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Dr Pauline Taylor on a cruel reality of our favourite Easter animals

Dr Pauline Pets Central veterinarian

With Easter upon us we are inundated with pictures of cute happy little chickens and baby rabbits. Rabbits make lovely pets and there are over 300 global breeds, from Netherland Dwarf to Flemish Giants all descended by selective breeding from the European rabbit. Chickens too are much loved as pets in many parts of the world and can become very attached to the family they live with. However, because of the demands of our food chain, billions of these animals do not have a life worth living nowadays. While you keep this sad fact in mind let me share some other points about these cute animals with you.

All about chickens

Chickens, like birds, were first noticed and painted on pottery around 8000 years ago in areas of SE Asia and originated from a member of the pheasant family, a bird called the red junglefowl. A male is called a rooster or cockerel and is distinguished from the female hen by its colourful plumage and head comb. Free range chickens are omnivores, pecking their food from the soil as they strut around in flocks, raising broods of young that hatch after a 21-day incubation period from multi coloured eggs. The egg colour is determined by the genetics of the hen. They are very social, inquisitive and exhibit interesting behaviour, and creatures who feel pain and distress.

All about rabbits

‘Easter bunnies’ associated with the beginning of Spring/ Easter’ are found wild all over the world except in Antarctica. Descended from the European rabbit native to the Iberian Peninsula, its introduction has often had devastating effects on local biodiversity, causing problems with the environment and ecosystems.

Wild rabbits live in underground burrows where females give birth after 30 days gestation, to hairless and blind young rabbits called kittens. A lot is not known about these prey animals, but some facts are. Rabbits have many predators including cats, badgers, ferrets, stoats, weasel, fox and rats, who especially go after the young.

Rabbits eat a variety of grasses favouring young succulent nutritious leaves. Their ear flaps can turn almost 360 degrees to pick up threatening sounds and guard duty rabbits thump their feet to alert the family to danger when they are grazing above ground.

Got a question for Dr. Pauline? Email editorial@hongkongliving.com

Written in the stars

Letao Wang, The Kingdom Healer shares his insights on what the stars hold for you this month

thehealingkingdom.com

AQUARIUS

Your relationships will take an unexpected turn that might cause you to feel slightly insecure. This change will bring a necessary update in how you live with your partner and will renew the love in your bonds. It is a propitious time to plan your future together and discard old rules.

PISCES

The relationship with your siblings will take prominence at this time. If there are issues to resolve between you, this is the ideal opportunity to do so. The planets will favor communication, which will help you understand each other without the need to reach a confrontation.

ARIES

This will be a period of considerable movement. The planetary alignment encourages intellectual discussions, so your studies will take on great importance. Try to respect others’ opinions in the same way that you expect yours to be considered. Remember that it is not always necessary to be right, Aries.

TAURUS

You will feel strong and have material stability this month Taurus. The planetary configuration creates a prosperous environment for your professional life. However, try not to lock yourself out of your way of seeing life. Dare to discover new ways of thinking.

GEMINI

You will feel a strong desire to change your life, Gemini. However, try not to get carried away by enthusiasm. Plan your ideas properly and be aware of the people who accompany you along the way. Be careful not to lose yourself over your fantasies, as they can lead you away from your goals.

CANCER

You are likely to feel that this is a stressful period, Cancer. Different challenges will demand a lot of your energy, which can lead to emotional imbalance. However, be your best ally and you will make the right decision. Trust the person you are and be receptive to the affection of your loved ones.

LEO

An intense season in your life is coming, Leo. Your work may be demanding a lot from you, which can exhaust you in ways you never knew existed. However, avoid confrontation with individuals in management positions. Power struggles will not be favorable because you would likely end up losing.

VIRGO LIBRA

Great energy takes over all your senses. You will be encouraged to try new forms of exercise and make them part of your routine. Also, if you have any romantic interests, it is advisable to take the initiative. The other person will notice you quickly when they see interest on your part. You have been very busy lately, but now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. No need to rush into new projects, Libra. You deserve a good rest and to share your success with your loved ones. A vacation to a nearby place will help you take a break from your usual environment.

SCORPIO

If you think you can increase and sustain the amount of work you have in mind, you’re in for a surprise, Scorpio. The illusion of power that you are clinging to is coming to an end and you will realise it when it is too late. Do not neglect your health or your relationships to try to achieve an unattainable goal.

SAGITTARIUS

You will feel very comfortable doing activities that stimulate your intellect. However, be careful not to give too much attention to the left hemisphere of your brain. This can lead you to neglect your emotional life. Focus on your relationships to improve them, Sagittarius.

CAPRICORN

You have to find all your inner strength during this period, Capricorn. The opportunity to achieve your goals will be at your fingertips, but you must work hard not to lose them. It will be a demanding time, in which you will have to leave enjoyment and free time in the background for a while.

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