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. The German Animal Welfare Federation gives tips on what to consider when keeping rabbits.
"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 standard small cage, their muscles will atrophy - even if they are given occasional exercise. These social animals should also never have to live alone," explains Dr. Henriette Mackensen, head of the pet department at the German Animal Welfare Federation. Humans are no substitute for a conspecific - on the contrary, the expert knows: "Being picked up and cuddled means stress for most rabbits. As pets, they are therefore more suitable for older children or people who enjoy observing the animals and setting up the enclosure." The best place to look for new animal housemates is an animal shelter. Rabbits that are given away due to lack of time, cost or lack of interest end up there all the time. If you are buying instead of adopting, you should avoid breeding rabbits such as ram rabbits or angora rabbits.
DWARF RABBITS NEED SOCIAL CONTACT
Rabbits are not loners, but only feel comfortable in company. 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 with each other 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 practiced, the German Animal Welfare Federation advises against keeping rabbits together with guinea pigs, as the animal species differ greatly in their social behavior.
DO NOT KEEP THEM IN CAGES THAT ARE TOO SMALL
Two rabbits need at least six square meters of floor space. If more animals are added, the area per animal should be increased by at least 20 percent. In order for the rabbits to be able to make three hops in a row, one side should be at least 2.40 meters long and the height should be sufficient for them to make male jumps. It is advisable to keep them 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. 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.
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.
