Increasingly popular in our homes as a pet, the rabbit is a small mammal. Loved for his docile and calm character, he prefers the company of at least one other specimen.
The rabbit is an animal belonging to the Leporidae group and to the Lagomorph order, together with hare and pica. Contrary to what some people tend to mistakenly believe, it is not a rodent . However, it is an animal capable of gnawing and carving very hard materials thanks to its teeth.
From a behavioral point of view, this animal is known for its fearful and “cowardly” attitude.
This peculiarity has made it a real symbol of human character aspects, such as being excessively cautious and fearful. As a pet, it tends to be docile, calm and affectionate.
When you decide to adopt one, it is always good to keep in mind that it is a social animal, used to life in a group. For this it is better to think about the hypothesis of taking at least one other specimen . Furthermore, it should be remembered that, like other pets , these too require care, attention and time.
Mammal rabbit
Characterized by large ears and short fluffy tail, it is a small vertebrate mammal . Native to southern Europe and northern Africa, it is distinguished from the hare by its small body size. In particular, the ears and limbs tend to be smaller.
Also, unlike hares, baby rabbits are born with their ears and eyes still closed and hairless.
Domestic rabbit
As a pet, they tend to behave in an affectionate and sociable way, especially on request. Lovers of space, these pets are extremely clean and communicate especially through body language.
Character
Unlike cats and dogs , rabbits do not spontaneously exhibit affection-seeking behaviors. However, they tend to respond well when you try to get close and cuddle them.
These pets are usually quiet and peaceful and inhabit parts of the house or the outside used for them. They take care of their own hygiene so they tend to be pretty clean. This is why it is important to ensure daily hygiene of their cage or the area in which they usually find themselves. The specimen in question usually does not use to emit particular noises in the presence of human beings. His ability to communicate is mainly entrusted to body language.
He can use very strong and noticeable movements, such as stamping his paws on the ground. He may also blow or chatter his teeth to communicate something. When they want to rest, the rabbits assume the characteristic balled position. They have very sophisticated hearing. Thanks to the long and wide ears, in fact, they are able to perceive vibrations even at a considerable distance.
Supply
The feeding of rabbits is essentially herbivorous. The diet must be mainly based on hay. Fresh foods, such as vegetables, are also welcome. They especially love to munch on celery and carrot . They can show a selective attitude towards food when faced with an alternative.
You have to pay close attention to some foods which, although vegetable, turn out to be poisonous for rabbits. This is the case, for example, with potatoes, onions, chocolate, garlic and avocado . Seeds, including nuts, and lettuce are also strongly discouraged.
Rabbit breeds
There are numerous breeds of this cute little mammal. The differences between one breed and another are to be found above all between the physical characteristics, such as size and type of hair. The weight can also vary considerably from 1 to 8 kg maximum, as in the case of giant rabbits.
The Angora rabbits have as main feature the hair very long and soft.
The ram rabbit is one of the most docile specimens and therefore also suitable for interaction with children. Present characteristic drooping and non-mobile ears along with typical bulging eyes. The stoat is a highly sought after dwarf breed characterized by pure white fur and usually blue eyes.
Finally, the giant rabbits are very suggestive breeds since they are much larger than the typical ones.
“Lion’s head” rabbit
The “lion’s head” variety is produced by crossing a dwarf specimen and an Angora rabbit. It is called so precisely because its thick hair around its head resembles a lion’s mane.
Dwarf rabbit
Specimens of dwarf rabbits are essentially common as pets and not in the wild. These are, in fact, specimens very present in our domestic environments, surpassed only by dogs and cats.
