Resources & Rabbit Facts

Special Bunny’s goal is to educate those who already share or are considering sharing their home and heart with a bun. Listed below are facts that relate to rabbits. Some of these you may already know and others just might surprise you.

• Rabbits have a life expectancy of 9-10 years. Some have been known to make it 16 or more years!

• Unspayed female rabbits run up to a 90% chance of developing ovarian cancer.

• Unaltered males are more aggressive and will spray to mark their territory.

• Intact animals are almost impossible to litter train.

• Rabbits have a very fragile skeleton and can easily be seriously injured by small, inexperienced hands.

• Rabbits, unlike cats, are not comfortable with their feet off the ground and their sharp claws may injure you.

• Rabbits generally don’t bite but may out of fear or anger.

• Rabbits require specialized veterinary care which may be expensive and difficult to find.

• Rabbits require a specialized diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Pellets were created for breeders and are not a healthy diet for a house rabbit.

• Rabbit poop makes wonderful fertilizer for your garden.

• Rabbits need access to Timothy Hay 24 hours a day.

• Rabbits are social animals that require a good deal of your attention in addition to a companion.

• Domestic rabbits released in the wild typically survive 24 hours or less.

• Rabbits have continually growing teeth and must have appropriate chew toys of their own or they will find something of yours to chew on.

• Rabbits need a minimum of four hours of supervised exercise time a day.

• A rabbit’s pregnancy lasts 28-31 days and an average litter has 6-10 babies.

• Pet rabbits are very social and in order to fully enjoy them, they need to live in your home with you.

• Rabbits kept in hutches outside are not safe. They are subject to predators the elements and being frightened to death. Also, rabbits kept outside can be forgotten – out of sight; out of mind.

• Rabbits require fresh water and clean bowls daily. If you won’t drink out of it, neither should they.

• Rabbits are typically quiet and make great apartment pets.

• Rabbits are social creatures who need a companion, not only for their emotional well-being but also for their health.

• Rabbits need regular grooming which includes brushing, nail trimming, ear checking and scent gland cleaning.

• Anywhere a bunny is allowed to run in your home must be bunny-proofed. They are attracted to houseplants and electrical cords.

• Rabbits make loving companions.

• Rabbits are ideal pets for vegetarians they can eat dinner with you!

• Rabbits are intelligent, personable, inquisitive and amusing companions. When bun’s housing is maintained properly, they are nearly odorless.

• Rabbits should never be left unattended with other animal family members; even acts of play can result in someone being injured.

• If you’re considering adopting a rabbit, please check you local shelters and rescue organizations for adoptable rescue rabbits instead of supporting pet stores and breeders.