7 things you didn’t know about rabbits

They are cute, have large ears and they like nibbling on things...but did you know that rabbits are also quite smart and affectionate? At Pawshake you can bunny-sit the loveliest rabbits! For all the rabbit lovers out there here are 7 fun facts about rabbits.

1) Rabbits can be intelligent
Some breeds of rabbit are more intelligent than others, and a few are even trainable. You can teach them to recognise their names and come when called. Rabbits also have a very good memory. They don’t forget negative experiences and emotions easily. In order to create a nice bond with your rabbit, it’s important to make them feel at ease at all times.

2) Rabbits aren’t rodents    
Even though they have continuously growing teeth just like them, they actually aren’t rodents. They are lagomorphs - a different order of mammals. Lagomorphs have an extra pair of incisors compared to rodents. But, just like rodents, they are herbivores and like to gnaw on things. This means that there should always be something to gnaw on within their reach - something safe, of course! We would not want them to nibble on cables or on the furniture :-)

3) Rabbits live in groups \
In the wild, rabbits live in large groups with strong hierarchies. So it’s makes sense that they wouldn't want to spend their days alone in a little hutch, becoming listless and lonely. Always keep at least two rabbits together and give them enough space to live harmoniously. A male and female make the best couple, but make sure that they are spayed or neutered to avoid a little bunny surprise.

4) Rabbits like to sit in or underneath something
Just like cats, really! Your rabbits will be so grateful if you offer them shelter such as a box with a hole cut out of it. A cat tunnel also does the trick! And did you know that rabbits just love toys? They enjoy romping about, digging and playing. For this, they require some more space than your average rabbit cage offers.

5) There are as many as 50 different rabbit breeds
From dwarf bunnies who weigh no more than 900 grams to the Giant Lorraine who weighs in at a minimum of 5 kilos. Each breed has its own distinctive traits. Like with a dog, consider which breed fits your family situation best before getting rabbits. There are of course lots of lovely rabbits in shelters and at humane societies waiting for a new home!

6) Rabbits communicate through body language
Rabbits can tell you a lot through their body language, but they do it more subtly than a cat or dog. They can be angry, tense, afraid, stressed, sad or happy - just like us! A rabbit that wants to warn that there is danger will thump her hind legs and a rabbit who is scared or in pain can squeal or growl. A rabbit lying flat on the ground with his ears flattened is tense or afraid and a happy rabbit will be lying in a relaxed way, ears facing to the front. He’s active and can even softly grind his teeth with joy!

Jeff, the rabbit of Pawshaker Nicky

7) Rabbits are cleaner than you think
Yes, rabbits are more hygienic than many think! Most rabbits will have one particular spot where they go to the toilet. You can put some newspaper or wood pellets under the straw in that spot to soak up their pee. Clean the hutch regularly - before it starts to smell - and clean the toilet daily. To keep your rabbit healthy, you need to keep him supplied daily with fresh, clean water and keep the food bowl and water bottle clean. Just like cats, rabbits keep their coats clean, so they don’t need a bath. In fact, most of them hate baths! You can brush your rabbit with a soft brush, especially when they are going through their biannual periods of shedding.

Rabbits are great fun, so very smart and they are just lovely to be around. They deserve the best care! Would you like to be a pet sitter for rabbits? You can be! Register as a pet sitter today!