Rabbits are one of the most popular family pets in the world. They have been domesticated for centuries, and their popularity continues to grow today. They also make wonderful companions, as they are very social creatures that enjoy interacting with humans. They are fairly easy to care for, and with the right set up for them they can live indoor or outdoors anywhere in the country.
If you’re considering getting a Rabbit as a pet, there are a few things you should know. Rabbits come in many different breeds and sizes, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision. Some breeds are better suited for indoor living, while others may be better suited for outdoor living. Additionally, some Rabbits require more care than others, so it’s important to consider the amount of time and energy you’re willing to commit to your new pet.
Rabbits are one of the most common household pets, and are usually raised as companion animals. They are very gentle and docile, and make great pets for children. While Rabbits are super soft and cuddly, they don’t make great pets for small children. They have a fragile spine that can break if dropped or held incorrectly. They do make great pets for older children, or younger ones that know not to pick them up.
Rabbits take a little warming up to enjoy human attention. After they get to know you and build trust they are more open to sitting on someone’s lap, or cuddling with them. Rabbits are very affectionate and loving, and will form strong bonds with their family.
Rabbits are also very active animals, so they need plenty of space to run and play. If you’re considering getting a Rabbit as a pet, it’s important to make sure that you have enough room in your home for them to move around.
Rabbits are smart animals and can be taught to use the litter box if they are kept indoors. They clean themselves so they don’t need baths unless they become dirty or start to smell. As long as you give them enough food and water, they will generally take care of themselves.
If your family has limited time they can be a good pet because they don’t take up much time if you don’t have any. If you do expect to be away for most of the day regularly, it’s a good idea to have at least two Rabbits so they can socialize.
Rabbits are also very social animals, and they thrive when they have companionship. If you’re considering getting a Rabbit as a pet, it’s important to consider getting two Rabbits instead of just one. This will ensure that your Rabbit has someone to cuddle and play with, which will help keep them happy and healthy.
Overall, Rabbits make wonderful family pets. They are intelligent, social creatures that can be trained to do a variety of tricks and behaviors. Additionally, they require plenty of space to run and play, as well as access to fresh hay and vegetables every day. With the right amount of love and care, Rabbits can be a wonderful addition to any family.
Information about Rabbits
- Average Size: 8 to 16 inches
- Average Weight: 6 to 11 pounds
- Coat Colors: White, Gray, Brown, Fawn and Chocolate
- Grooming Needs: Moderate
- Sensitive to Touch: No
- Tolerance to Heat and Cold: Cold yes but not with heat
- Good Pet: Yes
- Safe with Children: Older children, not younger
- Good with Other Rabbits: Yes
- Good with Other Pets: With training yes but not with ferrets
- Good for Less Experienced Pet Owners: Yes
- Training: They are easy to train
- Exercise Needs: High need
- Weight Gain: Can become overweight
- Health Concerns: Overgrown Teeth, Gastrointestinal Stasis (GI), Uterine Tumors, Myxomatosis and Hairballs
- Allergies: Rabbits are allergic to strong scents, dust and fire fumes
- Average Life Span: 8 to 12 years
Physical Appearance of Rabbits
Rabbits have a stout body with a round back and short tail. They have a soft coat which can have several different colors. Other than black and white, the most common Rabbit colors are neutral grays and browns. Rabbits have short front legs with 5 toes on each foot and long hind legs with 4 toes. Their hind legs are strong and muscular and that’s why they can jump and run very fast. Their speed can make them difficult to catch if they get away from you.
They have large eyes that are high on their head. The position of their eyes allow rabbits to see everything around them. Their only blind spot is the area at the end of their nose!
Temperament of Rabbits
Rabbits are affectionate, intelligent and social animals. They are quiet and enjoy gentle handling. Rabbits are most active in the early morning and at sunset. They are friendly and need a lot of interaction with their owners or other rabbits. Most Rabbits will bond closely with their owners and enjoy being cuddled and pet.
Rabbits are calm but can become destructive if they don’t get the attention they need. Like most animals, when they do not get the mental or physical stimulation that they need they will act out. For Rabbits this involves chewing on things. Rabbits like to chew a lot. They should always have lots of chew toys to keep them from chewing things you don’t want destroyed.
They like to stay active and will enjoy moving around the house or their enclosure. Your house has to be made rabbit-proof if you want to let them move unattended through your house. To Rabbit-proof the house, cover all the wires, cords or anything else that they can potentially chew. You can put up baby gates to restrict their movement if you do not want them to move around your entire house. Rabbit-proofing will prevent damage to your furniture and also ensure the safety of your Rabbits.
Training Rabbits
Rabbits are intelligent and easy to train. While training your Rabbits you will need to be patient and consistent. Avoid yelling or punishing your Rabbits because it can cause them to become afraid of you. It will be more difficult to train an animal if it is feeling stressed or afraid. You can use treats and toys while training them to make it a good experience for them.
The training sessions should be 10 minutes each and can be done 2 to 3 times a day. They can be trained to follow commands like “sit” and “jump.” To motivate them to do certain behavior you can also use clicker training.
It’s possible to litter-train your Rabbits. To litter-train, restrict your Rabbits to a small area and place a litter box there. The litter box should be either a small box or a tray that you want them to use. Keep some hay or treats in the litter box to encourage the Rabbits to use it. Some Rabbits need encouragement and it may help them understand if some of their poop is put in a corner. They will gradually start using the litter box. If you keep your Rabbits indoors, there should be more litter boxes than Rabbits. The same rule as with Cats and litter boxes.
Their Compatibility with Children
Rabbits around young children can be difficult. A Rabbit’s bones are delicate and can brake fairly easily if the Rabbit isn’t handled properly. Young children may not understand how to hold them and end up hurting the Rabbits while trying to play with them. Because a Rabbit’s bones can be broken so easily it’s a good idea to have an adult monitor all interactions with children, at least until you know how they play together. Adult supervision should make sure that everyone plays nice together.
For the safety of the Rabbits they should not be picked up or carried by children younger than 6 or 7. Most children this age are still fairly small, and with the Rabbit’s tendency to kick or attempt to get away while being picked up, they can get hurt if they’re dropped.
If you have older children, first show them how to handle your Rabbits before allowing them to play together. An adult should always be there to supervise their interactions to prevent accidents from happening at least at first.
If your children are usually calm, and not very aggressive then owning a Rabbit could be good for your family. If your children are still at the age where they like to grab, hit and pull everything, it might be best to wait on having a Rabbit as a family pet.
If your children are usually calm, and not very aggressive then owning a Rabbit could be good for your family. If your children are still at the age where they like to grab, hit and pull everything, it might be best to wait on having a Rabbit as a family pet.
How to Handle a Rabbit
Rabbits have a fragile backbone that can fracture if they are not handled properly. It is important to know how to hold them because they can sometimes kick with their hind legs when you are trying to hold them. Rabbits can squirm out of your grasp and because their bones are not as strong as other animals it could injure them badly if they fall. To keep from hurting them, handle your Rabbits over something soft like a couch or mattress when you are first learning how to hold them. Then if they wiggle free of your grasp at least when they fall it will be onto something soft.
To pick up your Rabbits, put one arm around them so that it faces your elbow. This will allow you to support the entire underside of your Rabbits body with just one hand. Your other hand is able to hold the top to keep them in place just in case they do start to squirm. The hand supporting their underside should keep the feet supported because Rabbits feel much less secure when their feet dangle beneath them.
As mentioned before Rabbits may not enjoy being held, so make sure you are careful and gentle in your approach. Slowly the Rabbit will get used to being handled. The Rabbit will let you know when they do not want to be handled and want to get back into their cage or on the floor.
They should never be held by their stomach or with their ears. It can be very painful for them. When picking them up make sure you hold them properly and don’t leave any part of their body dangling.
Best Habitat for Rabbits
Rabbits can be kept in a cage or a bunny pen. The cage should be spacious, easy to clean and allow your Rabbits to move in and out of their cage without hassle. Their cage should also have enough area to keep a litter box, toys and hiding boxes.
Cage
The size of their cage should be at least 3 to 4 feet long. The cage should have a lot of room for the Rabbits to stretch and stand up without bumping their head on the top of the cage. Rabbits like to stay active and the larger the cage the better it will be for them. Some families use a dog kennel as their cage because they’re pretty spacious. Avoid wire cages because the wired bottom of the cage can hurt the soft legs of Rabbits. If you want to use a wire cage, make sure you use appropriate bedding to make it safe for them.
Other housing options for your Rabbits is a Bunny Pen or an Exercise Pen. A bunny pen is a larger enclosure that gives Rabbits enough area to jump and run around. The frames of the pen are generally constructed of wire mesh and are easy to set up.
Bedding
The cage should have ample bedding material. Newspapers can be used for bedding, but its not the best choice. The best option is to use shredded paper or cardboard. Both are highly absorbent and dust-free. They are also safe for the Rabbits to chew. Avoid using cedar or wood shavings as they can cause allergic reactions to the Rabbits and chewing them can affect their digestive systems.
Hiding Areas
Rabbits need a resting area inside their cage. They will use it when they feel scared, it also gives them a quiet place to rest when they sleep. Cardboard boxes, straw baskets or untreated wicker baskets all can be used to create a hiding area. Keep lots of hay inside the hiding area.
Toys
Give your Rabbit plenty of toys like cardboard boxes or plastic chewy toys. Chewing the toys will help them wear down their teeth. Wooden chew toys used for birds, straw baskets or toilet paper rolls all make great toys. These toys will keep them entertained, but you can also hide treats inside the toys to encourage them to play and exercise.
Litter Box
A litter box should be kept inside their cage to keep their cage clean. Use a litter box that is big enough for the Rabbits to lie down. If you let them move freely in your home there should be multiple litter boxes in different areas. For litter bedding you can use the newspaper because it is cheap.
Habitat Maintenance
The cage should be cleaned once a week. A 3% bleach solution works well to clean the cage. Look for and remove any broken toys or habitat materials that could injure your Rabbits while cleaning their cage. Check the hiding areas to see if they are dirty and need to be cleaned.
Clean their food and water dishes every day. Scoop the litter pan daily and make sure it is clean at all times. Rabbits like to have a clean toilet, so any wet spots or piles should be cleaned as often as possible. Fully change the litter in their litter box once a week.
The Attention Needs of Rabbits
Rabbits like to spend time with their owners but as mentioned before, do not generally like being picked up. Rabbits have high exercise needs and should be taken out of the cage for a few hours every day. Moving around the room or house, or playing with their family will help take care of their physical and mental health. Rabbits are low maintenance pets that like to cuddle.
To restrict their movement in your home you can use baby gates.
Health Issues
Most health issues in Rabbits are due to improper diet and exercise habits. Giving them a fiber-rich diet and keeping their cage clean will help your Rabbits stay healthy.
Some health issues common in domesticated Rabbits are listed below:
Overgrown Teeth
Small mammals such as ferrets, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats are prone to overgrown teeth. This is because their teeth continuously grow throughout their lifetime and if they don’t have things to chew on, their teeth can become overgrown. Overgrown teeth can be uncomfortable for your pet and cause difficulty with eating, chewing, and drinking. If left untreated it can lead to infection and even death.
It’s important to take your pet for regular check-ups with a veterinarian who specializes in small mammals. Your veterinarian can trim your pet’s teeth and recommend a proper diet to prevent overgrowth. In some cases, the vet may need to surgically remove some of the teeth if they are severely overgrown.
You can help maintain your pet’s dental health by giving them plenty of chew toys and hard foods. Chew toys can help keep your pet’s teeth at a healthy length, and hard foods can help remove plaque buildup on their teeth.
If you suspect that your pet has overgrown teeth, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian right away. Your vet will examine your pet and recommend the best course of treatment. With proper dental care, you can help ensure your pet’s health and prevent overgrown teeth.
Gastrointestinal Stasis (GI)
Gastrointestinal stasis (GI) is a common condition in small mammals, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, caused by an unbalanced diet and not enough exercise. It’s associated with decreased or blocked food in their gastrointestinal tract. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications.
Uterine Tumors
Uterine Tumors are a common medical condition among small mammal pets. It’s important to be aware of the signs, diagnosis, stages and treatments for this condition so that you can give your pet the best care possible.
Uterine Tumors can be a serious medical condition for your pet. It’s important to be aware of the signs, how to diagnose it, stages and treatments for this condition so that you can give your pet the best care possible. If you suspect that your pet has developed a uterine tumor, it’s important to get veterinary care immediately. With the right diagnosis, treatment and care, you can ensure that your pet receives the best possible care and has a better chance with a healthier life.
Myxomatosis
Myxomatosis is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects small mammals, particularly rabbits. The virus was first identified in Australia in the late 1800s and has since spread to other parts of the world, including Europe and North America. The disease is caused by a poxvirus and can be transmitted through contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects.
Hairballs (trichobezoars)
Hairballs, or trichobezoars, are a common problem for small mammals such as cats and rabbits. Hairballs form when an animal licks themselves excessively and accumulates too much fur in their stomach. The excess fur clumps in their stomach, which is then unable to pass through their digestive system. This fur clump can cause blockages and other complications that require veterinary attention.
Grooming and Care Tips for Rabbits
Rabbits like to keep themselves clean but they still need frequent grooming. They have fur like cats that need to be cleaned and brushed regularly.
Bathing
Domesticated Rabbits do not need regular baths and should be bathed only if they are dirty. Use a rabbit or cat shampoo to bathe them. To bathe them, fill a tub with warm water and gently rinse their coat with your hands. Avoid washing their face or ears with water.
After bathing your Rabbit, use a moist cloth to wipe their rear. The fluffy hair on the rear will sometimes have pieces of feces stuck to it. Wiping it will ensure the rear is clean and prevent some illnesses.
Brushing
Just like cats and dogs, your Rabbit’s coat also needs regular brushing. Use a pin brush to brush them once a week. It will help remove the loose hair and mats from their coat. They need to be brushed more frequently when they are shedding. Depending upon the species, the times and amounts they shed can vary.
Eye Care
The hair around the eyes can get matted which can irritate the Rabbits. To keep your Rabbits from having eye irritation use a moist cotton ball to wipe the area around their eyes. If you find something stuck or signs of infection in their eyes, take the Rabbits to your vet. Try not to directly touch their eyes because it can hurt them.
Nail Trimming
Domesticated Rabbits do not wear down their nails and they need to be trimmed every week. We recommend using a pet nail clipper to trim their nails. Trim only the white part of their nails and not the pink part that contains blood vessels. Trimming the pink part can hurt them, causing immense pain and possibly bleeding. To help your Rabbits not hate having their nails trimmed give them treats.
Feeding Rabbits
Rabbits are herbivores and mostly eat plants and leaves. Their diet should consist of a mixture of hay, green vegetables and fruits. Hay should be the primary source of their food. Different varieties of hay like alfalfa, grass hay, oat hay or timothy hay are good for them. Hay is rich in nutrients, minerals and vitamins and should be available in their cage at all times. By having lots of hay around it will help give them something to chew on, which is one of their favorite activities.
Along with hay, adult Rabbits should also be fed leafy green vegetables like lettuce, parsley, collard greens, arugula and dandelion greens. It is important to feed them a variety of vegetables. Try to give them 3 different types of vegetables every day.
If you want you can also give them pellets but it should only be in limited quantities. Pellets have high calories and overfeeding can cause them to gain weight. For treats we recommend giving them fruits instead of commercially available Rabbit treats. Commercial treats are high in calories and can cause them to gain weight. Apples, raspberries, cranberries, carrots, blackberries, mango, pineapple and red bell peppers are all great treats.
Avoid feeding them foods that contain high starch and fats like cereals, beans, chocolate, corn and nuts.
Always keep a bowl of water in their cage. Their water bowl should always have fresh water and be cleaned daily.
Related Questions:
Why do Rabbits Have Long Ears?
The ears of the Rabbit helps them to hear sound from long distances. In the wild their ears alert them of predators approaching from far away. Each ear can turn independently by 270 degrees. Their ears also help them stay cool in hot weather. The large surface area of their ears contain blood vessels that help with thermoregulation.
Should Rabbits be Spayed or Neutered?
There are two reasons to spay or neuter your Rabbits. First, it will prevent your Rabbits from reproducing. A pair of Rabbits can give birth to many babies that can significantly increase the population of Rabbits in your home. Second, it will help minimize many behavioral and health issues. Spaying reduces the possibility of the female Rabbits developing uterine, ovarian and mammary cancers.
Maryna is an animal expert that has had dozens of animals in her life over the years. She has never found an animal that she didn't love immediately. It seems like every year she finds kittens that have been abandoned by their mom and she nurses them to health and finds homes for them. She contributes her vast knowledge about animals and family pets to our website and we're forever grateful to have her working with us. She's also an amazing graphics designer and has designed all of the social media images that we use across all platforms.