All About Bunnies

Believe it or not, rabbits are the most common household pet.

Okay, don't believe that, it's a lie. However, rabbits are becoming increasingly more popular as pets. There are currently just under 50 recognized breeds of rabbits weighting from pounds to usually about 10-15. The heaviest rabbit was recorded at a solid 55 pounds. Naturally, he was elected as the president of the bunnies and started a campaign against being hunted.

So what's it like to live with rabbits... interesting. My first rabbit is a Mini Lop weighing six pounds, bigger than your average chihuahua! She's able to jump almost three feet in the air and can have quite the attitude, especially when she doesn't get her food in time. The second rabbit is a Mini Rex (pictured above); he's on the smaller end of the breed weighing in at just over two pounds. To say he is not the sharpest tool in the shed is an overstatement. I once saw him get a running start and jump head first into the wall of the cage.

Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are awake at dusk and dawn. In other words, when it is 3 AM, they are ready to eat and will loudly let me know. At lunch time, well that is when they like to sleep and are NOT happy to be woken up. My rabbits are confused about when dusk actually occurs and think it means between 8 PM and 1 AM.

When rabbits aren't sleeping, they are eating. It's not one of those "I'll order just an appetizer and be happy" types of eating. No, it's more of a buffet style. Rather than eating at the table, they keep their plates by the buffet trays. They have spent the last ten minutes eating, no breaks. Going nose deep into the hay is not only normal, but preferred. When they get a treat, such as fruit or carrots, it's like when you give a child ice cream. They absolutely lose their minds; they run around until they find the perfect spot to eat it, then spend the next three hours running more laps than the Indy 500.

It's not all about food and sleeping, though; rabbits love being loved. Their favorite spots to be petted are on the nose, cheeks, and the ears. The absolute no-no spots are tails and feet. My goodness that is a quick way to make them angry. Every rabbit is different but mine loathe being picked up, but love being held; it's a rather up-and-down emotional time for them.

Like any animal, including humans, every rabbit has it's own personality. They are truly special animals who are both independent enough to be left alone for a few days, and dependent enough to show unconditional love. They do this by rubbing their chin on you. It makes you feel very special when they rub their chin on you, then they go rub it on the corner of the cardboard box you got them three months ago and you feel a bit less special. Rabbits are great for not only playing with, but also watching. Unlike a dog who usually needs lots of attention, rabbits have no problem creating their own fun and doing silly things, like playing leapfrog with one another.

To leave you with a last impression, imagine the softest blanket you have ever felt in your life. Picture how it felt running your hand across it and cuddling up in it.

That ranks about a 6/10 on the softness of a rabbit.