Rabbits vs. Hares: A Comprehensive Guide to These Lagomorphs

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Introduction to Rabbits and Hares

Rabbits and Hares, small, shy, furry animals that are found in nearly all parts of the world. They have been prized for centuries as food and for their fur. Domestic breeds are popular pets. They are also valued for experimental purposes in scientific laboratories. In regions where wild rabbits and hares are plentiful, however, they are a serious threat to gardens and crops, and are killed as pests. This is especially true in Australia and New Zealand, where the animals were introduced in the 1850's and multiplied rapidly because they had no natural enemies.

Rabbits eat the bark of trees and shrubs in winter.

Rabbits and hares are leading characters in many fables and folk tales. The White Rabbit and the March Hare play important parts in Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Brer Rabbit is the clever and mischievous hero of many of the "Uncle Remus" stories of Joel Chandler Harris. Rabbits were considered symbols of fertility by many ancient peoples, and this symbolism has survived in the Easter Bunny, which represents the rebirth that occurs in nature each spring. A rabbit's foot is a common good luck charm.

Are Hares Much Different from Rabbits?

Hares, like rabbits, are lagomorphs. They look a lot alike and are often mistaken for one another. But the two animals differ in a few important ways.

Rabbits give birth to their young in fur-lined nests, but hares give birth on the ground. Baby rabbits are born furless and with their eyes closed. They stay in the nest for a couple of weeks. But newborn hares have fur and their eyes are open. In less than five minutes, baby hares are able to hop. They are ready to leave home almost immediately.

Hares usually grow bigger than rabbits. They have longer legs, feet, and ears. Hares rarely dig burrows, as some rabbits do. When a rabbit senses danger, it hops for cover. It tries to run and hide from a predator. But a hare will leap long distances across an open field. It attempts to outrun its enemy.

Rabbits are more social than hares. Rabbits like to live in groups. But hares usually live alone.

Where in the World Do These Animals Live?

Rabbits and hares are found on every continent except Antarctica. About half of all kinds of rabbits and hares live in North America. Pikas live in Europe, Asia, and western North America.

These various animals make their homes in meadows, mountains, deserts, rain forests, swamps, and grasslands—even on the frozen tundra. These animals thrive in all types of climates.

You can often tell where one of these animals lives from its name. The swamp rabbit likes swampy habitats. It is a good swimmer. The desert cottontail, on the other hand, prefers a hot, dry habitat. The Arctic hare lives in the far North. The brush rabbit makes its home in thick, overgrown bushes.

Description and Habits

It is difficult to make a clear-cut distinction between rabbits and hares. The animals are so much alike that there has been great confusion in classifying them, and in popular usage many hares are called rabbits, and many rabbits are called hares. Nevertheless, there are certain differences between the two. Rabbits are generally smaller and have shorter ears than hares. Hares are stronger and can leap farther and run faster. Some hares' coats change color in winter, while rabbits stay the same color the year around. Rabbits are born with their eyes closed and without fur; hares are born with their eyes open and with a good coat of fur. The rabbit doe (female) bears her young in a burrow; the hare doe makes a shallow nest on top of the ground, protected by grass or brush. Rabbits give birth to an average of five litters each year, with four to nine young in each litter. Hares have only two or three litters, with four to six young in a litter.

Rabbits and hares are somewhat similar to rodents, but differ from rodents in having two sets of incisors (cutting teeth), one behind the other. Rabbits and hares have long, sensitive ears, cleft upper lips, and short tails. Their hind legs and feet are long, with strong muscles for leaping. The animals will fight, by biting and kicking, only when cornered or to defend their young. Usually they depend on their speed to save them from wolves, wildcats, hawks, owls, and other enemies.

Rabbits and hares eat young green plants in spring and summer, and the bark of trees and shrubs in winter. Some look for food only at night, staying under cover during the day. Care must be taken in handling wild rabbits and hares because many of them have tularemia, a disease that is often fatal to humans.

What Are Those Long Ears For?

The body of a rabbit is much like that of other four-legged animals. Rabbits do have some special features, however.

They often have long, sensitive ears. Many kinds of rabbits use their ears together or one at a time to catch sounds from any direction. The ears also keep the rabbit cool in hot weather by giving off heat.

The long, powerful hind legs are used by a rabbit for hopping. Rabbits also use their powerful back legs for defense, punching with their hind feet.

Rabbits have two pairs of upper incisors (front teeth). One pair is directly behind the other. They use the incisors to gnaw and clip off plants. Then, they chew their food with sideways movements of the lower jaw, which grinds the food and helps wear down the teeth. Their teeth grow all their lives.

How Do Rabbits Communicate?

Rabbits use their bodies to communicate with each other.

For example, many types of rabbits press their ears back when endangered. Holland Lops cannot do that, but they do crouch into as small a ball as possible.

If rabbits are very frightened, they may thump the ground with a back foot to communicate that danger is near. If a rabbit grunts or growls, it is annoyed. In rare instances, it may even attack.

If a rabbit begins running and jumping straight up in the air and twisting, that is a sign of panic. If it screams, a rabbit is very frightened or in pain. Take steps right away to protect the rabbit and make it feel safe.

When a rabbit lies on its side or its belly with its back legs spread out behind it, a rabbit is feeling safe and secure. A contented rabbit might also purr, make clicking sounds, or softly grind its teeth.

The Cottontail

The cottontail is a rabbit but is often called a hare. There are seven species, all in North America, ranging from the Canadian border through Mexico. Closely related species are found in South America. Cottontails get their name from the white, fluffy undersides of their tails. The animals are 14 to 21 inches (35 to 53 cm) long. They are brown, gray-brown, or reddish above and light gray or white below.

The eastern cottontail is Sylvilagus floridanus; the mountain, S. nuttallii; the New England, S. transitionalis; the desert, S. audubonii; the Mexican, S. cunicularis; the Tres Marias, S. graysoni; the Omilteme rabbit, S. insonus.

What Are Cottontails and Their Relatives?

Cottontails and their relatives make up a group of animals called lagomorphs (LAG uh mawrfs). The word lagomorph comes from two Greek words meaning “hare-shaped.” As you might guess, hares are lagomorphs. So are little mouselike animals called pikas.

All lagomorphs have sharp front teeth called incisors. Lagomorphs use their incisors to gnaw (nawh), or chew. Another feature that all lagomorphs share is two separate folds of skin on the upper lip.

Rabbits, hares, and pikas are part of a larger animal group called mammals. Mammals are warm-blooded animals whose babies drink their mother’s milk. Mammals also have hair. Lagomorphs have soft fur for hair.

What Is Special About a Cottontail’s Teeth?

The cottontail’s front teeth look a lot like those of a rodent. In fact, scientists once placed rabbits, hares, pikas, and rodents in the same order, or group of animals. But a rodent has only one pair of upper incisors. Rabbits, hares, and pikas have two pairs each. So scientists now place rabbits, hares, and pikas in their own order.

A cottontail’s large, sharp teeth help the animal eat its food. The incisors are located at the front of a cottontail’s jaw. They do the biting and cutting. The back teeth, or molars, do the grinding and chewing.

Maybe you’ve seen a cottontail enjoying a meal. You might have noticed that it doesn’t chew up and down as you do. Instead, a cottontail chews its food from side to side. The reason is that a cottontail’s upper jaw is wider than its lower jaw.

What Do Cottontails Like to Eat?

Like other rabbits, cottontails are herbivores (HUR buh vawrz). That means they eat only plants. They enjoy short grass, clover, lettuce, weeds, and leafy bushes. They also like fruits and berries. And, of course, cottontails love carrots—if they can find them.

In winter, it is often hard for cottontails to find food. They will eat twigs, bark, roots, and old berries when they can’t find leafy greens.

Cottontails sometimes drink water—but not that often. That’s because the plants they eat are very moist and juicy.

How about the Cottontail tail?

The tail is covered with soft, fluffy fur. The tail is about 2 inches (5 centimeters) long. The bottom of the tail is white. It looks a lot like cotton.

A cottontail is not white all over, however. Most of its body fur is brown or gray. The dark color blends in with the rabbit’s surroundings. If it senses danger, a cottontail may lie very still. That way its enemies won’t see it.

Cottontails are very clean animals. They keep their fur in good shape by licking it. They also wet their paws and use them like washcloths to wash their fur.

Cottontails take time to clean themselves, but they never need haircuts. Like all lagomorphs, cottontails shed their fur every year. Their summer coats are shorter, softer, and thinner than their winter coats.

What Enemies Do Cottontails Have?

Cottontails have many enemies in the wild. Their enemies include foxes, wolves, weasels, coyotes, rats, and snakes. Foxes may steal baby cottontails from their nests. Weasels may chase cottontails down their burrows, even through narrow tunnels.

Ground enemies are not the only ones cottontails fear. They also have enemies in the air. Eagles, hawks, and owls swoop down on them from the sky. Cottontails are usually helpless against such attacks.

Because they have so many enemies, most cottontails do not survive more than a year in the wild. Pet rabbits, however, may live five years or more.

How Does a Cottontail Avoid Danger?

A cottontail uses all its senses to avoid danger. Its eyes are on the sides of its head, so it can see to the side, front, and even to the back—all at the same time. It can also see well at night.

A cottontail relies on its nose and ears, too. When it smells or hears danger, the rabbit sits up on its hind legs, straight and still. Its ears point upward and its nose twitches. This position might warn other rabbits in the area to be alert.

If the cottontail decides to hop away, it flashes its white tail at the enemy. This may confuse the predator and help the cottontail escape.

For safety, a cottontail stays near cover, such as a rock or a bush. If an enemy gets too close, a cottontail hops quickly to its hiding place.

How Far Can a Cottontail Leap?

Don’t let a cottontail’s small size fool you. This rabbit can leap 10 feet (3 meters) in a single bound. Imagine you and a friend were lying head to toe on the ground. A cottontail could leap over the length of both your bodies in one long jump.

A cottontail leaps well because of its powerful hind legs. They put “spring” in the rabbit’s jump. The back legs are longer and stronger than the front legs. This helps the animal jump fast, too. A cottontail can leap up to 18 miles (29 kilometers) an hour.

A cottontail’s feet also help it leap well. The bottoms of the feet are covered with hairs. They help the rabbit get a good grip on the ground before taking off.

Where Do Cottontails Settle Down?

Most cottontails live alone. They rest and sleep in a shallow, bowl-shaped hole called a form. It is covered with grass, weeds, and shrubs to hide the animals from enemies. Some kinds of cottontails use a form all year around.

Others, especially those in colder areas, look for more protected places to rest.

In winter, many cottontails take cover under piles of brush, rocks, or wood. Others spend time in underground holes called burrows.

Most cottontails do not dig their own burrows. Instead, they move into burrows left behind by other animals, such as prairie dogs, skunks, and woodchucks. How convenient is that?

How Fast Do Cottontails Multiply?

You may have heard the phrase “to multiply like rabbits.” Cottontails can have lots of babies, or kits. A female cottontail usually has four or five kits at a time. She may give birth four or five times a year. Do the math, and you’ll find that a cottontail may have as many as 25 kits a year.

A female cottontail carries her kits inside her body for about 28 days before giving birth. The mother prepares a nest that she digs in the ground. She lines the nest with hay and leaves, plus fur that she pulls off her belly.

Cottontail kits are born without fur. At birth, the kits can’t see or hear. The mother covers them with grass and fur to keep them warm in the nest. At first, the kits are too young to eat regular food. But kits drink their mother’s milk.

How Do Cottontail Kits Grow?

Baby cottontails grow quickly. After about two weeks, they double their weight. They also have their own fur, and they can see and hear. At this time, kits leave their nests and hide in the tall grass nearby. By their third week, they are able to eat regular food.

At about 6 months old, a cottontail has nearly reached its full adult size. By that age, a female cottontail is ready to have her own kits.

Cottontails increase so fast that they can cause serious problems for farmers. In areas where rabbits have no natural enemies, the cottontail population may grow very fast. Cottontails can do great harm to crops and other plant life.

How Many Kinds of Cottontails Are There?

There are 14 kinds of cottontails. All of them live in North America and South America. The desert cottontail you lives west of the Rocky Mountains. So, too, does the mountain cottontail.

The eastern cottontail is common east of the Rocky Mountains, from Canada to Central America. Unlike most cottontails, eastern cottontails live in many habitats. They like fields, forests, and swamps.

The Appalachian (ap uh LAY chuhn) cottontail lives in the hills of the southeastern United States. And the forest cottontail makes its home in the forests of Central and South America. Both these kinds of rabbits are much pickier about their homes than eastern cottontails are.

Some rare cottontails live in very special habitats. Several kinds of cottontails are found in Mexico and Central America. They are so rare that they are hardly ever seen.

Which Cottontail Is the Biggest?

Cottontails look similar to one another, but they aren’t all the same size. The largest is the swamp rabbit, which is found in the southern United States. It grows to about 21 inches (53 centimeters) long. It can weigh up to 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms).

The swamp rabbit shares some of its habitat with a similar cottontail, the marsh rabbit. These cottontails look alike. Sometimes, they even act alike. Both will leap into the water and swim away from enemies. So, how can you tell them apart? It’s simple. The swamp rabbit is much bigger!

The swamp rabbit may be the largest cottontail. But it is not the largest lagomorph. The swamp rabbit is about 6 inches (15 centimeters) shorter than the biggest hare. It is also smaller than many rabbits raised as pets.

Wild Rabbits and Hares

The many species include the cottontail and the following:

The European, or Old World, Rabbit

is native to central and southern Europe and North Africa, and has been introduced into Australia, North America, and other regions far from its native home. All domestic rabbits were developed from this species. The European rabbit lives in large groups in underground warrens, burrows that are connected by runways. This rabbit is 16 to 18 inches (40 to 45 cm) long and may weigh as much as 6 pounds (2.7 kg). It has a grayish-brown coat.

The European rabbit is Oryctolagus cuniculus.

The Swamp Rabbit

resembles the cottontail but is larger, averaging a little more than 18 inches (45 cm) in length. It is dark brown on top, lighter underneath. It lives in swamps and marshes from eastern Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas east to northwestern South Carolina.

The swamp rabbit is Sylvilagus aquaticus.

The Marsh Rabbit

is similar in color to the swamp rabbit, but is smaller and has relatively shorter ears and tail. It lives in marshes in Florida and along the coastal plain north to Virginia.

The marsh rabbit is Sylvilagus palustris.

The European Hare

is the common hare of Europe. It is also native to parts of Asia, and has been introduced into the United States and Canada. It averages about 24 inches (60 cm) in length, and has large ears and a relatively long tail. Its curly hair is dark brown. It is a fast runner and good swimmer.

The European hare is Lepus europaeus.

The Varying Hare, or Snowshoe Rabbit,

gets its names because its coat varies from brownish-gray in spring to white in autumn, and because in winter the fur on its feet grows more thickly and helps it to walk on snow. It is 14 to 18 inches (35 to 45 cm) long. It is found in North America ranging from Alaska to as far south as Tennessee in the east and northern California in the west.

The varying hare is Lepus americanus.

The Jackrabbit

is found in central and western North America from British Columbia south into Mexico. There are six species. Jackrabbits range from 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) in length, and may weigh from six to eight pounds (2.7 to 3.6 kg). They vary in color from blackish gray to light brown or cream-colored above, and from white to dark brown below. The white-tailed and black-tailed jackrabbits change to a lighter color in winter. The white-tailed jackrabbit is one of the fastest hares, capable of attaining a speed of 45 miles an hour (72 km/h).

Jackrabbits live in the deserts and prairies of North America.

The white-tailed jackrabbit is Lepus townsendii; the black-tailed, L. californicus. The other species are the antelope jackrabbit, L. alleni; the white-sided, L. callotis; the black, L. insularis; and the Tehuantepec, L. flavigularis.

When Is a Rabbit Not a Rabbit?

When it’s a jackrabbit! That’s because a jackrabbit is actually a hare. It is one of several lagomorphs whose names are confusing. For example, the snowshoe hare is often mistakenly called the snowshoe rabbit. And the Belgian hare is actually a breed of domestic rabbit.

Despite its confusing name, you can easily tell a jackrabbit from a true rabbit. A jackrabbit is much larger. It can grow nearly 27 inches (69 centimeters) long. That’s about 6 inches (15 centimeters) longer than the biggest wild rabbit. A jack rabbit may weigh up to 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms).

Jackrabbits live in the deserts and prairies of western North America. They like to eat plants with thick, juicy leaves and stems. One of their favorite foods is cactus, which holds lots of water.

Why Are a Jackrabbit’s Ears So Big?

A jackrabbit’s most outstanding feature is its long ears. They point straight up in the air. A jackrabbit’s ears may be up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) long.

As with all rabbits and hares, a jackrabbit’s ears are shaped somewhat like a funnel. They give the hare excellent hearing. A jackrabbit can pick up many sounds that humans cannot hear. It can move its ears together or turn each one in a different direction.

A jackrabbit’s ears are important in another way, too. They help control the animal’s body temperature. In the summer, blood flows through the ears and is cooled off by the air. That keeps the hare cool. In the winter, less blood flows to the ears. That keeps the hare warm.

Domestic Rabbits

There are more than 60 varieties of domestic rabbits, all descended from the wild European rabbit. They are raised for their meat and fur, for use as laboratory animals, and for pets. They vary greatly in color, and may weigh from 3 to 16 pounds (1.4 to 7.3 kg). Some have small, erect ears, others have long, hanging ears.

Rabbit pelts are used for making fur garments. The fur, known as coney, may be dyed and treated in various ways to imitate more expensive furs. Some grades of rabbit fur are used to make felt for hats. The long fur of the Angora rabbit can be woven. The breeds best suited to producing fur and meat are New Zealand, Californian, American, Beveren, Champagne d'Argent, Chinchilla, and Flemish Giant.

How Did Breeds of Rabbits Develop?

People sometimes breed (mate) animals, hoping to develop certain traits (features or characteristics) in the offspring of those animals. When animals are bred to have special traits, the offspring that result are often somewhat different than the animals from which they were bred.

People first bred rabbits for their meat and pelts (skins). Eventually rabbits were also bred for show, and breeders then began to focus on such traits as the quality and color of the animal’s fur. Some breeders bred their rabbits to have such traits as long or short hair. Eventually, rabbit breeds—that is, groups of animals that had the same type of ancestors—were developed.

Holland Lops were bred from several different rabbit breeds—Netherland Dwarfs, French Lops, and English Lops. Holland Lops look a little like each of these breeds of rabbits.

Who Is the “King” of the Rabbits?

One rabbit has fur so beautiful, it was named Rex, the Latin word for “king.”

Most breeds of rabbit have beautiful, soft fur, but the Rex rabbit’s fur is exceptionally soft. It is extra fine and very short, so this rabbit looks and feels like velvet. In rabbit shows, Rex rabbits are judged on their fur rather than on other physical qualities.

Nevertheless, Rex rabbits have many other good qualities. A Rex is a fairly large rabbit and is less jumpy than smaller rabbits, so a Rex can be easier to handle. Rex rabbits are also very intelligent and playful.

Mini Rex rabbits, which are smaller versions of standard Rex rabbits, are sometimes called Velveteen rabbits. They are named for the cuddly rabbit in the storybook by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit.

Who Is the New Kid on the Block?

One newer breed of rabbit is called the Lionhead. Lionhead rabbits have a special, unforgettable feature. Both male and female Lionheads have a mane of “wool.” (Very long fur on rabbits is known as wool.) This mane encircles the rabbit’s head and makes the rabbit look like a small lion.

Lionheads have been a recognized breed in the United Kingdom since 2002. In the United States, breeders began showing the Lionhead in 2004. According to the associations that regulate rabbit breeds, Lionhead rabbits should have ears that stand up straight. (There is, however, a lop-eared version of a Lionhead that is not yet recognized by the rabbit associations.)

Lionheads are friendly and easy to train and care for. Since most of their fur is not wool, they do not need as much grooming as other wool breeds, such as Angoras.

Which Rabbit Is an Eye-Catcher?

The Blanc de Hotot (hoh toh) has one truly noticeable feature—its eyes.

This breed of rabbit has a round body, a round head, and short ears. Its fur is white. This white fur allows the dark fur that encircles the eye of the Hotot to really stand out. The fur around the eye is called an eyeband.

The Blanc de Hotot (white of Hotot) was developed in the early 1900’s in Hotot-en-Auge, in France. A dwarf version of the Hotot breed developed in Germany in the late 1970’s. The full-sized Hotot weighs between 8 to 11 pounds (3.6 to 5 kilograms). The dwarf version weighs under 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms).

Which Is the Tiniest Rabbit?

There are miniature versions of many rabbit breeds. For example, Holland Lops have smaller relatives known as Mini Lops, and there is a smaller version of a Rex rabbit called a Mini Rex.

Some breeds, however, are small by nature. For example, Netherland Dwarf rabbits remain very small throughout their lives. Adult Netherland Dwarfs usually weigh less than 2 pounds (0.9 kilogram). These tiny, short-haired rabbits often look like furry little balls. Netherland Dwarfs come in many colors, ranging from white to deepest black.

Netherland Dwarfs are extremely cute—but they can be cranky. This breed is sometimes prone to biting. That is why some breeders advise people who are considering a rabbit for a pet to admire the Netherland Dwarfs—but find some other, less aggressive rabbit for a pet.

Which Is the Biggest Rabbit of All?

Not all rabbits are cute and tiny. Some are cute and rather large.

Angoras (a type of rabbit with long fur), for example, are usually medium- to large-sized, compared with other rabbits. But Giant Angoras, all of which are white, can weigh in at 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or more when fully grown. Mature French Lops also weigh about 10 pounds.

The Giant Chinchilla, a breed of rabbit that has a reputation as a sweet-tempered pet, weighs between 12 and 16 pounds (5.4 and 7.3 kilograms) fully grown, as does a rabbit breed known as the Giant Papillon.

Flemish Giants, however, are the breed of rabbit that can grow the largest. Long and heavy, mature Flemish Giants can weigh up to 17 pounds (8 kilograms).

Which Rabbits Live in Warrens?

Cottontails tend to live alone in a form or a burrow. But European rabbits like company. They prefer to live with their family in a warren.

A warren is a series of underground nests, or burrows. They are connected by narrow tunnels that are only about 6 inches (15 centimeters) wide. Some tunnels run as deep as 10 feet (3 meters) below the ground. The female rabbits do most of the digging.

A warren usually has several entrances and exits. Mounds of dirt mark the main openings. Smaller openings, called bolt holes, are big enough for a rabbit to leap into. But they are too small for most enemies to use.

As the rabbit family multiplies, the warren grows bigger. The rabbits add more tunnels and nests.

What Are Domestic Rabbits?

Domestic rabbits are European rabbits that do not live in the wild. Instead, they are raised as tame animals. Many domestic rabbits are kept as pets.

Like dogs and cats, domestic rabbits come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Each different type of domestic rabbit is called a breed. Many breeds of domestic rabbits are often bigger than wild rabbits. The white Flemish giant is the largest domestic rabbit. It can weigh up to 17 pounds (8 kilograms). Compare that with the wild European rabbit that weighs only 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms).

Domestic rabbits also multiply faster than wild rabbits. Unlike wild rabbits, domestic rabbits usually live indoors. They don’t have to wait for warm weather to raise a new litter of kits.

What Is a Good Rabbit Habitat?

A habitat is a place where an animal lives, which contains everything the animal needs. A pet has a habitat of sorts, provided by its owner. A pet rabbit needs a hutch, or rabbit cage, in an area that provides shelter against wind, rain, cold drafts, and hot sun. Rabbits need to remain out of direct sunlight or temperatures above 80 °F (27 °C) at all times.

The cage should be long enough for the rabbit to stretch out comfortably and tall enough for the rabbit to sit up. Larger would be better. If a rabbit must be kept in a smaller cage, it should be allowed daily playtime outside its cage.

Line the bottom of your rabbit’s cage with enough bedding of fresh hay or straw to allow your pet to dig. A litter box is a good idea if your pet has been taught to use it. The litter absorbs some of the ammonia from your pet’s urine and helps to keep its cage cleaner. If you provide your pet with a litter box, fill the box with a safe litter made of paper or alfalfa pellets.

How Do You Keep the Habitat Healthful?

To keep your rabbit’s home comfortable and healthful, keep it ventilated, clean, shady, and not too hot or cold.

For your pet’s comfort and health, the bedding at the bottom of its cage should be changed every other day or so, depending on how dirty the litter gets. If your pet is litter-trained, you may be able to keep bedding for up to a week.

However, you must then change the litter in the litter box every day or two.

For feeding, you will need a small dog bowl or 4-inch (10-centimeter) crock in the habitat. Many owners attach the feeding bowl to the side of the cage. Some owners also suggest using a hayrack to keep the rabbit’s hay clean and ready to eat.

A slightly larger crock can serve as a water bowl. Many owners, however, prefer to use a feeder bottle—a bottle that hangs from the side of the cage and that dispenses water.

How Should You Pick Up a Rabbit?

Rabbits are squirmy creatures, but if your pet feels safe, it will relax contentedly in your arms.

To pick up your rabbit, find a spot next to its habitat where you can sit or kneel comfortably. Place one hand under your rabbit’s rump, or hindquarters, to support it. With the other hand, grab the rabbit quickly and gently by the scruff, or back of its neck. Lift up your rabbit with both hands so it feels supported and balanced.

Now place your pet against your body, with all four of its feet resting on your chest or lap. Keep one hand under its rump so that your pet does not dangle dangerously. Take the other hand off the scruff of the neck and cover your rabbit’s ears—if the ears wobble, so will the bunny.

If your rabbit is very shy, ask an adult to wrap it in a towel or baby blanket before handing it to you. This will make your pet will feel extra cozy and secure.

Do Rabbits Bite?

Rabbits do not usually bite. They will, however, chew on food, toys, wood, and anything else that they think is food. So if you stick your finger into your rabbit’s cage, it might nip at your finger. And, if that finger is sweet-smelling and sticky, your rabbit might try to munch it.

Sometimes, rabbits will also nibble on clothes. If you tell your rabbit “no” and give your pet something that is okay to chew on, it should stop nibbling on you.

If your rabbit becomes frightened or annoyed, it will try to run away or hide. If it cannot get away, a scared or angry rabbit will lower its head, charge, and try to scratch with its claws. Most rabbits only bite as a last resort.

What If Your Rabbit Refuses to Eat?

Rabbits, especially Holland Lops, can be picky eaters. Before you assume something is wrong with your pet, make sure your rabbit’s water bottle works properly. Then check to see that the water in it is cool and clean.

If your rabbit is drinking but not eating, make sure that its food is appetizing. Clean out its feeder to make sure it is free of dust and mold. Also make sure the food pellets are fresh and dry.

If your pet still does not eat, remove all food pellets for a day and offer your rabbit plenty of hay and water. Your rabbit may have a hairball in its stomach. Rabbits get hairballs from licking their fur when grooming and then swallowing that fur. A fur ball can cause a rabbit to refuse food and to have a difficult time eliminating solid wastes. Feeding your rabbit a lot of fresh hay and water can help the rabbit to pass this blockage.

If your rabbit refuses food for 48 hours, call a veterinarian. A serious blockage or other illness may require care right away.

Where Can You Get a Pet Rabbit?

Many rabbit owners get their animals from shelters or rescue groups. These organizations save unwanted animals from being killed. The organizations often charge very little money and sometimes include medical treatment and spaying or neutering in the price.

Reliable breeders are another source for breeds of pet rabbits, including Holland Lops. Breeders can offer advice on caring for a rabbit.

Some 4-H programs, Future Farmers of America (FFA) organizations, and Scout troops also sell rabbits. Often, these sellers will know all about their animals and can help you make an informed choice. They also may charge less than a breeder would.

You can also try a pet store—but make sure the store’s owners know and care about rabbits. Choose a store with experience in dealing with rabbits.

What Is a Rabbit Show Like?

At rabbit shows, animals are judged on which is the best of a certain breed of rabbits. Each animal is judged according to standards set for its breed. In the United States and Canada, the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) sponsors many of these shows.

How can you find out if your pet rabbit is a prize winner? You can study ARBA standards, train your rabbit, enter a contest, and find out. The ARBA has a youth division in which people younger than 19 years of age compete. Pet rabbits are also judged at 4-H competitions.

What Are Some Common Signs of Illness in Rabbits?

Rabbits are usually fairly healthy. But, even healthy rabbits are prone to a few kinds of problems. Rabbits often cut or scratch themselves. They also get hairballs from grooming their fur. And they are likely at some point to get diarrhea, colds, and bacterial infections. Lop-eared rabbits are especially likely to get ear infections.

Minor rabbit illnesses are easy to treat. Antibiotic ointment protects cuts and scratches. Hay and water, as well as fresh papaya or pineapple, can help rabbits to pass hairballs. Whole wheat bread, dry oatmeal, and hay can cure mild diarrhea caused by too many fresh fruits and vegetables in your rabbit’s diet. Your vet can give you medicine to treat colds and minor infections your rabbit might catch.

If any illness or condition bothers your rabbit for more than a day, call your vet. Long-lasting illnesses can kill your pet.

What Routine Veterinary Care Is Needed?

Even healthy rabbits can benefit from a visit to the veterinarian now and then. All rabbits should get regular checkups, including dental checkups, to make sure they are well. Your vet can tell you how often these routine checkups should happen. At each checkup, the vet can check for parasites and look for other problems you may not have noticed.

In addition, pet rabbits should be spayed or neutered. Spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) ensures that your rabbit will not produce offspring that you cannot take care of. Spay or neuter also helps keep pet rabbits calm, friendly, and less likely to run away.

Experienced vets are a good source of advice about your pet. They can help you adjust your rabbit’s diet or its living space to keep it active, healthy, and happy in its home with you.

What Are Your Responsibilities as an Owner?

Holland Lops and other domestic rabbits are not endangered (in danger of dying out). Nevertheless, pet rabbits do need to be cared for in a loving, responsible way. Before you buy a rabbit, think about the daily and weekly care it will require. Do not forget that the cute little bunny you see in the pet store will grow up to be a larger rabbit that needs to run, jump, and play.

Remember that rabbits do not know which items in a home are off-limits. It is up to you to keep them safe from dangers and to keep valuable items out of their reach. And, when outside, your rabbit must be in an enclosure that prevents it from getting lost or being hurt by wild animals.

Also, remember that not all pet animals get along with each other right away. Keep other pets—even other rabbits—away from a new pet rabbit until you are sure they will all get along.

Rabbit Fun Facts

Domestic rabbits are born blind and hairless.

In the wild, European rabbits will often live together in large colonies, sharing a large system of underground burrows, called warrens.

A pika is a small furry relative of rabbits and hares. The pika, however, looks more like a mouse or guinea pig than a rabbit.

The Latin name for the Iberian Peninsula—where Spain and Portugal are located—is named for a term in the ancient language of Phoenician that meant “rabbit land.”

The children of two United States presidents had pet rabbits in the White House—Abraham Lincoln and John Kennedy.

In Japan, and in other Eastern cultures, people do not imagine a “man in the moon.” Instead, they look for a “rabbit in the moon!”

How Small Is a Pygmy Rabbit?

The pygmy (PIHG mee) rabbit is not a cottontail. It’s not a European rabbit either. But it is a small kind of rabbit. It grows only about 11 inches (28 centimeters) long. It scampers more than it hops.

Everything about a pygmy rabbit is small. It weighs only about 1 pound (1/2 kilogram). Its ears are small, and its tail is nearly hidden. Even its hind legs are short. That’s why this rabbit scampers more than it hops.

The pygmy rabbit can be found in the deserts of the western United States. The pygmy rabbit is the only North American rabbit that digs its own burrows. It makes its home where there is tall sagebrush. The sagebrush serves as food and also protects the rabbit from its enemies.

Which Rabbits Live Near Volcanoes?

Volcano rabbits do, of course! Volcano rabbits live on and near the slopes of two volcanoes in central Mexico. The animals roam the slopes of these two volcanoes, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) above sea level.

The volcano rabbit is a true rabbit, although it looks more like a guinea pig than a rabbit. It has much smaller ears than cottontails and European rabbits. The volcano rabbit’s tail is not even visible.

To see a volcano rabbit, you would have to climb one of the volcanoes in Mexico. This rabbit lives nowhere else in the world. It comes out at night to eat minty plants, its favorite food. During the morning, you may see it sunbathing in the grass.

Do Snowshoe Hares Wear Snowshoes?

No, but the inventor of snowshoes probably got the idea from a snowshoe hare like this one. Its two hind feet look like snowshoes. They are very large and furry. They help the hare hop across deep snow without sinking. That’s important because the snowshoe hare lives where it snows a lot. It makes its home in the forests and swamps of Canada and the northern United States.

The snowshoe hare is also called the varying hare. Its looks vary, or change, depending on the season. In winter, the hare has a white fur coat. But it sheds that fur and grows a brown coat for the summer. The color change protects the hare from enemies. In winter, the hare blends in with the snow. In summer, it blends in with the soil and grass.

Who Has Fun When It’s Freezing?

The Arctic hare loves a good, harsh winter. The animal makes its home in the coldest parts of Canada and Greenland. Winter temperatures there average about -20 ºF (-29 ºC).

Arctic hares are well prepared for freezing weather. Their thick fur coat keeps them warm. They have shorter ears than other hares, too. That helps them to save body heat.

Like snowshoe hares, Arctic hares have a layer of stiff fur on the bottoms of their feet. The fur keeps the hare from sinking into the snow as it hops. The feet have sharp claws that dig into hard snow for twigs and willow roots.

Arctic hares tend to rest in the hollow spaces under large rocks. In a snowstorm, these hares dig tunnels in the snow for protection.

What Does a Hare Do When It’s Jinking?

Jinking is a trick that a hare often uses to escape from enemies. It involves hopping in a zigzag pattern to avoid being caught.

Hares can move very fast. A jack rabbit, for example, can leap about 45 miles (72 kilometers) an hour. Some of its enemies can run even faster, however. When a hare is about to be caught, it makes a sharp left or right turn at full speed. The hare’s enemy keeps running straight ahead.

Who Is “Mad As a March Hare”?

Have you ever heard of someone being “mad as a March hare”? It means that the person is acting completely crazy. The expression comes from the way that European brown hares behave in March, or the early spring.

March is the start of the mating season for European brown hares. The male hares begin to leap, twist, tumble, and fight during that time. They are competing for female hares. A female may even fight with a male to see how tough he is. The male that acts the “maddest” wins the mate.

A female European brown hare does a very strange thing. She leaves her babies alone in order to protect them. The female hare can grow to 27 inches (69 centimeters) long. Because of her large size, she can be spotted easily by a fox or other enemy. So, this female hare lets her babies hide in the grass by themselves, while she keeps watch from a distance.

Are These Animals in Danger?

Lagomorphs are always in danger of losing their lives. They have many enemies in nature. Foxes, snakes, hawks, weasels, and owls all hunt rabbits, hares, and pikas.

The greatest enemies for most lagomorphs, however, are people. Every year, hunters kill millions of rabbits for sport, food, or fur. Farmers also kill many rabbits to stop them from destroying crops. And many rabbits die because cars run them over.

The lagomorphs that are in the most danger, however, are the ones that live in very special habitats. For example, the bushman rabbit of South Africa is found in only one desert. Changes to this rabbit’s tiny habitat can cause it to become extinct.

But despite all these threats, many lagomorphs are not in danger. Most rabbits, hares, and pikas multiply so fast that they will probably never disappear entirely.

Fun Facts

Scientists once found a warren that held 407 rabbits and had 2,080 openings.

With most mammals, males are bigger than females. But with rabbits and hares, females are bigger than males.

Rabbits and hares eat and play mostly at night. They rest and sleep during the day.

Brush rabbits will climb into a shrub to escape danger.

The Sumatran short-eared rabbit, found only on the island of Sumatra in Indonesia, has striped fur.

The bristly rabbit, a rare rabbit of the Himalaya, has stiff bristles for fur.

Lop-eared rabbits are domestic rabbits with ears that hang down instead of ones that stand straight up like other rabbits.

Rabbits and hares belong to the family Leporidae.