Dying Rabbits

A bit of Googling -
RHD-2, a variant of rabbit haemorrhagic disease, is known for causing few visible symptoms, and sudden death is a common sign. While some rabbits may show signs like fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, or bleeding, many succumb to the virus without displaying any noticeable illness. RHD-2 is particularly challenging to diagnose because of its subtle or absent initial symptoms.

The DEFRA reporting is important. Living near the coast I have used it several times in relation to Avian Flu and dead/dying Cetaceans.

 

Beat me to it. I was also going to suggest Hemorrhagic fever...or cats.

 

Yes. Ive even had the odd one circling my Norma.
The lady down the road has all sorts of animals as pets (rabbits fish etc) and you see them circling her garden all the time too.

 

I saw loads yesterday while out cycling yesterday, they love to follow a haying tractor.

 

Bizarrely they love to circle the OAP home where my Mum is....

 

Haha are you sure they’re not vultures?

 

That's what I tell the ole dear...

 

haha always helps to keep spirits up etc..

 

The heat or Rhd I’d say.
Saturday morning I was sitting out side my boat talking to another boat owner and a large buck rabbit came charging out of the hedge towards us closely followed by a stoat! They then turned off and ran up the bank towards the marina owners house, 10 minute later the marina owner came down and said the stoat had got the rabbit at the side of his house and dragged it off into the bushes. Nature really is wonderful.

 

I’ve not heard of kites taking hens but Goshawks will if you have them in your area.

 

We do have Sparrowhawks & I'd like to think I wouldn't get them confused with a Goshawk, which I understand are noticeable larger.

The 'hens' themselves are miniature bantams so are quite small and the owner likes to let them forage unprotected in the garden.

 

Red Kite are carrion so makes sense, circling the old dears as well.

 

I find this amusing: as in the Derwent valley (Tyne tributary, not to be confused with other, lesser, southern rivers…) there was a conservation drive to re- introduce Red Kite. Not long after being established, there was report of one swooping down and trying to pick up a Chihuahua, result I say. Nasty nippy little things with a close resemblance to a rat.

 

Whilst up in Sky I was admiring a Golden Eagle hanging on the breeze through my binoculars.

My two staffie (pups at the time) were frolicking in the garden. My Mrs asked me ‘will one of those go for the dogs’ Errrr…. Yes! Yes, they fucking will! Gerrem inside…. Eeeek!!! That could have been emotional…