Readers ask: How Long Does A Wild Rabbit Live?

How long do wild rabbits live as pets?

Domestic rabbits usually live between eight and 12 years, in contrast to wild rabbits, which may only live a few years because they deal with disease, starvation, and predators, said Judith Pierce, adoptions director at the San Diego House Rabbit Society.

How long do outdoor rabbits live?

Once we domesticated them, their life span increased to about 6-8 years, living outdoors in a backyard or such. And about 30 years ago, when the House Rabbit Society started to introduce them as indoor animals/pets only, their life span was noted to last 8-12 years.

What do wild rabbits do all day?

Rabbits are mainly nocturnal. Much of the day is spent underground, resting and passing soft, dark droppings which are eaten to extract more nourishment from them. The rabbits then produce hard, pellet-like droppings above ground. This keeps living areas free of droppings.

How do you befriend a wild rabbit?

The best way to make friends with a wild rabbit is to giving him some food. You can give them a slice of fruit or green leafy veggies. However, keep the quantities small and do not offer citrus fruits such as lemons or pineapples.

What do rabbits usually die from?

Rabbits Can Die of Fright! It is possible for a rabbit to die of fright. Loud sounds, such as cats, dogs, loud music, or screaming can lead to a heart attack and put a rabbit into shock, causing sudden death. It can day several days for the rabbit to die this way, and it does not happen often, but it is quite possible.

Do rabbits get attached to their owners?

Rabbits bond closely with their owners. They recognize them by voice and sight and will even come on command. Bunnies may even follow their owners from room to room and jump up on their laps when called.

Are rabbits happier inside or outside?

Indoor rabbits will benefit from time outside so they can get some fresh air and enjoy some fresh grass. However, the sudden change in temperature when going from a warm house to a cold garden can come as a big surprise for them. If you want to know more about keeping rabbits warm over winter, read our free guide.

Is it cruel to keep a rabbit outside?

Rabbits can be kept outdoors all year round but ideally their resting area should be brought into a shed or unused garage with natural light and ventilation for the winter months or else protected with tarpaulin from bad weather. Also, an exercise run should always be available.

Do rabbits get cold at night?

Rabbits are cold weather animals. They’re highly temperature resistant, and can handle temperatures down to almost 30^oF (-2^oC). With a well-insulated hutch, they’ll be fine even in near-freezing conditions. You can always check by measuring their temperature – which should be between 101-103^oF (38-39.5^oC).

How do rabbits say sorry?

Rabbits apologize by touching heads. If the rabbits groom each other after touching heads, then the apology has been officially accepted. Rabbits are usually keen to make amends, but can be stubborn about doing so. A rabbit can hold a grudge for a few hours, or even many days.

Do rabbits like the dark?

Rabbits need a contrast of light and darkness every day to moderate their body clock. Create a sleeping area that replicates a wild warren. This is a dark environment that your rabbit feels safe within. They can then enjoy natural light for the rest of the day.

Do wild rabbits sleep at night?

5. Rabbits are “crepuscular.” Lots of people think that rabbits are nocturnal animals (meaning that they sleep during the day and stay awake at night ), but they’re not. But bunnies don’t sleep at night and stay up during the day like humans do, either.

Will a wild rabbit bite you?

Wild rabbits do bite and can draw blood when they do so. While their speed and agility is their primary defense mechanism, if cornered a wild, scared rabbit can and will bite very hard. A person is, however, more likely to receive a bite from a pet rabbit than a wild one.

Is it OK to feed wild rabbits?

If you try to feed wild rabbits directly or simply leave out bowls full of food for them, you run the risk of causing the rabbits to become completely dependent on you for food. It could soften the natural instincts of any rabbits that live nearby, making them less able to survive on their own.

Will wild rabbits eat carrots?

Although carrots are a very popular food for rabbits, they are high in carbohydrates and should only be fed in small quantities(only half a carrot every other day). Feed the wild rabbits a smaller amount of carrots than the other vegetables. Wild rabbits also enjoy eating clover and watercress.