Rabbit 101:
    The Rabbit Resource
     

Bunny lovers tend to be very kind, compassionate people with huge soft spots for our animals. After all, we share our hearts and homes with our furry friends (and only ask for snuggles in return!)  

If you live in the United Kingdom, it turns out you're not alone in your love for those adorable, cuddly creatures. In fact, there are over one million rabbit owners in the UK. Pretty cool, right?

For all you rabbit lovers out there, we've compiled all the FAQ's asked by dedicated paw parents like you. From the fruits and veggies you should be feeding your bun to exactly why a rabbit thumps... and everything in between! Consider this your one stop shop for all questions rabbit.

Let's hop to it!

How long do dwarf rabbits live?

Dwarf rabbits are the smallest of rabbits and are said to live longer than their bigger bunny counterparts. Their sweet, cuddly and pleasant countenance towards everyone, makes them an all-time favourite. With an adequate amount of care, these small pets can live up to 8 to 10 years. Depending on the type or breed, the lifespan varies. Also, to prolong a healthy life, take good care of your little furry friend. You don’t even have to utter a word-we know you would love to have a lifetime with your dwarf bunny.

It’s time to dive deeper into the goodies. Let’s talk dwarf bunnies!

If you have never seen or heard of dwarf bunnies, you are missing out. They are super sweet and short rabbits that will win your heart in a jiffy. It is important to note that not all small bunnies are dwarfs. In fact, the presence of the dwarf gene is what classifies a dwarf rabbit as a dwarf. Dwarf bunnies have a distinct look that makes them recognizable. They usually have a round head, a compact body and shorter ears than the usual bunny.

What vegetables can rabbits eat?

Rabbits are big fans of veggies. It is so cute how they hide in a little corner to have undisturbed moments with their favourite vegetables. Bunnies can eat several vegetables, most of which can be grown in your garden or purchased from food stores. Your bunny has a different digestive system. Thus, thought must be placed on the types of foods they receive, even vegetables. Some vegetables that experts highly recommend for humans may be bad for our small pets. But don’t worry, you can still find something in your food basket for them.

About 15-20% of your bunny's diet should include vegetables.

Safe veggies for your rabbit

Several research materials indicate that the best vegetables for rabbits are herbs, lettuce, and leafy greens. We bet you are wondering- where are the carrots? Truth be told, they are not the best food for your bunnies as they can interfere with digestion. But we will talk some more about carrots later. Here's a complete list of approved vegetables for your furry friend.

Toxic veggies for your rabbit

Not all veggies are good for your little bunny. There are certain foods that you should avoid giving your furry friend as they contain toxic substances that can affect their digestive health, and neurological function, among others. Foods such as avocados, chard, garlic, corn, raw potatoes, raw onions, rhubarb, mushrooms, broad beans, kidney beans and iceberg lettuce must be eliminated from your rabbits’ diet. If you have fed any of the previously mentioned toxic foods to your rabbit, speak with your vet to determine the right action to take.

USEFUL TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE FEEDING YOUR RABBIT:

1.) Carefully wash all vegetables before feeding them to your bunny.

2.) Inspect veggies for bugs, insects and worms.

3.) Be aware that certain foods can affect your rabbit’s urine colour.

4.) Avoid giving your pet broccoli as it is a gas-inducing food.

5.) Never give your rabbit leaves of plants that are grown indoors as they can be poisonous.

6.) Moderation is key. Slowly introduce vegetables to your furry friends’ diet.

7.) Always be on the lookout for adverse effects after veggie consumption.

More on The subject...

What fruits can rabbits eat?

Now that we have covered the types of veggies bunnies love, it’s time to shed some light on the fruits. Can you make wild guesses as to which fruits are safe for your small pet to munch on? Anywho...if you thought of fruits such as grapes, pineapple and mangoes...then you are certainly on track!

Rabbits usually enjoy eating fruits. If you leave feeding time all up to them, they may keep eating fruits all year round. However, fruits are high in sugar and should be fed in moderation.

How long do rabbits live?

Welcome to the beautiful world of bunnies! Here, your little furry friends are top priority. Whether you are a newbie to taking care of rabbits or a seasoned pro, we are here to heighten your care experience and help you make every moment count. Without any delays, let’s dive deep into our topic of discussion-how long do rabbits live. But before we explore this topic, have you ever wondered about how long you will get to enjoy your bunny’s company? Well, they can live up to 12 years. Yep! You read that right.

Here’s what you should know about those adorable beings and their lifespan.

What your bunny rabbit needs

In a nutshell to keep rabbits healthy and to prolong their lifespan, they require:

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What Do Rabbits Eat?

Rabbits are super cute beings that deserves the best of everything- including food. For most of the day, you can find them nibbling on foods they enjoy. But what do they eat? You can find them munching away on hay, pellets and veggies. They also need clean water while they eat.

Is there a bunny you’re eyeing? Or you are just crossing your “T” s and dotting the “I” s to make sure you are on top of your feeding game? Whatever the reason or your level of knowledge on the subject, you may find this content helpful.

Let's explore bunnies’ typical diet and the foods they can eat.

It is important to note that nutrition plays a critical role in the health and sustenance of domestic bunnies. Failure to provide the nutrients your small pet needs can lead to nutritional deficiencies that can cause or trigger other problems. We definitely don’t want that for our furry friends.

 
Rabbits are herbivores which means that they consume only plant-related foods. Majority of the bunnies’ diet consists of clean water and hay. Whilst they need nutrients to grow, hay is their primary source of nutrients. It significantly improves digestive health as they nibble continuously.

If you introduce your fuzzy friend to certain foods too quickly or give them foods that are not appropriate for their digestive system, they can end up being very sick or even die.

To avoid these undesirable situations, here are some foods for your bunnies that are recommended by experts within and outside of the UK.

The Take Away

Rabbits’ diet should consist of hay, fresh vegetables, and specially formulated rabbit pellets. To keep them healthy, these foods must be given in the correct proportion to meet their nutritional needs. Feeding your bunny the right foods will keep them happy and in good shape.

Voila! There you have it, what do rabbits eat in a nutshell. You are all set to kickstart your rabbit feeding-journey the right way.

If you desire high-quality and animal cruelty-free hay and pellets for your small pet bunny, we got you covered! Small Pet Select offers the best rabbit and other small pet foods in the UK. Please check out our rabbit products, we are sure you will find something for your bunny. Don’t miss these essentials.

Also, if you are loving our care resources, feel free to check out our binge-worthy blogs too. They are loaded with content that will help you on your rabbit care journey.

Happy feeding!

Where do rabbits live?

Rabbits are located all over the globe in several habitats. You can understand this as they are such sweet pets to have, but where do they live? You can find them in homes, deserts, wetlands, forests and even urban areas. Let’s dig deeper to discover and explore where these adorable creatures call home.

Bunnies can be found around the world in almost every country except the Antarctica region, where it is super cold. You can find some bunnies in several homes which are referred to as domestic pets. Some pets live in the wild and may be used as food for other animals.

The majority of bunnies are found in North America, Asia and Europe.

Wild Bunnies

You can find wild bunnies in holes under the ground called barrows. They use these holes to protect themselves and their offspring from predators and to enhance their comfort. The barrows are designed with tunnels to fit their bodies and to allow easy escape from their attackers. Rabbits have incredible abilities to adapt to their environment. Their favourite places are bushes, tall grasses and shrubs. Can you guess why this is the case?

Bunnies that live in the wild are very wild. They resort to the previously mentioned habitats to outsmart predators and protect themselves.

Domestic Bunnies

These bunnies have a home and are domesticated. They are normally fed with fruits, veggies and hay. Most of these bunnies have a place to stay and rest. They often live in a cage, or they live in the yard inside a hutch, or even both. Their cages must be at least five times their size to reduce injury and promote comfort.

Rabbit owners must ensure that their bunnies’ environment is safe.

Rabbits & Winter

Here’s a question that you might be asking. What happens to bunnies during winter? Bunnies are smart animals. During winter, outdoor rabbits normally stay underground to keep themselves safe and warm. They mainly eat twigs, barks and buds during this time.

Why do rabbits thump?

Have you ever sat at home minding your business, and suddenly your bunny starts kicking up a storm? It can be a very frightening experience, especially if your furry friend is doing it for the first time. Don’t be too worried about it. Your bunny is not telling you off! Though they do not speak, they do have a unique way of communicating their feelings to each other and to humans. Therefore, we must learn what their reactions and gestures mean. Let’s talk thumping! Bunnies may thump for several reasons, which may include warning you or another bunny about danger, they feel lonely, and they are sick, among several other reasons.

Thumping is a natural reaction by rabbits that involves drumming or stomping their hind feet to make a noise- not all rabbits thump. Those that do thump use it as a means of communicating various messages. In other words, they are saying, “something is going on here.” Thumping can last for a very long time and often ends when a bunny feels safe. The sound can be heard from far distances and often result in a strong vibration that sends messages to bunnies who are near or underground. Learning why your bunny thumps can help you to better understand their behaviour and needs.

Let’s explore some of the reasons why your bunny may be thumping- some will shock you.

Rabbits have various reasons for thumping, and it's essential to determine the cause by observing their behaviour and surroundings. By taking the time to assess the situation, rabbit owners can address any potential issues and ensure their bunnies’ well-being. This proactive approach can promote a better relationship between owners and their furry friends while providing a safe and comfortable environment for them.

How to keep rabbits cool in summer?

Summer is often a fun season for many of us. However, it’s not a great time for our furry friends. They are super sensitive to heat, and they are unable to regulate their body temperatures. Bunnies cannot sweat; this makes it even more difficult for them to keep cool in summer. They depend solely on human actions, panting, and their ears to keep them cool. To keep your bunny cool during summer, you can move them to cooler temperatures indoors, provide a spacious room for stretching, and getting your bunny a cooling mat, among other interventions.

Bunnies and Heat Stroke

Rabbits can be victims of heat stroke. The extra fuzzy ones and those that are very young or very old are more likely to experience heat stroke. Therefore, close attention should be paid to temperature, humidity and ventilation.

Bunnies get very warm during the summer due to the high temperatures in their environment. It is important that you monitor your bunny to prevent heat stroke and make them as comfortable as possible during summer and beyond.

In case you are clueless as to what heat stroke is, here is a short and easy definition from the Centers for Disease Control:

“Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down.”

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke

As a rabbit owner, knowing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke can help to save your bunny’s life. Below are some signs and symptoms that indicate that a bunny is experiencing heat stroke.

Panting, or fast, shallow breathing

Drooling and salivating

Wetness around the nose

Coma

Cardiac arrhythmia

Cardiopulmonary arrest

Weakness

Seizures

Body temperature above (104 O F)

Red and warm ears

Disorientation

Muscle tremors

High heart rate

Head tossing backwards

What to do if your bunny has a heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a scary thing to any rabbit owner. But the key is to remain calm and do your best to save your bunny. Here are a few things you can do should your bunny ever have a heat stroke.

Contact the vet immediately: The vet has the expertise in rabbit care and will tell you exactly what to do.

Try to cool down your bunny:

• Place a damped towel over the cage.
• Offer your rabbit sips of water if it is able to drink.
• Dampen the furs and ears with cool water. Never soak your bunny ears in water; you can increase the risk of shock, which can be fatal.
• Move the enclosure to a cooler spot. If your bunny is outside, you can move it indoors.

The Take Home

To keep bunnies calm and happy during summer, owners should prioritize keeping them cool. This means creating an environment that minimizes the risk of heat stroke. Providing ample shade, ensuring proper ventilation, and offering plenty of cool water are all important measures. Additionally, bunny owners should monitor their pet's behaviour and symptoms of heat stress to prevent more serious issues from arising.

What should rabbits not eat?

We have spilt the tea regarding what rabbits should eat and we have touched the surface, and shared what they can't eat. Now, it's time to identify those foods and explain why they are bad for your furry friend. Bunnies should not eat foods such as avocados, raw onions, garlic, tomato leaves, nuts, and beans, among others.

How long are rabbits pregnant?

You have probably heard the term, breeding like rabbits. Well, it actually implies that female rabbits reproduce at a very rapid rate. It literally takes minutes for them to become pregnant. Bunnies’ gestation periods are pretty short. They are usually pregnant for about a month (30 to 33 days) and undergo spontaneous and lengthy ovulation periods. So, if you are up for having a fluffle, read more!

If you are looking into having a nation of bunnies, you can have bunnies popping out every single month. We bet you have several questions regarding your furry friend’s pregnancy, so let’s explore them together, shall we?

When can rabbits breed?

Your rabbit can breed as early as 4 months. However, the ideal age is 6 months. It’s best to wait until they are 6 months to prevent pregnancy complications. Pretty interesting right? It certainly is! Unlike other animals, they star the show when it comes to reproducing. They are the record breakers. They are usually pregnant for about a month (30 to 33 days) and undergo spontaneous and lengthy ovulation periods.

If you want to prevent your female bunny from breeding, be sure to separate them from the males or consider neutering them.

Breeding rabbits should be done in a controlled environment, with careful monitoring of the female rabbits’ behaviour and health. It is important to ensure that the rabbits are not under any stress during the breeding process, as this can impact the success of the pregnancy.

What are the signs that my bunny is expecting?

When your rabbit becomes pregnant, it is not always easy to tell. There are several instances in which rabbits are pregnant and the owner does not know until a few days before the delivery date when they start preparing a place to give birth. Here are some things to look out for when your bunny is pregnant.

If your rabbit is displaying any of these signs, take her to the vet to ensure that she is doing well.

False Pregnancy

Don’t be alarmed if your bunny triggers a false alarm where pregnancy is concerned. Your bunny may display the previously mentioned signs but is not pregnant. The best way to be sure is to consult with the vet.

Rabbit Pregnancy and Care

If you are curious about your furry friend’s pregnancy journey and about what it will be like, it is pretty much an adventure from start to finish! Once your rabbit is confirmed to be pregnant, the real excitement begins.

Ensure that your pregnant bunny’s nutritional needs are met and that there is a cosy and quiet space for your bunny to be while she prepares for her big day.

Imagine a relaxing spa experience. Create an oasis of comfort where she has access to plenty of food, clean water, a warm, comfy and clean nesting box, and all the fluffy bedding materials her heart desires.

A rabbit’s pregnancy journey may be a tough one. Keep a close watch on your mom-to-be bunny for signs of infections or illness and ensure they visit the vet.

As the big day approaches, you will grow more and more excited.

When those adorable little bunnies arrive, it will be totally worth it. Please take great care of your furry friend during her pregnancy, and be prepared for those star eyes moments after seeing their cute little faces.

The Take Away

During the gestation period, bunnies need high level of care which entails adequate comfort, close monitoring for illnesses and a very nutritious diet. Enjoy those little furry buds when they arrive. Before you know it, they will be up and about.

How to Pick Up Rabbits

After your furry friend gives birth, the next thing to consider is handling the little bunnies with care. Bunny owners must know the proper techniques for picking up rabbits. Let’s face it, picking up a bunny who has just graced the earth can be a bit intimidating, especially if you are a newbie to rabbit care. Don’t worry though. We gotcha! We have some tips to share with you and before you know it, you will be a pro at picking up bunnies.

You can pick up your bunny using a gentle and safe approach. When you are trying to hold your bunny, put one hand under its chest and your other hand underneath its bottom. At no point in time should you hold it by the ears or by the scruff of the neck. If you fail to hold them properly, they may experience pain or injury.

When do you need to hold your bunny?

There are several instances in which your bunny requires to be held. You may need to hold it during grooming sessions, when protecting it from hazards, when administering medicines, at bonding times, and when you are placing it into carriers. If you discover that your bunny rabbit does not enjoy being picked up, try to minimize the number of times you do this.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to pick up your furry friend safely.
When picking up your rabbit, proper techniques must be implemented to avoid pain and spinal injury. Therefore, its entire body must be supported when lifting it. Use a gentle and safe approach:

1. Put one hand under its chest. This will minimize struggling with your furry friend.
2. Place your other hand underneath its bottom: This action helps to support the rabbit’s body weight and further prevents injury.
3. Lift your bunny and hold them close to you. This helps to promote comfort and security.

How are you feeling after reading this bit of information? We bet that your fears have been minimized. We at Small Pet Select provide our customers and potential customers with valuable information to guide them in their small pet endeavours. You will love it here!