Nibbles Rodent & Rabbit Rescue

21/03/2025

Are your chinchilla and degu’s diets meeting their needs? These small animals have special dietary requirements, and feeding them the wrong foods can lead to serious health issues. Here’s what they should be eating every day:

✅ Hay, Hay, and More Hay! – A high-fibre diet is essential for both chinchillas and degus. They should have constant access to fresh, high-quality hay like Timothy, meadow, or orchard hay to support healthy digestion and dental wear.

🥣 Species-Specific Pellets, Not Muesli! – A measured portion of high-fibre chinchilla or degu pellets ensures balanced nutrition. Avoid muesli-style mixes—they encourage selective feeding and lead to health problems.

🚫 No Sugary or High-Fat Foods! – Both species are prone to health issues caused by excess sugar and fat. Degus are particularly at risk of diabetes, and too much fat can lead to liver damage in both degus and chinchillas.

🍃 Dried Safe Forage – A mix of safe forage like dandelion, plantain, and bramble leaves adds nutritional variety and mimics their natural diet.

🌟 A healthy diet is the foundation of a happy chinchilla or degu! Let’s make sure they get the right nutrition. 💚

📢 Do you have a chinchilla or degu? What’s their favourite healthy snack? Tell us in the comments! ⬇️

20/03/2025

When ‘Legal’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Right’
Animal welfare law says that animals must be able to express natural behaviours.

Scientific research tells us that rabbits and rodents need space to run, stretch, and behave naturally.

Yet pet shops continue to sell cages and hutches that don’t even come close to meeting these needs.

🚫 Cramped housing = suffering.
🚫 Suffering is against animal welfare law.
🚫 So why are these cages still legal?

The evidence is clear: pet shop cages aren’t good enough. If we wouldn’t accept this for a cat or a dog, why do we allow it for rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters?

It’s time for the law to be enforced based on science, not sales.

🐾 How can you help?
✔️ Question misleading pet shop marketing.
✔️ Educate others on what small pets really need.
✔️ Share this post and help challenge outdated housing standards.

These animals can’t speak for themselves, but we can. Let’s make sure the smallest pets aren’t forgotten.

📢 What do you think? Should outdated pet housing still be legal? Let us know in the comments!

19/03/2025

🐰🐹 The Daily Joy of Caring for Our Pets 🐭💛

Caring for rabbits and rodents isn’t just about feeding and cleaning—it’s about building a bond, creating routines, and finding joy in the little moments. Their needs become part of our daily rhythm, and in return, they bring us comfort, companionship, and purpose.

Providing the right care—plenty of space, companionship, a nutritious diet, and mental stimulation—allows them to thrive. And when they thrive, they reward us with trust, curiosity, and those special moments that make it all worthwhile. 💕

Even on the hardest days, their routines keep us grounded. Their presence reminds us to slow down, to be present, and to find happiness in simple things—like the sound of crunching hay, an eager nose poking out at feeding time, or just watching them do their thing.

💬 How has caring for your small pet shaped your daily life? Let’s celebrate these bonds—share your stories in the comments!

18/03/2025

2017: The 22 Who Needed Us Most
Some rescues you never forget.

22 rabbits, crammed into tiny 4ft hutches, trapped in scorching direct sunlight, suffering in silence. They were confined to same-sex groups of 2-6, unneutered, and fighting for survival—literally.

They needed help. And they needed it yesterday.

Nibbles was the only rescue in Wales to step up. We couldn’t ignore them. Even with our new build still ongoing, even with my mum recovering from a hip replacement, we found a way.

With the help of amazing friends across the bridge, we got every single one of these rabbits to safety. It was a challenging time, but watching them heal, gain confidence, and finally find their feet made every moment worth it.

One special bun, Marshall, remained with us as a sanctuary rabbit until his passing in 2023. But every other rabbit found a loving home, where they would never know suffering again.

This is why we fight. This is why we can’t let Nibbles close its doors.

In 2025, we’re facing our biggest challenge yet—but we’ve overcome the impossible before. Together, we can do it again.

💚 Will you stand with us?

17/03/2025

Help Us Flood Social Media with ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’!

🐰🐹 So many people don’t realise rabbits & rodents need rescuing too. Let’s change that!

💛 Join us in spreading awareness:
✔️ Download & use our ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’ profile picture
✔️ Share this post to help more small pets find homes
✔️ Tag a friend who loves rabbits & rodents!

💬 Every share makes a difference! Let’s get more eyes on the thousands of small pets waiting in rescues.

🔗 Read & share the blog: https://www.nibbles.org.uk/post/the-magic-of-adoption

14/03/2025

Is your guinea pig’s diet meeting their needs? A balanced diet is essential for their health, digestion, and overall wellbeing. Here’s what they should be eating every day:

✅ Hay, Hay, and More Hay! – 80–90% of their diet should be high-quality hay like Timothy, meadow, or orchard hay. This supports good digestion, wears down their teeth, and keeps their gut healthy.

🍊 Daily Vitamin C is a Must! – Unlike rabbits, guinea pigs can’t produce their own Vitamin C, so they need it in their diet. Fresh veggies like bell peppers, coriander, and kale provide essential nutrients.

🥕 Pellets, Not Muesli! – A small portion of high-quality, guinea pig-specific pellets ensures they get the right nutrition. Avoid muesli-style mixes as they encourage selective feeding and can lead to health issues.

🚫 No Sugary Treats, Seeds, or High-Carb Foods – These can cause obesity, dental problems, and digestive issues. Stick to natural, guinea pig-safe foods!

🌟 A healthy diet = a happy, thriving guinea pig! Let’s give them the best care possible. 💚

📢 What’s your guinea pig’s favourite healthy snack? Tell us in the comments! ⬇️

14/03/2025

A Little Update from Me 💛

I wanted to take a moment to update you all, as I know responses have been delayed over the past couple of weeks. Unfortunately, I’ve been unwell with Covid for the first time, and while I’m doing my best to recover, caring for the animals—both my own and those at the rescue—has had to take priority. The daily demands of their care mean I haven't had the chance to rest as much as I should, which has made bouncing back a challenge.

To make the best use of time, many of our social media posts are scheduled in advance, ensuring we can continue raising awareness and sharing important information even when things get hectic behind the scenes. However, keeping up with comments and messages in real-time has been much harder, and I truly appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding. I’ll do my best to check in regularly, but I may not always be able to respond straight away.

Thank you all for your ongoing support—it means the world to me and to Nibbles. Your kindness and encouragement help us keep going, and I’m so grateful for this amazing community. 💛

13/03/2025

The Reality Behind the Cage Labels
"Suitable for rabbits!"
"Perfect for guinea pigs!"
"Spacious and comfortable!"

🐰🐹🐭 These labels might sound reassuring, but who decides what’s suitable? Not welfare experts.

Most cages and hutches sold for small pets fail to meet even their basic needs. They’re simply too small to allow movement, exercise, and natural behaviours.

🔬 The science is clear:
🚫 Cramped housing leads to stress, obesity, muscle wastage, and behavioural problems.
🚫 Small enclosures cause suffering—both physically and mentally.
🚫 Yet, these cages remain on sale, misleading owners into believing they are enough.

If the law says animals must be able to express natural behaviours, why are enclosures that prevent this still legal?

It’s time for science, not sales, to shape welfare standards.

🐾 How can you help?
✔️ Share this post to raise awareness.
✔️ Question misleading pet shop marketing.
✔️ Advocate for better housing standards based on welfare research.

These animals deserve better. Let’s make the unseen suffering seen.

📢 Join the conversation—should outdated pet housing still be legal? Let us know in the comments!

12/03/2025

🐰🐹 The Power of Companionship: A Bond Like No Other 🐭💛

There’s something truly special about the bond we share with our small pets. Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and other small animals aren’t just silent companions—they form deep connections when we take the time to understand them.

Trust isn’t automatic; it’s built through patience, care, and creating an environment where they feel safe and enriched. And when they trust us, they show it in the most heartwarming ways—whether it’s a gentle nose nudge from a rabbit, the excited squeaks of a guinea pig at mealtime, or a rat choosing to curl up in your hands.

When we invest in their wellbeing, they give us so much in return—companionship, joy, and a reminder that love comes in many forms.

💬 How has your small pet brought companionship into your life? We’d love to hear your story in the comments!

11/03/2025

2017: When the Wind Took Everything
We knew our rabbit housing wouldn’t last forever. The wood was rotting, the runs were waterlogged, and no matter how many repairs we made, we were only buying time. The plan was simple: patch things up and keep going until we could build the new kennel block.

So, in what we thought was wisdom, we covered the runs with tarps, hoping to keep them dry. We repaired where we could, made do with what we had, and held onto the belief that our makeshift fixes would see us through.

Then, in less than 30 minutes, the wind undid everything.

The tarps, meant to protect, became sails. The hutches lifted, the runs shifted, and our rabbits were literally being pulled off the ground. It was chaos. We scrambled to get them to safety, but all we had left were small indoor cages—a heartbreaking reality, but there was nothing else we could do.

Then came the lifeline. Thanks to incredible supporters, donations came in, and with them, the chance to purchase a ready-made kennel block. November rains and endless mud couldn’t stop us—it arrived, and we installed it with relief, exhaustion, and gratitude.

That moment was only possible because of people who believed in us and in our mission. Now, in 2025, as we fight for Nibbles’ future once again, we need that same belief.

We've been here before. Together, we found a way forward then. Let’s do it again.

10/03/2025

🐾 Looking for a companion? Choose Rescue!

🐰 Meet Dorothy & Florence! Rescue rabbits looking for a home filled with love. Just like so many others, they ended up in rescue through no fault of their own. Find out more about them and the home they are searching for at www.nibbles.org.uk/adoption

🏡 Could you be their perfect match? If you’re not looking to adopt, you can STILL help by sharing their story!

📢 Spread the word! Read our blog to learn why so many rabbits and rodents end up in rescues and why adopting from a rescue is the best choice over buying from a pet shop or breeder.

🔗 Read & share the blog: https://www.nibbles.org.uk/post/the-magic-of-adoption

🖼️ Show your support with our ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’ profile picture!

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09/03/2025

🌟 Exciting News! We’re Wild About Bunnies’ Rescue of the Month! 🌟

A huge thank you to Wild About Bunnies for choosing us as their March Rescue of the Month! 💚🐰🐭

As a small, independent rescue, we rely entirely on donations to keep going. Right now, we’re facing an incredibly difficult time, and this support means the world to us.

How you can help:🐾 Donate £1 or more via Wild About Bunnies’ website—100% of your donation will be turned into a care package for our animals.🐾 Buy a gift from their shop and leave a note at checkout to send it directly to us.🐾 Spread the word—like, share, and follow our pages to help more people learn about our work.

Every bit of support counts. Thank you for standing with us and making a difference. 💚

👉 Donate via Wild About Bunnies:https://wildaboutbunnies.co.uk/products/donation-to-nibbles-rodent-and-rabbit-rescue?_pos=1&_sid=d1eef6c7f&_ss=r&fbclid=IwY2xjawI3ZPpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUGS9dJBulESnc7nTwkVRA4SBHXqGpBefTkdrl9PG1ChSsfkGwqZz0PoIQ_aem_KXAplGwwVQQwlBgzl3ULpg

08/03/2025

📢 Help Us Fill the Gaps – Before It’s Too Late
When we first set up Nibbles, we did what so many rescues do—we made do with what we had. Some of our early housing came from donated, second-hand enclosures. They weren’t perfect, but they gave rabbits in need a safe place to stay while we worked toward something better.

But by the summer of 2023, time had caught up with them. The wood had rotted beyond repair, and with no funding to replace them, we had no choice but to tear them down. It was devastating to see those spaces disappear, knowing that each one represented a second chance for a rabbit who had nowhere else to go.

Our plan was always to replace these enclosures with permanent, purpose-built homes for our sanctuary rabbits—rabbits with complex medical or behavioural needs who will spend their lives here at Nibbles. These new units were designed to give them more space, better enrichment, and a true home for life. But instead of moving forward, we’ve been forced to stand still.

Now, we need your help to rebuild. To ensure that these spaces are not lost forever. To give our sanctuary rabbits the security they deserve.

🛑 Without urgent support, we won’t just lose these spaces—we’ll lose Nibbles entirely. If we don’t secure enough regular funding, we’ll be forced to close at the end of 2025. That means no more rescues, no more second chances, and no safety net for the rabbits who have nowhere else to go.

🐰 Your monthly pledge can stop this from happening.

✨ £2 a month – Helps keep Nibbles open into 2026
✨ £5 a month – Supports the reopening of much-needed rabbit housing
✨ £10 a month – Helps reopen all rabbit housing and our rodent cabin

We know times are tough, but if just 1,000 people pledged £2 a month, we could secure our future. That’s less than the cost of a coffee, but for us, it’s the difference between survival and closure.

🙏 Please, help us fill the gaps before it’s too late. Pledge today: www.nibbles.org.uk/pledge

07/03/2025

🐰 Is your rabbits' diet meeting their needs? 🥕🌿

A proper diet is essential for a rabbit’s health, digestion, and dental care. Here’s what your rabbit should be eating every day:

✅ Hay, Hay, and More Hay! – 80–90% of their diet should be high-quality hay, such as Timothy, meadow, or orchard hay. It keeps their teeth healthy and supports good digestion.

🌿 Forage (Fresh & Dried) & Herbs – A mix of safe, dried and fresh forage (e.g., dandelion, plantain, bramble leaves) plus fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and coriander provide essential nutrients and variety.

🥣 Pellets, Not Muesli – A small amount of high-fibre pellets (not muesli!) ensures a balanced diet without encouraging selective feeding.

🚫 Avoid Sugary Treats, Seeds & High-Carb Foods – These can cause digestive issues, obesity, and dental disease. Stick to natural, rabbit-safe foods!

🌟 A healthy diet is the foundation of a happy rabbit! Let’s give them the best care possible. 💚

📢 What’s your rabbit’s favourite healthy snack? Drop it in the comments! ⬇️

📝 Want to learn more? Check out our blog on rabbit diets here: https://www.nibbles.org.uk/post/feeding-your-rabbits

Learn the key principles of feeding your rabbits a balanced diet, with tips on safe foods, hydration, and avoiding common dietary mistakes for optimal health.

06/03/2025

The Space They Deserve vs. The Space They Get

Would you keep a dog in a crate 24/7? Would you be happy living your entire life in a space barely bigger than your own body?

Rabbits and all species of rodents need room to run, stretch, and act naturally—but most cages and hutches sold in pet shops fall far short of even the minimum welfare recommendations.

🐾 The smaller outlines in this image? Those represent enclosures commonly sold as ‘suitable’ for rabbits.

🐾 The largest rectangle? That’s the minimum space recommended by welfare research.

The difference is shocking. Yet, these tiny cages remain on sale, misleading new owners into believing they are enough.

We need to rethink what we accept as ‘normal’ for small pets. If the science tells us these enclosures are too small to meet even basic welfare needs, why are they still legal?

It’s time for change. Stay with us this month as we explore why better housing standards for rabbits and rodents are urgently needed.

🔄 Help us spread the message—share this post and make the unseen, seen.

05/03/2025

🐰 Finding Calm Through Connection 🐹

Mindfulness isn’t just for humans—when we create a safe, enriching environment for our rabbits and rodents, they return the favour by showing us the beauty of living in the moment.

Meet Elliott, who’s so comfortable in his surroundings that he flops over into pure relaxation—even while his pen is being cleaned! This is a rabbit who feels completely secure and at ease. Seeing this level of trust and contentment is a reminder that when we take the time to meet their needs—providing space, companionship, and care—they thrive. And in return, their presence brings us joy, calm, and connection.

Take a deep breath and enjoy this little moment of peace with Elliott. 🌿✨

How does your pet show you they feel safe and happy? Tell us in the comments!

04/03/2025

2017: The Year We Built for the Future

By 2017, we faced a battle we couldn’t keep fighting. Our old rabbit housing was falling apart before our eyes—waterlogged runs, rotting wood, and enclosures so worn that cleaning them felt impossible. No matter how hard we worked, we were constantly chasing a losing battle. It wasn’t just frustrating; it was a wake-up call.

Something had to change. The rabbits deserved better, and so did we.

So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. We searched high and low for funding, applied for every possible grant, and poured our hearts into designing housing that would provide safety, comfort, and a future-proof space for the animals in our care.

This was our biggest project yet—and what we quickly learnt was that everything takes far longer than expected!

But we were ready. We had a vision. And finally, it was time to begin. This wasn’t just about new housing; it was about building a future—one where the rabbits who needed us would have a safe, secure place to recover and thrive.

Together, we built for the future before. Now, we need to do it again.

03/03/2025

🐰 The Reality of Rescue – Rabbits & Rodents Need You!

📢 Did you know? Thousands of rabbits and rodents are in rescues across the UK, waiting for a second chance. Yet many people don’t even realise they’re there!

It’s time to change that. Read our latest blog to discover why adoption matters and how YOU can help.

💛 Be their voice – share this post, spread awareness, and help more small pets find loving homes!

🔗 Read & share the blog: https://www.nibbles.org.uk/post/the-magic-of-adoption

🖼️ Download & use our profile picture to show your support!
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