Behaviour of wild birds There is an extensive body of literature devoted to observations of wild bird behaviour. While there are a lot of species-specific differences in the detail of birds’ daily behaviour, their routine is often consistent and usually includes the following elements: As the light increases with the…
Are birds the right companion animals for me? What is the right bird for me? There are plenty of studies that prove that birds are very intelligent [1]. They are very clever; they can comprehend and learn things; they can learn to use tools; they have excellent memory. They need…
Enrichment involves mentally and physically stimulating activities that engage an animal’s mind, body, and senses (e.g., smell, taste, sound, smell, touch). The RSPCA advocates for all animals to be provided with appropriate enrichment. Benefits of enrichment Enrichment is essential for the physical and mental health of all dogs and allows…
In Australia, most pigs are housed in intensive indoor systems. In these intensive systems, pigs may be confined and raised in barren environments, which leads to a higher risk of pigs experiencing poor welfare outcomes. Of particular concern are issues associated with the confinement of sows in sow stalls where…
In Australia, most pigs are housed in intensive indoor systems. In these intensive systems, pigs may be confined and raised in barren environments, which leads to a higher risk of pigs experiencing poor welfare outcomes. Of particular concern are issues associated with the confinement of sows in farrowing crates where…
Environmental enrichment has been defined as “the stimulation of the brain by its physical and social surroundings in an attempt to reduce or overcome problems caused by containment” [1–3]. Its goals are to alter the rabbit’s captive behaviour so that it is similar to the normal behaviour of rabbits in…
The use of electric shock collars on dogs is illegal in several Australian states and territories. Collar-mounted devices capable of delivering an electric shock to the neck (electric shock collars) are designed to deliberately cause physical and mental suffering [1], are tools for deliberate or unwitting animal abuse [2], and…
Rabbits have two kinds of faeces; caecotrophs (which they eat); and small, firm globe-shaped pellets approximately the size of a pea. Caecotrophs are soft and look like a bunch of grapes. They are made in the caecum, where bacteria generate nutrients that are not available in grass and the other…
Long-haired rabbits have been prized for many years. But, like long-haired dogs and cats, few people appreciate the effort that will be required to maintain this special type of coat. Long-haired rabbits are sometimes presented to the RSPCA and rabbit rescue groups in a terrible state because of neglected coats….
Many people mistakenly believe that, because feral rabbits seem to thrive in Australia, rabbits must be heat tolerant. The truth is that the only way wild rabbits can survive in the hot Australian climate is because of their crepuscular activity, i.e., they are most active in the cool hours of…