The domestic rabbit is descended from the old world rabbit, a species found wild in Europe. Rabbits are known for their long back legs which give the rabbit its characteristic hopping gait and long ears which aid in cooling off in hot weather. Wild rabbits were popular as a game animal and were deliberately introduced other areas of the world during periods of human exploration. These introductions, combined with rabbits’ ability to reproduce quickly, have resulted in wildlife conservation issues. Rabbits introduced to Australia have been implicated in the extinction of several species. The rabbits out compete other species because of sheer numbers. The domestic rabbit is more familiar to people because of its association with humans. It is not clear when domestication first took place but historical records indicate that Romans kept groups of rabbits in walled enclosures as a food source. In more recent times, the domestic rabbit has gained popularity as a pet. Unfortunately, rabbits are sometimes purchased on impulse as an Easter time gift. Once the excitement wears off and the responsibilities of caring for a pet begin, many rabbits are abandoned. Rabbits are not low maintenance pets. They require as much work, if not more, than a dog. Without exercise, a good diet, and regular handling, a rabbit will not be very friendly toward people. Learn more about good pet choices on the Best Bets for Pets section of our website.
 

Many people are surprised to learn that domestic rabbits can live 8-12 years. Wild old world rabbits rarely make it past nine years of age.
 

Wild rabbits are nocturnal but domestic rabbits have adjusted their schedules to be active during the day when their human caretakers are active. Wild rabbits will leave their burrows in the evening and return in the early morning. The burrow systems can be large and complex. One researcher tracked a burrow that had 407 rabbits living inside with over 2000 entrances! Although they live in groups, bucks (male rabbits) will often fight with one another for territory and access to females. Does (female rabbits) will also fight one another as part of a pronounced dominance hierarchy. This behavior remains intact in many domestic rabbits. They form hierarchies and if a high-ranking animal is removed from the group, fighting will start up again to determine who the next “top dog” will be. Although rabbits are silent much of the time, they do have some vocalizations. As a prey animal, it would not be advantageous to make loud noises so most rabbit vocalizations are quiet. They make a high-pitched scream when frightened or injured, which may serve to startle a predator and allow the rabbit to escape. They grind their teeth when content (like a cat’s purr) and grunt and growl during aggressive interactions. Other forms of rabbit communication include thumping the back leg to warn of danger and scent marking to define territory and breeding status. Domestic rabbits are known to show play behavior through adulthood and will run, jump, buck, toss things or chew when feeling playful.
 

The phrase “breeding like rabbits” is an accurate one. Pregnancy in rabbits lasts about a month, litter sizes average 5-6 young and females come into heat several hours after giving birth. One female rabbit can potentially have up to 30 young each breeding season and her offspring can be ready to breed as early as three months of age.