RABBITS

The domestic rabbit, Oryctolagus caniculus, is a descendant of wild rabbits living in Western Europe and Northern Africa. In their natural environment, rabbits are gregarious and reproductively successful. They are completely herbivorous and most actively forage in the twilight or night-time hours. Rabbits use their claws to dig and burrow into the ground for shelter and protection. They rarely stand their ground when threatened but instead use their considerable speed and manoeuvrability to escape harm. Domestic rabbits or wild rabbits kept in captivity, however, can display an amazing degree of aggressiveness when upset or threatened. Domestic rabbits are bred and kept for commercial meat and fur, teaching and research, as indoor and outdoor pets, and for exhibition by rabbit fanciers. Rabbits make excellent pets. They are relatively easy to care for and can be litter box trained. Their fastidious nature, unaggressive behaviour, and quiet manner make them increasingly popular as house pets. Rabbits live an average of five to 10 years (potential life span, up to 15 years). Males reach breeding age at six to 10 months of age; females between five and nine months of age. Gestation is between 29 and 35 days (average of 31 or 32 days) and litters average four to 10 bunnies.

For more detailed information about rabbits, please see our Client Information Handouts:

Diet

Housing & Handling

Medical Considerations