12 Quick Rabbit Facts
By Carmina Gooch
- Our domesticated rabbits of today are descendents of the European rabbit. (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
- Rabbits are herbivores and are most active at dawn and dusk.
- A rabbit’s diet is very important. The wrong food can kill them.
- The gestation period of a rabbit averages 30 days. Babies (kits) are born blind and without fur.
- Average lifespan of a rabbit is between 6-8 years.
- Rabbits are intelligent, social creatures and can learn their names and simple words.
- Burrowing, chewing, and climbing are natural behaviours.
- Rabbits are territorial and chin objects to mark what is theirs.
- Because they are a prey animal they hide injury or illness well.
- Rabbits have very fragile spines and do not like to be picked up.
- Rabbits need plenty of exercise in order to stay healthy.
- Rabbits require a veterinarian with experience and knowledge about their kind.
Before adopting a rabbit into your home, it is important that you’ve done plenty of research first. They are not low maintenance or suitable for small children. If you think you are ready to make a life commitment, there are plenty of homeless rabbits in private rescue groups, and at your local shelter or pound. By choosing to adopt, you are saying no to animal mills and the mass production of pets. Each of us can make it a better world for rabbits and all animals.
See page 6 of Black Cat White Dog June/July 2012, 1 year anniversary edition