Five Fascinating Facts About Rabbits
Did you know a rabbit’s teeth never stop growing? Or their little jump is called a binky? If not, discover some fascinating facts about these adorable pets.
Do you think you know a thing or two about rabbits? Did you know that little jump they do when they’re happy is called a ‘binky’? Or that baby rabbits are called ‘kits’? If you didn’t, you’ve already learned something new. And if you did, there’s plenty more to learn about these cute critters.
So, here are five interesting facts about rabbits.
1. Their teeth never stop growing
Unlike humans, rabbit teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetime – in fact, they can grow between 3-5 inches (7.5 – 12cm) a year! In the wild, their teeth would become ground down due to their diet of tough plant food. However, domesticated rabbits eat softer food and should have their teeth checked regularly to make sure they’re not growing too long, making it difficult for them to eat. You can help manage their teeth length by providing plenty of hay for them to nibble on during the day.
2. Carrots aren’t the best food for them
While Bugs Bunny popularised the carrot as the snack of choice for rabbits, they can’t survive on this root vegetable alone. In fact, in the wild rabbits rarely eat root vegetables at all, preferring to munch on grasses and green leafy plants. Of course, you can treat your pet rabbit with a carrot on occasion but be sure not to overdo it – they’re high in sugar which can cause tooth decay.
3. They’re trainable
Like dogs, rabbits are easy to housebreak and train. You can teach them to come at the call of their name and even do simple tricks. You could even take them for a walk, so they can get some safe outdoor time. Make sure to get a rabbit-appropriate harness and keep them on soft or grassy areas as much as possible.
4. It’s a good idea to have them neutered or spayed
It’s common to have your cat or dog neutered or spayed at a young age. This not only helps prevent unwanted litters, but it has also been proven to have health benefits for the animal. The same applies to rabbits – even if it’s unlikely they’ll ever meet another one. In female rabbits, for example, having them neutered helps lower the chance of ovarian cancer and, for both males and females, it helps lower aggression. Having your rabbit neutered or spayed can also extend their lifespan from around 8 years to 12!
5. They like company
Rabbits are social animals and like spending time with their rabbit friends. But you do want to be careful about how you set up their social circle. The best combination is a neutered male and female pair. If having a second rabbit isn’t possible, make sure you provide them with plenty of love and attention. Just like humans, rabbits can become bored and depressed if left alone for too long.
