Rabbits are herbivores that need unlimited hay, fresh vegetables daily, and limited pellets. Hay should comprise 80 to 90 percent of their diet. Safe vegetables include romaine lettuce, cilantro, parsley, and bell peppers. Avoid iceberg lettuce, beans, seeds, and sugary treats.

Do rabbits need companions?

Rabbits are highly social animals that benefit greatly from having a bonded companion. Single rabbits require extensive daily human interaction to prevent loneliness. Bonded pairs groom each other, play together, and provide emotional support. Introductions must be done carefully to ensure compatibility.

Can rabbits be litter trained?

Yes, rabbits can be successfully litter trained, especially after being spayed or neutered. They naturally choose one or two spots to eliminate. Placing litter boxes in these preferred areas and using positive reinforcement helps establish good habits. Most rabbits learn quickly with patience.

Why do rabbits thump their feet?

Rabbits thump their powerful hind legs to communicate alarm, fear, or annoyance. In the wild, this behavior warns other rabbits of potential danger. Pet rabbits may thump when startled by loud noises, unhappy with their environment, or seeking attention from their owners.

Do rabbits like being held?

Most rabbits dislike being picked up because it triggers their prey animal instincts. They feel vulnerable when their feet leave the ground. However, many rabbits enjoy sitting next to their owners and being petted. Building trust through floor level interaction creates better bonds than forcing handling.

How much space do rabbits need?

Rabbits need enclosures at least four times their stretched out size, plus several hours of exercise space daily. Many owners provide an entire room or use exercise pens. Free roam rabbits have the happiest lives when the space is properly rabbit proofed to prevent chewing damage.

Why do rabbits eat their poop?

Rabbits produce two types of droppings. Hard round pellets are waste, while soft cecotropes contain vital nutrients. Eating cecotropes, called coprophagy, is essential for absorbing B vitamins and proteins. This is normal, healthy behavior that should never be discouraged in rabbits.

Rabbit Facts: Behavior, Diet, Breeds & Care

Everything you need to know about pet rabbits

Rabbits are popular pets with over 300 breeds worldwide. Learn about rabbit behavior, diet, housing needs, and how to care for these social animals.

Key Facts

Scientific Name

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Weight

2 to 20 lbs (varies by breed)

Sleep Pattern

Crepuscular (dawn and dusk)

Breeds

300+ recognized breeds

Vision

Nearly 360 degree field of view

Speed

Up to 45 mph (72 km/h)

Hearing Range

360 Hz to 42 kHz

Diet

Herbivore

Teeth

28 teeth that never stop growing

Gestation Period

28 to 31 days

Body Temperature

101 to 103°F (38 to 39°C)

Quick Stats

Attribute	Value
Scientific Name	Oryctolagus cuniculus
Average Lifespan	8 to 12 years
Weight Range	2 to 20 lbs
Top Speed	45 mph (72 km/h)
Number of Breeds	300+
Teeth Count	28 (continuously growing)
Diet Type	Herbivore
Gestation Period	28 to 31 days
Social Behavior	Highly social

About 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.

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.

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.

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. Rabbit teeth never stop growing throughout their lives. Their powerful hind legs allow them to reach speeds up to 45 mph when escaping danger.

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. The Flemish Giant can weigh over 20 pounds, while Netherland Dwarfs typically weigh under 3 pounds.

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.

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.

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.

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Historical Analysis

⚡Historical Significance

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Romans first domesticated rabbits around 2,000 years ago in Spain and France, keeping them in walled enclosures called leporaria for meat.
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Medieval monks continued rabbit breeding, developing early varieties and spreading rabbits throughout Europe via monasteries.
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Selective breeding for pets began in the 1800s, transforming rabbits from livestock to companion animals with over 300 breeds today.
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Rabbits arrived in Australia in 1859 when 24 were released for hunting, eventually becoming one of history's worst invasive species.
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The house rabbit movement began in the 1980s, promoting indoor living and proper care that dramatically increased rabbit lifespans.

📝Critical Reception

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Research proved rabbits are highly intelligent, capable of learning their names, using litter boxes, and performing tricks.
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Studies showed rabbits form genuine attachment bonds with owners and experience loneliness without companionship.
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Scientists discovered rabbit teeth grow up to 5 inches per year, requiring constant hay chewing to prevent dangerous overgrowth.
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Research revealed rabbits are crepuscular, most active at dawn and dusk rather than being nocturnal as commonly believed.
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Studies demonstrated that rabbits can see nearly 360 degrees without moving their heads due to eye placement.

🌍Cultural Impact

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Rabbits became the third most popular pet in many countries, with millions living as indoor companions.
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The Easter Bunny tradition spread globally, making rabbits symbols of spring and fertility across cultures.
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Bugs Bunny and Peter Rabbit made rabbits beloved characters in entertainment spanning generations.
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Rabbit rescue organizations grew significantly as awareness increased about proper care and lifespan.
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Social media showcases house rabbits living indoors, changing perceptions from outdoor hutch animals to family members.

Before & After

📅Before

Before the house rabbit movement of the 1980s, most pet rabbits lived in outdoor hutches with limited human interaction. Average lifespans were only 5 to 6 years due to inadequate diet, isolation, and exposure to predators and weather. Rabbits were often Easter gifts that were abandoned within months.

🚀After

After decades of education about proper rabbit care, indoor rabbits now commonly live 10 to 12 years. Hay based diets, bonded companions, and veterinary care transformed rabbit ownership. Spaying and neutering became standard, and rescue organizations grew to rehome thousands of abandoned rabbits annually.

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Did You Know?

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A rabbit's teeth never stop growing and can grow up to 5 inches per year without proper wear

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Rabbits can see behind them without turning their heads due to their 360 degree vision

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A group of rabbits is called a fluffle, colony, or herd depending on the context

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Rabbits perform a joyful jumping and twisting behavior called a binky when they are happy

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The world's longest rabbit ears measured 31.1 inches long on an English Lop named Nipper's Geronimo

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Rabbits can purr similar to cats by grinding their teeth gently when content and relaxed

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Why It Still Matters Today

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Rabbits are now the third most popular pet in many countries with millions in homes worldwide

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Proper rabbit care information has increased average pet lifespans from 5 years to 10 or more

•

Rabbit rescue organizations work to rehome thousands of abandoned rabbits yearly

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Indoor housing and bonded pairs are now recognized as essential for rabbit welfare

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Understanding prey animal behavior helps owners build trust with these sensitive pets

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Test Your Knowledge

How much do you know? Take this quick quiz to find out!

1. Why do rabbits eat their own droppings?

2. How do rabbits show they are happy?

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Original Insights

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Rabbits are not rodents. They are lagomorphs, more closely related to horses than to mice or rats.

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Carrots are actually unhealthy for rabbits. High sugar content makes carrots an occasional treat, not a diet staple.

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Rabbits cannot vomit. Their digestive systems only work in one direction, making gut health critical.

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They purr like cats. Content rabbits grind their teeth gently, creating a soft purring sound.

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Bunnies thump to communicate. Loud foot thumps warn of danger or express annoyance.

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A group of rabbits is called a fluffle, one of the most endearing collective animal nouns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pet rabbits typically live 8 to 12 years when properly cared for, though some can reach 14 years or more. Indoor rabbits generally live longer than outdoor rabbits due to protection from predators, weather extremes, and disease. Spaying or neutering can also extend their lifespan.

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Sources & References

Rabbit Behavior, Health and Care

The Private Life of the Rabbitby R.M. Lockley

Rabbit Nutrition and Digestive Physiology

American Rabbit Breeders Association

Rabbit Vision and Eye Anatomy

This article is reviewed by the Pagefacts team.

Editorial Approach:

This article reveals that rabbits are not rodents but lagomorphs, explains why eating cecotropes is essential rather than gross, and shows how happy rabbits perform joyful jumping twists called binkies.