Rabbit Facts: Behavior, Diet, Breeds & Care

Rabbits are small herbivorous mammals that have become increasingly popular as household pets. With over 300 recognized breeds worldwide, these animals range from the tiny Netherland Dwarf to the massive Flemish Giant. Domestic rabbits are descended from European wild rabbits and have been kept as pets and livestock for centuries.

Behavior and Personality

Rabbits are social creatures that thrive on companionship. In the wild, they live in groups called colonies. Pet rabbits often form strong bonds with their human caregivers and other rabbits. These animals are crepuscular, meaning they become most active during dawn and dusk hours. Rabbits communicate through various methods including body language, vocalizations, and scent marking. A happy rabbit will often perform a joyful jump and twist called a binky. Thumping their hind legs signals alarm or annoyance.

Diet and Nutrition

Rabbits are strict herbivores with sensitive digestive systems. Hay should make up 80 to 90 percent of their diet. Timothy hay, orchard grass, and meadow hay provide essential fiber for digestive health. Fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, cilantro, and bell peppers should be offered daily. Adult rabbits need about one cup of fresh greens per two pounds of body weight. Pellets should be given in limited quantities, roughly one quarter cup per five pounds of body weight. Fresh water must always be available. Foods to avoid include iceberg lettuce, beans, seeds, and anything high in sugar or starch.

Physical Characteristics

Rabbits have unique physical features adapted for survival. Their eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, providing nearly 360 degree vision. This wide field of view helps them detect predators. However, they have a small blind spot directly in front of their nose. Rabbit teeth never stop growing throughout their lives. They need to chew constantly to wear down their teeth and prevent overgrowth. Their powerful hind legs allow them to reach speeds up to 45 mph when escaping danger. Rabbits cannot vomit, making their digestive health critically important.

Breeds and Varieties

Rabbit breeds vary dramatically in size, coat type, and temperament. Popular pet breeds include the Holland Lop, known for its floppy ears and friendly nature. The Lionhead has a distinctive mane of fur around its head. Rex rabbits have incredibly soft, velvety fur. The Flemish Giant can weigh over 20 pounds, while Netherland Dwarfs typically weigh under 3 pounds. Some breeds like the Angora require extensive grooming due to their long wool. Others like the Mini Rex have low maintenance coats.

Housing and Environment

Rabbits need spacious living areas to stay healthy and happy. A cage or enclosure should be at least four times the size of the rabbit when stretched out. Many owners choose to keep rabbits as free roam pets, similar to cats. Exercise is essential for preventing obesity and maintaining muscle tone. Rabbits should have several hours of supervised playtime outside their enclosure daily. The environment must be rabbit proofed, as these animals love to chew on electrical cords, baseboards, and furniture. Providing appropriate chew toys helps redirect this natural behavior.

Health and Care

Healthy rabbits require regular veterinary care including annual checkups and spaying or neutering. Common health issues include dental disease, gastrointestinal stasis, and respiratory infections. Signs of illness can be subtle, so owners must monitor eating habits, droppings, and behavior closely. Rabbits are meticulous groomers but may need help during molting seasons. Regular nail trims are necessary as overgrown nails can cause pain and mobility issues. Indoor rabbits generally live longer than outdoor rabbits due to protection from predators, extreme weather, and disease.

Social Needs and Bonding

Rabbits are intelligent animals that can be litter trained and taught simple tricks. They recognize their names and respond to their owners. Many rabbits enjoy being petted on their heads and backs but dislike being picked up. Patience and gentle handling help build trust. Rabbits kept alone need significant human interaction to prevent loneliness and depression. Bonded pairs or groups of rabbits provide companionship for each other. Introducing rabbits requires careful supervision as they can be territorial.