From how much hay they need (spoiler alert: it’s a lot) to the fact they can be litter-trained, we’ve compiled a list of all the things your rabbit would tell you if they could talk.
Rabbits are pretty magical creatures. So much so, while they can’t actually ‘talk’ in human language, they can tell you most of their needs, wants, and desires through their own body language. For example, have you ever witnessed a bunny purr? Or spotted a rabbit perform a binky? These are all means of communication for rabbits. And when it comes to good bunny care, it’s understanding communication like this that can help you keep them healthy and happy.
To help make sense of what your bunny would say if your fur friend could talk, we’ve pulled together a list. So hop to it!
32 things your rabbit would tell you if they could talk
1. Feed me
Wondering how long can rabbits go without food? Well, if you’ve studied rabbits or share your home with one, you’ll know that they are pretty much always grazing.
These fur friends need unlimited access to good-quality grass and the best hay for rabbits, so they should never be left without food.
2. I can’t eat loads of carrots
Despite what a certain cartoon character will have you believe, rabbits can’t actually eat bundles of carrots. Though they are a type of veg (and vegetables are good for us, right?) carrots contain a lot of natural sugar.
All this sugar can upset a rabbit's sensitive stomach unlike hay or leafy greens, which are among the best foods for rabbits.
3. I can be trained to use a litter box
Rabbits have something in common with cats: these clever creatures can be trained to use a litter box. When it comes to learning how to litter box train a rabbit, you’ll have to wait until your bunny has been neutered as they are unlikely to accept litter training before this.
But to try and get ahead, you could start placing one of the best rabbit litter boxes in their hutch so they become accustomed to them.
4. I’ll keep myself clean
Talking of cleanliness, rabbits are pretty clean creatures. Not only will these furballs place their litter in the tray once they've mastered the art of doing so, but they will also spend a lot of time cleaning up after themselves by grooming their fur.
That said, a large part of keeping your rabbit healthy will also involve you grooming them daily with one of the best rabbit brushes.
5. Please get another rabbit
Questioning whether or not rabbits can live alone? Well, we have the answer! Rabbits don’t do well alone. Instead, they thrive in the company of other rabbits so it’s important to consider this if you are planning on adopting one, as you’ll need to make sure you have space for two.
6. I can hear what you’re saying
While lop-eared rabbits might not necessarily have the best hearing (they have a hearing impairment) most other breeds of rabbits will be able to hear far and wide. In fact, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, wild rabbits' hearing spans from 360 Hz to around 42,000 Hz, so they can hear higher frequencies than humans.
7. I see what you’re doing
Not only is their hearing pretty incredible, but their eyesight is just as good. Due to the fact they are prey animals, they have a 360-degree field of vision meaning they can spot signs of danger from nearly every angle.
The only ‘blind’ spot they have is directly in front of their nose. But they’ll use their whiskers and noses to help compensate for this.
8. I leave scent markers
Rabbits don't just have similar characteristics to cats — they are also like dogs too! That’s because rabbits mark their territory—just in a slightly different way to pooches.
Rabbits have a scent gland under their chin which they rub along items they wish to claim as their own. This leaves a scent that other rabbits can smell but is odorless to humans and won’t damage your belongings.
9. I can use my body to communicate with other rabbits
Rabbits are brilliant communicators. Not only do they use verbal sounds (like purring) which make up a small part of their rabbit noises, but they’ll also nudge, dig ,and use their facial expressions to help communicate with their other hutch companions too.
10. I need lots of exercise
There’s no such thing as too much exercise when it comes to rabbits. These energetic creatures will love nothing more than running young, wild, and free. So it’s worth having one of the best outdoor rabbit hutches and one of the best rabbit runs which is big enough so they can run to their heart’s content.
11. I will be your pet for up to 12 years
How long do rabbits live? Good question. If well cared for and shown lots of TLC, a healthy rabbit can live anywhere between eight to 12 years. So, whether you’ve just welcomed a new floppy-eared friend into your family or you’re considering adopting, it’s important to discover the top tips for caring for rabbits before you jump right in.
12. I like throwing my toys
This is quite comical to watch, but it’s all part of a rabbit’s natural ‘play’ behavior. This mannerism of them throwing their toys can often signify they are having fun and want to engage in more playtime.
But it can also be a way to get your attention. Therefore, it's worth keeping a watchful eye over your fur friend and making sure they have enough of the best rabbit toys to keep them entertained.
13. I binky when I’m happy
Another brilliant and totally normal behavior rabbits exhibit? Rabbits tend to ‘binky’ when they are happy. Bunny binkies are when rabbits leap into the air, flick their back legs and head and they perform a 180-degree turn mid-air.
This charming mannerism is believed to take place when a rabbit is relaxed, feels safe, or just wants to let off some steam. It’s also thought to be practiced in case they should ever need to escape from a predator.
14. I’m active during dawn and dusk
Rabbits are crepuscular, which means they are most active during dawn and dusk and less active during the day. So, while humans tend to be most active during the day, your fur friend will tend to come alive at night.
15. I tend to eat some of my droppings
After reading this, you’re probably thinking: do rabbits really eat their poop? Rabbits produce around 300 round fecal poops, which is why it’s important to have a rabbit litter box and know how to clean a rabbit cage.
But while they won’t digest this type of excrement, they are partial to the soft and sticky pellets known as caecotrophs, which are rich in nutrients and essential vitamins and minerals.
16. I’ll keep myself clean
Another way how rabbits will tidy up after themselves? By grooming regularly. Therefore there is no need to give your rabbit a full body bath, but you will still need to brush them regularly to help keep them happy and healthy.
For example, good rabbit grooming entails preventing matting of the coat and it can help to prevent an infestation of fleas. So do check out the best rabbit brushes and stock up on one if you haven't already.
17. I’m not a rodent
These balls of fur are often mistaken for rodents. But this is incorrect. Instead, rabbits are lagomorphs because they have the presence of two pairs of incisor teeth in the upper jaw. This is the defining feature.
18. I can’t vomit
It’s true. They have a strong cardiac sphincter (muscle) that sits at the top of the stomach, preventing them from doing so. This means if your rabbit eats something dangerous, or a foreign object, they are unable to bring it back up. So it's well worth learning what to feed a rabbit and what not to!
19. This hay isn’t fresh enough
Rabbits love hay. But not just any hay. The best rabbit hay, which is dry, clean, and packed full of fiber and protein, like timothy or meadow hay which is known for being fresh and pleasant smelling.
Munching on this hay will help to keep their digestive system in good order and their forever-growing teeth working, too.
20. Let me explore
'Exploring' is a rabbit’s middle name. So give them lots of enticing rabbit-friendly features in their enclosure to investigate.
This can be tunnels, places to hide, toys, or different plants to try chewing on. Some rabbits might even like walking while using the best rabbit harnesses which allows them to safely explore their surroundings under your supervision.
21. I like to play
Another pastime your little ball of fur will spend hours doing? Playing. To help keep them busy and entertained you could try pairing two of their favorite things together - chewing and toys - by introducing a chew toy. These toys can also help rabbits wear their teeth down, as they grow continuously.
22. Please groom me
As we mentioned, although rabbits are clean animals and will wash themselves, you will still need to take on some rabbit grooming responsibilities, like combing them with one of the best rabbit brushes.
Not only will regular brushing of their hair prevent unwanted health issues and discomfort, but it’s a great way to spend time together and bond.
23. Please be aware I startle easily
Being prey animals, rabbits have strong senses. As we mentioned their hearing is first class and while this helps to keep them safe from predators, it can mean they will startle easily.
Therefore, if you’re housing your rabbits indoors, place their hutch somewhere quiet where they will feel safe. If you’re placing your rabbits outside, find a quiet spot where they will feel comfortable.
24. I need lots of fresh water
Wondering what rabbits need in their cage? Along with bundles (and bundles) of hay, rabbits also need access to lots of fresh water. The general train of thought is that rabbits should be drinking 50 to 150 ml of water per kg of body weight. So be sure to fill and refill their bowls daily.
25. I’m intelligent, you know
Dogs are often hailed as being the most intelligent pets humans share their home with. However, we’re making a case for rabbits. That's because these hoppy-go-lucky pets can groom themselves, they can be litter trained and they can stick to routines. They can also communicate well and their memory is impeccable. Need we say more?
26. I’m a social creature
Rabbits don’t do well alone. So much so, that they’ll need another hutch companion. They also love spending time with their humans and can thrive once a bond is well established.
Without daily human interaction, domesticated rabbits can become lonely and depressed. So if you are thinking about adopting, make sure you set some time aside each day to show your fur friend some TLC.
27. My ears aren’t just for hearing
A rabbit's ears can also be used for thermoregulation. Due to their larger-than-average size, a rabbit’s ears contain a lot of blood vessels that help them retain and release heat. These blood vessels swell when your fur friend is hot and contract when they are cool. Pretty great, huh?
28. I can move pretty fast
Did you know, most rabbits can reach speeds of around 25 to 35 miles per hour? Of course, the top speed will depend on the size, type, and individual fitness level of the rabbit. But this is still pretty fast, considering the average running speed of humans is around six miles per hour.
29. I don’t want loads of cuddles
They’re often depicted as being cute and cuddly—and while they might look it, this isn’t always the case. While some rabbits will love nothing more than cuddling up to their owners, one fact about rabbits that might surprise you is that most prefer to have four feet placed firmly on the ground.
30. My teeth will never stop growing
Another fun fact about rabbits? Their ‘open-rooted’ teeth will never stop growing. But thanks to their high-fiber diet, which is packed with staples like hay, which requires a lot of chewing, this will help to keep their teeth worn down naturally and prevent them from overgrowing.
31. I need routine veterinary checkups
When it comes to caring for a house rabbit and an outdoor rabbit, like most other fur friends, they will need annual veterinary trips to ensure they are in good health.
For example, vaccinations are advised for even indoor bunnies so routine annual wellness visits can help to monitor your rabbit’s overall health, assess the need for dental care, and monitor your rabbit’s diet and general care.
32. I’m a strict herbivore
If you’re wondering if rabbits are herbivores or omnivores, wonder no more. They are herbivores, therefore when it comes to the do's and don'ts of feeding rabbits correctly, they can only digest plants, like hay, grass, vegetables, and the best rabbit food, like pellets.
Do you have a longhaired rabbit? Here's everything you need to know about this type of rabbit breed and how to care for them.
