The only sure way to tell if your rabbit is male or female is to examine their genitals. Female rabbits will have a very distinct appearance to their genitals, almost protruding from their body.
However, typically male rabbits will have more laid back and friendly personalities. If you are looking for a more social or attention seeking rabbit, then a male will probably be better for you.
A female rabbit is called a doe. A male rabbit is called a buck.
Having two bonded rabbits can provide them with years of joy and fun. First, you'll want to make sure that both rabbits are spayed/ neutered prior to bonding as it will make the process easier. While female – male bonding tends to be easier, you can certainly bond two females or two males together.
Reducing urine marking behaviours Males and female rabbits can spray urine on vertical surfaces to mark their territory. It is more commonly seen in males than females. The urine from a sexually mature male also has quite a strong odour.
A male rabbit's, or buck's, testicles are naturally relatively large (averaging 15x35mm). However, they can increase in size or shape for a number of reasons, some of which are completely normal and some of which could be signs of disease.
Caring for your pet rabbit
It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one. Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years.
If your rabbit flops in front of you, that means it knows you aren't a threat. Instead, it can show vulnerability in your presence without danger. In fact, the rabbit even trusts you to keep it safe from others as it lets its guard down.
Rabbit personalities vary greatly from one rabbit to the next even among littermates. Rabbits can be silly, timid, shy, curious, and high spirited regardless of sex or breed type. They show affection in characteristic ways; choosing to sit near you, climbing on your back or nibbling at your socks.
Breeding rabbits
Does are mature and can breed at 5 to 6 months of age and can continue to have young for 4 years. The length of pregnancy in the rabbit is 31 days and the doe can produce from 1 to 12 young each time she gives birth. She can become pregnant again within a few days of giving birth.
You may worry that your rabbit will be lonely. If you spend a lot of time with your rabbit, they will undoubtedly miss you when you're away, the same way you miss them. The two of you have developed a bond and friendship that your pet rabbit also understands.
Nudging, head butting or rubbing against you is rabbit body language for loving attention. 'Give them a stroke or cuddle, or what you know they enjoy', says Rosie. 'Rubbing their faces against you is a way of sharing their scent profile, and showing that you really are friends.
For a rabbit to be comfortable with being picked up, they must learn through positive experiences that being lifted isn't something that causes harm. This should start when they are just as few weeks old as part of socialisation.
Anything longer than 24 hours is an unacceptable level of time alone for a rabbit. By the time day two rolls around, your pet will be growing anxious. She will wonder why you've not visited. A rabbit locked in a hutch for a weekend will also not be able to exercise.
Rabbits are not very independent, they cannot be left on their own for longer than two days. You can make sure they have everything they need to keep healthy however, they still require social interaction like any animal. To be safe, don't leave it longer than two days.
Many bunnies enjoy cuddles and affection
Bunnies are super-soft, and many will love cuddling with you as much as you love cuddling with them. Once a bunny is comfortable in their new home, they may claim you as their own by rubbing their chin on you to mark their territory.
Hold rabbits gently but firmly - ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all times. Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Never pick rabbits up by their ears - this would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them.
Fruit: Give to a bunny once or twice per week
Fruit to feed your rabbit (one or two times a week): Apple (no seeds) Banana. Berries: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries.
Licking: Licking is a way bunnies groom each other. If your bunny licks you, it's a sign of affection as you'll often see pairs of bunnies grooming each other this way. A bunny lick is a sign of a bond.
Rabbits commonly spray urine to mark their territory. If your rabbit is urinating on you, he or she may be attempting to claim you as part of their territory!
When a bunny circles a person's feet or legs, this behavior usually indicates sexual or mating behavior (even when your rabbit is neutered). It basically means “I love you.”
Spend a lot of time with your rabbits, respecting them and learning to understand their body language. Rabbits have very good memories.