How long do bunnies live as pets?

Caring for your pet rabbit
It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one. Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years.


Can rabbits live up to 20 years?

There are at least 60 different rabbit breeds with an average lifespan of 7-10 years. The oldest rabbit ever recorded lived to 18 years and ten months. Rabbits in the wild can live anywhere from 1-9 years of age due to predators, habitat loss, and being hit by cars.

Do rabbits love their owners?

Rabbits are very loving, social animals, which means they not only love to spend time with their humans – they require it.


Is a rabbit a good house pet?

Rabbits make great pets. They're docile, sociable, and can be trained to use a litter tray. But they do require a lot of love, care and attention. It's easy to be seduced into buying a rabbit without thinking through the decision — and many people fall into this trap.

Do bunnies like to be held?

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.


How Long Do Pet Rabbits Live?



Is it OK to cuddle a rabbit?

Bunnies are super-soft, and many will love cuddling with you as much as you love cuddling with them. Once a bunny is comfortable in their new home, they may claim you as their own by rubbing their chin on you to mark their territory. They might even groom you with little bunny licks to show you love!

How do you know if a rabbit is happy?

You will know if your rabbit is happy because they will:
  1. Lie down with a relaxed body.
  2. Lie down with a stretched body, still relaxed.
  3. Lie down with a fully extended body, still relaxed.
  4. Jumping into the air all 4 paws off the ground.
  5. Have a healthy appetite.
  6. Calm and quiet.
  7. Inquisitive.


How do you tell if a bunny likes you?

Here's how you can tell that your rabbit likes you:
  1. Circling your feet.
  2. Chinning.
  3. Grooming you.
  4. Flopping down close to you.
  5. Binkies.
  6. Sitting on your lap.
  7. Coming over for pets.
  8. Purring when you pet them.


What does it mean when a bunny licks you?

Licking: Licking is a way bunnies groom each other. If your bunny licks you, it's a sign of affection as you'll often see pairs of bunnies grooming each other this way. A bunny lick is a sign of a bond.

How long can a bunny stay home alone?

Even if you have a pair of rabbits, 24 hours is the maximum time they should be alone. Like all pets, rabbits rely heavily on their owners. Domesticated rabbits lack the survival skills of wild rabbits. Your rabbit has basic needs surrounding food, exercise, and stimulation.

How old is a 9 year old rabbit in human years?

After the first year, each rabbit year is equal to 6 human years. So by the age of 10 years a rabbit is 75 in human age.


What age is considered an old bunny?

Smaller rabbits are said to be seniors from about the age of seven or eight, while large bunnies age more quickly and are usually classified as a senior rabbit at around four to five years old.

Do rabbits slow down with age?

Changes in behaviour as your rabbit gets older

You may need to make some adjustments to their enclosure to ensure they're still happily able to get around it all. Slowing down a little with old age is normal, and many older rabbits have some form of mobility issues.

How old is the oldest rabbit ever?

The oldest rabbit ever was a wild rabbit named Flopsy, who was caught on the 6 August 1964, and died 18 years and 10.75 months later at the home of L.B. Walker of Longford, Tasmania, Australia.


Where does a bunny like to be petted?

The nose, face, cheeks, and ears seem like safe areas to try. Under the chin might or might not be a problem area, depending on the rabbit. The back is likely safe. The belly, feet, and rear end seem like no-go areas.

How do rabbits show they love?

Nudging, head butting or rubbing against you is rabbit body language for loving attention. 'Give them a stroke or cuddle, or what you know they enjoy', says Rosie. 'Rubbing their faces against you is a way of sharing their scent profile, and showing that you really are friends.

How do I know if my rabbit is sad?

The signs of an unhappy rabbit

Pulling at their fur and over-grooming - or not grooming at all. A change in feeding or toilet habits. Drinking a lot more. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.


How do you discipline a rabbit?

Here are some tips for what you can do to discipline your rabbit:
  1. Voice Training. When your bun does something he shouldn't be, use his name and say 'NO', firmly and sternly. ...
  2. Nose down. Take your index finger and firmly but gently push his nose down toward the floor while saying 'Oliver, NO'. ...
  3. Time out. ...
  4. Water. ...
  5. Squeal.


How many hours a day should a bunny be out of its cage?

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.

What is the favorite food of rabbit?

High Quality Hay

A rabbit's favorite food should be hay, though you may have to take steps to ensure that your rabbit is eating enough before adding in other foods that your rabbit loves. Hay should make up at least 80% of your rabbit's diet, then it's off to the races with fresh veggies and other treats!


How often do bunnies need their nails clipped?

How often to trim your rabbit's nails. Most rabbit nails will need to be trimmed every 1 to 2 months. Rabbits that are given areas with rough flooring or places they can dig into will be able to wear down their nails a little bit in their daily life. Therefore they might not need their nails trimmed as often.

Should you let your bunny sleep with you?

If your rabbit wants to sleep with you and can do so safely, it's fine. If you're prepared to risk losing sleep, sharing a bed with a rabbit will deepen your bond. Just remember that rabbits like routine. You can't share your bed some nights but not others.

Do rabbits miss their owners?

You may worry that your rabbit will be lonely. If you spend a lot of time with your rabbit, they will undoubtedly miss you when you're away, the same way you miss them. The two of you have developed a bond and friendship that your pet rabbit also understands.