Fun Bunny Facts!
Learning more about our rabbit companions
With the addition of Suzanne’s Place, we have been able to get to know all different types of rabbits! Lion heads, Lops, Dutch, and a variety of mixes in between! Being able to make space for rabbits in need has been a wonderful new venture for the Sanctuary and our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Rabbits come in a variety of colors, fur lengths, shapes and sizes! We have had bunnies found by Animal Control, rescued from hoarding cases, and people in our re-homing program who just needed help to give their bunny a new forever home. We are here for it all!
Rabbits are strict herbivores, unlike omnivorous rodents like rats, mice, and hamsters! They share some similar attributes to members of the Rodentia family but are actually Leporidae, a family order that includes rabbits and hares. Their diet should be mostly Timothy Hay, around 80% of their diet, along with measured rabbit food (and snacks!). Hay helps rabbit digestion to keep things moving and provides benefits for their teeth. Their front teeth never stop growing! This is why hard chews and hay are important for keeping their teeth trim. With proper dentition, rabbits should be able to keep their teeth trimmed naturally although sometimes assisted teeth trimming is needed at your veterinarian’s office. If your rabbit needs teeth care, some vets can show pet guardians how to do it themselves!
Rabbits also enjoy fresh veggie snacks, greens, herbs, and appropriate amounts of rabbit food daily.
Did you know?!
A female is called a doe
A male is called a buck
A baby bunny isn’t a fawn but a kit!
Rabbits are crepuscular (like deer too!) which means they are most active at dusk and dawn. Our house companions will adjust some to our diurnal (daytime) schedules but it’s good to remember their natural time clock! Learn more about sleep patterns here https://www.ourcompanions.org/an-eye-opening-look-at-animal-sleeping-behaviors/
Have you heard of a “binky”?!
A “binky” is the jump of excitement! Rabbits will jump in the air and almost dance around, kicking their feet high in the air.
We are learning so much about body language! Of course, rabbits are prey animals so picking them up is usually scary. Rabbits prefer to hop on your lap or lounge next to you. A big flop to the ground is a good sign! They will enjoy head pets and pets down their ears when relaxed. With two bunnies, the bunny with their head lowest to the ground is the dominant bunny! With dogs, we usually think of the submissive one lowering his head but with bunnies it’s the other way around.
If you are interested in adding a bunny to your home, finding a new friend for your house bun, or interested in volunteering with our small animals, contact our Helpline at 860-242-9999 or email [email protected]!
Learn more about rabbit care here: House Rabbit Connection’s Rabbit Care Guide