Rabbits are the most frequently kept pets incorrectly.

Your child wants a pet, but the parents think it's too early for a dog or cat? Then many opt for a rabbit. Around 2.1 million rabbits are kept as pets in Germany. What many don't know: rabbits are not solitary animals, need plenty of exercise, are prey animals, prefer to eat greens, and are definitely not pets for children or beginners.

Viola Schillinger, veterinarian and the person behind the portal “ Rabbit Meadow.de ”, dispels common misconceptions and excuses in rabbit keeping and explains how to do it better.

Rabbits are small and fluffy, but anything but beginner pets. They are expensive, time-consuming, require a lot of space, and are not cuddly toys. "Rabbits have complex needs; they are sensitive and demanding in their care and diet," says veterinarian Viola Schillinger. Rabbits generally don't like being picked up and are naturally rather shy. Many rabbits even reject being petted while on the ground. It therefore requires a lot of patience and time. Schillinger advises that anyone wanting a pet for themselves and their child should consider cats, for example, as they are more people-oriented and easier to care for.

There is no law that explicitly prohibits keeping rabbits alone; however, the Animal Welfare Act states that pets must be housed in a manner appropriate to their needs. In 2017, the Göttingen Administrative Court ruled that species-appropriate social behavior is a fundamental need for rabbits under the Animal Welfare Act, and therefore, keeping them with at least one companion animal is permissible. Other courts have followed this interpretation.

“Rabbits are highly social animals – over half of their behavior consists of social interaction,” says Schillinger. Rabbits kept alone suffer from loneliness and stress, often develop behavioral problems, and eventually become physically ill. She is frequently presented with rabbits whose owners describe them as incompatible. “So far, I have been able to successfully socialize every single animal.” Often, the problem isn't with the rabbits themselves, but rather with the group composition (two dominant animals) or the method of introduction (neutral territory).

While rabbits and guinea pigs can be kept together and cuddle, guinea pigs are not a substitute for a rabbit companion. Both species need social contact with their own kind, as rabbits and guinea pigs don't speak the same language. "Guinea pigs and rabbits come from different continents; they would never meet in the wild," says Schillinger. Guinea pigs, for example, squeak when they are looking for food or attention, while rabbits only do so when they are in mortal fear.

Admittedly, we all love chocolate and chips, right? However, we wouldn't live on sweets and junk food all the time. But that's exactly what carrots are. Like root vegetables in general, they contain starch and sugar and, if fed too often, can lead to digestive problems, obesity, and dental issues.

While carrot pieces and fruit are acceptable as occasional treats, rabbit owners should completely avoid dry food and pellets. Despite the abundance of dry food on pet store shelves, it is detrimental to rabbit health. "Even a small amount, such as a teaspoon a day, can lead to serious health problems like digestive issues, bladder stones, dental problems, and obesity. It alters their natural eating habits because it is too high in energy and too low in fiber," says Schillinger.

Instead, rabbits need fresh greens, which should be available around the clock. Grasses, meadow herbs, twigs, and leaves are particularly suitable, as are bitter greens, cabbage, culinary herbs, and leftover greens from kohlrabi, carrots, and cauliflower. Rabbits should also always have hay and water available in a bowl (not a bottle).

Anyone entering a pet shop will find them in all shapes and sizes: small animal cages. But just as there are court rulings on keeping animals individually, there are also rulings on keeping them in cages. In Germany, this is not considered species-appropriate for rabbits.

Rabbits have a tremendous urge to move; they want to jump, dart, and run. If they can't do this, it can be both psychologically and mentally challenging for the animals: they can develop joint problems and spinal deformities, or become aggressive or apathetic. According to a ruling from Göttingen, rabbits should have at least six square meters of space to roam – permanently. They are particularly active early in the morning and late in the evening and need to move around. Ideally, the enclosure should offer play opportunities such as a digging box or other stimulating features.

Rabbits can live both indoors and outdoors – they adapt well. Schillinger believes many people have a misconception about keeping rabbits indoors. "We only ever see them in cages or children's rooms," she says. Instead, rabbits should be kept in a similar environment to cats: they need space and variety. Just like cats, rabbits can be house-trained and will use a litter box.

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Anyone who has a garden but keeps their rabbits indoors isn't doing the animals any favors by letting them run around outside every now and then. "The daily transport is stressful," says Schillinger. Keeping them permanently indoors or permanently outdoors is better for the rodents. Indoor rabbits should also only be outside for a maximum of 30 minutes in winter to protect them from the cold – house rabbits don't have the same winter coat as outdoor rabbits.

For rabbits, a garden can be a true paradise and an adventure land. However, some improvisation is necessary to make life comfortable and safe. The enclosure must be escape-proof and predator-proof. "The run must be secure from predators, the weather, and escape attempts, so it should be covered and enclosed on all sides with thick, marten-proof aviary wire or solid wood," says Schillinger. Three sides should be weatherproof, and there must be places for them to hide and snuggle up.

When keeping rabbits in the garden, it's important to remember that not all plants are good for them. Some plants, such as yew, monkshood, oleander, angel's trumpet, and autumn crocus, are poisonous to rabbits. These plants must be kept out of the rabbits' reach. Veterinarian Schillinger advises: "It's best to plant suitable meadow herbs and shrubs like hazel, dandelion, or plantain. Chemical fertilizers should not be used in the garden, and slug pellets are strictly forbidden."