Rabbit Facts for Kids
Rabbits are popular pets with a calm, quiet nature. If you have never owned a rabbit, you might be surprised to know that rabbits have distinct personalities. They are naturally curious and affectionate. Although they are normally quiet, they do grunt, hum and even squeal if they are in danger.
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Natural Housing
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Rabbits in the wild live in burrows underground called rabbit warrens. These burrows are designed with safety in mind. They consist of numerous entries and exits for quick escape from predators. Warrens are divided into different sections, including a places for waste, a nest for babies, and a sleeping quarter. Several rabbits live in a warren.
Pregnancy and Babies
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Before baby rabbits are born, the mother's fur grows quite thick. She then pulls it out to create a soft, warm and cozy nest. This is where she will deliver the babies and nurse them. A female rabbit has two lobes to her uterus, which makes it possible to carry two litters of different gestational ages at the same time. Baby rabbits are odorless, allowing them to go undetected from predators. Domestic rabbits are born without fur, and their eyes do not open until they are about 2 weeks old.
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Sounds
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A rabbit communicates with different sounds. Hissing or growling is a warning. It means to back away or the rabbit will attack. Rabbits purr when they are content. The purring sound comes from chattering their teeth. Soft teeth grinding is also a sign of a content rabbit.
Screaming is another sound that rabbits make. A rabbit scream is very loud and high-pitched. A rabbit normally does not scream unless it is extremely scared or being attacked. It is possible for a rabbit to literally be scared to death.
Scent Marking
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Rabbits have scent glands under their chin. They will rub their chin on an object to mark their territory. This lets other rabbits know that a particular area has already been claimed. Male rabbits spray urine to mark their territory, unless they are neutered. Rabbits also spray urine when fighting with other rabbits.
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References
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