Let’s hop right into these fun facts about rabbits...
1. Rabbits Can Be Litter Trained
You might think that only cats can master litter training, but rabbits can too! With patience and positive reinforcement techniques, many owners successfully teach their bunnies to use a litter box. For instance, if your rabbit tends to favour a specific corner of their space for bathroom activities, you can set up a litter box there.
2. They Eat Their Own Poo - And it's Good For Them!
Rabbits are herbivores, which means their diet mainly consists of hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables. One fascinating aspect of their digestive system is that they produce cecotropes - nutrient-rich droppings formed in a particular part of their stomach. Rabbits eat these droppings to absorb essential nutrients that may have been missed during their initial digestion. By doing this, they maximise their nutrient intake.
3. Bunnies Communicate with Their Ears
Rabbits express themselves through their ears, which can rotate 270 degrees to pick up sounds from various directions. The position of their ears reveals their mood. For example, relaxed ears indicate contentment, while ears held back can signal fear or aggression.
4. Rabbits Can’t Vomit
Unlike many animals, rabbits cannot vomit. This inability means that you must be particularly cautious about their diet, as indigestion can lead to severe health issues. For example, certain foods, like chocolate and onions, are toxic to rabbits.
5. Their Teeth Never Stop Growing
Rabbits’ teeth never stop growing, making chewing crucial for their dental health. If they do not have enough to chew on, such as hay or safe wooden toys, their teeth can become overgrown and cause health issues.
6. They’re Proper Speedy
Did you know that domestic rabbits can run at speeds of up to 35 mph? This impressive whizziness comes from their strong hind legs, which they also use for rabbit favourite pastimes like jumping and digging. When threatened, a rabbit can cover substantial ground quickly, helping them escape predators.
7. Bunnies Love to Dig
In the wild, rabbits excavate complex burrows and are quite the architects of the animal world. Their strong front paws and sharp claws make them digging extraordinaires. Even indoor pet rabbits may show this behaviour, often digging at carpets or blankets to create comfortable spots for themselves. Providing them with a digging box filled with safe materials, such as shredded paper or hay, can satisfy this instinct safely.
8. They Have Their Own Secret Code
Rabbits are expressive creatures and can produce a range of sounds, and while it's not really a secret code, their clenched facial muscles and subtle body positioning are all part of the way they communicate. They might even purr, honk, or growl when unhappy! Our personal favourite is the gentle humming / chattering they make when particularly happy and relaxed.
9. A Single Bunny is a Lonely Bunny
Rabbits are social animals that thrive in pairs or groups, and they really shouldn't be kept on their own. They often form strong emotional connections with each other, which involves regular grooming sessions and cuddling. If you are considering adopting a rabbit, think about getting a pair. Companionship is everything to rabbits.
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Do Not Make Good Friends
Something that might surprise you is that guinea pigs and rabbits don't make good companions, and that they should NOT be kept together. As completely different species they use different methods of communication, and they also need different diets. It's also not unusual for rabbits to injure guinea pigs.
Do you have your own rabbit facts or experiences to share? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget, if you need your quirky, adorable little friend to rabbit board with us in sunny Essex, Hopefield Boarding for Small Animals is open 365 days of the year to give your bunny the best holiday possible.
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