Rabbits enjoy the company of both their human and bunny chums as being social comes naturally. Communities of wild bunnies live in large colonies containing a number of social groups. Each group consists of up to three bucks (males) and five does (females).
The binky
Binkying is the amazing acrobatic bunny jump accompanied by twisting the body or kicking the legs. Rabbits use the binky to communicate that they are feeling very happy and playful and that: ‘Life is great!’.
Pet rabbits are related to the wild European rabbit
Whose scientific name is Oryctolagus cuniculus, which means ‘hare-like digger of underground passages’. Not surprising, then, that digging up your garden remains a popular activity!
Mother bunnies often ignore their young
Bunny mummies instinctively leave their young (called kittens) for long periods of time so her presence doesn’t attract predators to the nest. The kittens will instinctively burrow into the nest to keep warm and remain out of sight.
Rabbits like to poo and chew!
Rabbits generally prefer to munch on hay while they’re resting and, while it may seem a little odd to us humans, they also like to ‘poo and chew’. Put a pile of hay in their favourite resting places and hang a hay rack above their litter tray.
How long do rabbits live?
Wild rabbits have to contend with predators, disease and accidents so have an average life expectancy of one to two years. In comparison, a well looked after pet rabbit can live up to 12 years.
Circling your feet
If your rabbit starts to follow you around, circling your feet, they may be just trying to get your attention – ‘I’m here, let’s play!’ – but they could also be courting you, particularly if this behaviour is accompanied by honking or oinking noises. If your rabbit hasn’t yet been neutered, now is the time.