Can dogs be safely confined by tethering? Where dogs need to be confined outdoors, the best way to do this is in a suitable yard or enclosure....
Is it okay to keep my cat at home all of the time? Yes, it is okay to keep your cat at home all of the time, as long as you make sure...
How should I house my bird? Birds are highly intelligent animals who require regular exercise and mental stimulation. It’s important to ensure these needs will be...
Can I keep guinea pigs and rabbits in the same enclosure? Rabbits and guinea pigs should not be housed together in the same enclosure. While they are often regarded as similar,...
What do I need to know about tethering birds? Tethering involves tying an animal to an anchor point for a prolonged period as a means of confinement. Due to...
Where should I keep my mice? Location Where you place the enclosure for your pet mice is just as important as the type of enclosure and...
Where should I keep my rats? Location Where you place your rats’ enclosure is just as important as the type of enclosure and its accessories. So,...
Is permanently housing dairy cows indoors an animal welfare issue? There are over 1.4 million dairy cows in Australia. On average, each cow produces close to 6,170 litres of milk...
Is group housing preferable to individual housing of dairy calves? Calves born in a natural environment will begin interacting with each other at around 1-2 weeks of age when the...
What are barn-laid eggs? Barn-laid eggs are a good alternative to cage eggs, and a well-managed barn that provides enrichment for the hen can...
Do I need to provide shade and shelter for my horse? A domestic horse needs access to shade and shelter. A free living (wild or feral horse) can seek these out...
What is a mating stall for pigs and is it different to a sow stall? A mating stall is a crate used to hold a female pig for artificial insemination. A mating stall allows the...
Why is group housing important for pig welfare? Pigs are intelligent, social animals, with a complex range of behaviours and needs. Group housing of pregnant pigs allows them...
What does a healthy bird look like? When looking at bird, you must be aware of the ‘masking phenomenon’. Birds are, for the most part, a prey...
What kind of enclosure does my bird need? Birds have been kept as companion animals (pets) for many hundreds of years, but the last 50 years have seen...
How do I bond with my companion bird? One of the main reasons for having a pet is to bond with them in some fashion. Ideally, birds and...
How do I keep my turtle’s tank healthy? Water quality Turtles live in an aquatic environment. This simple statement reflects the importance of water quality to the health...
How should I care for my reptile? Are reptiles the right pet for me? Reptiles are fascinating and wonderful animals, but they are not ‘low maintenance’ pets....
Are reptiles cold-blooded? In contrast to birds and mammals, reptiles have evolved as ectotherms – animals who regulate their body temperature to suit...
Why does my reptile need sunlight? It is commonly said that pet reptiles should get a few hours (at least) outside in the sun. Artificial lighting...