Rabbit Care FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about rabbit ownership, diet, and behavior.
Q. How long do rabbits live?
Domesticated rabbits typically live 8–12 years with proper care. Some breeds live longer. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet (mostly hay), and a safe, indoor environment are key to a long, happy life.
Q. What do rabbits eat?
A rabbit's diet should be 80% high-quality grass hay (like Timothy or Orchard grass), 10% fresh vegetables (like Romaine lettuce and cilantro), 5% high-quality plain pellets, and 5% treats (like small amounts of fruit).
Q. Do rabbits need vaccinations?
Yes. Depending on where you live, rabbits need annual vaccinations against fatal diseases like Myxomatosis and Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV/RHDV2). Consult a local exotic vet for the specific requirements in your area.
Q. Can rabbits be litter trained?
Absolutely. Rabbits are naturally clean animals and often pick a specific corner of their enclosure to use. Place a litter box there with paper-based litter and top it with plenty of fresh hay, as rabbits like to eat while they go.
Q. Should I spay/neuter my rabbit?
Yes, for several reasons. It prevents unwanted litters, significantly reduces aggressive and territorial behaviors (like spraying), and in females, drastically reduces the risk of uterine cancer, which affects up to 80% of unspayed females over the age of three.
Q. How much space does a rabbit need?
Rabbits need a lot of space to run, jump, and binky. A tiny pet store cage is never sufficient. They need an enclosure of at least 12 square feet (e.g., an x-pen), plus several hours of supervised free-roaming time in a bunny-proofed room daily.
Q. Can rabbits live alone?
Rabbits are highly social herd animals. While a single rabbit can be happy if they get constant attention from their human, they truly thrive when bonded with another spayed/neutered rabbit. Human companionship cannot fully replace the 24/7 presence of a bonded mate.
Q. Why is my rabbit thumping?
Thumping (stomping their hind legs loudly on the ground) is a natural warning signal. They do this when they are frightened, sense danger, or are annoyed. It's their way of alerting the warren that something is wrong.
Q. Are rabbits good pets for children?
Generally, no. Rabbits are fragile prey animals that do not like being picked up or held. Children often want a pet they can cuddle, and sudden loud noises or improper handling can severely stress or injure a rabbit.
Q. How do I bond two rabbits?
Bonding is a complex process that takes time and patience. Both rabbits must be fixed (spayed/neutered). You must introduce them in a neutral territory, slowly increasing their time together while closely supervising to prevent fighting, until they establish a hierarchy and groom each other.
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