Rabbits
Rabbits are way more than just cute ears! They are super smart and in the wild, they live in giant underground "cities" called warrens that can cover more than two acres. They can see almost everything around them, even behind them, without turning their heads.
Common name
Domestic rabbit
Scientific name
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Type
Mammal
Diet
Plant-eater
Dos and don'ts
How to be a rabbit expert
To be a great rabbit owner, you have to understand how a rabbit's body works. Here’s how you can help them stay happy and healthy.
Do
- Find a bestie: Rabbits get very lonely. They are much happier and less stressed when they have another rabbit friend to play with.
- Give them hay: Rabbits have "forever-growing" teeth! They need to munch on hay all day to wear their teeth down so they don't get too long.
- Watch for the "Binky": If your rabbit leaps in the air and twists, they are doing a "Binky." That’s rabbit-talk for "I'm so happy!"
Don't
- Don't Ignore the "Thump": If a rabbit hits the ground hard with its back leg, it’s a warning! They might be scared or grumpy.
- Don't Use a Tiny Cage: Rabbits need lots of room to run and hop. A small cage isn't enough for these active animals that love to explore.
- Don't Be Grossed Out: Rabbits eat special droppings called "caecotrophs." It sounds yucky, but it helps them get all the vitamins from their food!
The Never-Ending Teeth!
Rabbit teeth never stop growing! Their front teeth grow about 3mm every single week.
This is why hay is the most important thing they eat, it works like a giant toothbrush and nail file for their teeth to keep them healthy!
Rabbit Secrets
If you take great care of them, rabbits can live for 8 to 12 years, making them a long-term commitment. One very lucky rabbit even lived to be almost 19 years old! You can train rabbits just like dogs; they can learn to respond to commands and even do tricks like high-fives or fetching a toy for a treat.
Rabbits are most active at dusk and dawn, which is called being "crepuscular," and they can see in almost every direction with their nearly 360° vision!
