Fun Facts About The Bunny 

Were you aware that rabbits were initially domesticated in the fifth century? Monks from southern France and the Iberian Peninsula may have been the first to keep bunnies. Actually, these cute little balls of fur are full of interesting quirks. A local veterinarian shares some interesting rabbit facts in this article from Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cypress, TX pet hospital.

Floppy’s Time To Shine

Rabbits became incredibly popular pets during the Victorian era, which may explain why they appear so frequently in literature from that time. 

They’re Actually Very Athletic

Bunnies can really move when they need to. They can run up to 18 mph and are excellent jumpers, capable of jumping up to four feet and clearing nine feet horizontally. 

This is one reason we don’t recommend having Floppy play in your yard. Do not allow your pet out unless you have high, safe fences.

They Hate Getting Wet

We all know that many dogs dislike being bathed. Rabbits don’t like the water either. In fact, getting wet can literally scare Floppy to death! Submerging these guys in water can scare them so badly they can literally die from shock.

You should never bathe your rabbit. If your furry friend gets something spilled on her, you can gently soak that section of her body in lukewarm water, swish it around, and dry her. If she gets something on her head, simply use a facecloth.

Another reason to never get your bunny wet? Floppy’s fur and skin can stay damp for some time. This puts them at risk for flystrike, which is very painful, very dangerous, and very, very gross.

They’re Some Of Our Most Beloved Icons

Several fictional rabbits have won our hearts over the years. The Easter Bunny would undoubtedly be at the top of that list, but several others have also gained popularity.

Here are some of the most classic and popular bunnies:

• The White Rabbit (Alice In Wonderland)
• Rabbit (Winnie The Pooh)
• Snowball (Secret Life Of Pets)
• The Velveteen Rabbit
• Buster Baxter (Arthur)
• Bugs Bunny
• Thumper
• Peter Rabbit
• Roger Rabbit
• Lola Bunny (Space Jam)
• Br’er Rabbit (African-American Folklore)
• March Hare (Alice In Wonderland)
• Skippy (Robin Hood)
• The Energizer Bunny
• Fiver (Watership Down)
• Officer Judy Hopps (Zootopia)
• Anais Watterson (The Amazing World Of Gumball)
• Nesquik Bunny
• Babs Bunny (Tiny Toons)
• The Trix Rabbit

They Groom Themselves

Have you ever seen a bunny brush her ear with her paw to clean it? If not, you’re missing out on one of the most adorable things ever.

They’ve Actually Sunken Ships

According to folklore, bunnies on a 17th-century ship chewed through the vessel’s wooden hull. This resulted in the ship sinking, drowning several men. Even now, Brittany vessels does not allow rabbits on their vessels!

They Just Aren’t Fans Of Guinea Pigs

While dogs and cats are at the top of the list here, bunnies and Guinea pigs are also among the most popular pets. However, it appears that these two little furballs do not get along very well. They both communicate through body language, but not in the same way. This can result in numerous misunderstandings. Plus, they require different diets and habitats. It’s also worth noting that bunnies are capable of harming cavies. If you decide to have both, keep them separated.

They Have Specific Dietary Needs

Before adopting a pet, you should understand what your new animal friend’s diet should be. Rabbits have extremely specific requirements when it comes to this. Floppy requires an infinite amount of grass hay, such as Timothy hay. This should be supplemented with commercially produced food and safe fruits and vegetables. Ask your Cypress, TX vets for specific advice.

Floppy Has A Massive Sweet Tooth

Bunnies are infamous for enjoying sweet treats, such as bananas and strawberries. However, don’t be fooled by Floppy’s adorable face: too much sugar is bad for her. (This includes carrots. Sorry, bugs!) Make sure you only feed your rabbit foods that are safe for her. Ask your Cypress, TX veterinarian for recommendations.

They Need Buddies

Some of our animal friends get along just fine on their own. Rabbits? Not so much. These guys are typically quite outgoing. In fact, they’ll get sad and depressed without any rabbit friends.

There Are 50 Kinds Of Bunnies

The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) officially recognizes fifty different rabbit breeds. While all have the same basic care needs, they range significantly in size, coat, and personality. For example, the fluffy Angora requires a lot of beauty care to keep its long locks in good condition. Some, such as the Belgian hare, are aloof and prefer to be kept in outdoor hutches, provided the weather is not too harsh. The tiny and super cute Lionshead has become a huge favorite among apartment residents, while children often love the cuddly Dutch Rabbit.

Before you adopt a rabbit, do some research. Ask your Cypress, TX veterinarianfor specific advice.

Those Floppy Ears Are Pretty Amazing

Rabbits’ ears are one of their most endearing characteristics. They’re not only cute, but also quite astonishing!

• Rabbits utilize their ears to control their body temperature.
• The practice of pranking someone in photographs by placing your fingers behind their head in a ‘Bunny ears’ gesture dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was intended to humiliate men.
• Rabbit ears are quite delicate.
• Bunnies can rotate their ears 180 degrees. This allows them to locate where a sound is coming from. As one might expect, this is helpful for escaping predators.
• Wild rabbits’ ears do not flop down. This endearing quality is the outcome of breeding. However, there is one disadvantage: you must maintain your pet’s ear health more carefully.

Floppy Can Live Up To 12 Years

Before adopting a pet, make sure you are prepared for a lifetime commitment. Adoption is lifelong! If you adopt a bunny, you may be committing to more than a decade of care.

They Communicate Using Body Language

We are well aware that happy dogs wag their tails, and content kitties purr. Rabbits also have a way of expressing their contentment: the Binkie. This is basically a rabbit happy dance, and it’s just as adorable as it sounds.

However, this is not the only way rabbits express themselves. You may notice that Floppy occasionally stomps her feet when she is impatient. Your pet’s gestures and expressions may also convey information. Other rabbits can easily interpret these signs, though people may overlook them.

They Can Be Really Stubborn

Floppy may be adorable, but don’t let that adorable expression deceive you. Some rabbits are quite bossy! Your pet may be upset with you for altering her cage or being late with her treat. If she is, she may express her dissatisfaction by beating her foot or turning her back to you.

They Need Chew Toys

This one should be under fundamental rabbit care, rather than entertaining facts, but we’re including it anyhow. Bunnies have open-rooted teeth, therefore they must chew regularly to avoid dental problems. You’ll need to supply your tiny buddy with a variety of safe, appropriate chew toys. Many of these can be made at home, using materials such as cardboard, paper, and wood. Contact your veterinarian for further information.

Do you have any queries about caring for your rabbit? Contact Fairfield Animal Hospital, your Cypress, TX pet hospital, today!