Koalas are an iconic Australian species, known to attract thousands of tourists every year. Koalas living in the wild suffer a range of negative impacts due primarily to habitat loss, climate change, vehicle collision, and dog attacks. Consequences include pain, injury, fear, stress, incapacitation, starvation, and death. Therefore, improving wild…
When you are considering adding companion mice to your family, you will need to give some thought to where to get them. There are a lot of things to consider in finding the right mice for you, for example: Animal shelters such as the RSPCA and other reputable rescue organisations…
When you are considering adding companion rats to your family, you will need to give some thought to where to get them. There are a lot of things to consider in finding the right ones for you, for example: Animal shelters such as the RSPCA and other reputable rescue organisations…
You can learn the most about your mice through their behaviour, appearance, and body language. It’s important to continually observe for abrupt or subtle changes happening with your mice. Because they are a prey species, they will try and hide signs of illness – so when they look sick, they’re…
Rats mature and can breed at a young age (as early as four weeks of age), breed prolifically, and have large litter sizes. They will come into season every 4-5 days unless pregnant; their pregnancy duration is 21-23 days; their litter size is 6-13 pups; and they can be ready…
Mice are very clean and usually do a great job of grooming themselves. Washing your mouse Because of their cleanliness, it is uncommon for mice to ever need a wash. The exceptions are elderly or arthritic mice who can’t wash themselves, or mice who have somehow gotten really dirty and…
Mice are generally best protected in their enclosure, as this limits their access to potential dangers and keeps them safe. However, even when they are in their enclosure, there are still potential dangers – the danger may come to them, or they might escape. When they have time out of…
What is environmental enrichment? Environmental enrichment describes the provision of physical and social opportunities to promote mouse behaviour that is important, valuable, and specific to them. It encourages and allows mice to do things that matter to them, resulting in positive experiences based on their individual interests, which underpins good…
Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. Seek veterinary attention immediately. Heatstroke involves potentially life-threatening elevations in body temperature (hyperthermia). Heatstroke is an emergency. It can lead to rapid multi-organ failure and death. The focus is often on dogs but other companion animals, and farm animals, are also vulnerable to heatstroke. Signs…
The RSPCA is opposed to ear cropping because it is painful, inhumane, and unnecessary. Ear cropping is illegal in all Australian states and territories. Ear cropping is a surgical procedure involving partial or full removal of the external ear flaps for cosmetic purposes. Breeders of certain dog breeds once routinely…