1. They Can Live Up to 12 Years (or Longer)
Did you know rabbits can live long lives?
While it’s commonly believed that rabbits live only around five years, they can actually live up to twelve years with proper care. Smaller breeds tend to outlive their larger counterparts.
Many rabbits don’t reach their potential lifespan due to misunderstandings about their needs or being viewed as short-term pets.
Well-cared-for rabbits often live 7-10 years, making them excellent long-term companions. Ensuring their health and happiness can significantly extend their lives.
2. Rabbits Need Company
Rabbits are highly social animals. They thrive when kept in pairs or groups, enjoying companionship, warmth, and mutual grooming. A neutered male and female pair is ideal, but any bonded and neutered rabbits can live together harmoniously.
3. They’re Natural Recyclers
Rabbits eat a special type of dropping called caecotrophs. These droppings are rich in nutrients like protein and vitamin B, which rabbits consume to maximize their nutrition. If these droppings are visible in the enclosure, it may indicate dietary issues or health concerns requiring a vet's attention.
4. Their Teeth Never Stop Growing
Rabbit teeth grow continuously. Feeding them hay and grass helps wear down their teeth naturally, preventing overgrowth and dental disease. Without sufficient hay, rabbits can develop painful dental issues that hinder their ability to eat.
5. Muesli Rabbit Food Encourages Selective Eating
Commercial muesli-style rabbit foods can lead to unhealthy habits. Rabbits may pick out their favorite parts, leaving essential nutrients behind. This also fails to support the chewing action needed to maintain healthy teeth.
6. It’s Not All About Carrots
Carrots are not a staple food for rabbits. They are high in sugar and should only be occasional treats. A rabbit’s diet should primarily consist of hay (80%), fresh vegetables (15%), and high-quality pellets (5%).
7. Rabbits Drink a Lot
Rabbits require a constant water supply. A two-pound rabbit drinks as much water as a ten-pound dog. Bowls are better than bottles as they are easier to drink from and clean.
8. Rabbits Can’t DO This
Dear Lykkers, rabbits manage swallowed fur through roughage. Their digestive system doesn’t work in reverse, so eating hay and grass helps move fur through their system and prevent blockages.
20 Facts About Rabbits 🐰
Video by Victoria Raechel
9. Rabbits Express Happiness Through Binkies
A rabbit's "binky" is a sign of joy. This playful jump and twist are expressions of happiness and contentment. Even a quick head flick, or half-binky, shows their playful mood.
10. Rabbits’ Body Language Reflects Their Emotions
Worried rabbits show subtle signs of stress. A hunched posture and tense body may indicate discomfort or illness. Observing these cues is vital to ensure their health and happiness.
11. Rabbits Need Plenty of Exercise
Space is crucial for rabbits to thrive. Their living area should allow them to hop three times in a row and stretch fully upright. An attached exercise run gives them the freedom to roam and play, mimicking natural behavior.
12. Rabbit Ears Have Multiple Benefits
Rabbit ears are multifunctional. Besides excellent hearing, their ears help regulate body temperature. In warm weather, rabbits release excess heat through their ears, so providing a cool, shaded area is vital.
13. Rabbits Are Born With Their Eyes Shut
Baby rabbits open their eyes after birth and gain nearly 360-degree vision, with a small blind spot in front of their face. This remarkable eyesight helps them stay alert to potential dangers.
14. They Are Very Fast
Rabbits can reach speeds of 18 mph. Their agility includes jumping over 9 feet horizontally and up to 4 feet high. Proper fencing is necessary to keep them safe in outdoor spaces.
15. There Are Around 1.1 Million Pet Rabbits in the UK
Rabbits are popular pets in the UK. The number of pet rabbits has fluctuated, reaching 1.1 million in 2021 as more people worked from home. This highlights their role as beloved companions.
