By Vet Laura Foddy
Rabbits make delightful pets - they are bouncy, friendly and love to explore.
They can live for eight to 10 years so getting one is a considerable commitment and they will need some of your time and attention every day.
Here are some interesting facts about rabbits which you may not know:
Rabbits have eyes on the side of their head so they can see all around them for predators. This is a common characteristic of prey animals including guinea pigs.
Because they are a prey animal, rabbits may take a while to befriend you. But be patient and offer them treats. They also need to have access to a hidden shelter, so they can feel safe.
Did you know that rabbits grind their teeth when feeling content! This should be a soft sound. If they are grinding hard this may be a sign of pain.
In rabbits, pregnancy lasts for about a month, and they can have 5-8 kits, or baby rabbits, in a litter. It is important to neuter your rabbits. Even if the rabbits are related, they will still require neutering if male and females are housed together.
Another fact which may surprise you is that rabbits eat some of their own poo. This is called a caecotroph and is a soft poo. You should only see hard poos in your rabbit's enclosure. If you see any poo on your rabbit's fur, then your rabbit may have painful teeth.
Hay should make up 90% of your rabbit's diet to keep the teeth and guts healthy. Fresh vegetables can be added but be sure to give them in moderation.
It is recommended to have a minimum of 2m x 3m x 1m enclosure for two rabbits. However, the more space the better; a wild rabbit has about 500m of tunnel space underground.
Rabbits’ teeth carry on growing. They rely on spending a long time eating a high fibre diet like hay to wear the teeth down and keep them healthy.
Rabbits are also ‘hind gut fermenters’ meaning they break down their food in their large intestine, an area called the caecum. In humans, the caecum makes up 1% of the digestive tract, whereas in rabbits it makes up 40% of their digestive tract. In fact, rabbits break down their food in the same way as horses.
Rabbits are very sociable, and they can be trained to play. They make great companions. Be sure to know what their needs are before committing to having one as a pet.