Have you ever looked at your Rabbit and thought: “How much do I know about you?”
I remember when I got my first two rabbits, Daisy and Shampoo, I was filled with questions. Why does Daisy jiggle her nose all the time, or notice Shampoo’s ears turning in different directions, as if he’s scanning the whole room?
As a rabbit lover who’s raised over 20 bunnies — including my two fluff balls, Daisy and Shampoo — I know these little habits aren’t just cute… they’re a huge part of how rabbits communicate and navigate their world. So today, I’m sharing 10 surprising facts about rabbits that I wish I’d known from the start.
Grab a cup of tea, snuggle up with your bunny, and let’s learn together!
1. Rabbits’ Teeth Keep Growing — All Their Life!
When I first noticed Daisy’s teeth were a little overgrown, I turned to the Internet and started Googling, asking other rabbit owners in forums and groups if this was a normal occurrence. That’s when I learned their teeth grow about 2–3 mm each week!
Tip: Provide plenty of hay and wooden chews to help keep their teeth trimmed naturally.
Mistake to avoid: Forgetting dental care — dental issues can affect their ability to eat.
2. They Communicate Without Making Much Sound
Did you know rabbits talk with their body?
For years, I mistook Shampoo’s “flops” and “Binks” as pure happiness. But I soon learned:
- A flop (when a rabbit drops down on its side and lies there resting) signals total relaxation.
- A binky (when a rabbit suddenly jumps up in the air, twists its body, and kicks its feet) means pure happiness.
- Thumping back feet signal danger or stress. Thumping means when a rabbit hits the ground hard with its hind legs. It’s their way of sending a message, usually a warning or a sign of danger.
Tip: Watch their movements to better respond to their needs.
3. Rabbits Are Crepuscular. That Means Dawn and Dusk Are Party Time!
I noticed all my bunnies were most energetic at twilight, not in the middle of the day.
Tip: Provide interactive toys or a small pen during these hours to match their natural activity pattern.
4. They Have 360-Degree Eyesight (With Small Blind Spots)
Your rabbit’s big, side-placed eyes let them see nearly all around them, perfect for spotting danger in the wild.
Tip: Be careful when approaching directly in front, which is their small blind spot, and it may startle them.
5. Rabbits Shed 4 Times a Year
I made the mistake of thinking Daisy was sick when her fur started falling out in huge clumps. But it was just her molting, a normal process when rabbits shed their old fur to grow a new, fresh coat.
Tip: Brush frequently during shedding to avoid hairballs and discomfort.
6. They Sleep With Eyes Open
I noticed something magical with my bunnies when we started bonding. Normally, rabbits keep their eyes slightly open while resting to stay vigilant. But when they completely close their eyes, it means they feel 100% comfortable and safe around you.
Tip: Provide a cozy, sheltered spot in their pen where they can rest safely.
7. A Happy Bunny Will “Purr” (Tooth Chatter)
The first time I heard Shampoo make a soft grinding noise with her teeth, I was worried something was wrong. But then I learned it’s a good sign; it means your bunny is comfortable, happy, and feels safe with you.
Tip: Tooth purring is kind of like a cat purring. It’s a gentle, soft grinding that shows they’re content and relaxed.
8. They Form Strong Bonded Pairs
Rabbits are really social creatures — they love having a friend by their side. If kept alone, a bunny can become stressed, bored, or even a little depressed.
I remember when I first brought Daisy and Shampoo home together. From day one, they were comfortable with each other, snuggling, playing, and exploring their new home side by side. It was honestly so sweet to watch their bond grow and see how much happiness it brought them.
Tip 1: If you’re thinking of getting rabbits, adopting a pair can be a wonderful way to keep them happy and feeling secure.
Tip 2: If you have a single rabbit, make sure you give them lots of love, attention, and interactive toys. Spend time sitting with them, petting them, and letting them explore safely. That way, they won’t feel the need for a buddy.
9. Rabbits Can Be Litter Trained
It surprised me when Ruby, one of my rabbits, hopped back into her box all by herself to do her business, just like a cat! At first, I was worried I’d find droppings all over the place, but Ruby seemed to know exactly where to go once I provided her a comfortable spot.
Tip: Provide a large litter box filled with paper-based litter (never clay, it’s harmful if they eat it) and put a bit of their droppings in it. That way, they learn faster because the smell guides them back.
Pro Tip: Try placing the box in a corner, rabbits naturally like to do their business in a sheltered spot. Keep it clean by scooping it daily, and you’ll find your bunny quickly picks up this habit!
10. Each Rabbit Is a Huge Personality
Having raised over 20 rabbits, I can say for sure every single one has their unique preferences, habits, and “attitude!” Some love to be cuddled, while others prefer their space. Some are mischievous and full of energy, and some are calm and a little lazy.
Tip: Take time to observe and appreciate their personalities. Watch what makes them happy — a certain treat, a comfortable corner to nap in, or a special spot to explore. It makes for a wonderful bond when you connect with them as individuals.
Shampoo is more affectionate and loves a little petting after dinner, while Daisy prefers his own space and likes to do his “zoomies” when everyone else is resting. It’s these small details that make having rabbits so much fun!
FAQs
1. Do rabbits make good pets?
Rabbits can make wonderful pets if you’re willing to learn about their needs and give them proper care. They’re affectionate, clever, and quite interactive once they become comfortable with you. However, they do require patience, space to move around, a healthy diet, and daily interaction. They’re not a “low-maintenance” pet, but for the right person, a rabbit can become a loving and charming friend.
2. Why do rabbits wiggle their noses?
Rabbits wiggle their noses to help them smell their surroundings more effectively. The movement assists their ability to breathe and lets them gather information about their environment — whether it’s a nearby food bowl, a person entering the room, or a potential danger. So when you see their little noses twitching, it’s a sign they’re busy figuring things out.
3. Do all rabbits enjoy being held?
Not all rabbits appreciate being held. Some are quite affectionate and enjoy sitting on your lap, while others prefer their independence and dislike being picked up. It largely depends on their personalities and past experiences. If you want a close bond with your rabbit, it’s often better to let them come to you and to handle them calmly and gently.
4. Why do rabbits thump their back feet?
Rabbits use their back feet to “thump” as a way of communicating. It’s a signal to warn their friends or companions about danger nearby, or it can reflect stress or discomfort. Thumping lets their surroundings know something is amiss, much like a alarm, and it’s a key part of their communication in the wild.
5. Are rabbits messy or hard to care for?
Rabbits are quite clean creatures. They can be litter trained, much like cats, and with proper care, a designated spot for their toilet, and a bit of patience, you can keep their living area tidy. However, they do produce droppings frequently and shed fur, especially during molting, so a small amount of daily cleaning is necessary.
Quick Actions for Bunny Beginners:
- 📥 Download my FREE Bunny Care Checklist [Coming soon!]
- 📖 Read 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting My First Bunny – Rabitz
- 📸 Follow me on Instagram @rabitz.in for bunny memes, tips, and real stories
