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…
Rabbits can be housed indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both. There are some basic considerations for housing, and then special factors that depend on the location the rabbits are housed. Size Many hutches marketed for rabbits are too small; these active and inquisitive animals need plenty of space. The…
Dental anatomy and function Rabbits have continuously growing incisor and cheek teeth without true anatomical roots. Incisors (front teeth) Rabbits have two lower and four upper incisors (The second, smaller, pair of upper incisor teeth are located behind the first incisors, and are often termed peg teeth) The upper incisors…
A cat’s body language can be subtle, so it’s not always easy to accurately read how they’re feeling. To understand your cat’s psychology, look at his or her eyes, tail, mouth and posture and use this guide to help you recognise important body language signals. A happy cat These cats…
Many rabbits are kept indoors, with free range of the house and even parts of the yard, but these unsupervised activities can put your rabbit at risk. Rabbits are great chewers, so the most dangerous household hazards are things that they can chew on and hurt themselves, such as electrical…