From one part of Italy to the other we are virtually going to visit Carlotta and her little friend Mr. Guanciotto, a very tender and soft dwarf ram rabbit, in honor of which an association for the protection of these small animals was born.
Our miniature ambassador, Mr. Guanciotto lives in the countryside in the company of many other animals. This funny bunny was adopted in 2017 by Carlotta who lives with her family in Anghiari, a beautiful village near Arezzo, where they manage a farm. Horses, vegetable gardens and nature, this is the enchanting habitat in which Mr Guanciotto lives.
He was only two months old when Carlotta decided to take care of him. Approaching the world of rabbits, she had the idea of creating the association “The friends of Mr Guanciotto and Karmino” which deals with animals and especially with bunnies. The association has the main purpose to help those rabbits used as reproducers when young to be adopted by families willing to take care of them avoiding a sad fate.
Can you tell us a nice story about when he was a baby?
Certainly the first time I saw him there was a kind of “love at first sight”. In front of the litter, I was struck by his peculiarity. Unlike the others, he did not have both ears up, pretty straight. He had a bent ear and I was struck by his “diversity”. As soon as I saw him I thought “He’s the one”!
How are you going through this period?
We are lucky to live in the countryside. Things haven’t changed much. When taking care of animals, it must always be done, every day of the year and therefore even now. I continue to work with my family and spend a lot of time outdoors with my bunnies.
What can’t Mr. Guanciotto resist?
To food, it’s a big glutton!! He especially loves dried papaya. And then he is also a little “rebellious”, as soon as I tell him NO he must absolutely do the opposite. If I forbid something, then he must do it!
Never without… what is essential for him?
Company and freedom and something soft to rest on. He loves to be together with his bunny girl and the other animals that live on the farm. And then he loves to be free. We are lucky because we can let it move without worries. He likes his independence, but always comes back to rest on his Ferplast cushion!
Never without… what is essential for him?
Company and freedom and something soft to rest on. He loves to be together with his bunny girl and the other animals that live on the farm. And then he loves to be free. We are lucky because we can let it move without worries. He likes his independence, but always comes back to rest on his Ferplast cushion!
What advice would you give people willing to adopt a small rabbit? It is challenging?
I always say to get information before adopting a bunny. Compared to other small animals a rabbit is very delicate and more demanding than you think. If you live in a flat, it is not easy. A bunny must spend most of its free time, so it’s better to think first of its needs rather than your desire to adopt a furry. Also, don’t forget that nutrition is very important to make it live long and healthy. Like all rodents it nibbles whatever passes within range and it is necessary to adapt the house, being careful of many things such as electric cables or other dangerous ones that could ingest. Also, to conclude, remember that they are gregarious animals and therefore it is good to give them a partner or a companion once they have been sterilized. They will be delighted!