Rabbit Facts

1. Rabbits are NOT rodents like mice, rats, and degus. They are in fact lagomorphs. Lagomorphs are more strictly herbivorous, and many rodents will eat meat and vegetables.
2. Rabbits are NOT easy, low maintenance pets. They require regular attention to make sure they are eating and have a clean living environment. Rabbits also need a lot of exercise or socializing and space to run.
3. Rabbits are non-long term pets. False. Domesticated rabbits can live between 7 to 10 years.
4. Rabbits cannot be left alone for a couple of days at a time. They need an unlimited amount of water and hay, and if they stop eating even for one day, it could be fatal. If a rabbit gets sick, it will need medical care as soon as possible.
5. Rabbits are not cartoon characters, such as Bugs Bunny. Carrots and other root vegetables should be given in small amounts and as treats, as they are high in sugar. The same goes for fruits as well. Rabbits need plenty of hay, some leafy greens and a measured amount of pellets in their diet.
6. A female rabbit is called a doe, a male is a buck, and the babies are called kits or kittens.
7. You may only see the two front teeth of a rabbit, but they have a total of 28 teeth! These teeth also never stop growing! Which is why it is essential that your rabbit is eating foods that they need to grind down.
8. Rabbits eyes are on either side of their head and have 180-degree vision, which means they have a blind spot directly in front of and behind them.
9. Those floppy or straight up ears are not just cute; they help regulate a rabbits’ temperature!
10. Rabbits are not nocturnal. They are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active at dawn and dusk, or the early morning and early evening.
11. Rabbits will sometimes be seen eating their droppings. That’s right! These droppings are called cecotropes. The reason they do this is to redigest their food and get the nutrients they need.

Written by: Valerie, ACA