Needs and life expectancy of rabbitsHow do I keep rabbits properly?
Before deciding on an animal, small animal lovers have numerous questions: How old do rabbits get? What do these fluffy animals eat? And how do I keep them properly? Here we give you an insight into what these bright animals need to feel at home.
Velvety soft fur, long ears and a cute nose - the sight of rabbits enchants young and old alike. Contrary to what is often assumed, these adorable animals are not rodents, but hares. They are demanding to keep: rabbits are not cuddly animals! They often find physical contact with humans unpleasant. That's why they need to be close to other rabbits and have enough space to run around. On average, pet rabbits live to be eight to ten years old. So before you take in rabbits, you should find out all you can about these active animals.
Rabbit profile
- Life expectancy:Pet rabbits can live for eight to ten years.
- Origin: The pet rabbit is descended from the European wild rabbit. This is native to south-western Europe, but is also found in some regions of Germany.
- Weight: An adult rabbit weighs between 0.7 and 5.5 kilograms, depending on the breed.
- Gestation period: Rabbits are sexually mature at around three months. Females are pregnant for around 30 days. A litter consists of around three to nine young animals.
- Food: Rabbits mainly need hay and green food such as grasses, herbs and lettuce. They should always have access to food.
- Lifestyle: Rabbits like to groom each other, sleep cuddled up together and play together. We therefore recommend that you always keep at least two animals. However, they often do not like human physical contact. Rabbits need plenty of space to move.
Keeping in a double pack or in a group
Rabbits like to groom each other, sleep cuddled up together and warn each other of danger - they are very sociable animals that need contact with other rabbits. An animal kept alone suffers enormously. You should therefore keep rabbits at least in pairs. Ideally, they should live together in a group of three to five animals. Neutered males get on best with females. It is important that the males are neutered when keeping them in groups.
Rabbits need space
Rabbits need a lot of space to hop around and hit hooks. But exactly how big does their enclosure need to be? Two rabbits need at least six square meters of floor space, as they like to move around a lot. For each additional animal, you need to plan 20 percent more space. Ideally, rabbits should live in an enclosure in the garden that is safe to break into and out of and offers retreats as well as shady and sunny spots. This is the closest thing to species-appropriate husbandry.
If you can only offer your pets a home indoors, it is particularly important to provide them with plenty of variety and activity. A standard cage or hutch is usually far too small. The muscles of these agile animals atrophy in them and living in them leads to behavioral problems such as biting or nibbling on the bars. At most, it serves as an additional hiding place in a large enclosure. Here too, an enclosure with a floor area of at least six square meters is the minimum. At least one hiding place is required per animal. The curious animals also enjoy elevated levels from which they can keep an overview. Cork tubes, branches and boxes in which they can scratch and dig to their heart's content also make rabbits happy. If kept indoors, they also need sufficient exercise every day. Alternatively, they can be kept in a rabbit-proof room.
Careful handling is important
Even though rabbits are very social animals, they are still not cuddly pets. They often find physical proximity to humans unpleasant. Accordingly, you should not carry rabbits around. As rabbits are skittish, you should ideally approach the enclosure cautiously. If animals knock on the floor with their hind legs, they are excited or afraid.
How much does a rabbit cost?The examples are minimum costs & a rough estimate for 2 animals*
Purchase price for 2 animals.
e.g. for indoor enclosures, outdoor enclosures, bowls, houses, digging box, toilet, toys, hay rack etc.
for feed, bedding, health checks with vaccinations etc.
e.g. visits to the vet, medication, castration etc.
* The cost estimate depends on factors such as the breed and size of the animal, (pre-)illnesses, feeding method, etc. Additional veterinary costs cannot be calculated as a lump sum, as they vary greatly from individual to individual. As rabbits should be kept at least in pairs, all estimates are based on two animals.
Rabbits are herbivores
Rabbits eat all day long and are not allowed to have fasting days. Their theeth are constantly growing, so lots of chewing and constant tooth wear are extremely important. So give your little herbivores access to food around the clock. Fresh hay together with varied, leafy greens forms the basis of a healthy diet. A varied diet ensures good digestion. The daily fresh feed ration consists of 70 percent greens , such as various meadow grasses, fresh herbs or lettuce, and 20 percent vegetables.Fruit such as apples and berries should be offered at a maximum of ten percent, as otherwise the risk of diabetes increases.
Adopt a rabbit from the shelter
If you are thinking of adopting rabbits as new family members, it is best to go to your nearest animal shelter first instead of buying an animal from a pet shop, breeder or online. Many adorable rabbits are already waiting for a second chance at animal shelters. Young animals should be at least ten weeks old when they move into a new home.
