CARE OF UNICORNS

Equus unicornis

 
Unicorn in forest
 

  • Occasional treats of cultivated fruits/berries can be given

    • Pomegranate

    • Grapes

    • Raspberries

  • Unicorn magic can be selectively enhanced by feeding a diet heavy in specific foods:

      • Healing: Saw palmetto, Milk thistle, St. John's wort

      • Telekinesis: Mugwort, Foxglove

      • Poison Neutralization: Nettles, Chokcherry

      • Longevity and Protection: Hawthorn, Hibiscus (H. moscheutos particularly)

Feeding

  • Unicorns have a very low caloric need: ~ 500-1000 kcal/week

  • Provide a wide variety of grasses, flowers, wild berries and lichens:

    • Chicory

    • Meadowsweet

    • Dandelion

    • Elderberry

    • Pennycress

    • Mulberry

    • Red clover

    • Evening Primrose

    • Wila (& other Bryoria sp)

Water

  • Unicorns do not require water for survival

  • Unicorns CAN drink water for ceremony or enjoyment, but all water must be of pristine quality

  • Adding water features into a unicorn's environment such as brooks, ponds and waterfalls can provide great enrichment and also serve to potentiate your unicorn's magical abilities

Grooming and Handling

  • Unicorns may only be touched by women up to 16 years of age

    • You will require a rotating maiden care staff for many of your unicorn's needs

  • Brushing of the fur, tail and mane is highly recommended at least every 3-6 months

  • Regular attention from a farrier will be also be necessary

    • We recommend training as a farrier yourself in order to direct your maiden care staff in proper hoof maintenance- finding experienced farriers under the age of 17 is difficult

    • Farrier duties should be limited to trimming and cleaning, as shoeing is not recommended

Habitat

  • Unicorns require a protected area of temperate forest measuring at least 30 hectares

  • No housing will be necessary, as the weather will remain mild in their forest year-round

  • Measures should be taken to protect the perimeter of the forest

      • Hunting should not be permitted in unicorn forests

  • Due to the extended lifespans of animals within your unicorn's forest, over-population of wildlife can occur- consult your veterinarian about non-lethal control measures

Behavior and Enrichment

  • Unicorns are typically content to be solitary

  • Activities that can potentially be enjoyed together with your unicorn:

    • Horticulture

    • Animal husbandry

    • War games

    • Riddles

    • Philosophy

    • Sociology

Medical

  • Loss of horn will result in loss of magic abilities- consult your veterinarian about re-attachment

  • Uncontrolled teleportation activity or "winking out" can result in bodily harm or animal loss

  • Unicorns are at great risk of poaching and kidnapping by humans, red bulls and witches- protective measures are extremely important to prevent these risks

  • Toxins and dark magic within your unicorn's forest area can result in illness and horn decay

Human Health and Responsibility

  • Unicorns are very powerful and can be prone to violence, typically in the form of impalement

  • Be advised that protecting a unicorn and unicorn lands can put caretakers at risk of interaction with various unicorn predators as well as dark sorcerers, hunters, thief guilds and cults

  • Due to the long life-span of unicorns, we highly recommend having a will with a named executrix and an appointed guardian of the unicorn forest and duties

Resources