Rabbits are mammals that have long soft fur, a tail and four legs with a hopping gait. They have a single scent gland in their nose and chin and paired inguinal glands. They have a small heart that beats 130 to 325 times per minute. They have thin veins that are prone to hematomas so care must be taken when taking blood.
Rabbits love to play and should have daily exercise. Providing toys, obstacles and food treats in their resting area encourages this behaviour. They are most active at dusk and dawn and at certain periods through the night. They also enjoy a good snooze.
Despite their size, rabbits are surprisingly agile and can jump as high as a human standing on the ground. They are prey animals so are naturally very wary of humans and other predators. They don’t like to be cuddled or picked up but they are happy to interact with people on their terms and will come over for head scratches if they are comfortable doing so. It is important that a rabbit only has someone to look after them who can meet their housing needs and provide the level of interaction they require.
Many pet bunnies are female and it is important that males are kept separately to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If you introduce a new male or female rabbit to each other it is best done in a supervised environment or through a mesh fence. This will reduce the risk of fighting between them that could lead to injury or death.