Interview on keeping rabbits

“Rabbits in a cage are like dogs on a chain”

Rabbits do not belong in the Easter nest!

(Bild: zVg.)

The Easter bunny is enjoying great popularity these days. Much to the chagrin of real rabbits, who are abused for the popular myth. Adopting these fluffy fellows should not be a "knee-jerk reaction". Read on to find out what these long-eared creatures need for a fulfilling life.

For hundreds of years, a cute bunny has been an integral part of Easter - it brings colorful eggs and invites you to enjoy them. And every year, families want to take in a rabbit at Easter time - most of these decisions are ill-considered and simply due to the hype surrounding the Easter bunny.

The sensitive escape animals suffer in silence
Rabbits are the third most popular pets after cats and dogs. Their soft fur, cute beady eyes, cute snub noses and cute ears appeal to many people. They are often mistakenly portrayed as low-maintenance and undemanding animals that are suitable as "playmates" for children. However, the opposite is the case: rabbits are flight animals, extremely sensitive and susceptible to illness.

They also do not like to be picked up or carried. And they fight back if you do it anyway. Children often find it very difficult to understand this - which is understandable, as they "only" want to love the animals. Conclusion: Rabbits are then quickly seen as aggressive and end up in an animal shelter without further ado.

A spacious, secure enclosure is ideal for rabbits. Standard commercial cages or small enclosures (right) are at best suitable as an infirmary, but never as a living space.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV,)

If you search for rabbits on an animal sanctuary's online page, you will always get the same reasons for taking them in: "...found abandoned", "rescued from bad conditions", "given away after an ill-considered purchase".

For example, 38 rabbits are currently being cared for at the Krems animal shelter (Lower Austria). Chairwoman Andrea Specht explains the most common mistakes made when keeping rabbits in an interview with "Krone".

"Krone": Do you have the impression that pet owners pay less attention to the needs of rabbits than those of dogs and cats?
Andrea Specht: Unfortunately, rabbits (small animals in general) are still regarded as ideal "starter animals" for children. However, these escape animals are anything but cuddly. Nevertheless, they are forcibly stroked, picked up and carried around. It is not only the animals' psyche that suffers, health deficits also become noticeable due to incorrect handling.

What is the most common problem?
First and foremost: too little space! Rabbits have an immense urge to move. Jumping and lunging are just as much a part of their behavior as digging or maintaining social contact with other rabbits. They can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, jump over a meter high and turn while jumping. This requires space, a natural structure with tree stumps, roots, branches, pipes and insulated shelters against rain and cold. 

What does animal-friendly husbandry look like?
Anyone who has ever seen rabbits grooming each other and cuddling knows that keeping them alone is the worst thing you can do to these social animals - and it's forbidden. A rabbit alone in a cage is like a dog on a chain! They need a large enclosure (eight square meters minimum) with sufficient retreat options, e.g. wooden houses or willow tunnels. The hutch should also have a flat roof, as rabbits like to rest on raised areas because they have a good view from there.

Is it possible to provide rabbits with a suitable habitat indoors?
Keeping them in an outdoor enclosure is ideal, but a rabbit paradise can also be created indoors or on the balcony. A "digging box" is essential for this. You can build this yourself relatively easily from a large plastic box with a lid, for example. A shady spot (not south-west facing) on the balcony/terrace and, of course, a safety device as for cats. In the apartment, either an extra room or an enclosure is suitable, plus daily exercise.

What do rabbits like to eat?
The basic food for rabbits is good hay - because rabbits must always have something to nibble and gnaw on - which is supplemented by a portion of fresh/juice food and only a minimal amount of grain/dry food. From spring onwards, they can pick their own forage from unsprayed meadows.

Are there currently more people interested in rabbits?
Like every year, unfortunately yes. After the holidays, many rabbits are handed over to the already overcrowded animal shelters. Or even worse, abandoned somewhere. This is because many children lose interest in their "gift" after a short time. The parents are overwhelmed with caring for them or have no desire to look after the animal addition to the family. I strongly recommend reaching for the chocolate bunny. 

Thank you very much for talking to us, Andrea.

Even though life with a pet can be a gift, you should never give an animal away. It is not an object - but a sensitive being with its own needs, which differ from species to species and from breed to breed.

Maggie Entenfellner, Ressortleitung „Krone“-Tierecke

Bild: ORF/Günther Pichlkostner

The most important facts about keeping rabbits

• These social group animals must never be kept alone. They need at least one conspecific.
• To prevent unwanted offspring, at least the males should be neutered .
• Rabbits need plenty of space and regular exercise. Ideally a secure enclosure in the garden. A standard cage is not a living space for rabbits! When keeping rabbits indoors, it is essential to remove/secure sources of danger such as power cables.
• Cleaning the enclosure is time-consuming - constantly and daily over the years
• Rabbits are crepuscular and make gnawing, scratching and knocking noises in "captivity".

Adoption - a responsible and long-term task
Appeal from the "Krone" animal corner on behalf of the many poor rabbits: Please do not buy rabbits on internet platforms or thoughtlessly from pet shops. If, after careful consideration, you decide to offer a group a home in an outdoor enclosure that is at best natural, visit an animal shelter. Many small animals are waiting there for a home and a second chance in life. You will also be given detailed information about the animals' needs.