Male rabbits tend to live longer at 5.2 years on average compared to the 3.7 years females live on average. Meanwhile, the most common medical issues are overgrown nails (16%), overgrown molars (7.6%), dirty bums (4.5%), overgrown incisors (4.3%) and gut stasis (4.2%).
Typically, male rabbits do make better pets because they crave attention and interact more with their owners. They are relaxed in character rather than intense so potentially less complicated than females. Many owners choosing to keep a rabbit for the first time are advised to try a male.
Rabbits come in a variety of breeds, shapes and sizes, and each bunny has their own unique personality. They typically live for 8 to 12 years, but some may live for longer. Take a look at our rabbit care advice to find out how to keep your bunnies happy and healthy.
Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years. If you decide to purchase a rabbit, make sure you are prepared to care for them that long.
While female – male bonding tends to be easier, you can certainly bond two females or two males together. Next, each rabbit will require its own space with their own personal things.
Usually female rabbits will have stronger personalities than males. They'll typically be stubborn and adventurous, behaving as if they are a little princess in the household. It's also more common for female rabbits to be more standoffish toward human companions.
Any combination of rabbits can live together, whether they are both males, both females, or female and male. Male with female coupling is the most natural because this is how they typically form in the wild.
Rabbits enjoy being around people and can usually recognise their owners by sight and sound.
Rabbits are very loving, social animals, which means they not only love to spend time with their humans – they require it. Without human interaction, rabbits can get bored, even to the point of becoming lonely and depressed.
Rabbits can develop abnormal behaviour and may suffer if you leave them on their own and with nothing to do for long periods, so you should keep your rabbit with at least one other friendly rabbit.
The oldest rabbit ever recorded was an Australian rabbit named Flopsy, who lived to be 18 years, 10 months, and 3 weeks old. Flopsy was caught by her owner in 1964 in the wilds of Tasmania, and lived out her life as a beloved pet.
As your bunny gets older, they'll probably become less active and sleep more than usual. They may also become clingier and more affectionate. Unfortunately, ageing does bring its problems.
In large commercial rabbitries, one buck may be kept for each 10 to 15 does, while small producers may need a buck to doe ratio of 1 to 5 or even 1 to 2. An intensive breeding program will require more bucks to service the same number of does than a less intensive breeding schedule.
Yes. Your rabbit may sleep with you. But you have to make your room "bunny-proof" by making it safe for your rabbit. At night, your rabbit may hop in and out of your bed - but it is not allowed to go out of your room.
Many bunnies enjoy cuddles and affection
Bunnies are super-soft, and many will love cuddling with you as much as you love cuddling with them. Once a bunny is comfortable in their new home, they may claim you as their own by rubbing their chin on you to mark their territory.
If you spend the time to pet them and give them a nice massage, your rabbit will thank you by licking your hand or your leg. You may also receive a couple of light nips from your rabbit. This is especially likely if your rabbit is grooming you around the seams of your clothing.
You may worry that your rabbit will be lonely. If you spend a lot of time with your rabbit, they will undoubtedly miss you when you're away, the same way you miss them. The two of you have developed a bond and friendship that your pet rabbit also understands.
Licking: Licking is a way bunnies groom each other. If your bunny licks you, it's a sign of affection as you'll often see pairs of bunnies grooming each other this way. A bunny lick is a sign of a bond.
Rabbits bond closely with their owners.
They recognize them by voice and sight and will even come on command. Bunnies may even follow their owners from room to room and jump up on their laps when called.
Barring the odd rogue rabbit that likes the lonely life, rabbits generally benefit from the company of other rabbits. They will often be far happier and content with a mate. Rabbits are not that unlike humans, they also get bored, even depressed, and when they do, they often act it out with destructive behaviour.
It is recommended however, that not more than one mating be performed per day for each male as usually, the second ejaculation often contains much more sperm. It is also important to observe a time delay of one day between two mating acts.