Pet rabbits are unique, adorable, and social animals. Looking at them would surely melt your heart.
But what people fail to understand is that taking care of one is not that simple. More often than not, these animals are thought to be easier to handle than most pets, but that is not true. Pet rabbits might even need more attention and understanding than most canines and felines.
People usually think that they are one of the best presents during the holidays, but that just leads them to become the third most abandoned pet. Sad, isn’t it? That is why we are encouraging you to share some love and consider pet rabbit adoption, instead of obtaining bunnies from pet stores.
Here are 20 fun facts about rabbits that might just persuade you to adopt one and be its forever home!
1. Pet Rabbits Love Their Personal Space.
These little pets are very particular when it comes to territory. When you bring home one, it will be this behaviour that will be evident even during the early days.
2. They Are Extremely Fertile!
Pet rabbits can reproduce incredibly quickly. Female bunnies may start reproduction as early as four months, which means they can have approximately eight hundred children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all together in their lifetime.
For this reason, when taking care of pet rabbits, spaying and neutering are recommended to prevent multiple unplanned litters.
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3. They Have Nearly 360-degree Eyesight.
A pet rabbit’s eyes are sitting high on the sides of its head, allowing the animal to see almost 360 degrees, including above its head.
Though bunnies cannot see anything directly placed in front of their noses, having their eyes placed that way makes them more adorable, don’t you think?
4. Pet Rabbits Are Built to Run.
Bunnies have strong muscles and hind legs that push them at speeds similar to a vehicle. These small animals were indeed built to run! Being clocked up to 45 miles per hour, a jackrabbit is proven to be as quick as a running greyhound.
5. The Hearts of Pet Rabbits Can Beat Twice as Fast as Humans.
Another incredible rabbit fact is how its heart can beat more than 130 times per minute. Though some doctors say that a resting human heart rate should be 76 beats per minute or lower, our usual heartbeat ranges from 60 to 90.
However, a rabbit’s resting heart beats twice as fast as a human’s. That means, when they are under stress or during exercise, their heart can beat more than 300 hundred times per minute!
6. Bunny Teeth Never Stop Growing.
Just like their nails, a pet rabbit’s teeth never stop growing. Fortunately, you can have the nails trimmed. However, for the teeth, clipping should be reserved when they become overgrown.
However, do not wait for a bunny’s teeth to grow too long. Feeding an appropriate rabbit diet that is high in roughage, such as hay, helps wear down its evergrowing chompers.
Bunny-proofing your home is also advised as pet rabbits have a habit of chewing on almost everything they see.
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7. They Eat Their Droppings.
Believe us when we say that it is not as disgusting as it sounds. A pet rabbit’s diet is composed of too much fibrous vegetation; thus, it needs to digest its food twice.
8. Pet Rabbits Cannot Vomit.
Their digestive system does not allow them to emit any form of substance from the stomach through their mouth. In short, they are not physically capable of vomiting.
That is why it is important to keep pet rabbits healthy to avoid the occurrence of a more dangerous problem.
One of the most important factors is their diet. Rabbit food should largely consist of fresh and untreated grass hays.
Vegetables and fruits with high water content, such as romaine lettuce, cucumber, strawberries, and melons must be fed in moderation to avoid stomach upset.
9. Pet Rabbits Are Crepuscular Animals.
Contrary to common belief, rabbits are not nocturnal creatures. Although they are often awake late at night, they are most active at dusk and dawn.
10. Bunnies Binky!
Binky is when a rabbit jumps and twirls around because of its happiness. This rabbit behaviour is the equivalent of zoomies in cats and dogs.
11. Numerous Pet Rabbit Breeds Exist.
You may also like: 10 Smallest Rabbit Breeds That Make Good Pets
12. Bunnies Are a Little Similar to Cats.
Pet rabbits are similar to cats in some ways. Both of them can be taught to go potty in the litter tray and they’re capable of grooming themselves.
Interestingly, bunnies also have the habit of purring like felines. Additionally, baby pet rabbits are called “kits,” which is short for “kittens.”
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13. They Need Regular Brushing.
Despite being able to groom themselves, bunnies need regular brushing. They shed a lot, making them prone to swallowing hairballs.
Ingestion of hairballs can be dangerous to pet rabbits. They could be sent to the vet for surgery because of it or it could cost them their lives.
14. Bunnies Can Get Bored and Depressed.
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15. Pet Rabbits Have Their Own Personality.
Every bunny has a unique personality. It will take a while before you can get to know them. Some pet rabbits don’t get along well with their fellow bunnies, whilst others are more accepting.
It might get dangerous to bring two pets together who do not know each other yet. So keep that in mind when you are considering getting another one.
16. They Are Prey Animals.
Pet rabbits are easily scared. They instinctively jump, run, or hide away quickly when they are startled, which might make them injure themselves. It is best to be mindful around your bunny to avoid scaring them.
17. Outdoors Are Dangerous for Pet Rabbits.
Should they be kept outside, bunnies must be provided with an appropriate and secure rabbit enclosure to keep them safe from other animals and the elements.
If you intend to keep your pet bunny indoors, remember to rabbit-proof your home to keep your furry friend from causing destruction.
18. Pet Rabbits Have Their Special Doctors.
Bunnies are delicate animals. It is no wonder that certain vets specialise in caring specifically for them. Though it might cost you more to find one, the safety of your beloved pet rabbit is the top priority.
You may also like: Is Insurance for Rabbits Worth It?
19. A Rabbit Symbol Indicates Safe-to-Use Products.
Products that are not tested on animals usually have the rabbit symbol. They have been traditionally used in product safety testing, hence the sign.
20. Bunnies Are Not Easter Presents.
Besides rabbits not being able to lay eggs, let alone a chocolate one. People fail to understand that pet rabbits are not Easter presents.
This is the main reason why rabbits are being left in shelters weeks after Easter, making them one of the most abandoned pets. So if you ever get one, make sure to give it a generous amount of love and care.
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FAQs About Pet Rabbits
1. Do Pet Rabbits Sleep at Night?
Whilst pet rabbits are crepuscular animals, they do sleep at night but in short sessions, since they allocate a large portion of their time for eating and playing.
Pet owners must be mindful of their bunny’s sleeping habits to avoid disturbing their snooze time.
2. Can I Wash My Pet Rabbit’s Bum?
You can wash your pet rabbit’s bum, but make sure to dry the area completely. One of the most important things to remember in Bunny Care 101 is to never leave these animals damp. Or else, they are at risk of developing ailments like hypothermia.
3. Can I Shower a Pet Rabbit?
Never shower a pet rabbit as it can be a traumatising experience for the animal. It may panic and end up hurting itself in its distress.
We recommend sticking to spot cleaning using the dry bathing method. All you need to do is massage a small amount of cornstarch on the dirty area of your pet rabbit’s coat and then use a comb to remove the debris or faecal remains on the fur.
4. Do Pet Rabbits Get Fleas?
Pet rabbits can get fleas from a flea-infested animal or environment. Symptoms to look out for are:
- Constant licking
- Hair loss
- Flea droppings on fur
- Excessive scratching
Fortunately, flea infestations in rabbits are treatable using topical medicine like antiflea shampoo. All bunnies must be provided treatment to prevent the infestation from spreading.
Conclusion
Pet rabbits are delightful animals to have around due to their colourful personalities and quirks. However, as our last point says, keep in mind that they are not Easter presents.
Caring for rabbits requires time, commitment, and effort. Avoid rushing your decision to bring one home to prevent any regrets in the future. If you’ve decided to welcome a bunny into your household, you’ll be delighted to explore the fascinating world of pet rabbit breeds. Check out our article on the “7 Most-Loved Pet Rabbit Breeds” to discover which one might capture your heart.
