(Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The Domestic Rabbit as we know today is believed to have been first bred in Southern France in the year 600 A.D. by monks from wild European rabbits and are considered lagomorphs. Rabbits have been hunted for their furs and meats for over 120,000 years by our ancient ancestors. Today, there are between 60 to 100 different breeds of domestic rabbit. These rabbits come in all different sorts of shapes, sizes, colors and fur types.

Rabbits are born blind with no fur and are quite defenseless. Rabbits can begin reproducing at early ages, and have a short gestation period of one month. In a single year, a female rabbit could have a hand in producing 800 more rabbits through their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. This fast and frequent reproductive cycle has coined the phrase “breeding like rabbits”.

A Female Rabbit is called a “doe” and a Male Rabbit is called a “buck”. Baby rabbits can be called a “kit” or “kitten”.

Domesticated Rabbits are incredibly social animals and make excellent pets. Rabbits teeth never stop growing, which is why they continuously chew on hard objects to wear down their teeth.

Fast Facts

Country of Origin: France

Weight: 3-5 pounds

Size: 15 inches on average

Lifespan: 9 years in captivity

Diet: A variety of plant matter and accessible vegetation, including hay. Domestic Rabbits also eat pellets.

Conservation Status: Least Concern

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