Understanding Rabbits' Habits: Lifestyle and Behavior
Understanding the Habits of Rabbits
1. Nocturnal Feeders: Rabbits share a trait with owls – they are most active at night. During the day, they tend to be rather listless, with droopy eyes and reduced appetite. However, as dusk falls, they come alive, diligently foraging and drinking, with their evening meals accounting for about 70% of their daily intake. Therefore, it's essential for owners to provide their rabbits with ample hay and water in the evening!
2. Love to Nap: Rabbits spend most of their daylight hours sleeping, often in a state of quiet rest. They are not easily disturbed by loud noises, which is a characteristic similar to that of owls. To accommodate this, pet owners should ensure that the rabbit's living environment remains peaceful during the day, aside from regular feeding times, to maintain their restful state.
3. Shy and Easily Scared: Rabbits are both timid and alert, using their keen senses to detect potential threats. However, sudden loud noises or the presence of unfamiliar people or animals, such as cats or dogs, can cause them great distress. Their reactions can also unsettle other rabbits in the vicinity. Thus, owners should handle rabbits gently and prevent any unauthorized visitors or pets from disturbing them.
4. CleanLiving Creatures: Rabbits are meticulous groomers, constantly licking their fur. They are creatures of cleanliness, so their living quarters should be kept clean and dry, free from dampness and filth. Such conditions can lead to diseases and parasites. Therefore, maintaining a clean, dry, temperaturecontrolled, and wellventilated habitat is crucial.
5. Prefer Solitude: While rabbits can be kept in groups, they are generally more content when housed individually. Grouping adult rabbits, whether male or female, often leads to conflicts, especially among males. Therefore, it's best to keep adult rabbits in separate, singlecage setups.
6. Need to Chew: Rabbits have permanent incisors that continue to grow indefinitely. To keep their teeth in check, they must gnaw on objects. Providing materials that rabbits are unlikely to chew through can extend the life of their cages. Additionally, owners should supply rabbitsafe chew toys, such as branches or wooden sticks, to help wear down their teeth and aid in proper chewing and digestion.
7. Burrowers by Nature: Rabbits have an instinctual preference for digging and creating dens to give birth and raise their young. This behavior should be considered when constructing rabbit enclosures. Pregnant rabbits should have a wellprepared nesting box or den where they can safely deliver their offspring.
8. Coprophagia: Rabbits have the instinct to consume their own feces, a normal physiological process that is actually beneficial. Their droppings come in two forms: hard, granular feces excreted during the day and softer fecal pellets at night. The soft feces are eaten by the rabbits themselves, and this behavior typically only ceases when they are ill. Therefore, the presence of soft feces in the enclosure might indicate a health issue.
These are the eight key habits of rabbits, as summarized by Oxygen Pet Doctor. We hope this article helps you better understand and care for your rabbits, enabling you to make the most suitable decisions for their wellbeing.
