Tips for keeping

A rabbit is not a cuddly toy

Just before Easter, many families are thinking about taking in a small rodent. The first port of call should always be the animal shelter, as many are waiting for a new chance there! There are also a few things to consider for a harmonious life together. 

Dwarf rabbits are demanding animals that need plenty of space and other conspecifics. Unfortunately, many are kept incorrectly out of ignorance and spend a lonely life in cages that are far too small. If you want to keep rabbits, you should be aware of the animals' needs: Dwarf rabbits have a strong urge to move around and need a lot of space. If they have to live in a commercially available small cage, their muscles will atrophy - even if they are given occasional exercise. 

Only as a pair
It is also important to remember that rabbits are not loners and only feel comfortable in company. A human is no substitute for a conspecific. On the contrary: being picked up and cuddled means stress for most rabbits. As pets, they are therefore more suitable for older children who enjoy observing the animals and setting up the enclosure.

Adopt, don't buy
The best place to look for new animal housemates is an animal shelter such as TierQuarTier in Vienna. Rabbits that are abandoned due to lack of time, cost or interest end up there time and time again. If you are buying instead of adopting, you should avoid breeding rabbits such as ram rabbits or angora rabbits.

Dwarf rabbits need social contact
In the wild, they live in large colonies in burrows they have dug themselves. The animals have a pronounced social behavior: They groom each other, cuddle together and play. It is therefore advisable to keep rabbits at least in pairs. Small groups of three to five animals consisting of neutered males and females are ideal. Although it is often practised, we advise against keeping rabbits together with guinea pigs, as the animals differ greatly in their social behavior.

Do not keep them in cages that are too small
Two rabbits need a floor space of at least six square meters. If more animals are added, the area per animal should be increased by at least 20 percent. To enable the rabbits to make three hops in a row, one side should be at least 2.40 meters long and the height should be sufficient to make males.

Out into the garden
We recommend keeping your rabbit outside all year round. The enclosure should meet the same minimum dimensions, be escape-proof and offer protection from the cold and heat. The rabbit accommodation must always be varied: Opportunities to hide, sleep, climb, gnaw and keep an eye out can be created with small houses, cork tubes, tree trunks, mounds of earth, pieces of bark or roots.

Lettuce, carrot and co
Green food and hay should be available at all times. This should be supplemented with a variety of vegetables and a small amount of fruit. Water can be offered in raised earthenware bowls.

Pet cost factor
In addition to these basic requirements, rabbit owners should consider the costs associated with regular visits to the vet, new accessories and food purchases: Keeping just two dwarf rabbits will cost at least €10,000 to €19,000 over a ten-year period.