Domestic rabbit

This guide was AI-drafted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and reviewed before publishing.

Overview

The domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) is the domesticated form of the European rabbit, and there are hundreds of breeds originating from all over the world. Rabbits have lived alongside humans for a very long time - their captivity as a food source was recorded as far back as the 1st century BC, and they began to emerge as household pets during the Victorian era.

The idea of keeping a rabbit as a true house companion - much like a cat - was really only widely promoted from the 1980s onwards. Today they are loved pets across the UK and beyond, known for their curious personalities and gentle nature when well cared for.

Temperament & behaviour

Domestic rabbits bred over many generations under human care tend to be docile and sociable. They can be trained to use a litter box and can even learn to come when called - which shows just how switched-on they are.

Rabbits have an innate need to chew, and this is simply part of who they are. They will gnaw on almost anything they can reach, so it is important to prepare your home with this in mind before giving them free roam. They also need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

It is worth knowing that contact between pet rabbits and wild rabbits is strongly discouraged. Wild rabbits can carry diseases, and the two also have quite different temperaments, which can cause problems.

Care basics

Hay is an essential part of every rabbit's diet and should always be available. Many owners also offer commercial pellets, which are typically alfalfa-based to provide protein and fibre. Alfalfa hay can be great for young rabbits, but may be too high in protein and calcium for adults - timothy, orchard, or ryegrass hay are popular choices for grown rabbits.

Rabbits can be housed indoors, but their space needs to be set up safely. Electrical cords, potentially poisonous plants, and materials like carpet or fabric can all pose real risks if a rabbit gets to them. Providing safe things to chew and plenty of room to move around makes a big difference to their wellbeing.

Because rabbits are prolific breeders and reach sexual maturity relatively quickly - as early as 4 months for smaller breeds - spaying or neutering is worth discussing with your vet if you are not planning to breed your rabbit.

Health awareness

Rabbits have fragile bones, particularly in their spines, so it is really important to support their whole body - especially their bottom - whenever you pick them up. Dropping or mishandling a rabbit can cause serious injury.

Rabbits can be susceptible to viral diseases such as myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease, so it is worth speaking to your vet about what protection may be available in your area. Keeping their living space clean and sanitary goes a long way towards keeping them well.

The dewlap - the fold of skin under a female rabbit's chin - can sometimes be prone to skin complaints, so it is a good area to keep an eye on. General things to be aware of include signs of digestive trouble (rabbits can suffer life-threatening blockages if they swallow unsuitable materials), and any changes in eating, movement, or behaviour that seem out of the ordinary. Always check in with a rabbit-savvy vet if something does not seem right.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

Fun facts

A male rabbit is called a buck and a female is called a doe - and a group of rabbits is known as a colony or a nest. Young rabbits can be called kittens, kits, or bunnies.

Beatrix Potter - famous for her rabbit stories - actually kept rabbits as house companions herself. According to her diaries and letters, her rabbits loved being near the fire and one even slept on the warm ashes under the grate.

While most domestic rabbits live fewer than 9 years, one pet rabbit in Tanzania reportedly reached nearly 19 years old - showing that with great care, these little animals can be long-lived companions.

Source

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_rabbit