Man Builds ￡10,000 Rabbit Hutch
When hutch builder Jason Batterbee of Dersingham near King's Lynn wanted a new project, he thought a new hutch for his pet rabbits Hunnie and Runnie would be just the thing. However, he has taken this particular project a little further than is the case with most hutches.
“The basis for it went out of the window. I get carried away, but I think more is better for them and the bunnies have got a life of luxury.” Mr Batterbee says.
After around nine months of work fitted in around other commitments and over ￡1000 in raw materials, Hunnie and Runnie's new hutch is a two-bedroom special inspired by a log cabin. Features include a roof made of cedar wood, a mezzanine level, stainless-steel guttering, a fan, and a CCTV system accessible from inside the Batterbee's home. According to Mr Batterbee, everything was handmade specifically for the project. It is this sheer quantity of skilled workmanship that he believes justifies the designer price tag.
But Mr Batterbee is not finished. “I've had the idea of possibly putting in some radiators for them – stainless steel of course – which we can heat via solar panels,” he says, before adding “It can be improved and I've got some other ideas, but the boss [wife Mairi] will have to say yes or no.”
However, it is not only the Batterbee's rabbits who are getting the luxury treatment – the family's two pet iguanas have the sounds of the jungle played to them by iPod.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
