Did you know that a wild rabbit can be domesticated? The fact is, the rabbit has been domesticated for thousands of years and rabbits have been companionable pets ever since. You may think that it’s only in fairy tales or old wives’ tales that a wild creature could ever be domesticated, but this actually happens quite often.
Wild rabbits are shy creatures who would rather stay in the burrows they build themselves than venture out onto the open ground where they might get hit by cars or be trampled by other animals.
In many parts of the world, it is not permitted to keep domestic rabbits and this rules them out as pets. So, what’s the story on rabbit domestication? Is it something you should pursue? Read on to find out more…
Can a Wild Rabbit Be Domesticated?
Domestication of a wild animal is a complex process that often involves many generations of hard work by many different species of wild animals. If you are planning to bring a pet rabbit into your home, it is highly recommended that you speak with a wildlife rehabilitator or a rabbit expert about the possibility of domestication.
A domesticated rabbit is generally an older female that has been bred with a similar litter-mate. While it is possible for a young female to produce offspring that are a natural-born match for the breeder, this is extremely rare. Therefore, it is more common for a domestic rabbit to produce offspring with a similar heritage to the mother.
In theory, it should be possible to breed a wild animal to a domesticated one. However, the breeding of wild animals to produce pets is more complex than breeding domestic animals.
The domestic animal’s descendants are often more intelligent and less aggressive. In fact, many species of animals that were once natural-born adversaries have become accepted members of the human family through selective breeding.
How Do Rabbits Domesticate?
Domestication is the process of keeping a wild organism as a domesticated animal. The process of domestication is often a long one, but, in the end, the animal you bring back to your home is the one that is the most similar to the one you bred.
Rabbits naturally choose the perfect environment to live in. In the wild, they are found in the open country, such as meadows and fields. These areas are ideal for them because they can live in the open, where they can easily get enough food from the breeze driven grasshoppers and other insects that buzz in the air. In a similar way, rabbits will thrive in the same type of environment you have at home.
Why Is Rabbit Domestication Important?
Rabbits are easy to breed, require little maintenance and make great pets. They are very active, playful animals who like to stay in the company of humans. They are also an excellent source of meat, milk and fibre – especially when handled properly.
Rabbits are social and easy to understand – they are curious, intelligent and easy to train. They are also very loyal and will do everything you ask of them without question. They are highly adaptable and will quickly learn to appreciate your company.
A good friend once said that she couldn’t live without her rabbit and he would be the only one she would keep as a pet. Her words have stuck with me and I hope that I can pass on the benefits of raising a rabbit as a pet to my readers.
What Are The Benefits of Raising a Rabbit as a pet?
As a pet, you will enjoy the advantages of both the feline and canine breeds. In a cat-dog household, you will have a close friend that you can call your own. You will also have companionship with another cat or dog as well as added exercise thanks to the added company.
When you raise a rabbit as a pet, you will have the added advantage of raising a good friend. On the negative side, though, you will be missing out on the company, play and exercise that you get from a dog or cat.
How to Domesticate a Rabbit
When you’ve chosen your rabbit, you’ll need to decide what type of rabbit you want to raise. There are many different types of rabbits and it is important to choose the right breed for your preferences. Rabbits are social creatures and prefer to live in groups.
The biggest challenge in getting your rabbit to live as a pet is making it comfortable living in an apartment or house with you. It’s normal for a rabbit to be nervous around new people, so you will want to acclimate the pet to new surroundings slowly.
One of the best ways to go about this is to allow the animal to get used to you first, then bring it home for a visit.
The Benefits and Downsides of Raising a Rabbit as a pet
As a pet, you will enjoy the advantages of both the feline and canine breeds. In a cat-dog household, you will have a close friend that you can call your own. You will also have companionship with another cat or dog as well as added exercise thanks to the added company.
When you raise a rabbit as a pet, you will have the added advantage of raising a good friend. On the negative side, though, you will be missing out on the company, play and exercise that you get from a dog or cat.
You will have to put in the time and effort to raise a rabbit as a pet. Like any other pet, you need to make time for it and give it the care it needs. Make sure that you are providing it with the right amount of food, regular exercise and a safe, secure environment.
Rabbits are very intelligent animals and will spend much of their time thinking. If you do not allow them to think and interact with other animals, they will become depressed, unmotivated and vocalize less.
Keep in mind that rabbits are essentially happy animals who would rather be with you than roaming the streets as a homeless orphan. They are also closely related to the squirrel and will make a great addition to your home.
Which Rabbits Are Best for Domestication?
There are many types of rabbits. Some are more colourful, while others are more cream-coloured. Some have long ears, while others have short ears. The type of rabbit you choose will depend on your intended use. For example, a species that is used for decoration is better suited for Fancy Farms than a species that is used for ranching.
Here are some of the types of rabbits suitable for domesticating:
- Sw Indian White: Not only is this the most popular type of domestic rabbit, but it also is the easiest to keep. They are very active and playful. They thrive on attention and can become over-attached when left alone for long periods of time.
- Sj Bengal: This is a very affectionate breed that gets along well with other animals. They are calm and quiet, but friendly and loyal to their owners. Sellers: This breed is known for its docile nature and is often chosen as the “pet first ” breed because of this.
- Bantams: Bantams are small, friendly, and easy to care for. They are also very active and thrive on challenges.
Conclusion
The advantages of raising a pet rabbit are endless. You will have a loyal companion that will follow you wherever you go and will willingly do whatever you request of it. You will also be giving back to the environment by teaching your pet how to care for itself and the outdoors.
Rabbits are lovable, retiring, easy to take care of and make great pets. They love to play and will even allow you to play with them when you are able to get the chance.
