Rabbit rescue
New home for 45 rabbits at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf
They are real heartbreakers with their long ears, cute snub nose and gentle eyes and look very cute. They are considered very social, easy to care for and inexpensive. So it's no wonder that they are among the most popular pets in the world. That's right, we're talking about rabbits!
They are often the dream of all small children and who doesn't know the situation in which the children beg their parents for a pet of their own? Many parents give in and so rabbits move into the new home. The classic choice is for two rabbits, a cage that also fits in the children's room and in which the rabbits spend their future lives. But soon many of the new pet owners lose interest and soon the once so coveted animals become a burden and are often abandoned. Many of these abandoned rabbits have already found a new home at Gut Aiderbichl.
Even we were not prepared for the request that reached us in March. Animal welfare activists contacted the Gut Aiderbichl administration by telephone with an unbelievable request. Already years ago, attention was drawn to a "breeder" who would house an unknown number of rabbits in catastrophically poor conditions. Partly the rabbits would be also in the cellar, in small cages. It took a long time, but now the animals were about to be confiscated. Gut Aiderbichl promised immediately any kind of help, including taking over the neglected rabbits. Because only together it would be possible to do justice to this extent.
On 26th May 2021, the time had come. Together with the responsible authorities, animal welfare activists were able to free more than 400 neglected animals from their ordeal. 130 rabbits had already been voluntarily surrendered by the "breeder".
"Many of the rabbits are sick, have colds, one rabbit is missing her ears. We also found dead, partly half-decayed baby rabbits", an animal welfare worker described the situation in the house. The animals were given neither fresh water nor food. They were waiting for their fate in dark and filthy cages. It is hard to imagine how many innocent rabbits lost their lives in this house - how much these poor rodents had to put up with...
Almost 550 rabbits and guinea pigs now have a chance for a new life. And 45 rabbits moved into Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf on 04.06.2021.
It was an unusual situation for the rabbits, who had not had the opportunity to hobble around freely before. Suddenly, they had food and fresh water at their disposal, finally they had space to move freely. What a special feeling must have been for the sensitive animals.
Our task was now to treat all sick rabbits, to care for them and to bring them back to health. For some rabbits, unfortunately, any help came too late: the neglect had hit them too hard...For the rest, we want to fight on and do everything for them to give them a good future. We would like to give the rabbits the love that was denied them for so long, so we are looking for a "special foster home" for some of them with a family.
But what kind of place do we want for our rabbits:
- A place where they can move freely and also have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, sun and grass.
- A place that is familiar with rabbit keeping and has experience.
- A place that cares for the animals with respect, love and care.
Would you like to give our rabbits a home for life? Then please write us a short message to: tiervermittlung@gut-aiderbichl.com We always place the rabbits in pairs and would also be pleased to receive a few personal words from you.
These points are very important for all interested parties and future rabbit owners:
- Rabbits are social group animals and must never be kept alone.
- Rabbits need a lot of space and regular exercise. A standard cage can never be the habitat for these agile animals.
- If you decide to keep the rabbits in the flat and allow them to run around there, you have to expect damage to the furniture.
- Cleaning the enclosure and the free-range area always involves a lot of time - daily and for years.
- Whoever decides today to give a rabbit a home, makes this decision for the next 10 years, or longer - because that is how long the life expectancy is with good husbandry.
- Rabbits are escape animals and very sensitive to stress. Anyone who wants a cuddly toy will unfortunately not be happy with a rabbit.
- Rabbits belong to the crepuscular and nocturnal animals that are especially active at these times. So the nocturnal gnawing, scratching and knocking noises are part of rabbit keeping.
- The rabbits' food must be species-appropriate and varied. Hay must always be available to the animals. Green fodder, vegetables, fruit and twigs from fruit trees provide variety.
- Even on holiday, or in case of illness, the care of the rabbits must be guaranteed.
