Rabbits Facts: Habits, Diet & Everything Else
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It’s a universal fact that rabbits are one of those animals which are cute, fierce and smart. And of course, liked by most who loves animals and pets. According to latest reports, there are 29 species of rabbits in 10 genera found on all continents except Antarctica. And as of 2017, according to an online source, there were at least 305 breeds of domestic rabbit in 70 countries around the world. Certain rabbit breeds are now extinct but they contributed strongly to the development of these modern-day breeds.
Extinct Rabbit Breeds
Source: Wikipedia
Some species are as small as rats where as some are the size of a cat. And in rare cases, some grow to be as big as a small child. Among the small rabbits, Pygmy rabbits grow closely 24 centimeters (9.3 inches) in length and weight less than a pound. Whereas, the larger species can grow up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) and weigh more than 10 pounds (4.5 kilo). Other small rabbit breeds include the Netherland dwarf (under 2.5 lbs. or 1.1. kg), Britannia Petite (under 2.5 lbs. or 1.1 kg), Himalayan (2.5 to 4.5 lbs. or 1.1 to 2 kg) and dwarf hotot (under 3 lbs. or 1.3 kg).
Learning about rabbits is a fun and exciting activities for all those who love and adore them. Here, we have compiled some interesting facts about rabbits and their habits which are worth knowing.
Rabbit Facts You’ll Need
1. According to the Journal of Applied Animal Research, the Flemish Giant is the largest rabbit breed in the world. Until date, a rabbit named Darius holds the Guinness World Record title for the world’s longest bunny at 4 feet 4 inches and weighs around 50 pounds.
2. According to IUCN, the domestic or European rabbit is considered within near threatened range including Bunolagus monticularis, the riverine rabbit of South Africa, is critically endangered; Nesolagus netscheri, the Sumatran striped rabbit, is listed as vulnerable; Pentalagus furnessi (Amami rabbit), which is found only on two Japanese islands, is endangered; and Romerolagus diazi (Volcano rabbit), found in Mexico near the volcanoes Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl, El Pelado and Tlaloc, is listed as endangered.
3. Rabbit’s ears can grow to 4 inches (10 cm) and this stretched-out length helps them hear the predators better when they are approaching. They can even turn their ears 180 degrees in order to keep a careful hear out for predators.
4. Rabbit’s eyes can rotate almost 360 degrees and allows them to look behind them without turning their head.
5. Rabbits teeth never stops growing. All of a rabbit’s teeth have open roots which means they constantly grow throughout their life. Their teeth can grow 3 to 5 inches annually. Learn about how you can provide teeth care here and regular dental check-ups here.
6. Rabbits are known for their high reproductive rate. They breed 3-4 times a year. The average rabbit reaches sexual maturity at 3-8 months old and their breeding season can last three quarters of the year. Rabbits do not have an estrous or “heat” cycle and they don’t have a menstrual cycle either.
7. Depending on the breed, rabbits gestate for more or less than 30 days, and usually have litters of between 4 and 12 babies (kits or kittens). Learn about rabbit’s gestation period here.
8. Many predators rely on rabbits as their primary food source including wolves, hawks, owls, foxes, eagles, bobcats and weasels.
A quick look at what you should ask the pet expert:
Rabbit Habits You’ll See
1. Rabbits express their joy and happiness by dancing and hopping around. Dancing entails leaping, doing a binky (jumping straight up and spinning in the air) and racing around. Rabbits are amazing athletes — they can jump as high as 90 centimeters in one leap!
2. Often, rabbits eat their own excrement to access remaining nourishment that they do not receive from their diet.
3. Rabbits are territorial and show claiming behavior for items they want to belong to them. They’ll rub their chins on items to get their scent on them. Although, the scent is undetectable to humans but a clear message to other rabbits to stay away from their claimed territory or item.
4. Furthermore, male and female bunnies mark their territory by spraying. Un-neutered males will mark female rabbits and their territory by spaying them with urine. Sometimes, but rarely, un-spayed females also spay to mark their territory. Although, it’s more gross, but rabbits mark their territory with droppings. Learn the benefits of neutering and spaying here.
5. Rabbits grunt when they are angry or they feel threatened. Sometimes, grunting is followed by a bite or a nip. When they are angry, they can bite or nip the pet owners too as their defensive measure. When they are scared, mad or sense danger, rabbits tend to stomp or thump too in addition to grunting. Rabbits also softly nip or bite to get your attention. Learn about what happens when rabbit bites you here.
6. Rabbits show sexual interest or mating behavior by circling a person’s feet or legs. Even when the rabbit is neutered, they show this behavior mostly to say they love you.
7. Female rabbits experience false pregnancy. Even when they are not pregnant, they exhibit behavior of a pregnant rabbit – building a nest, pulling her hair from her chest and stomach to use for the nest. Learn how you can tell if your rabbit is really pregnant here.
8. When rabbits shriek or scream in distress, they are usually hurt or dying. Seek immediate medical attention.
Check out more fun facts about rabbits here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Rabbits Eat Nuts As A Snack?
No, all types of nuts are a bad choice for your Rabbit. They may sound healthy given how nutritious they are, but rabbit’s digestive system is not strong enough to break down their complex nutrients. Learn more here.
2. Can Rabbits Take Bath?
No, rabbits do not like taking bath or getting their fur wet. Although, some rabbits do love going into the water for a quick swim, but not most. Learn more here.
