A Few Awesome Rabbit Facts

There so many interesting facts about rabbits, and I’m sure that you will find at least a few of them quite fascinating.

Rabbits were originally thought to be rodents, because they seem to have similar characteristics, but in 1912, they were removed from the Rodentia family and categorized as a Lagamorpha (which includes hares, rabbits and pikas).  In addition, unlike rodents, the fur of a rabbit is long, thick and usually very soft.

It seems likely that rabbits were domesticated by the Romans, and as of today, there are more than 50 different breeds of domesticated rabbits.

Rabbits have always been vegetarians/herbivores, and they love Timothy Hay, leafy greens, fruit, carrots and other vegetables.  They require a well- balanced diet that has plenty of variety, to delight the 17,000 taste buds of a rabbit.

Rabbits are fast runners and can cover more than 56 Kilometers (35 miles) in one hour.  They are known to be faster animals than cats.

The world’s largest and most valuable rabbit (who is also known to have his own body guard) is named “Darius”, and he lives with Annette Edwards (who is originally from the United Kingdom). This gentle giant weighs over 22.2kg, measures 1.30m long and eats as many as 12 carrots per day.  It has been said that Darius, at times, acts like a dog. 

The oldest rabbit on record, lived to be sixteen years old (the average lifespan of a domesticated rabbit is between five and eight years old).

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the United Kingdom, and over two million households in the United States have a pet rabbit.

Domesticated rabbits are born without fur and totally blind (not gaining sight, until they are 14 days old).  They have 28 teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives.  A rabbits’ heart rate beats between 130 and 300 times per minute.

Rabbits are known to reproduce very quickly, and can have their first litter at 6 months of age.  It is not uncommon for them to have up to 40 babies within a 12 month period.  Neutering a pet rabbit is not an essential procedure, but it will help them maintain optimum health, and certainly reduce the number of offspring produced.

A male rabbit is known as a “buck”, females are referred to as “does”, and baby rabbits are called “kittens”.  Kittens do not need to feed more than a few times a day (for just a few minutes each time), and they are totally weaned from the mother when they reach two months of age.

A rabbits’ ears are long (10 cm) and very sensitive, but the interesting fact is that they can turn in any direction, and they aid in regulating their body temperature too.

Rabbits can literally see things behind them without turning their heads; their only “blind spot” is right in front of their nose.

A happy bunny will jump, run and twist around to express their joy.  These types of maneuvers are referred to as “binky”.

If you’d like more information on caring for your rabbit then please visit the Excel Feeding Plan - http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/excelfeedingplan/

10 Things Your Rabbit Needs to be Happy

It goes without saying that you want your pet rabbit to be as happy as possible. You love your little

long-eared friend and want to make sure he has everything he needs to have a happy life.

While one of the best things you can do for your pet rabbit is provide plenty of love and attention, your rabbit does have a few health and environmental requirements so he’ll stay healthy and love his home,

Proper Hutch

A hutch should actually only be viewed as your rabbits’ ‘bedroom’. The hutch should be permanently attached to a much larger run or exercise area, so your rabbits can decide when they go outside to stretch their legs

The hutch should be big enough that your pet can stretch out in any direction and have plenty of room to move around.

It’s best to avoid cages with wire bottoms, since your rabbit’s feet can get caught in the holes and even develop sores from standing on the wire. If your cage does have a wire bottom, provide a solid surface he can rest on, like a piece of cardboard or a carpet sample.

Also be sure to choose a hutch with a door that is big enough for you to reach into and that will be wide enough to move accessories in and out.

Bedding

Bedding provides a soft place for your rabbit to rest and also allows him to forage as he would in the wild. Choose a bedding that is made up of straw/hay. Do not use bedding made of cedar, which releases toxins that can cause liver damage when inhaled by your rabbit.

Make sure the bedding is always clean and dry. You’ll likely need to do spot cleanings regularly and completely change out all the bedding periodically.

Nutritious Food and Fresh Water

Most of your rabbit’s diet should be made up of Timothy Hay. Rabbits love this hay, which is rich in fibre and very nutritious. You can also feed your rabbit pellets and vegetables like kale, collard greens, peas, broccoli, cauliflower and carrot tops. These supplemental foods provide additional nutrients and will keep your rabbit’s diet interesting.

Your rabbit always needs access to fresh water, either by way of a water bottle or a water dish. Make sure your pet has plenty of water and be sure to change it daily.

Food and Water Dishes

It’s best to feed your rabbit with a food dish so he doesn’t accidentally swallow bedding while trying to eat. Look for a dish that is big enough for him to reach in and access the food and that is heavy enough that it can’t be easily tipped over.

Your rabbit can drink water from a dish or a water bottle. If you opt for a dish, make sure it is heavy so it won’t accidentally get tipped over.

Litter box

Some pet owners make the mistake of providing a litter box that is too small for their rabbit. Rabbits need to be able to fit comfortably in the box, and some even like to lay in the box throughout the day, so it needs to be roomy. The litter box should be at least 10 centimetres deep.

The box should always be full of litter that is safe for your rabbit. Opt for a paper-based or organic litter and avoid litters made of wood shavings. Be sure to clean out and fill the litter box with new litter regularly to keep your rabbit happy!

House

While you may consider your rabbit’s hutch to be his home, this isn’t the ideal situation. The hutch constitutes a safe place where your rabbit can spend his time, eat and sleep, but it doesn’t provide much privacy.

Add a house to your rabbit’s cage so he can hide and be alone. Remember, in the wild rabbits live in holes in the ground, so they are used to small, cozy homes.

Brush

Do you groom your pet rabbit? Grooming your rabbit keeps him healthy and happy, and it’s never too late to start. Use a rubber or wire slicker brush to gently brush your rabbit and remove loose hair. This will keep his coat healthy and will make your bunny feel loved and happy.

Nail Trimmers

Trimming your rabbit’s nails is another important grooming process. Rabbit nails can grow very quickly, which can be dangerous. They could get caught on something or can actually grow in a curled shape and grow back into the rabbit’s foot. Of course, these painful situations won’t keep your pet very happy, so use trimmers to keep the nails a safe length.

If your rabbit is very small, you can use human nail trimmers. But, if your rabbit is larger you should use scissor trimmers. Make sure your rabbit is still and constrained before you begin trimming, and then look closely to find the vein, or quick, in the nail, and trim just above that.

Toys

Your rabbit will be extra happy if you provide some toys to keep him entertained and to stimulate his mind. Your rabbit’s teeth grow continually, so rabbit chew toys that help him keep his teeth at a proper length are vital to his health.

Rabbits love toys like cardboard boxes, untreated wicker baskets, plastic Slinkies, hanging parrot toys, small towels, toilet paper rolls stuffed with Timothy Hay and even hard plastic baby toys.

Carrier

Even if you don’t plan on traveling with your pet rabbit, a carrier is essential. You will need it to take your rabbit to the vet and it can be helpful when you need to clean his cage if you don’t have a safe place to let your rabbit play.

Carriers that have an opening on the top are ideal because they are easier to clean and if your rabbit is timid, you can easily reach in and lift him out.

Providing your rabbit with a happy home will keep him healthy and will make being a pet owner even more rewarding. These 10 things can help you make sure your rabbit is healthy, mentally stimulated and as happy as can be!

For more information on the right rabbit care, please visit - http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/excelfeedingplan/about-the-feeding-plan/herbage-and-forage.html