Rabbits will often sleep on their side, lying flat out when sleeping, which can worry some owners. This is totally normal and a sign they feel safe and happy. They will eat frequently, and must have constant access to fresh, clean hay which is scattered around their environment.
Bunnies are nocturnal, right? Nope! Another question that people often ask is whether rabbits sleep mostly during the day or at night. And the answer is neither. They are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active at dusk and dawn.
Rabbits don't have the same sleep cycles as humans. On average, a person will get 8 hours of sleep a night. Rabbits on the other hand will wake up periodically during the night and catch up on sleep during the day. They have to be awake at night in order to stay alert against attacks from predators.
You will often see them sleeping through the afternoon, but they sleep in the middle of the night too. So when are rabbits active? Rabbits are crepuscular, which means they have the most energy in the hours around sunrise and sunset.
The Rabbit Habit
Rabbits spend most of the daylight hours in burrows, resting. Once the light dims, they become more active foraging, providing for young, maintaining their dens or socializing. As the morning light comes up, they will return to their burrows.
Rabbits can be kept outdoors all year round but ideally their resting area should be brought into a shed or unused garage with natural light and ventilation for the winter months or else protected with tarpaulin from bad weather. Also, an exercise run should always be available.
Leaving a rabbit to run free overnight is a bad idea for the following reasons: Rabbits chew everything in sight. Electrical cables are a favorite delicacy. Unsupervised rabbit could electrocute themselves or even start a fire.
Rabbits prefer temperatures of about 60–65 degrees Fahrenheit, but they are comfortable in lower temperatures as long as they are appropriately housed. An outdoor rabbit hutch must be waterproof and should have a solid roof with a slight overhang to keep rain and snow out of the hutch.
Rabbits are not afraid of the dark in and of itself. If they cannot see and things are happening around them, though, they'll naturally become skittish. An outdoor bunny will smell and hear wild animals. These could be foxes patrolling your yard, neighborhood cats, or owls and bats.
Being cold and wet can lead to your rabbit becoming ill and could be fatal if action is not taken. Older rabbits can suffer from painful arthritis, so need to be kept warm and dry. Rabbits that are thin, young or do not have a thick winter coat may also need special attention to ensure they keep warm and dry.
Rabbits are not nocturnal, so their eyes cannot see in the dark. Rabbits do not have a tapetum lucidum, which helps some animals to see in the dark. In extreme darkness, rabbits rely on their other senses. A rabbit will hear and smell what she cannot see.
Rabbits like to pick up and toss around objects with their teeth. If you give them a ball with teeth holds (such as a willow ball), they'll have fun picking it up and tossing it away.
The most likely explanation for a rabbit thumping their feet at night is fear. They are afraid of what invisible threats may be lurking in the darkness. If your rabbit lives outdoors, they will smell and hear nocturnal predators. This can understandably make them skittish.
Most rabbits love to be cuddled and stroked when approached in the right way. Few like being held or carried as being so high up from the ground makes them feel insecure, however, many will happily sit on your lap or snuggle up next to you for a cuddle.
Where Bunnies Sleep. Rabbits out in the wild create tunnels in the ground that they use for their homes. The tunnel systems they create are known as a warren, and it includes areas for the rabbit to sleep and nest. Rabbits create a several entrances to their burrow, so they can escape quickly if needed.
Symptoms include shivering (although this will suddenly stop when their temperature reaches dangerously low levels), pale lips and gums, low energy and a loss of coordination.
Bunnies don't sleep at night and stay up during the day like humans do, either. They are crepuscular. Yup, there's that word again! It means they're most active at dusk and dawn.
Any fast or sudden movements, loud noises, unfamiliar smells or larger creatures – including their owners – can trigger a fear response. 'We're predators from a rabbit's point of view,' explains clinical animal behaviourist Rosie Bescoby, who runs animal behaviour consultancy Pet Sense.
Growling/hissing/grunting
Your rabbit is angry, feels threatened and is showing disapproval. Your rabbit may, for example, be saying 'Leave me alone' if he doesn't want to be handled, or if he wants to protect his territory – such as his cage or food – from a human hand or another rabbit.
Provide both a bowl and bottle of water and add ice cubes to keep them cool- rabbits can get a bigger drink out of a bowl. Check the spout of the water bottle daily to make sure it is working properly. We do not advise giving them frozen treats or ice cubes because they can cause intestinal problems.
Rabbits enjoy sleeping on soft and comfortable materials. Consider providing your bunnies with pillows and blankets. Some animals may require extra bedding cover during winter. However, avoid providing your rabbits with too many blankets and pillows because the bunnies can quickly overheat.
To keep your rabbit happy and healthy, let it out of its cage at least once a day, giving it time to roam. Though at least one hour is necessary, aim closer to three or four. As a rule, never keep your rabbit cooped up for 24 hours at a time.
Rabbits adore soft fabrics. Your pet will roll around in blankets and towels in your home. They love the softness and warmth provided by such materials.