If you are thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet, you should definitely research in advance how these animals like to live and what they need. Also ask yourself why you want a rabbit in the first place. These little hoppers should not be purchased purely as cuddly toys for the youngest animal lovers. Children in particular should learn from the outset that handling animals requires a certain amount of understanding and responsibility.
They are small, cute, and fluffy—but completely unsuitable as cuddly toys. That's because rabbits are flight animals that are active at dusk and dawn and get scared when you try to hold them and cuddle them. It may not always look like it because they put up with it and go along with it, but when a rabbit is constantly being carried around and hugged, it feels a lot of stress.
Keeping rabbits is more demanding than is generally known. Rabbits need space and their social group. A lonely life is not for these animals. You should therefore get used to the idea of taking in at least two animals from the outset. Rabbits are best kept as opposite-sex pairs. However, as they reproduce quickly, it is highly advisable to neuter the male. Same-sex pairs often experience conflicts between the animals. The same applies to group housing. Ideally, you should choose roughly the same number of males (neutered) as females to keep together.
In order for rabbits to feel comfortable in their small or larger groups, they need sufficient space to run around. They want to jump, dig, hide, and feel free. For this reason, it is always important to provide the animals with an additional outdoor enclosure, regardless of whether they are kept indoors or outdoors.
Of course, with a lot of patience and love, you can also tame your rabbits and pet them. To do this, observe the animals closely when they are interacting with each other, learn the "language of rabbits," and reward the cute hoppers with treats. Build trust so that little cuddles become a source of mutual joy on the rabbits' terms.
If you have a dog or cat, please make sure that your rabbits are safe from attack. Even barking or prowling around the little rabbits' home causes unnecessary stress. A sturdy cage and a stable enclosure are important. Don't let your rabbits become prey; create a safe environment for them.
In principle, it is not a problem to keep a group of rabbits outside all year round if the animals have the chance to settle in from the start. It is best to bring them outside in the summer so that they can gradually adapt to the falling temperatures in the fall. Make sure that the animals can enjoy their outdoor space with a nice little house, tunnels, digging areas, a feeding area, and a large open space.
If this is not possible, it is of course also possible to keep these fluffy hoppers indoors. A large cage is important, and daily exercise is also part of species-appropriate care. Cages for indoor use from pet stores are usually not suitable as they are often much too small. With a little creativity, you can build a great home for your rabbits yourself.
If your rabbits are allowed to run free in the house, please make sure they are safe. Rabbits like to chew on cables, so these should be secured or tidied away. These curious rodents also hide in anything that looks like a cave. Any hiding places should therefore be designed so that the rabbits can get out again on their own.
Set aside time for your pet every day. The hutch should be cleaned daily. Make sure that fresh water, sufficient roughage, and fresh food are always available. A gnawing stone is also a must, as this allows the animals to keep their teeth short.
Incidentally, it is quite possible to train rabbits to use a kind of toilet—similar to a cat litter tray—so that you don't have to find little droppings all over your home.
Rabbits should also visit the vet regularly. An annual check-up and vaccinations are the basis for a long, healthy life for your rabbit. If you notice that its eyes are cloudy or watery, its teeth are too long or its bottom is dirty, don't wait too long to take your rabbit to the vet.
A puppy that is new to your home is usually curious, playful, and full of energy. Eating is an important part of their development. However, puppies sometimes suddenly refuse to eat, which can understandably cause you concern. It is important to understand the reasons why they are not eating and to know how you can help your young dog during this phase.
Cats have a very sensitive digestive system. Even small changes in their environment, diet, or daily routine can affect their digestion. If your cat suddenly develops diarrhea, there can be many different reasons for this. In this article, you will learn what the causes might be, how to respond correctly, and when you should visit your veterinarian.
Let the adventure begin – it's time to buy a horse! The excitement is palpable. But before rushing headlong into buying the first shiny pony you see, every new horse owner should ask themselves a few important questions.
Moving usually involves more than just boxes, cartons, and new keys—it also brings a lot of changes, both for you and especially for your dog. Dogs are creatures of habit who rely heavily on their familiar surroundings and routines. A change of location can therefore cause stress or even lead to behavioral changes. Good preparation is crucial to ensure that your four-legged friend experiences the transition as smoothly as possible. In this article, we'll show you what you need to bear in mind when moving with a dog – from planning and the actual moving day to settling into your new home.
Many horse owners would prefer to have their horse close by at all times. It would be pleasant to sit comfortably on the terrace and look out over the small paddock or observe the horse in the paddock.
When a kitten first sees the light of day, it is completely dependent on help and care. Kittens are born blind and deaf, relying entirely on their sense of touch and the warmth of their mother. No wonder many cat owners ask themselves: When will my kitten open its eyes for the first time? And what should I pay particular attention to during this sensitive stage of development? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about when newborn cats open their eyes, the typical time frame, possible abnormalities, and how you can best support your kitten during this important phase.
Elbow joint dysplasia describes a complex of hereditary developmental disorders of the elbow joint. It occurs primarily in fast-growing large dog breeds during the growth phase and leads to varying degrees of lameness.
Tumors of the oral cavity can occur in both dogs and cats. In dogs, about half of these tumors are malignant, while in cats, unfortunately, up to 90% are malignant. Due to the poor visibility of the oral cavity, these tumors are often detected at a very late stage.
Periodontitis is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is the most common oral disease in dogs. By the age of five, more than three quarters of all dogs have periodontitis. If left untreated, the disease can have serious consequences for the entire body.
Although this condition is often colloquially referred to as a stroke in dogs due to its similar symptoms, it is not a circulatory disorder of the brain as in humans, but rather a disorder of the balance organ located in the inner ear of dogs.
It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to develop inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which is very painful and can quickly become life-threatening.
A cat's attempt to get outside through a tilted window can result in serious injury. In most cases, cats manage to squeeze their head and upper body through the window but then get stuck with their hindquarters in the slanted gap. Attempts to free them only make the situation worse, causing the cat to slide further down into the gap and become trapped. The consequences can include serious external and internal injuries, collectively known as tilt window syndrome, which can often lead to the death of the cat.
