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....
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...
Is it okay to keep my cat at home all of the time? Yes, there are many benefits to keeping your cat safe at home (contained within your property boundaries). Contained cats are...
Can I keep guinea pigs and rabbits in the same enclosure? Rabbits and guinea pigs should not be housed together as guinea pigs can get some diseases from rabbits, the two...
How should I house my pet ferret? Ferrets should normally be confined in a safe, secure area such as a cage when they are not under direct...
Can I tether my bird? Tethering is where an animal is fastened by an appropriately attached chain to a centre point or anchorage, causing it...
What kind of environment should I provide for my mice? Mice are interactive and interesting animals full of personality. They like the company of other compatible mice, and many will...
How should I house my pet rat? Rats are interactive, intelligent and highly sociable animals. We recommend that you house at least two compatible rats together. They can...
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 virtual fencing (or virtual herding) and does it impact animal welfare? What is virtual fencing? Virtual fencing aims to remotely map and control livestock grazing behaviour without the use of fixed...
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...
What sort of enclosure should I provide for my lizard or snake? Considerations for reptile enclosures include: What sort of reptile am I planning on having? Free range or confined? Construction materials...