A STRAY rabbit gave RSPCA officers an early Easter surprise when she unexpectedly gave birth to eight babies.

The small Sable and her litter are now being cared for by Worcester branch volunteer Sue Greatrex in Dines Green after she was handed to vets.

The domesticated rabbit, called Fleur by volunteers, had been found stray in Tenbury Wells and given in to a veterinary practice who called the RSPCA.

When animal collection officers arrived, they were shocked to find the single rabbit had given birth to eight little babies, known as kittens or kits.

Sadly, one of the babies died within 24 hours but the rest of the litter is making good progress and are being fed by their mother.

The babies have just opened their eyes and are beginning to shuffle around.

Margaret Layland, RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch’s small animals rehoming co-ordinator, said it was a lovely surprise.

“Fleur is lovely. She is only little herself and the babies are very cute and ever so sweet,” she said.

Mrs Layland explained the behaviour of the rabbit usually helped to determine whether it was wild or domesticated.

“We think she was impregnated by a wild rabbit because the babies are all wild in colour but because the mother is definitely domesticated, the babies will be rehomed as domesticated,” she said.

It usually takes about three months before the babies’ genders can be determined and they will all be neutered.

She added: “We are hoping to find loving homes for pairs of rabbits unless someone has got an awful lot of time to spend with one of them.”

Anyone interested in adopting a rabbit should contact Mrs Layland on 01905 421849.