Rabbit: Encyclopedia II - Rabbit - Domestic rabbits

Rabbit - Domestic rabbits

Provided they are well cared for, rabbits make friendly and playful pets. They are widely kept throughout the world, both indoors and out. Rabbits kept indoors are typically healthier and more social than rabbits kept outdoors. Housed indoors and provided with adequate damage-proofing (especially of electrical cables), rabbits are relatively safe from predators, disease, and temperature extremes. Rabbits kept outdoors must be provided with shelter that is heated in winter and shaded in summer. Domesticated rabbits are most comfortable in temperatures between 10 to 21 degrees Celsius (50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit), and cannot endure temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit). Veterinarians specializing in rabbits recommend a diet consisting of hay, leafy green vegetables, water, and small amounts of pellets.

Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk; rabbit owners find that these times correspond nicely with their working days. As prey animals, rabbits behave differently from predator companion animals such as cats and dogs. For example, they have lower 'running expenses', and do not tolerate games of chase. Although well known for hopping, rabbits' spines are inflexible and delicate and they dislike being handled. For these reasons, they are better suited for older teens and adults than for children.

The domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) originated from the European wild rabbit.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Domestic rabbits", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki