for Leatherhead Wild Life Aid I have seen first hand just how it is vital that there are people out there helping to conserve the native British species population, which of course are vital to the unique eco system we have in the UK. If you can help your local wildlife centre you will be helping to preserve and restore what makes our countrysides some of the most diverse and beautiful in the world. Chessington World of Adventures Zoo is another place I have carried out volunteer work. I worked mostly with the reptiles and amphibians in the Creepy Caves and had a brilliant time learning about all the different species and their requirements. I can't praise zoo keepers enough for the effort they put into maintaining the animals, it is very hard, long work which has minimal funds and low pay. Donating just a little goes a long way to improving the standards for the animals in our zoos. |
You can help improve the standards and care of the amazing animals in our zoos? |