People often ask the same questions regarding rabbit care, breeding, behavior, and training. Here is a list of some of the most common questions asked:
Can a pet or domestic rabbit live in the wild in the U.S.?
No, domestic or pet rabbits cannot survive in the wild. The domestic rabbits we have here in the U.S. are imported from Europe and cannot breed with the wild rabbits of the U.S. Think about it, if they could, they would have done so already! Please don't release a domestic rabbit into the wild. It will suffer and die a horrible death.
What should I feed my rabbit?
The most important food in a rabbits diet should be alfalfa mix hay. We use a mixture of hay and orchard grass. Your rabbit also needs a good rabbit pellet. A higher protein pellet is not recommended unless you are trying to condition your rabbit for show/meat pen. Fresh vegetables can be offered after the rabbit is 6 months of age or older. Lettuce is really not the best choice unless it is a mixed green leaf salad mix. Spinach leaves are good. Carrots are okay but carrot tops are better. Apples, whole grain healthy cereal, rolled oats, grapes, and raisins are also good treats. I found rabbit enjoy sweet feed used for horses and other livestock. If a rabbit isn't eating, a little sweet feed gets them interested in eating again.
What should I do if my rabbit developers soft stools?
Dehydration is a serious and life threatening problem in rabbits. Yogurt helps to add friendly bacteria needed in the gut. Bene-bac or Dri-Tail is good to keep on hand in case there is a problem. Good sanitation is a must for all rabbits to keep them healthy. Don't change foods if possible or do so gradually. Always be sure your rabbit is drinking fresh, cool water.
Where should my rabbit live, indoors or out?
Although the house rabbit society says otherwise rabbits can be housed outdoors if they receive proper care and attention. Make a hutch yourself, purchase one already made, or check the internet for rabbit plans. A wire cage is easy to clean and as long as the rabbit has shelter and something to keep it's water from freezing it can be kept outdoors. A garage, shed, or barn is a good place to keep rabbits. If you keep your rabbit indoors, you will need to rabbit proof your home. Rabbits love and need to chew. Be sure to protect your rabbit from other pets in your home.
What toys or other supplies does my rabbit need?
Wooden chew sticks or wood toys are a must. Rabbits need to chew to wear down their teeth or they will be overgrown. Rabbits also need to have their nails cut with small pet nail trimmers. Simple toys either home-made or store bought will keep your rabbit busy. Salt spools are not necessary. If you use a water bottle, you may need to switch to a heavy crock or bowl in the winter.
Does my rabbit need another rabbit companion?
Wild rabbits live in complex communities called warrens. Domestic rabbits however should not be kept with other rabbits unless they are bonded to one another. The rule is one rabbit per hutch/cage. Rabbits will fight and injure one another if placed together if they are not already friends. See the behavior or training pages for more information.
Should I breed my rabbit and when?
Breeding rabbits is not something to take lightly. Just as any other animal rabbits are bred to improve the breed. A rabbit must be healthy and should be at least 6 months old to breed. Female rabbits that have not been bred and are one year or older should not be bred. If you don't plan on breeding your rabbit, spaying and neutering can help prevent cancer although the statics on cancer in unaltered rabbits are higher than what is true. Responsible breeding means being able to provide homes and care for young produced. Preparation including learning all about rabbits before you breed will prepare you for the problems that breeding dwarf rabbits. Expect small litters and babies that are too small to survive (peanuts) or over-sized rabbits (giants). Rabbits are known to eat their own baby kits. Children that breed rabbits can really get upset at seeing a newborn kit left torn in pieces by its mother doe. Rabbits don't make their nests properly (birthing on the wire) and will stomp on kits in the nest. You are fortunate if you get a litter of 4 to survive and then figure what are the chances of one being a show rabbit. Rabbits must be kept clean especially when they are kindling. Separate cages for the buck and doe babies is required or they will fight and injure one another. Babies are weaned at 6-8 weeks and this is when you will need to separate bucks and does. Babies can mate together as early as 12 weeks although this is not healthy. Breeding age of 6 months is recommended. Don't expect to make money selling baby rabbits. The cost of feeding, housing, and purchasing good stock is much higher than profits or time spent.
Can I train my rabbit like a dog or a cat?
Rabbits are different in personality than dogs and cats but they can be trained. Rabbits can bond with their humans and become very close to their human caretakers if given enough time and attention. Many people say their pet rabbit watches TV with their child or sits/lays beside them as they play video games. See our training, behavior, and rabbit care pages for more information.
How long will my rabbit live?
Rabbits live on average 5-7 years but we hear all the time of people having a rabbit for 10-12 or more! With proper care, rabbits are living longer and longer lifespans as science, research, and knowledge of care and nutrition for these animals improves.
How big will my Holland Lop rabbit get?
Holland Lop rabbits grow to be about 3-4 pounds. Holland Lop rabbits are dwarf breed rabbits that carry the dwarfing gene. Being small and compact rabbits makes them ideal pets however these rabbits are more difficult to breed because of the dwarfing gene.
What kind of rabbit is the friendliest?
The answer to that question goes beyond the breed of rabbit although some breeds of rabbit are known for their excellent temperament including all the varieties of Lops. Dwarf Lops have the same personality as the larger Lops. A rabbit needs to trust and bond to their human caretaker in order for the rabbit to feel secure and happy. Of course it's important for a rabbits temperament to be established with proper breeding and early handling when young. Knowledge of rabbit behavior helps to break the language barrier between rabbits and humans which leads to a better bond between the rabbit and caretaker. Respecting rabbits for how they are as a species and understanding they are not like other domestic pets is very important. See rabbit behavior and training pages for more information.
How should I pick up and hold my rabbit?
First understand that when you want to take a rabbit out of his/her cage or hutch you need to take note of the fact that rabbits eyes are situated on the side of their head as with most prey animals. Having a big hand reach in and grab them is scary to them and they may try to scratch or nip to protect themselves and their territory. Reach your hand in sideways and not over the top of the head. Grasp the rabbit by the neck or body and gently lift being sure to support the hindquarters. Keep the rabbit close to your body so that he/she feels secure.
Is a rabbit a good pet for my child?
Of course this depends on the child and the parent (s). Parents need to educate their child on the responsibilities of owning a pet rabbit. If your child is afraid of being scratched, a rabbit is not the best pet. Rabbits can scratch and squirm when held. If your child wants a cuddly pet they can carry around, a rabbit is not the best pet. Just like any pet, rabbits need proper handling and care. If a child loses interest, it will be the responsibility of the parent to provide proper care for the rabbit. In general rabbits do not make good pets for children under age 5. A parent may not be able to tell ahead of time but a child with allergies should not have a rabbit for the pet. This includes allergies to hay as well as to pet dander.
How can I save a wild baby rabbit?
First understand that the rabbit baby may not need to be saved. Rabbit mothers do not sit on their nest and stay with their young like most prey animals. Mother rabbits only visit the nest once or twice a day to feed their babies. Just because you find a nest of babies does not mean the mother rabbit has abandoned them. Understand that it is extremely difficult to save wild baby rabbits. The best thing to do is to leave the babies alone. If you are absolutely certain the babies need help you need to contact a professional wildlife rehabilitation person or center and not try and take matters into your own hands.
