In the Wild

In the wild the rabbit is a sociable and territorial animal, living in large groups within complete burrow systems known as warrens that they have dug. Rabbits rarely face danger when threatened but use their speed and agility to escape and dart down into their warren to escape harm.

Rabbits are generally quiet although can make a loud scream when frightened and will thump their hind legs on the ground to warn others of danger. They recognise each other by smell.

Within the group the rabbits have a dominance hierarchy with the most dominant male having mating rights with the females.

The rabbit is mostly nocturnal nesting in the warrens throughout the day and emerging at dusk to forage for food until the morning.

In Captivity

Rabbits are sociable although males (bucks) kept together will most often fight. However, neutered bucks will live happily together and females (does) will also live happily together if introduced at a young age or carefully introduced at an older age.

Although rabbits and guinea pigs will "accept" each other as companions, the habit of a rabbit to playfully jump when happy means that its powerful hind legs can cause unintentional serious internal injury to a guinea pig companion that could result in the death of the guinea pig. This is the case with even the smallest of rabbit breeds. Rabbits and guinea pigs also have different dietary requirements and different means of communicating. Therefore rabbits should not be housed with guinea pigs and the best and most natural companion for any pet rabbit is always another rabbit.

Rabbits are generally calm and enjoy human companionship making them a good pet. Although rarely aggressive, without the option to retreat and hide in a warren, they can display a degree of aggression when upset or threatened.