common faq question about rabbits

Rabbit FAQ - Alhaga homestead

For lot of folks, rabbits are the first step into the world of animal keepin’. With their curious personalities, soft fur and unique little quirks, they have a way of quickly becoming part of the family.

Part of the Alhaga homesteads journey began with rabbits. What first seemed like a simple pet soon turned out to be a teacher of responsibility, patience, and care. Learning to provide food, fresh water, shelter, and daily attention for another living creature is a lesson that can shape a young person in ways few books ever can.

Even though there are no rabbits living at Alhaga today, the memories and experiences remain. Many of the lessons learned from those first rabbits would later prove valuable when caring for other animals and taking further steps toward a more self sufficient way of life.

Like every animal that finds its place on a homestead, rabbits have their own needs, habits and personalities. Some are bold and adventurous, while others prefer to quietly observe the world from a safe corner. Spending time with ’em teaches you that animal keeping is about far more than chores and routines. It is about trust, understanding and learning to see the world through another creature’s eyes.

In this FAQ, you’ll find answers to common questions about rabbits care, behavior, health and everyday life. Whether you’re considering your very first rabbit or already share your days with a long eared friend, I hope you’ll find somethin’ here that helps ya on yer own journey.

So grab a cup of sweet tea, pull up a chair, and stay awhile. There is always somethin’ new to learn from the animals that share our lives.

POOP - Algaga

Why is my rabbit eating its own poop?

If you’ve ever caught yer rabbit bending around and munchin’ on something straight from their backside, it can be a little surprising and honestly a bit unsettling the first time you see it.

Dewlap - Alhaga

What is the flap of skin under my rabbit's chin?

If you’ve ever looked at yer rabbit and wondered why they suddenly seem to have a little double chin, you’re definitely not alone. One of the most common questions among new rabbit owners is about that soft flap of skin and fur that sometimes appears beneath the chin.

Red urine - Alhaga

Why is my rabbit's urine red?

Finding red or orange urine in your rabbit’s enclosure can be a pretty alarming sight. A lot of rabbit owners panic the first time they see it and immediately assume it’s blood.

The good news is that it’s often far less dramatic than it looks.

Fur - Alhaga

Why is my rabbit shedding fur and changing color?

If you’ve ever found rabbit fur all over the yard, in the feed bucket, on your clothes and even floating in yer sweet tea glas – it might start to feel like yer rabbit is slowly disappearin’ one fluff at a time.

Rabbit - Alhaga

How do ya safely pick up a rabbit?

Holding a rabbit is often somethin’ both children and adults look forward to. For the rabbit, though, it isn’t always quite so simple.

HUMPING - Alhaga

Why is my female rabbit humping the male?

If you’ve ever seen your female rabbit hop onto a male rabbit and start humpin’, it can look a little strange and downright confusing at first.

Hare - Alhaga

Is a hare the same thing as a rabbit?

No, hares and rabbits are not the same animal, even though they belong to the same family and look quite similar at first glance.

Breeding a rabbit - Alhaga

Are there risks to breeding a rabbit too early?

Yes, there can be.

Just like other animals, rabbits need time to fully mature before being used for breeding. A doe that becomes pregnant before her body has finished developing may have a harder time handling the demands of pregnancy, birth and nursing.

Hay - Alhaga

Does a rabbit really need hay?

Yes. If there’s one thing that should never be missing from a rabbit’s diet, it’s hay. Many new rabbit owners think pellets are the most important part of a rabbit’s diet, but in reality, hay is the foundation of a healthy rabbit’s life.

Happy rabbit - Alhaga

How can I tell if my rabbit is happy?

One of the most common FAQ questions rabbit owners ask isn’t about food, illness or housing.

It’s actually something much more personal – is my rabbit happy?

Rabbit thumping - Alhaga

Why is my rabbit thumping the ground?

If you’ve ever heard a sudden thump coming from the rabbit enclosure, exercise pen or even the living room floor – you’ve probably experienced a rabbit putting its foot down.

My rabbit licks me - Alhaga

What does it mean when my rabbit licks me?

If your rabbit licks your hand, arm or maybe even your hair, it’s only natural to wonder what they’re trying to tell ya.

Are they trying to eat you – did you spill something tasty – or does it actually mean something?

HUR LYFTER MAN EN KANIN SÄKRAST?

Kaniner är nämligen bytesdjur i naturen. När något lyfter dem från marken väcks ofta en instinktiv känsla av att ha blivit fångad av ett rovdjur. Därför är det viktigt att hantera dem lugnt, tryggt och med respekt för deras naturliga beteenden när du lyfter din kanin....

DOES A RABBIT REALLY NEED HAY?

An adult rabbit should have unlimited access to fresh hay around the clock. A rabbit's entire digestive system is designed to handle a fiber rich diet made up of grasses, herbs and other plants. In the wild, rabbits spend a large portion of their day grazin'. Hay is...

EXPLORING THE RABBIT REVOLUTION (Part 2)

Discover how rabbits are transforming urban homesteading with their unmatched efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Join the movement towards sustainable living today!Since we first got interested in this rabbit revolution a while back, we've been watching this...

DUCK EGGS

Step right in friend and unlock some of nature's toughest, tastiest eggs from the humble homesteader's heart. These little wonders ain't just food, they're the underrated stars of your next kitchen adventure. Dear self sufficient soul, let’s take a little...

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN MY RABBIT LICKS ME?

The answer is that it can mean a few different things, but in many cases, licking is a positive sign. Rabbits groom one another as a natural part of their social lives. In a group, you'll often see rabbits sitting together and carefully cleaning each other's faces,...
Outdoor rabbits - Alhaga

Can rabbits live outdoors year-round?

Yes, many rabbits can live outdoors year round, even in colder climates. In fact, a healthy rabbit with a thick winter coat often handles freezing temperatures much better than the hottest days of summer.

That doesn’t mean you can put just any rabbit out in the snow and expect everything to work out, though.

Rabbits - Alhaga

Are rabbits good pets for beginners?

Yes, for many families, rabbits can be one of the best first steps into the world of animal keepin’. But maybe not for the reason many people first imagine.

To be continued…

Our rabbit - Alhaga homestead