Small Animals - Introduction

Latest...New groups of chinchillas and rats in need of homes.

Would you like to work with the small animals at Freshfields?

Currently at the rescue we have some small groups of rabbits that need special homes and have been here for longer than we would like. If you feel you can help tthem please contact us via email or phone on our main number or visit the animals between 12 noon and 4pm any day of the week.
The small animal unit has on average a 100 residents, including: rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, terrapins, chinchillas, chipmunks, hamsters, mice, rats, gerbils, cockatiels, budgies, canaries, finches and parakeets.

• We still have lots of mice from last september, all looking for homes. More..
• We also need tanks for the mice, either rodent tanks or aquariums that we can use for housing while they are with us.
• Many male rabbits needing homes, do you have a lone female that would like some company?

Small Animal Unit

Most small animals are social and will live in groups, so where possible we try to rehome in pairs or if you have a lone animal we will try to match a suitable partner. Please look further down the page for a selection of profiles of animals requiring rehoming.

• Advice and information about neutering for all responsible owners. (MS Word leaflet)
• Useful information about rehoming a Freshfields bunny. (MS Word)
• Useful information about rehoming a Freshfields guinea pig. (MS Word)

Types of homes needed:

• Hamsters, Mice & Gerbils - Large tanks or 2-3 storey cages
• Rats, Chinchillas & Chipmunks - Large cages or if possible indoor aviaries, etc
• Guinea pigs - Secure pens with hutch attached
• Rabbits - Secure pens with hutch attached (All are Neut. & Vac 'd.)
• Ferrets - Secure pens with hutch attached (All are Neut., Vac 'd. & micro chipped)

Wildlife Section

The wildlife section helps with most small wild animals ranging from Mice, Weasels, Pigeons, Doves, Ducks, Geese, Hedgehogs, Rabbits, Gulls, Small garden birds, Pheasants, Crows, the list is endless!

Animals come in for various reasons, including: hit by cars, flown into windows, caught by cats, fallen down chimneys, orphaned, dehydrated in dry/hot weather, injuries caused by garden machinery, hunger - often in winter, etc. Where practical you should leave feathered fledglings out of the nest, on the ground where they are still being nourished by watchful parents. Move the cat, not the bird!

Ways to help wildlife:

• Put extra food and water out during very hot, dry or icy weather.
• Be alert when gardening, check before strimming, digging out composts, burning garden waste, moving sheds or any object/clutter that has been in one spot for a length of time (someone may be using it as a home).
• Putting caps on chimneys will save birds falling down and getting stuck.
• Try to keep cats in more during Spring & Summer when baby animals are about. Always put bells on the cat's collar, to give animals warning of their presence.
• Don't to use chemicals like, weed killers and slug poison - try other 'natural' remedies.
• Don't remove baby animals at first sight, unless you are sure they are in danger, in most cases the parents will be watching and around.

Ways to help us, help them:

• Safe release sites needed for wild birds and ducks. Do you have a large garden or plot of land with a pond, lake or wooded area and don't allow shooting or fishing?
• Are you confident with birds, could you help with rescues or collection of animals in your local area.

If you find a hedgehog

Orphaned baby hedgehogs If you find a hhog out in the daytime put it in a box and keep it dry and warm then phone your local rescue centre. Also please do not give hedgehogs milk, only give water and cat or dog food.

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