Our Hands on Team

These rabbits form the basis of our permanent 'Hands On Team'. We do not take them all out to one event, but make our selection from amongst them. Some of them have been purchased specifically for their breed type or colour, while others have come our way through our rescue but have the qualities we look for. Should we be visiting a school for visually impaired children the texture of coat and body shape are important factors, while sighted handlers appreciate the colours and patterns of their fur.

When a new rabbit joins the team we ask the children at one of the schools or groups that we visit to select an appropriate name for the bunny.


Abacus Joy Named by the children of Abacus Nursery *For the first day out as a member of the team,* *Click here*		Nibbles Named by the 2nd Send Brownies (Click here) *Re-homed July '08* Black Otter Netherland Dwarf	Ginger Named by the children of Twyford School Click here Thrianta	Dark Angel Smoke Angora
		Which is your favourite?
Bright Eyes *Named by the children of Bright Start Pre-School, Basingstoke* For the first day out as a member of the team Click here.	Binnie Named by the children of Great Binfields Primary School, Chineham. Click here Harlequin Lionhead without a mane	Which is your favourite?	Awaiting a name Lionhead	Beigie Beige Mini Lop

*Gareth* Lionhead	*Matt* *Orange Cashmere*	*Xantia* *Continental Giant* *For his first day out Click here!*	Welcome to the newest member of our Hands On Team Woody Click here Continental Giant	Benjamin Bunny Blue Otter Mini Rex

Rainbow Named by the 2nd Send Rainbows (Click here) Sooty Fawn Butterfly Mini Lop	Neville Netherland Dwarf	English Lop babies - new arrivals!	Dylan Hustlander	Cookie On trial to see if he will make a Hands on Bunny.

Ruthus Belgian Hare	Prints Tricolour English	Duke Brown Grey Dutch	*Jazz* *Belgian Hare*	Peanut Thrianta

The rabbits selected need to be very calm and friendly, able to cope with being handled by many people and above all reliable in their temperament. When a rabbit reaches 4-5 years of age we will often re-home them to a permanent owner. A number of the Hands On Rabbits have made excellent pets for special needs children we have met during our visits. Consequently when one leaves us their place is taken by a carefully selected newcomer.

We have done our 'Hands On' work since 2000, and have visited many local charity events like fundraising days for Breast Cancer Research, Balloons over Basingstoke, The Daniel Bowler's Memorial Trust Fundraising Days, as well as visiting Special and Mainstream schools, Elderly Care Centres and Brownie or Rainbow Groups. Our particular favourite venues are with the Special Needs children. We have had heart-warming responses on so many occasions and never cease to be amazed at how our rabbits enable such children to respond. Children with hyperactivity problems have sat for long periods of time gently stroking their bunny, while others who have rarely reacted to stimuli have smiled and interacted with the rabbit on their lap. These rabbits with their calm communicative skills are able to establish relationships in a way that we are unable to explain but have been privileged to see time after time.