In some countries, rabbits are the third most popular pet after dogs and cats.
People often think rabbits are "low maintenance" pets, which means you don't need to do much for them. But in fact, rabbits need the right food and daily exercise to make sure they live a long, happy life.
How long do rabbits live?
Most pet rabbits can live for eight years or even up to 12 years. Unlike wild rabbits, who must escape from predators, pet rabbits have safe places to hide and plenty of food.
What should I feed my rabbit?
Feeding your pet rabbit healthy food is important. Rabbits need a careful diet to keep them healthy. Otherwise your pet can become ill or feel stress.
Your rabbit's daily diet should be mostly hay. It should also eat a small amount of vegetables and a small amount of pellets. High-quality grass hay is the most important part of your rabbit's diet. Grass hay, which is high in fibre, keeps your bunny's stomach healthy.
Young rabbits can eat any kind of grass hay, but alfalfa hay should not be given to adult rabbits because it contains too much calcium.
Can rabbits eat carrots?
Although you may be tempted to feed your rabbit carrots, you may want to think again. Too many carrots could be bad for your rabbit.
Rabbits do not naturally eat fruit or root vegetables like carrots, so they should not make up most of their diet. Carrots are also high in sugar, so rabbits should only eat them occasionally.
How can I keep my rabbit healthy?
As well as a healthy diet, your pet bunny will also need plenty of exercise. If you use a cage for your rabbit, make sure it's a large one with enough room for them to move around.
Also, you should make time each day for your rabbit to go outside its cage. This should be in a room that is safe for them to hop around.
This allows your pet to exercise, stretch its legs and play. If your rabbit does not get exercise, it can grow too fat, and this is bad for its heart.
Other ways to care for your rabbit include cleaning their cage every week, and taking your rabbit to the vet if it is ill.
Fun facts
Rabbits live in groups. Often, they live underground, in tunnels that they dig. A network of tunnels is called a warren. Rabbits have long ears which help them listen out for danger.
Quick questions
- Why do pet rabbits live longer than wild rabbits?
- What should a rabbit eat most of the time?
- What are some examples of root vegetables?
