How Far Can A Rabbit Run In The Woods? 102 Most Correct Answers

Sleeping habits of Hoppy Bunnys

After a long winter, it’s hard to resist the cuteness of a bunny in spring. When their children ask them for a bunny, many parents relent. After all, they’re cute and fluffy—and bunnies don’t need to be walked like a dog.

But there are certain facts about rabbits – namely their sleeping habits – that you might want to consider before welcoming a bunny into your home.

When rabbits sleep

Rabbits keep a watchful eye out for attackers — whether they’re in the wild, in a cage, or safe in your home — because they’re conditioned to be on the lookout for predators. To ensure your pet bunny gets enough rest, you want to provide him with a safe and quiet environment with comfortable beds.

Rabbits are “day sleepers,” sleeping about six to eight hours each day. Rabbits, similar to deer, are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk and dawn. (In case you didn’t know, the word “crepuscular” derives from the Latin word crepusculum, meaning “twilight.”)

Because rabbits are nocturnal, they are ready to play at night after sleeping most of the day. Chances are your bunny will be most active around 8pm. Although you may be tempted to train your rabbit to stay awake during the day and sleep at night, you are going against their natural instincts and may find the task a bit challenging.

If you or your children want to play with your rabbit, it is best to do so early in the morning and early at night when they are awake and active.

Where rabbits sleep

Rabbits in the wild build tunnels in the ground that they use for their homes. The tunnel systems they create are known as enclosures and include areas for the rabbit to sleep and nest. Rabbits create multiple entrances to their burrow so they can escape quickly if necessary. According to the Young People’s Trust for the Environment, a rabbit can create an enclosure that is often as much as 12 feet (3.84 meters) underground.

How rabbits sleep

When your bunny is dozing, he will lie on his stomach with his hind legs stretched out behind him or to the side. You can even see him sleeping upright. If your rabbit is standing up and you want to know if he’s sleeping, check his ears. If his ears are upside down, that’s a sign he’s sleeping.

Unique habits of sleeping rabbits

Sleeping bunnies have some unique habits that you should familiarize yourself with before owning:

Asleep – or not? Your bunny may appear as if he is sound asleep, but you will find that he is instantly awake when disturbed. This is because his brain continues to actively send signals to other parts of his body, causing heavy breathing, rapid eye movements, and instant waking up. In this phase of sleep you would be dreaming. Your rabbit is having a kind of “dream sleep” at this point.

Atonic and Myoclonic Movement – Your rabbit’s body will experience atonic and myoclonic movement symptoms. Sleeping rabbits appear more fluid and flexible (atonic), but also show symptoms of involuntary twitching (myoclonic movements) and rapid eye movements.

You may notice that your rabbit sleeps with its eyes open. You may also see your bunny fall to the ground as if he has just lost the strength in his body and turn onto his side. This is his body experiencing an atonic state. This may worry you if you are new to bunny keeping, but you will get used to it as it happens regularly.

Grinds its teeth – Another thing you may notice is that your rabbit grinds its teeth. If you pet his head, you might even feel his cheek and chin vibrate. This is how your rabbit purrs (yes, like a cat). Don’t worry; it is a good sign that he is happy and content.

If you’re getting a new bunny this Easter, remember that sleeping bunnies don’t like to be disturbed, even at playtime. If you do, he might wake up grumpy and even try to bite you. Let him sleep and save playtime for later in the evening or first thing in the morning.

And remember, bunnies don’t eat gummy bears.

Rabbits make great companions, especially when given the freedom and opportunity to show off their wonderful personalities! If you’re looking for a big-eared pal, look no further than your local animal shelter, which often has adoptable rabbits. In fact, we usually have quite a few here at Columbus Humane! Check out our adoptable bunnies here.

In the meantime, here are 12 cool and fun things you might not know about these hilarious herbivores.

To express happiness, rabbits sometimes jump around and snap their heads and feet. This adorable behavior is known as “Binky” in the rabbit community.

Like deer, a female rabbit is called a “roe deer” and a male rabbit is called a “buck”.

A bunny’s big ears aren’t just for listening! They also help regulate the rabbit’s body temperature. The blood vessels in the ears swell when it’s hot and contract when it’s cold.

AND these amazing ears can also be rotated almost a full circle to 270 degrees.

Rabbits may seem like quiet pets to some, but they are actually capable of making many noises, including growls, squeaks, chattering teeth, and even soft honks! Talk about adorable!

Rabbits need large cages or pens indoors for health, safety, and socialization reasons! And they need plenty of supervised time outside of their cages or enclosures to play and exercise on a daily basis. Make sure you rabbit proof your home and don’t leave them unattended during this time.

Bunnies can hop and BOY they can jump too! In fact, rabbits can leap to impressive heights and distances…just over 3 feet tall and a whopping 10 feet long!

Because their eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, bunnies can have near-perfect 360-degree vision. In the wild, this helps them recognize when a predator is nearby. Their only blind spot is right in front of their little twitching noses! how funny is that

Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, making cleaning their cages much easier.

Most rabbits have a “sweet tooth” and are obsessed with fruit! But as with any other treat, moderation is key!

The Guinness World Record for largest rabbit is held by a 55-pound British pet rabbit named Ralph. He eats $90 a week! source

Rabbits can be very affectionate and bond closely with their owners. Some even come when called.

Rabbits love to play and, like dogs and cats, need mental stimulation. The good news is that many things you have around the house make great toys…paper balls, paper towel rolls and more can keep your bunny entertained.

Bunnies have an average lifespan of five to 10 years, but the oldest living rabbit broke the Guinness World Record at the ripe old age of 17. source

When a rabbit is feeling submissive, they will make themselves appear as small as possible by crouching down.

“The hare runs faster than the fox because the hare is running for its life while the fox is only running after its dinner.”

This is the heart of the Red Queen hypothesis: adapt or die. Slow rabbits are eaten, increasing the number of fast rabbits in the gene pool. A fox has to be fast enough to catch a rabbit, but only fast enough to stay fed. Think of it as an evolutionary arms race, with predators constantly pressurizing and forcing their prey into fitness.

Bottom line: The animal whose life is at stake has more appeal than the animal whose dinner is at stake.

It is difficult to find a better analogy to describe the professional world. At the micro level, it’s the new kid in the office who proves he’s worth a paycheck versus the lifer who knows he’ll get a paycheck whether he shows up at nine or noon. At the macro level, it’s the disruptive startup pitted against the lumbering conglomerate (think Netflix vs. Blockbuster).

At first, the pecking order always seems irreversible. But the proverbial bunnies realize something many proverbial foxes don’t: once the bunny trains itself to run just fast enough to outrun the fox, it’s game over. The foxes starve and die out while the rabbits repopulate.

Of course nobody cares about the rabbits until the fox can’t keep up anymore. But that’s the point. If you’re the rabbit (i.e. under 30 and don’t have a corner office), wait and see. Assess the terrain. Find out how shit works and who the important people are (Hint: there aren’t many of them.)

While your “bosses” rest on their laurels, calculate, plan, observe, read – remember, if you play by the rules long enough, it becomes your game.

It’s the startup versus the household name; the trailblazer against the incumbent; the prodigy versus the conformist in the stiff shirt. Will all the rabbits escape the foxes? Doubtful. But it’s worth trying.

Have you read these five books to build your life on? Get the list plus seven strategies I’ve stolen from legendary marketers to promote your work.

The big race

Q. When I’m in one of New York City’s parks, which creature does my frustrated dog, Wonder, have a better chance of catching, a rabbit or a squirrel?

A. A handicapper named Aesop held a contest like this a long time ago. Rabbits are faster: 25 to 40 mph for the cottontail versus 12 mph for gray squirrels, according to a Canadian website. But the race, as Aesop pointed out, is not always the fastest.

Both animals are very agile, and when it comes to escaping prey, speed is only a small part of that, said Nancy B. Simmons, chair of the Department of Vertebrate Zoology at the American Museum of Natural History. Agility prefers smaller, lighter animals; With less momentum, they can turn faster than their larger predators. Both animals walk erratically, making it difficult for a dog to predict their movements.

Pet rabbits have bigger personalities than most people give them credit for. People who have never had a pet rabbit may not understand that each rabbit has their own unique personality. All rabbits do things to let them know they’re happy, sad, or scared, and while every rabbit is different, certain behaviors mean the same thing to most rabbits.

Rabbit Binkying

Binkying rabbits look a bit like a person jumping happily in the air and kicking their heels together. While rabbits don’t actually do that Fred Astaire heel click, they leap in the air and contort their bodies to show they’re happy or excited. Someone who doesn’t know what a binky looks like might think their rabbit is scared and running away or that something else is wrong with them, but a binky is a perfectly normal, natural thing for a happy rabbit to do. All rabbit owners should have bunnies lucky enough to binky.

coleentabilas/FOAP/Getty Images

Rabbits are natural diggers. Their wild cousins ​​​​dig burrows for nesting and to build their homes, and our pet rabbits dig for fun. This is instinctive behavior, but it can be annoying and destructive to those you love. Rabbits will also dig at your feet or hands to get your attention. Digging is normal!

Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Getty Images

The rabbit 500

If your rabbit has ever run across the room as fast as possible as if something is chasing them, then you’ve seen the Rabbit 500. This behavior is happy behavior and your bunny will be racing around out of sheer excitement. Maybe they’re playing with you or a furry friend, or expecting a favorite treat. Regardless of the reason, not only is the Bunny 500 fun to look at, but you can rest assured that it means your bunny is a happy bunny.

Image Source / Getty Images

Rabbits flop

Some people get nervous when they see their rabbit tip over on its side, but this splash is a sign of a happy rabbit. Typically, your rabbit will rest, sit up, and then roll onto its side to lie down. This flapping motion is very different from a seizure as your rabbit will be very relaxed, their eyes will most likely be closed and their legs will not be moving. Fining is normal rabbit behavior and means your rabbit is relaxed.

Valia Efstathiou/FOAP/Getty Images

rabbit sounds

Rabbits are social and while most people who have never owned a rabbit have never heard a rabbit make any noise, rest assured that they have their own vocabulary for telling us and each other how they are feeling. Some sounds are very obvious, such as B. screaming. A rabbit will only scream when scared, stressed, or scared. Hopefully you’ll never hear a rabbit squawk.

Other less alarming noises include a buzz or honk, which can mean they are excited and are usually made while circling and sniffing at another rabbit, and teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth can mean your rabbit is uncomfortable or in pain, but it can also mean that he is content. If teeth grinding (also known as purring) is heard while your rabbit is sitting upright, hunched over and not moving, it most likely means they are in pain. If you hear it very quietly while your rabbit is relaxed, e.g. B. after a flop, it means that it is relaxed.

Growling is another sound you may hear when you have a territorial rabbit or when they are angry or stressed. Spaying or spaying your rabbit will help alleviate any territorial tendencies, but you may still hear growls when trying to introduce your rabbit to a new rabbit. If you hear growls, you should separate the rabbits, as a growl is an indication that a fight or other type of aggressive behavior may occur.

kicking rabbits

Rabbits can kick very hard if they want to. They have powerful hind legs and when dissatisfied they may kick out to escape or indicate they want to be knocked down if held. If your rabbit appears to be kicking while hopping away from you, it’s trying to kick up dirt to show it’s upset. If a rabbit kicks while you’re holding them, be careful when setting them down as they can injure their back or paralyze them if they kick hard enough while being held.

Rabbit Nose Bonking and Nudging

If your bunny nudges his toys – or you – with his nose, it’s because it’s his way of exploring and investigating. Just like sharks sniff and nudge to get an idea of ​​what they’re seeing, rabbits have very sensitive little noses that help them discover what makes up their surroundings. Sometimes a bonk or nudge will be followed by a nip to further test it or to indicate that the rabbit wants you to move or pay attention.

Martin Leigh/Getty Images

Biting rabbits

Rabbits can bite you innocently to get your attention, but they can also bite to show dominance, out of fear, or to say they don’t like something/someone. Rabbits may bite each other when they are fighting, or when an established rabbit dislikes a new rabbit, out of sexual frustration, or to establish hierarchy with the other rabbits they live with, or simply because they don’t want to do something when you try to pick them up or put them in a cage. Rabbits are not typically aggressive and spaying or neutering can help resolve aggressive tendencies.

Throbbing Bunnies

A rabbit that taps its hind leg is an angry rabbit. Knocking is a sign meant to warn other rabbits that there is something nearby to avoid. Knocking can mean that danger is near or that they are angry or feel threatened.

lick rabbit

Rabbit tongues are simply the cutest and the little licks rabbits give are no different. They may not be kissers like dogs, but they are often seen grooming themselves or their rabbit friends with their cute little pink tongues. This is perfectly normal behavior, but if a rabbit picks up too much hair, it can cause problems. Be sure to help your rabbit with grooming by combing or brushing them regularly.

Rabbit chinning

Rabbits, like many other animals, have scent glands on their faces. Sometimes rabbits will rub their chin against something (referred to as a chin) to tell other rabbits that the object is theirs. This is a normal way of marking their territory.

Wild rabbits are outdoors all year round, including during the winter months. They endure rain, snow and freezing temperatures. So should you be worried about your pet rabbit getting wet in the rain?

The main risk of getting a pet rabbit wet in a rain shower is that it gets too cold. This can lead to hypothermia. In the wild, rabbits will hide under any shelter they can find when it starts to rain. If you have a healthy rabbit that has access to a dry, draft-free shelter, you can let them play in the drizzle.

Young rabbits and rabbits with poor health (obesity, arthritis, etc.) should be kept out of the rain at all times. If your pet rabbit gets wet, bring them inside and dry them thoroughly with a soft towel.

Can rabbits get wet in the rain?

Rabbits that are healthy and have access to a warm and dry shelter can stay outside in the rain. Owners must ensure their pets’ pens are weatherproof and routinely repair any damage.

If your rabbit is old or young, or has a weakened immune system due to illness, you should not let them play outside in the rain. Leaving rabbits with these risk factors out in the rain increases their chances of suffering from life-threatening complications or sudden death.

How rabbits survive in the rain

Rabbits are more resistant to cold than the extremely high temperatures of summer. Rabbit fur has two properties that help it stay warm in the cold and rain.

Water repellent

Rabbit fur has limited hydrophobic properties. So their coat can repel water to a certain degree. This is similar to how rainwater is not absorbed into a leaf. Instead, it beads up and falls off. Rabbit fur shows a similar result.

Water rolls off the rabbit fur rather than getting into the hair. This prevents water from getting on a rabbit’s skin. The hydrophobic nature of rabbit fur helps rabbits stay drier and warmer.

Provides insulation

Rabbits also have special hair structures that protect them in the rain. In humans, hair consists of the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. The medulla is the central column of the hair cells. In humans, the medulla is formless. In rabbits, the medulla is filled with air-filled cells.

This means that every hair on a rabbit’s fur is made up of hollow columns that contain trapped air. The trapped air in a rabbit’s fur helps insulate them and keep them warm in cold temperatures.

There is a limit to how much a rabbit’s fur and body can protect them from the cold and rain. Rabbits try to avoid getting wet. In the wild, they hide under tree trunks or bushes to protect themselves.

When a rabbit’s fur gets wet, it reduces the insulating properties of the fur and body. This causes a chill, especially in cold winter conditions.

Why rabbits shouldn’t get wet

Chills caused by wet and cold weather or wind after getting wet can cause stress in rabbits.

Stress has immunosuppressive properties, particularly in rabbits. With a weakened immune system, rabbits are very susceptible to disease. Shock is another deadly consequence of hypothermia in rabbits.

Rabbits are at risk of hypothermia in cold, rainy conditions. Rabbits freeze quickly and take a long time to dry off. Stress caused by hypothermia also makes rabbits likely to injure themselves. The rabbit may struggle to free itself to find a warm shelter.

If they panic, rabbits can break their own spines. Rabbit skin is also very delicate and soft. Once wet, it softens and tends to tear. This can lead to difficult-to-treat wounds and increase the risk of infection.

lung infection

Pneumonia is caused by infections that inflame the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. While small animals like rabbits are susceptible to pneumonia, rain doesn’t cause it.

However, when rabbits are kept cramped or unable to escape the cold and rain, they can suffer from chronic stress. This can make them more susceptible to respiratory diseases like pneumonia.

Stress also makes rabbits susceptible to respiratory infections like Pasteurella, also known as the common cold.

stress from thunderstorms

Rabbits are very sensitive to loud noises, such as those caused by thunderstorms. Loud and frightening situations can stimulate your rabbit’s adrenal glands to release adrenaline, which increases their blood pressure and heart rate.

According to the journal Pathophysiology, arterial hypertension, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and heart failure are common in rabbits and other stress-sensitive animals.

Rain stress can also lead to paralysis in rabbits. Startle paralysis is temporary and will cause a rabbit to briefly become passive or appear dead. Research in Depression and Anxiety notes that this is a technique often used by prey to evade prey.

Mats

Getting wet can also lead to frustrating and difficult-to-manage tangles and tangles in rabbits.

Matted fur is unsightly for many owners. What’s even worse is that rabbits are also uncomfortable. In addition, rabbits can have a hard time getting rid of heavily matted fur.

If wiping doesn’t improve the matting, you may need to trim your pet’s coat, which can be stressful for both the owner and the rabbit. Avoid clipping matted fur as this can unintentionally cut your rabbit’s skin. Always remove knots regularly with a comb.

Rainproof case

If you keep your rabbits outdoors, make sure they are given appropriate housing and bedding. A tarpaulin or blanket should be placed over the stable on cold nights. Your rabbit’s enclosure should be dry, well-ventilated, tensile, waterproof, and moisture-proof.

Periodically check for holes or gaps in the stable and make any necessary changes and repairs. If you notice rot in the wood, apply a rabbit-safe wood preservative coating every few years.

Pitched roofs are preferable for rabbit hutches as they allow water to drain away. Raising the stall 4 inches off the ground can help prevent the ground from getting wet.

Line the floor with extra hay, straw, and newspaper so your rabbits can bury themselves if they’re cold during the rain.

What to do if your rabbit is left out in the rain?

If your rabbit can’t find shelter or is surprised by the rain, check if he’s okay. Rabbits have sensitive ears and cannot shake off any water droplets that may get in. Therefore, make sure your rabbit’s pinnae does not have water to avoid otitis.

If your rabbit is very wet, bring them inside, cover them with a blanket and towel dry them for a few minutes. This will help your rabbit feel safe and prevent stress and illness. Avoid using a hair dryer as it may startle your rabbit.

If your rabbit’s chin or rear is very wet or matted, talk to your veterinarian right away, as these could be signs of an underlying health problem.

Anyone who owns a rabbit knows that rabbits prefer to live outside than inside. However, to ensure your rabbit’s safety, it is important to prevent them from getting cold, wet or unhappy. As long as your rabbit is healthy and finds a warm and dry place, you don’t have to worry about leaving them out in the rain.

Domestic rabbits can live between eight and twelve years

Rabbits need the right diet, housing, and company to keep them happy throughout their lives

Keep your rabbit’s vaccinations up to date to prevent disease

Rabbits, just like other domesticated animals, have an average lifespan, which can help an owner keep their rabbit in optimal health through every stage of life.

Unlike their wild relatives, who live an average of one to two years, domesticated rabbits can live anywhere from eight to 12 years. This is because they are not subject to disease, food shortages, and predators.

Do Some Rabbit Breeds Live Longer Than Others?

There isn’t enough research to know for sure, but it’s believed that larger rabbit breeds, like dogs, tend to have shorter lives than smaller breeds.

What can I do to ensure my rabbit has a long and happy life?

There is a common misconception that rabbits are low maintenance and many rabbits suffer as a result.

Rabbits need the right diet for their species, as well as the right housing and company. They also need enrichment and mental stimulation to remain happy and live long lives.

Additionally, keeping your rabbit’s yearly vaccinations up to date will help prevent illness and disease.

Wild rabbits can be a nuisance to anyone trying to tend their yard or start a garden. As herbivores, rabbits will devour your plants and damage tree bark in order to eat. Humanely catching a wild rabbit is easy if you place live traps in the right spots, use the right type of bait, and release the rabbit far from your home. You can also put up fences in your yard or spray repellents in your yard to keep the wild rabbits out.

When you find a wild baby rabbit, you may need to intervene to help him survive. Less than 10% of orphaned rabbits survive more than a week, so quick action is often required to rescue them.

Wild baby rabbits do not do well in captivity. Not only does their natural survival instinct prevent them from being a suitable pet, but they also spread dangerous diseases. Most rabbits become stressed and depressed when living in small pens and cages. Their diet is also not as varied in captivity as in the wild.

Before attempting rehabilitation, you must understand your state’s laws. Wild rabbit keeping is illegal in many areas. Whether you find an orphaned rabbit or just want to get a new pet, there are consequences.

Can you tame a wild baby rabbit?

Wild rabbits are difficult to tame. While newborn rabbits are easier to domesticate, rabbits a few weeks or months old are difficult to handle.

Baby rabbits see humans as predators. They have nearly 360-degree vision, allowing them to spot predators from every angle. If you approach, they will run away and take refuge in a safe place. Catching a rabbit is almost impossible unless it is injured and unable to escape.

Taking a baby rabbit from its mother is harmful. Rabbits need their mother’s milk until they are about 8 weeks old. Removing this crucial milk supply prevents a baby rabbit from getting the essential nutrients they need to survive and thrive.

The hind will also mourn the loss of her babies. Once a rabbit has bonded with its young, the loss can be traumatic and impossible for the mother to cope with.

In addition to the things above, there are many things to consider before committing to keeping a baby rabbit in captivity, including:

Diseases

Wild rabbits harbor a number of dangerous diseases. As described by VCA Hospitals, there are two primary infectious diseases and viruses that rarely occur in pets – myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease.

myxomatosis

The myxoma virus causes myxomatosis. It is usually severe and quickly spreads to other rabbits, most of whom die two weeks after symptoms appear.

The disease is most common in wild rabbits. If you bring one into your home, be sure to vaccinate all rabbits before they come into contact with each other.

Viral hemorrhagic disease

Calder Vets describes viral hemorrhagic disease as a highly contagious, often fatal disease that primarily affects wild rabbits. However, it can also spread to other pets, such as dogs and cats.

It attacks the rabbit’s internal organs, causing fatal bleeding. Viral hemorrhagic disease spreads through direct contact or through the feces of an infected rabbit. Rabbits living in the same hutch will almost certainly pick up the condition.

If you bring a feral baby rabbit indoors, make sure they have all their vaccinations up to date and are checked by a veterinarian for signs of infection or disease. In the event of health problems, all animals must be separated.

time and effort

Wild baby rabbits in captivity need just as much care as domestic pets – if not more. Most will still rely on their mothers to survive if you bring them into your home, so they don’t yet have the skills necessary to fend for themselves.

Instead, you need to provide a suitable nest, maintain an appropriate temperature, and make a kitten milk replacer that contains the nutrients the baby rabbit needs on a daily basis.

All of this takes time and effort. Wild baby rabbits require around-the-clock care for the first few weeks, so you must be wondering if you can devote that time to domesticating the animal.

Other rabbits

Wild and domesticated rabbits don’t get along well. If you already own pet rabbits, you must keep them separate. Some of the main differences between wild and domesticated rabbits are as follows:

Wild rabbits are more nervous than domesticated pets and view most other creatures as predators.

Wild rabbits tend to be jealous and protective of their food.

Wild rabbits have not been spayed or neutered.

Wild rabbits have a hard time breaking into an existing rabbit group.

Wild rabbits are more likely to harbor deadly diseases.

Additionally, a fact sheet from the Maryland Cooperative Extension reports that eastern rabbits have 3-4 litters per year and have a mortality rate of 75% to 85%.

Because of these strong mating instincts, wild rabbits will try to mate with the tame rabbit. The babies would then inherit their parents’ wild instincts, which are difficult for pet owners to control.

Similarly, temperament issues are common between wild and domesticated animals. While neither is likely to start a fight, their differences often lead to misunderstandings. Wild rabbits are easily startled, which can result in one of the animals injuring itself in self-defense.

These differences mean that the rabbits cannot live together peacefully and will stress each other out.

nervousness

Wild rabbits will never trust people the way domestic rabbits do. Even if you raised your rabbit from a young age, their wild instincts are too strong to bond.

Wild rabbits are programmed to fear predators. That includes us, who see them no differently than a fox, a snake, or a bird. We are big creatures that intimidate small, vulnerable rabbits.

The reality is that your relationship with your feral baby rabbit will never develop – you will simply be a caregiver to keep the rabbit alive. Companionship is something most pet owners crave, so don’t be surprised if your wild rabbit never bonds with you.

barn

Wild rabbits become distressed at the prospect of living in a pen. Stressed animals will damage the cage if they try to chew through the wire or wood.

You can also harm yourself through the psychological stress. For the same behavioral reasons, they don’t make good pets – your home becomes a destruction zone as the rabbit chews through furniture and wires.

It’s not fair to subject an animal to this. When you have successfully rehabilitated an injured animal, the best thing to do is release it back into the wild where it can spend its days naturally.

Remember to release the rabbit close to where you found it, as rabbits tend to stay in the same small area near their nest their entire lives.

How to catch a wild baby rabbit

When you discover a sick or injured baby rabbit that needs veterinary care, it’s one of the most difficult issues you’ll face.

Bunnies are surprisingly fast and can run between 24-45 miles per hour. It’s not possible to chase a rabbit, so you’ll have to build a humane trap instead. You can do this by following these steps:

Buy or build a live trap. The best ones have a trapdoor and multiple mechanisms that close when the rabbit enters. Find the ultimate place to place the trap. You may need to first observe where to find the rabbits in order to choose the best area. Set the trap on a narrow, narrow path that baby rabbits can’t get around. This forces them into the trap. Use baits like carrots, lettuce, apples, or alfalfa. Only use fresh vegetables – if a day or two has gone by without success, replace them. Put the food in the live trap. Check the trap as often as you can – every few hours. You don’t want to leave a baby rabbit trapped in it for too long. Take the rabbit to the nearest vet to be examined.

In all of these steps, the most important thing is to minimize the stress the rabbit is subjected to. Stress can be deadly, especially in young rabbits, so be sure to set the trap properly to avoid injury.

Also, set the trap in a quiet place where predators are less likely to roam.

How to domesticate a wild baby rabbit

We do not recommend capturing a wild baby rabbit that does not require human assistance. You should only keep a rabbit in captivity if it has no chance of surviving in the wild. If the animal can be rehabilitated, it should be returned to the wild when strong and healthy.

However, if the baby bunny doesn’t stand a chance of surviving on its own, you need to be aware that it retains many of its wild tendencies even as a cub. Be careful with these behaviors

To domesticate the rabbit and build that all-important trust, work on these crucial steps:

Get used to the baby rabbit

One of the most important first steps is to encourage the baby rabbit to get used to you. While you may never form a strong bond, it helps Rabbits know that you’re not a threat.

Don’t pick the rabbit up or force him to cuddle you, as you’ll only stress him out. Instead, always maintain a cool, calm demeanor when around the rabbit.

Let the rabbit run

Your baby rabbit will be scared of you, so don’t stop him from running away. Make sure you have a safe place for it to hide so it can find safety from you.

If the animal is prevented from running away, it can cause a heart attack, resulting in death. The rabbit could also go into shock, causing intestinal stasis and starvation as a result.

lie down with it

To make the baby rabbit feel comfortable around you, sit or lie down so you don’t look so big and imposing.

Sit still and don’t make a sound. Allow the rabbit to sniff you and get a sense of who you are. Don’t make any sudden movements or noises and let the rabbit move at his own pace.

Wear freshly washed clothes

Don’t wear anything that is likely to smell like another pet. The baby rabbit will see this as a threat from a predator and will not approach you.

If possible, grab freshly laundered clothes that haven’t taken on the scent of predators or nature. Also, wash your hands before approaching the rabbit to remove any unpleasant odors.

Leave a trail of food

To lure the baby bunny to come to you, leave a trail of tasty treats heading your way. Don’t pet it if it gets close, let the rabbit sit near you so it gets used to your smell. The rabbit can run away quickly, but keep repeating the process until the rabbit knows you won’t harm him.

don’t pick it up

Rabbits are ground dwellers and being picked off the ground causes extreme stress and panic. Baby rabbits see this as an attack and may go into shock.

Baby rabbits are also likely to kick and scratch to free themselves, causing pain and injury. If the bunny jumps to get free, it’s likely to injure itself. Always keep the bunny at ground level to maintain a normal level of stress.

Are wild baby rabbits good pets?

Every rabbit’s personality is different, but as a general rule of thumb, wild rabbits rarely make good pets. This is something that all wild rabbits have in common.

They are difficult to tame. Wild baby rabbits are known to be skittish and nervous. You cannot bring them into the house or pick them up and cuddle with them.

For this reason, you should not compare a wild rabbit to a domesticated one. This is disappointing for many pet owners.

Wild rabbits also do not tolerate captivity very well. They are used to digging their own burrows with multiple entrances and exits. A small cage causes claustrophobia, stress and dissatisfaction.

They also spend most of the day nibbling on various types of plants and grass, getting their nutrients from the food they find. They have a much more varied diet as they have access to clover and wildflowers.

Commercial pet food is limited in comparison and can cause a range of health problems, including blindness.

Simply put, wild rabbits deserve to be in the wild even if their lifespan is only 1-3 years.

Is it legal to keep a wild baby rabbit?

In fact, in most US states, it is illegal to keep a feral baby rabbit as a pet. In most places, you cannot legally tame a wild rabbit unless you have a license from your state’s Department of Environmental Protection.

Unless you see a seriously injured or sick baby wild rabbit, the animal must be left alone. If human intervention is required, you should contact your nearest wildlife handler as soon as possible.

They will come and pick up the rabbit. You also have access to fully trained staff who can nurse the rabbit back to health before it is released back into the wild. If you are not qualified, you will likely do more harm than good.

So you can’t just go outside and find a bunny to become your new pet. If you get caught, you’re likely to face hefty fines. The rabbit is also confiscated, causing further suffering.

While wild baby rabbits can survive in captivity, they won’t enjoy it. Most become stressed and anxious and spend most of their lives trying to escape their cage.

Wild rabbits are not programmed to thrive in captivity. On the contrary, the health problems associated with stress can shorten their lifespan. Stick to domesticated rabbits when looking for a pet.

IF YOU FOUND A WILD RABBIT

If you find a wild, unharmed baby Eastern Cotton Rabbit, DO NOT transport it to a drop-off site

Instead, please consider all of the following information and then make the decision to do what is best for the rabbit and its future.

People often find a single newborn (hairless) or young wild rabbit in their yard. Sometimes they find several at once. Because they don’t see the mother bunny, people usually think the bunnies are abandoned and need help. That is not true.

The mother rabbit builds a nest for her babies directly on the ground in a shallow hole in the surface of the earth. She may place some nesting material such as straw and some of her own fur in the shallow area. People often find the nest with Mother Rabbit nowhere near while mowing their lawn. These babies will NOT be abandoned. Mama bunny IS nearby. Like deer, mother rabbits know they have an odor and their babies don’t for the first few weeks after birth. She knows that staying near her babies will attract predators, so she stays away. She usually returns to her nest at dusk and dawn to feed her babies. Then she will go again.

Unless you find the mother dead, we have to assume she’s still out there. Cottontail babies always have the very best chance of survival with their mother. Of course, if there is evidence that the mother has died, take the babies to the nearest drop-off site as soon as possible.

If you find feral, UNINJURED cottontails, please leave them in or near their nest. DO NOT TOUCH OR REMOVE THE BUNNY. Their mother WILL return to take care of them (even if they are hairless and even if you accidentally touched them.). Leave the nesting material AND the rabbits in the nest and do not mow the grass while the babies are around.

Wild cottontail baby rabbits are extremely delicate and can die if handled. Cottontails, especially babies, die suddenly and unexpectedly when they believe their lives are in danger. You can actually look good for a minute and be found dead a short time later. Humans pose danger and fear to wild rabbits, so it’s best to leave them where they are.

When a baby rabbit is injured, the only option is to transport it to a rescue team drop-off point as quickly as possible. If this is the right choice, place the baby in a shoe box with holes at the top. Fill a soda or water bottle with hot water and place it in the box with a small cloth between the baby and the hot water bottle. Resist the temptation to pet or touch the baby. It could save the baby’s life. Poke holes in the lid, cover the box and take the baby to the vet at one of our Rescue Teams/Drop Off Sites as soon as possible.

A tiny baby bunny that is covered in fur can survive on its own in the wild. It is best to stop mowing until the baby(ies) has moved out of the area. It’s also a good idea to secure dogs and cats in a garage or at home while the babies are in the yard.

Do not attempt to feed the baby as this can be extremely stressful and ultimately fatal. The wrong or improper diet can also be deadly. Darkness, silence, the company of a sibling and if possible some of their nesting material will help comfort and calm any stressed baby.

Again, uninjured baby rabbits should be left alone in their nest. Injured babies should be transported to a Keeper of the Wild rescue team/drop-off point. Please do NOT consider keeping or raising baby cottontail bunnies yourself. They can do more harm than good and these animals die very easily. Even if they survive, they are wild and NOT good pets.

Remember, like human babies, wild mammals spend every waking moment from birth learning from others of their kind how to live and survive as they are. They learn what to do, who to belong to, and what to eat. As prey animals, cottontail rabbits learn where it is safe to play, live, hide, sleep, eat, and how to get along with fellow rabbits. They also learn when to assert themselves and when to escape can save their lives. Wild animals that grow up separated from their peers with humans cannot learn these survival skills and are socially harmed. They believe they belong with humans and can almost never adapt to life and survival in the wild. When they grow up and are difficult to live with, they have no survival skills in the wild, and when released they become easy prey for the first predator that comes along.

We hope that everyone will do their best for any truly orphaned or injured cottontail or wild animal and contact an experienced wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible so that the animal, among others of its kind, is properly rehabilitated and eventually returned to the wild with all the skills needed to survive.

For a list of our rescue team drop-off points, CLICK HERE

“Unless man shows compassion to all living beings, he will not find peace himself.” —DR. Albert Swiss

If you would like to make a donation to help care for the animal you helped save, simply write “Keeper of the Wild” on an envelope with cash or a check payable to Keeper of the Wild, and leave him with any remaining animal at our drop-off locations. You can also donate through PayPal or mail your check to:

Keepers of the Wild 1606 Cooler Dairy Road Walterboro, SC 29488

Rabbits love to jump. This is how they move and explore the world. Unfortunately, this causes some anxious moments for pet owners. Because rabbits are such delicate and fragile animals, it can be nerve-wracking to watch them leap from higher ground.

A safe distance for a rabbit to jump vertically is four feet. You can jump so high. Rabbits can safely jump onto beds, home furniture, and pens. Jumping out of human arms is very dangerous.

Note that regular jumps from a great height are harmful to a rabbit. Rabbits that are prone to crash landings are more likely to become arthritic as they age. Every jump puts a strain on your joints and bones.

Do rabbits like heights?

Rabbits have a complicated relationship with heights. Rabbits are usually more comfortable standing with all four feet on the ground. As prey, high vantage points can be invaluable to rabbits.

This is because rabbits, especially in the wild, need to be constantly alert. Rabbits are threatened by countless predators. Because they sit on high ground, they can overlook their grounds.

A pet rabbit may relish the opportunity to find higher ground. This is especially likely if you have other pets. Bunnies rise up so they can hide and see what’s coming.

Above all, rabbits need to feel safe. That means they need a solid ground on an elevated platform. If you provide your rabbit with climbing equipment, make sure it offers a large surface area.

Rabbits are nervous and shy. You will always try to escape from dangerous situations, even if it involves jumping from considerable heights. Bunnies have a “jump first, ask questions later” policy.

That means you have to be careful when offering climbing gear. Likewise, you need to be careful when your rabbit roams free around the house. Don’t surprise your bunny when he hides on top of your closet, as he may jump off and injure himself.

Do rabbits like to climb?

Every rabbit is different. Some people have a head for heights, others find them terrifying. The same applies to rabbits. It’s important to learn how your pet thinks about height.

The average rabbit is more inclined to dig than to climb. They feel safer underground than up there. Of course, in the wild, this may not be an option. This means rabbits can reach heights.

Although rabbits are not natural climbers, they will climb a tree if necessary. This can be in search of food or to escape from a predator. They can also watch from this position and come down if they deem it safe.

This behavior can be replicated in the home. A rabbit can climb surfaces to hide or for fun. However, they are more likely to jump. A rabbit can jump four feet if determined enough.

That means you need to take some safety precautions for your pet. Make sure all garden fences are high to prevent escape. Avoid wire fences if possible. When a rabbit is scared, it uses these gaps to climb.

You can provide jungle gyms and similar toys for exercise. If your rabbit likes heights, they will make good use of it. Just make sure all platforms are big enough to accommodate all four of your rabbit’s paws.

The height of the play tower must also be taken into account. Remember the golden rule – if a rabbit can jump, they will. Land softly and make sure they don’t jump from too high a height.

From what height can rabbits jump?

Most rabbits can jump on and off the roof of their hutch during training. This type of play must always be supervised. Aside from the risk of falling, not all predators are on the ground.

Note that rabbits can jump much further horizontally than vertically. Rabbits may see your home as a fun obstacle course, jumping from the sofa to the armchair to the stairs.

Keep this in mind and make your pet’s home as rabbit-proof as possible. Avoid leaving fragile objects within reach and consider any wide surface attractive to a rabbit.

How far can a rabbit fall without hurting itself?

A number of factors play a role in this question. You have to take different things into account.

What is your rabbit’s weight and general health?

Did the rabbit land on something soft or was it a bumpy landing?

Was the rabbit planning to jump or did it fall unexpectedly?

Has your rabbit ever jumped or fallen from a great height before?

As a rule, a rabbit can comfortably fall from the same height that it can jump. That can be up to four meters. Nevertheless, try to provide the softest possible landing points. Rugs, area rugs and even strategically placed cushions are advisable.

It’s important to understand the impact a fall will have on your rabbit’s joints. Any time they experience an impact, it can cause damage. This, in turn, can immobilize your rabbit in the future. Carpets can minimize this risk.

The psychological effects of a fall must also be taken into account. Rabbits are naturally nervous. If they slip unexpectedly, it could scare them to death.

This will have a knock-on effect. The rabbit will no longer feel safe in its surroundings and will behave accordingly. You can even suffer heart failure.

Usually a rabbit knows how far it can fall without hurting itself. After all, these animals are ruled by survival. However, sometimes they act on impulsiveness, in a reckless leap into the unknown they can injure themselves.

Can rabbits jump off beds?

The average pet rabbit can jump on and off a bed with ease. Whether you really want that or not is another story and up to your discretion.

To check if your rabbit is safe to jump off your bed, place them next to it. You will likely find that your rabbit can reach the edge of the bed by standing on its hind legs.

If this is the case, then there is no need to worry. Still, think about the space they have. Rabbits can jump long distances. Is there a risk of hitting a cupboard when getting out? If so, discourage this behavior.

The same applies to sofas. Many rabbits enjoy spending time with their people in the evenings. You’ll probably find your bunny watching TV with you at night.

If they can get on your sofa, they can easily get back down. Provided they don’t break lamps or crash into walls, let your bunny have fun. This movement is a great exercise.

The only caveat to all of this is that your rabbit needs a soft landing. Carpet is usually fine. This absorbs shock and minimizes the impact on your rabbit’s joints.

If necessary, leave a pillow on the floor next to your bed or sofa. Your rabbit will quickly learn that’s where it should land.

Does a rabbit jump off the balcony?

Rabbits will usually exercise some caution on a balcony. Unfortunately, they will also be very curious. It’s entirely possible for a rabbit to try to jump onto a balcony ledge. Accidents can easily happen from here.

In the interests of safety, it is best to keep rabbits off balconies. You get little by spending time doing it. The average balcony will be too small to provide adequate movement. Rabbits can also squeeze through small holes in railings.

If you can’t make sure your rabbit never comes onto your balcony, install a tall fence. Use plexiglass if you don’t want to block a view. This is the only way to ensure the safety of your pet.

Will my rabbit jump out of my arms?

Rabbits can and will jump out of a human’s arms when frightened. This is probably the most common source of injury. Never attempt to pick up a rabbit who isn’t enjoying the feeling.

If your rabbit welcomes the handling — or at least tolerates it — make sure you’re holding them appropriately. The Volksapotheke for sick animals explains how best to keep a rabbit.

Place one hand firmly under the rabbit’s chest.

Place the other hand under the rabbit’s hindquarters.

Pick up the bunny and hold it against your chest. Get a firm grip, but don’t crush the rabbit or make him feel trapped.

As soon as your rabbit shows signs of stress, put him down. A bunny held against her will is likely to jump out of your arms. This often leads to a dangerous crash landing.

Do rabbits land on their feet?

When a rabbit jumps, it has a goal in mind. As a result, they maneuver their bodies to land on their feet. They will also spread their legs to spread the impact across all four limbs.

Rabbits don’t have a natural “righting instinct” when dropped from a great height. For this reason, it is particularly important to ensure that your rabbit never falls unexpectedly. In a panic, a rabbit could land on its back or head.

Even landing on their feet will not protect a rabbit falling from an unsafe height. A crash landing still damages their legs, neck and spine. Never get complacent when it comes to rabbit safety.

My rabbit no longer jumps from a height

If your rabbit is reluctant to jump now, old age is probably catching up. It is natural for a rabbit to weaken their physicality as they get older. Non-essential activities, such as jumping from great heights, are the first to be discontinued.

It’s also likely that your rabbit is showing signs of arthritis. Any jump from a height that a rabbit initiates puts stress on its joints. After all, this makes such a movement very painful.

If your rabbit is arthritic, don’t stop all exercises. That’s the worst thing you can do. Your rabbit needs to stay supple. Just slow down the climbing and jump from height.

Of course, these activities build on each other. If rabbits can’t climb onto a bed or their hutch, they don’t need to jump off. Keep this in mind when placing a rabbit somewhere elevated. What comes up must come down. You may need help.

Rabbits can also remember the trauma. This means if they hurt themselves while jumping or falling, they will be reluctant to do so. Never force your rabbit to jump from a height against their will. Carry her to solid ground if that is her wish.

My rabbit fell from a height

If your rabbit falls, take it very seriously. Rabbits have very fragile skeletons and can inflict serious damage on themselves.

Give your pet some space immediately after the fall. You will be anxious and nervous. Observe from a safe distance and make some observations right away.

Is your rabbit moving? Make sure they can move their legs and neck before approaching.

Is your rabbit bleeding? Head injuries in particular can be very traumatic.

? Head injuries in particular can be very traumatic. When your rabbit moves, does it do so freely? All four limbs should be in a natural position, with no legs apart or a limp.

Of course, if your rabbit is in a clear physical emergency, they will need urgent medical attention. Spinal injuries in particular must be evaluated immediately.

When your rabbit is not in immediate danger, offer comfort. A lot of stroking and treats are required along with reassurance. If they allow, return your rabbit to its hutch. There is comfort in familiarity.

You also need to watch your bunny for a few days. Make sure they don’t experience a delayed reaction from their body. Pet Place discusses the symptoms of concussion in rabbits. Also watch out for signs of shock.

If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, speak to a professional. It never hurts to take X-rays and have tests done. These eliminate any risk of undetected internal bleeding or small fractures.

If your rabbit has a broken bone, treatment will depend on the severity. Your pet may need a splint, a cast, or even a limb amputation. In this case, follow the advice of a professional.

Rabbits tend to make death-defying leaps that scare their owners to death. We must remember that rabbits move by jumping. You will never walk if hopping is an option.

If your rabbit is happy and healthy, jumping from heights is not an option. Just allow them to make a soft landing wherever possible. This protects your joints.

Perhaps more importantly, never force nervous rabbits to climb or stand up. Some bunnies are only happy with four feet on the ground, and that’s okay too.

Although the terms “rabbit” and “hare” are often used interchangeably, did you know that rabbits and hares are actually different animals?

Although both animals belong to the same family, Leporidae, they are actually different species. Hares are usually larger, have longer ears, and are less social than rabbits. Rabbits live in colonies, which is why many keep rabbits as pets rather than hares (National Geographic). Hares are faster than rabbits and have longer, more powerful hind legs, allowing them to reach speeds of 37 body lengths per second (National Geographic). Compare this to the fastest human runners who can only run 6 body lengths per second!

While both species shed their skin and grow new fur in the spring, rabbits get white fur in the winter. Both species live about six years (AEP).

Rabbits are known for their underground burrows, but hares live above ground. Newborn rabbits are born fully developed with their eyes and fur open and are able to fend for themselves almost immediately, while newborn rabbits have their eyes closed and no fur and must rely on their parents for further development. While rabbits tend to be calmer, hares are easily startled. During the mating season the female rabbit will get the male rabbit to chase her for several miles and if he catches her she will mate with him but may throw a punch or two at him before letting him mate ( National Geographic).

As warmer weather approaches and baby rabbits and bunnies are born, it’s important to remember that mother rabbits and rabbits can leave their babies alone for the day to avoid attracting predators. So if you see a nest of baby rabbits or bunnies alone, don’t panic and call us for advice before you intervene!

Sources and further reading:

“What is the difference between rabbits and hares?” www.nationalgeographic.com, Dec 19, 2014: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/12/141219-rabbits-hares-animals-science-mating-courtship/

“Dare to Compare the Rabbit and the Hare” www.albertaep.wordpress.com, March 24, 2016: https://albertaep.wordpress.com/2016/03/24/dare-to-compare-the-rabbit-und -hare/

Pet rabbits have bigger personalities than most people give them credit for. People who have never had a pet rabbit may not understand that each rabbit has their own unique personality. All rabbits do things to let them know they’re happy, sad, or scared, and while every rabbit is different, certain behaviors mean the same thing to most rabbits.

Rabbit Binkying

Binkying rabbits look a bit like a person jumping happily in the air and kicking their heels together. While rabbits don’t actually do that Fred Astaire heel click, they leap in the air and contort their bodies to show they’re happy or excited. Someone who doesn’t know what a binky looks like might think their rabbit is scared and running away or that something else is wrong with them, but a binky is a perfectly normal, natural thing for a happy rabbit to do. All rabbit owners should have bunnies lucky enough to binky.

coleentabilas/FOAP/Getty Images

Rabbits are natural diggers. Their wild cousins ​​​​dig burrows for nesting and to build their homes, and our pet rabbits dig for fun. This is instinctive behavior, but it can be annoying and destructive to those you love. Rabbits will also dig at your feet or hands to get your attention. Digging is normal!

Jose A. Bernat Bacete/Getty Images

The rabbit 500

If your rabbit has ever run across the room as fast as possible as if something is chasing them, then you’ve seen the Rabbit 500. This behavior is happy behavior and your bunny will be racing around out of sheer excitement. Maybe they’re playing with you or a furry friend, or expecting a favorite treat. Regardless of the reason, not only is the Bunny 500 fun to look at, but you can rest assured that it means your bunny is a happy bunny.

Image Source / Getty Images

Rabbits flop

Some people get nervous when they see their rabbit tip over on its side, but this splash is a sign of a happy rabbit. Typically, your rabbit will rest, sit up, and then roll onto its side to lie down. This flapping motion is very different from a seizure as your rabbit will be very relaxed, their eyes will most likely be closed and their legs will not be moving. Fining is normal rabbit behavior and means your rabbit is relaxed.

Valia Efstathiou/FOAP/Getty Images

rabbit sounds

Rabbits are social and while most people who have never owned a rabbit have never heard a rabbit make any noise, rest assured that they have their own vocabulary for telling us and each other how they are feeling. Some sounds are very obvious, such as B. screaming. A rabbit will only scream when scared, stressed, or scared. Hopefully you’ll never hear a rabbit squawk.

Other less alarming noises include a buzz or honk, which can mean they are excited and are usually made while circling and sniffing at another rabbit, and teeth grinding. Grinding your teeth can mean your rabbit is uncomfortable or in pain, but it can also mean that he is content. If teeth grinding (also known as purring) is heard while your rabbit is sitting upright, hunched over and not moving, it most likely means they are in pain. If you hear it very quietly while your rabbit is relaxed, e.g. B. after a flop, it means that it is relaxed.

Growling is another sound you may hear when you have a territorial rabbit or when they are angry or stressed. Spaying or spaying your rabbit will help alleviate any territorial tendencies, but you may still hear growls when trying to introduce your rabbit to a new rabbit. If you hear growls, you should separate the rabbits, as a growl is an indication that a fight or other type of aggressive behavior may occur.

kicking rabbits

Rabbits can kick very hard if they want to. They have powerful hind legs and when dissatisfied they may kick out to escape or indicate they want to be knocked down if held. If your rabbit appears to be kicking while hopping away from you, it’s trying to kick up dirt to show it’s upset. If a rabbit kicks while you’re holding them, be careful when setting them down as they can injure their back or paralyze them if they kick hard enough while being held.

Rabbit Nose Bonking and Nudging

If your bunny nudges his toys – or you – with his nose, it’s because it’s his way of exploring and investigating. Just like sharks sniff and nudge to get an idea of ​​what they’re seeing, rabbits have very sensitive little noses that help them discover what makes up their surroundings. Sometimes a bonk or nudge will be followed by a nip to further test it or to indicate that the rabbit wants you to move or pay attention.

Martin Leigh/Getty Images

Biting rabbits

Rabbits can bite you innocently to get your attention, but they can also bite to show dominance, out of fear, or to say they don’t like something/someone. Rabbits may bite each other when they are fighting, or when an established rabbit dislikes a new rabbit, out of sexual frustration, or to establish hierarchy with the other rabbits they live with, or simply because they don’t want to do something when you try to pick them up or put them in a cage. Rabbits are not typically aggressive and spaying or neutering can help resolve aggressive tendencies.

Throbbing Bunnies

A rabbit that taps its hind leg is an angry rabbit. Knocking is a sign meant to warn other rabbits that there is something nearby to avoid. Knocking can mean that danger is near or that they are angry or feel threatened.

lick rabbit

Rabbit tongues are simply the cutest and the little licks rabbits give are no different. They may not be kissers like dogs, but they are often seen grooming themselves or their rabbit friends with their cute little pink tongues. This is perfectly normal behavior, but if a rabbit picks up too much hair, it can cause problems. Be sure to help your rabbit with grooming by combing or brushing them regularly.

Rabbit chinning

Rabbits, like many other animals, have scent glands on their faces. Sometimes rabbits will rub their chin against something (referred to as a chin) to tell other rabbits that the object is theirs. This is a normal way of marking their territory.

Find out how fast bunnies are, whether bunnies hop or run and how they are adapted to that speed. Discover how to measure the speed of your own rabbit.

If you’re like me, when your rabbit first sprinted around the house or yard, you were amazed at how quickly he sped around from a standing start, turning the corner sharply before coming to an abrupt stop. It seems like they go from 0 to a million miles per hour in a nanosecond. So I researched how fast rabbits run and how they get so fast. And then I measured how fast one of my rabbits can run.

How fast can rabbits run?

A rabbit can run at a speed of up to 56 km/h. Some wild rabbit breeds can run even faster – the jackrabbit can reach speeds of 45 mph (72 km/h). Pet rabbits can run faster than humans – the top speed for a human (Usain Bolt breaking the world record in the 100 meter sprint) is 27.78 mph (44.72 km/h). Rabbits (unlike hares) cannot maintain their speed for very long – they are sprinters looking for a quick escape to a nearby burrow or shelter from a predator.

But how fast is your rabbit likely to be? how do they walk And how are they so fast? Read on to find out more.

How fast do pet rabbits run?

Wild rabbits can run faster than pets – their survival depends on it. But how fast can your pet rabbit go?

I’ve seen a few numbers on the web, but haven’t been able to find a reliable source for most (many just seem to be copying the same original information).

Can a pet rabbit really run as fast as 30mph?

I decided to find out by measuring one of my rabbits.

How I measured the speed

To measure speed, you need to measure how long it takes a rabbit to travel a known distance. But how do you go about it?

You could try using a stopwatch, but if your rabbits are like mine, they won’t run on cue and it’s difficult to start and stop at the right time.

Luckily, many modern cell phones can help by recording your bunny in slow motion. Here’s what I did.

I made a video of one of our bunnies (Yoshi) dashing around the garden (Yoshi likes to do this for fun). Then I measured the distance between two spots that Yoshi had sprinted past. I did this after making the video – this means you don’t have to hope your bunny will walk past specific areas or markers. I watched the video. On my phone, the video captures 30 frames every second. Yours may be different, so check your phone’s settings. I calculated how many frames it took my rabbit to travel between the two points I had measured. This gives me the time it took Yoshi to cover this distance (you could also check this in a video program like iMovie). Speed ​​is distance divided by time. So I divided the distance between the spots by the time it took Yoshi to travel that distance.

my results

Results Distance 1.6 meters Time 0.2 seconds Speed ​​(distance/time) 8 meters per second or… 29 km/h or… 18 mph

This was a young rabbit who only played in the garden and did not go into full swing. So your own bunny hopping around is probably going about 20 miles an hour too.

Do rabbits run or hop?

Bunnies jump instead of running.

When sprinting, both hind legs push off the ground together, lifting the rabbit forward, and then the front paws are used alternately (not together) for added momentum.

You can see this in action by watching this slow motion of Yoshi running forward.

This is actually similar to some other fast animals, like the cheetah, which use their hind legs almost simultaneously.

The hop is so powerful that rabbits can travel up to 10 feet (3 m) in a single hop.

How can rabbits run so fast?

Rabbits can reach these speeds despite their small size because of their powerful hind legs. Rabbits also have muscles that evolved to enable them to sprint quickly.

Rabbit muscle fiber

Muscle fibers can come in two types – fast twitch and slow twitch.

Slow-twitch muscle fibers are good for endurance and tasks that require endurance. (These types of muscle fibers would help a marathon runner – up to 80% of their muscles are slow-twitch).

Fast-twitch muscle fibers are good for speed and acceleration. (These types of muscle fibers would help a sprinter – up to 80% of their muscles are fast-twitch muscles).

But there are two types of fast-twitch muscle—red ones that use oxygen (fast-twitch oxidative) and white ones that don’t (fast-twitch glycolytic). The fastest type of all are the fast twitch glycolys. [Source].

Rabbits (unlike hares) have a high proportion of fast-twitch glycolytic muscle fibers (up to 50% of fibers are fast-twitch glycolytic – source).

Bunnies are the opposite – they’re built for more endurance, with up to 55% more fast-twitch oxidative fibers.

This means rabbits can reach their top speed quickly as their leg muscles can generate tremendous power almost instantaneously, but they cannot run very far.

Rabbits have stronger muscle fibers than cheetahs

Incredibly, the rabbit’s muscle fibers are even stronger than those of the fastest land animal, the cheetah. The researchers isolated fast-twitch muscle fibers from a cheetah and compared experimental results to those from rabbit muscle fibers.

The cheetah’s muscle fibers could generate 92.5 W/kg (a measure of how much force the fibers could generate.

Rabbit muscle fibers could generate 119.7 W/kg – over 29% more power.

So your bunny has stronger muscles (relatively speaking) than a cheetah! [Source]

How rabbits use their speed

In the wild, the rapid turnaround in speed allows them to quickly reach a burrow or other safe location if they sense a predator nearby.

How fast are rabbits compared to other animals?

Rabbits are among the faster land animals, around the speed of greyhounds and horses, but some other animals are faster. Cheetahs can reach speeds of around 70 miles per hour.

But if you really want speed, opt for the peregrine falcon, which can reach speeds of over 200 mph while diving (stooping) [source].

Domestic rabbits have speeds similar to cats, dogs and foxes.

Why do rabbits seem so fast?

Rabbits seem to zip around so quickly for a number of reasons. Here are some of them:

They are fast – 50 km/h is faster than any human could handle. Compared to their size, their speed is even more impressive. Rabbits not only run fast, but can also accelerate quickly.

Humans take a while to reach our top speeds. When Usain Bolt broke the world record in 2009, it took him 60m to reach his top speed. Rabbits can get there in a few yards or meters.

And rabbits can not only accelerate quickly, but also turn in the blink of an eye. You may have seen it for yourself – rabbits can go around corners and change direction very quickly.

This quick turn and ability to zigzag also helps them avoid being caught by predators.

Watch how fast rabbits accelerate, spin and jump in this video:

Conclusion – How fast do rabbits run?

Rabbits are fast runners. Your pet bunny can potentially hop at up to 35 miles per hour and reach that speed within a few feet.

Rabbits are not only fast runners, but also great hops. Find out how high bunnies can jump (and how to stop them from escaping).

Not only do rabbits rely on their speed to avoid predators, they also have specially adapted eyesight and hearing. Learn more about how rabbits see the world and hear the world.

Rabbits enjoy being stimulated and get bored easily. See which toys our bunnies like to play with.