10 Fun Animal Facts- Rabbits

When most people think of rabbits the first thing that probably comes to mind is the Easter Bunny. What child hasn't thought about the Easter Bunny hopping to his or her house and bringing them a large treat filled basket. Or you may have had a neighbor friend who had a pet rabbit, or was it your childhood classroom pet. During the Easter holiday, rabbits are bought as a spontaneous purchase for nieces and nephews who's parents aren't expecting to be taking care of a pet rabbit for the next ten years. And because rabbits can live so long they require ongoing care from someone that understands their unique needs.

1. A female rabbit is called a Doe, a male rabbit is called a Buck and a baby rabbit is called a Kit.

2. The American Rabbit Breeders Association has recognized 45 breeds of rabbits.

3. When rabbits are happy they will jump and twist. This is called a blinky. When a rabbit licks and nibbles on you, they are expressing their affection for you.

4. In order for a rabbit to have healthy digestion, they have to eat their night droppings called cecotropes.

5. According to Pet Rabbit Care, "President Lincoln allowed his sons to keep many pets in the White House, including pet rabbits.

6. Rabbits can be litter box trained with a little patience, just like a cat.

7. Hares and Rabbits are different and according to Verlannahill, "Hares are generally larger than rabbits. They have longer black tipped ears, and live solitary lives. Hares are born with their eyes open, hair covering the bodies, and they can run within a few minutes of birth. Rabbits, on the other hand, are born blind, naked, and remain in a fur-lined nest for the first days of their lives."

8. There are several children's books based on rabbits, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit and The Velveteen Rabbit.

9. Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they eat grasses, plants, vegetables and the like. Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system and require the right types of food in order to stay healthy.

10. Rabbits need grooming and vet care. Rabbit teeth never stop growing so they need a variety of hard foods to keep their teeth trimmed down. If their teeth get overgrown a trip to the vet may be in order where the veterinarian can trim the teeth down. Brushing is important because they constantly groom themselves and can get sick and die if too much hair gets caught in their stomach. Rabbits need to have their nails clipped every few months and you can learn to do this or have a vet do it for you. When I had a rabbit I learned how to brush them, and trim their nails. It really isn't hard to do at all.

Sources:
http://www.pet-rabbit-care-information.com/fun-rabbit-facts.htm

http://www.verlannahill.com/BunnyFacts2.htm