Rabbit Care: The 411
Many people think rabbits and hares are the same....wrong! Although they belong to the same scientific family, hares have longer, stronger legs and bigger ears. Rabbits are born without any fur (brrrr!), while hares are born, well...hairy, and with full vision. Rabbits, on the other hand, don't usually open their eyes for their first seven to ten days. Their homes are different, too. Wild rabbits burrow, hopping around in underground towns called warrens, while hares live alone in simple, shallow holes.
Scientific name: Oryctolagus cuniculus
Size: There are more than 60 different types of domestic rabbits. The small breeds are two to six pounds; medium breeds are six to nine pounds; large breeds are nine to 11 pounds; and giant breeds weigh more than 11 pounds....that's a lot of rabbit!
Lifespan: Seven to ten years.
Colors/varieties: The most popular breed in the United States is the Dutch rabbit, who weighs about four pounds and usually has a white face with black, blue or brown on his back and head—this is called a saddle. The largest breed is the Flemish Giant. This big boy weighs more than 13 pounds.
There's a lot of variety among rabbits. You can have a bunny with a long, thin nose and short, stubby ears, like a Mini-Rex or Netherland dwarf. Then there are rabbits with long, droopy ears and flat noses, like a German lop. Some are super furry and soft, like the Cashmere breed, while others, such as the Rex or Tan, are sleek and fuzzy.
Your bunny should be spayed, if she's a female, or neutered, if he's a male.
Parents and teachers, click here for more rabbit care info to share.
LEARN MORE
- The 411
- Chow Time!
- Home Sweet Home
- Fun & Games
- Hop To It! Rabbit Quiz
