House Rabbit Network

Answer: Yes! While most rabbits don’t, there are some rabbits that will grunt or snort, some what similar to a guinea pig. They generally do this when they are not happy. Some rabbits will snore when sleeping. Rabbits can also scream. It is a horrible sound that they only make in extreme situations such as fear and pain. It is very uncommon to hear them scream.

Previous Questions

Question: Should rabbits have a bath?
Answer: No! Rabbits are very clean animals and should never be given a bath. In cases where they may get diarrhea, it is ok to bathe the butt area only.Question: Do rabbits need their nails trimmed?
Answer: Yes! Rabbits need regular nail trimmings. You can use cat clippers and trim just above the quick. The quick is the blood vessel in the nail, which is the pink coloring you see. If nails get too long, the can rip and tear.

Question: Do rabbits cry?
Answer: Rabbits don’t cry as humans can, but rabbits do create tears. A rabbit may occasionally have a wet, or teary eye, if something is bothering the eye, like fur. (Those tears would dry, making “eye crusties.” ) A more serious reason for a rabbit to have a wet, teary eye is as a symptom of an infection in the body, or because a tear duct is blocked. If your rabbit has a persistent wet eye, then make a vet appointment to assess the cause.

Question: Do rabbits need shots?
Answer: In the United States, rabbits do not need to get any shots. This is not true in all countries, where you may want vaccinate them against RHD.

Question: What can you do with rabbit poop?
Answer: Rabbit poop makes a wonderful fertilizer. Use it in your gardens or on your lawn. Watch the plants grow!

Question: Do rabbits like to be held?
Answer: No- most rabbits hate being held. Being animals of prey they feel better having both feet on the ground. You can still snuggle with them and most love attention!

Question: Should rabbits fast before surgery?
Answer: Absolutely not! Rabbits cannot vomit, so there isn’t a choking hazard when they are under anesthesia. Fasting can harm your rabbit and cause them to go into G.I. stasis.

Question: What can you do with cardboard boxes?
Answer: Rabbits love to go inside cardboard boxes. They use them as secluded rest areas and then customize them, digging and chewing. Some people add hay for them to dig in.

Question: How much hay should my rabbit eat?
Answer: Your rabbit should be given an unlimited supply of hay and encouraged to eat as much as possible. This helps keep their digestive tract healthy and prevent blockages.

Question: What are freeze bottles?
Answer: Many people take empty 2 liter soda bottles, clean them, fill them with water and freeze them. On hot days you can place them in your rabbit’s cage to help keep him cool.

Question: When do you spray a rabbit’s ears?
Answer: On hot days, take a spray mister and gently spray the back of your rabbit’s ears. Since rabbits regulate their body temperature through their ears, this can help them cool off.

Question: Can rabbits eat dandelions?
Answer: Many rabbits love to eat dandelions from your lawn. The blooms can be a favorite and the leaves are quite tasty. Just make sure there isn’t any pesticide on them!

Question: Are lops mellow and dwarfs hyper?
Answer: Most rabbits are bred strictly for looks. You can find all personality types across all breeds.

Question: Do rabbits need salt blocks?
Answer: No. The average pellet provides enough salt for your rabbit’s needs. However using a salt lick will not harm your bunny.

Question: Do rabbits need their teeth trimmed?
Answer: The average rabbit does not need their teeth trimmed. In a small percentage of rabbits the teeth don’t align properly and a veterinarian will need to trim them on a regular basis.

Question: Is bread a good treat for my rabbit?
Answer: No, the starch in bread could cause digestive problems.

Question: Do male rabbits spray?
Answer: Yes, unneutered male rabbits, like cats, may spray. This one of the benefits of getting your boy neutered.

Question: Are wild rabbits the same as pet rabbits?
Answer: No. Our domesticated pet rabbits are descendents of European rabbits and are a different species than the wild rabbits you see outside.

Question: At what age can baby bunnies leave their mother?
Answer: Baby bunnies should not leave their mother until they are eight weeks old. They typically stop nursing about 6-7 weeks of age.

Question: Should rabbits live alone?
Answer: Most rabbits are happier when they live with a mate. However, first you must spay/neuter the rabbits. Then they must be introduced gradually. This is generally referred to as “bonding” or “dating”.

Question: Why would you use wood stove pellets?
Answer: Wood stove pellets make an excellent litter. They are reasonably priced and do a good job controlling odor. Plus they compost great!

Question: What type of hay should a rabbit eat?
Answer: Rabbits should be fed timothy hay, or another grass hay such as orchard grass. Legume hays, which include alfalfa, are too rich in calcium and too high in fat.

Question: Can rabbits sweat?
Answer: No, rabbits can’t sweat – they don’t have any sweat glands. To regulate their body temperature, they use their ears. Rabbit ears contain major networks of blood vessels, which, since their ears are set apart from their bodies, serve to cool the blood. So when the weather is hot, it’s a good idea to feel your rabbit’s ears. If they seem hot, you can wipe them with a cool, damp towel, or spray them with a cool spray bottle. (Note- there are some people who say that rabbits have sweat glands around their lips. We have not been about to confirm or refute this)

Question: Do rabbits have pads on the bottoms of their paws, like dogs and cats?
Answer: No, rabbits do not have pads on their paws – only fur. Rabbits should have a soft blanket or rug (sheepskin rugs are terrific) and should have their feet checked regularly for signs of sore hocks (bald, inflamed areas on the bottom of the feet).

Question: Why are rabbits also called bunnies?
Answer: The word “bunny” comes from a separate English term bun, which was used in place of the word “rabbit” in some areas in medieval England. A third word used by Norman French invaders of England was coney, from which we get Coney Island.

Question: What common kitchen item is great for cleaning litterboxes?
Answer: Vinegar is great for this task! Empty the litterbox, rinse it and then place some vinegar on the bottom. Scrub. For particulary bad cases you may want to let the vinegar sit for a while. When done, rinse and re-use!

Question: Are rabbits nocturnal?
Answer: No, rabbits are crepuscular. This means that they are most active at dusk and dawn.

Question: Do rabbits like bananas?
Answer: Most rabbits love bananas. They are not a good staple food, but make a nice treat for your bunnies. Small quantities only- about a half inch per rabbit.