Rabbits are one of the most popular pets in the United States and Europe because it’s easy to care for these placid, cute creatures. Meanwhile, many breeds are suitable for young children.
But one point that confuses many people is whether there is any difference between rabbits and bunnies. In this guide, we’ll go into detail about the contexts in which we use these words. There are some slight differences, even if they ultimately refer to the same animal.
Rabbits and Bunnies Are the Same Animal
Officially, there’s no real difference between rabbits and bunnies. Both words refer to members of the same species of the Leporidae family. However, “rabbit” is the official name and is the formal term that scientists and journalists will use when writing about them. In contrast, the word “bunny” is a more colloquial and affectionate label. Most people apply it to pet rabbits rather than their wild cousins, although this isn’t a strict rule. It evokes a sense of cuteness and has also entered popular vernacular with traditions like the Easter Bunny. Ultimately, bunnies and rabbits are the same animals.
Young Rabbits Are Often Called Bunnies
Sometimes, people also refer to young rabbits as bunnies. Again, this is because the word implies cuteness. Anybody who has seen a baby rabbit will agree that they’re some of the world’s most adorable creatures. Formally, newborn rabbits are known as “kits” or “kittens.” A female rabbit is a doe, while males are bucks. Bunny isn’t an official term for young rabbits, but many people casually use it because it’s a sweet word. It’s more playful, and it’s often used when talking to children about rabbits.
Rabbits are only in this cute “bunny” stage for a short time. It’s correct to refer to them as kits for their first five weeks of life. This is when their mother weans them, and they depend on her for milk. After about six to eight weeks, they become juveniles and can eat solid food like hay and pellets. Next, they become fully-fledged adults and can fend for themselves. There are typically about six or seven bunnies or kits in a litter.
However, there can be as many as 14. Note that female rabbits can become pregnant again within hours of giving birth, so always isolate them from unneutered males!
Bunnies Are Social Animals
Rabbits (or bunnies) are very social creatures. It’s good to get a pair or more if you have a big enough hutch. They live in communities of up to 30 in the wild. They’ll usually be happier if they have a companion.
Bunnies with companions tend to suffer less from stress, which has many benefits. For starters, they’re likely to live longer because they’ll be less susceptible to diseases that commonly affect stressed rabbits. It’s also more rewarding for owners because they can watch their bunnies interact together. They will cuddle and even help groom each other.
Most experts advise getting a pair from the same litter because they will bond quickly. However, it’s possible to introduce an unrelated rabbit to a hutch. Only keep neutered rabbits together––preferably a neutered opposite-sex pair. Know that it’s notoriously difficult to sex rabbits before 12 weeks, and you don’t want to have a surprise litter!
Pet Rabbits Enjoy Spending Time with Humans
One benefit of keeping pet rabbits is that they usually like human company. It takes time to socialize them at a young age. However, with some patience, they should respond well to their owners. They’ll even enjoy cuddling and playing, too.
It’s important to treat your bunnies gently and not to be too vigorous with them. Their ears are very sensitive, so avoid pulling at them. Some rabbits may even develop a preference for one person in a household, usually the human who feeds them and interacts with them the most. Rabbits are similar to some pet birds in that they need consistent companionship to be happy. If you’re concerned about a solo rabbit getting lonely, consider getting a pair. These small animals need more attention than you think!
Can You Tame a Wild Bunny?
Some people may not want to get a standard pet rabbit breed. Instead, they’d prefer to own a wild rabbit, like a cottontail. It’s lovely to watch these adorable creatures from a distance, but it’s not a good idea to capture one because humans can’t tame them. It’s likely to cause the animal intense stress because it’s not used to being handled; it’s used to fleeing from predators. We advise staying away and appreciating these cute creatures from afar. If you encounter a baby bunny that you believe is in distress, you should contact a wildlife rehab specialist instead of handling the matter yourself.
Three Popular Pet Bunny Breeds
There are about 300 pet rabbit breeds across the globe. Some of the most popular and iconic include:
- The Holland Lop. This is a very popular breed with distinctive floppy ears. They weigh up to four pounds and are available in several colors. Initially, Holland Lops may be shy, but these friendly rabbits warm up quickly to their owners.
- The Netherland Dwarf. This breed is one of the tiniest bunny breeds. They weigh under three pounds and are adorable. However, they’re not the best choice for children because they don’t like handling as much as bigger breeds.
- The Flemish Giant. The Flemish Giant is the largest domesticated rabbit breed. They have relaxed temperaments and make great pets. However, they need a cage that is at least 120 inches long. They don’t have significant grooming requirements. Typically, they weight between 15 and 22 pounds, but there are heavier recorded rabbits!
