Rabbits and bunnies are two of the most popular pets in the world. They are both members of the family Leporidae, and are closely related. Both rabbits and bunnies are small, gentle creatures that are easy to care for.
Rabbits come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be found in every color of the rainbow. They are generally social animals and do best when kept in pairs or small groups. Bunnies, on the other hand, are typically solitary creatures.
But how to understand what is the difference between a bunny a hare and a rabbit? Let’s find out!
What is a Bunny?
A bunny is a small, mammal of the family Leporidae. The word “bunny” is derived from the Old English word bunny, meaning “little rabbit.” There are many different species of rabbits, including the cottontail rabbit, the snowshoe rabbit, and the California rabbit.
Bunnies are known for their long ears, short tail, and furry body. They are herbivores, and their diet consists mostly of grass. Bunnies are social animals and live in groups called herds.
Bunnies are popular pets and are kept in homes all over the world. They are relatively easy to care for and can be trained to use a litter box.
What is a Rabbit?
A rabbit is a mammal of the family Leporidae, found in several parts of the world. There are eight different genera in the family classified as rabbits, including the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), cottontail rabbits (genus Sylvilagus; e.g. Sylvilagus audubonii), and the Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi, an endangered species on Amami Ĺshima, Japan). There are many other species of rabbit, and these, along with pikas and hares, make up the order Lagomorpha. Oryctolagus cuniculus includes the international rabbit breed known as the Flemish Giant.
Rabbits are small mammals with long ears and short tails. They are herbivores that feed mainly on grasses and other vegetation. Rabbits live in burrows, or underground dens, and do not hibernate. A group of rabbits is known as a colony or warren.
Rabbits are generally shy and reclusive animals, but they can be domesticated. Male rabbits are called bucks; females are called does. A baby rabbit is known as a kit.
What is a Hare?
There are many different types of hares, but all share certain characteristics. They are fast runners, have long ears, and live in open country. Hares are larger than rabbits and have longer hind legs. They are also generally timider than rabbits.
All hares are members of the family Leporidae, which includes rabbits. Hares are found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and were introduced to North America by European settlers. The most common hare in North America is the snowshoe hare.
Hares are born precocial, meaning they are born fully furred and with their eyes open. Hares live alone or in pairs and do not dig burrows. They generally live in open areas such as fields, meadows, and tundra.
Hares are mostly herbivorous, eating grasses, herbs, and twigs. In winter, they may eat bark and buds. Hares are generally nocturnal, but they may be active during the day in winter.
Predators of hares include foxes, coyotes, weasels, bobcats, and birds of prey. Hares have a number of defenses against predators. Their long ears help them to hear approaching predators. Their powerful legs allow them to outrun most predators. If all else fails, hares will fight back with their strong front legs.
Hares are relatively long-lived for small mammals. The average lifespan of a wild hare is 3-5 years, but some hares have been known to live for up to 10 years.
Comparing Bunny vs Rabbit
Rabbits and bunnies are two very popular pets. They are both small, cute, and furry. But there are some differences between them.
Rabbits are a bit bigger than bunnies. They also have longer ears and legs. And they are usually a bit less cuddly than bunnies. But rabbits are very smart and can be trained to do tricks.
Diet
Bunnies are often thought of as being synonymous with rabbits, but there are some key differences between the two that are important to consider when it comes to their nutrition.
When it comes to diet, both bunnies vs rabbits are herbivores that should have a diet that consists mostly of hay, fresh vegetables, and a small number of pellets. However, because of their different metabolism rates, the amount of hay, vegetables, and pellets that each type of animal needs will vary.
In general, bunnies require more hay, fresh vegetables, and water than rabbits. This is because their higher metabolism rate causes them to burn calories more quickly, which can lead to weight loss if they don’t have enough food to eat. Rabbits, on the other hand, don’t need as much hay, fresh vegetables, and water because their metabolism is slower and they don’t burn through calories as quickly.
Coat
When it comes to coats, rabbits vs bunnies are very similar. Both have a soft, short coat that is easy to care for. However, there are a few key differences.
First, rabbits have denser coats than bunnies. This means that they are better equipped to withstand cold weather.
Second, bunnies have a coat that is more prone to matting. This is because their coat is softer and more delicate.
Finally, rabbits typically have a more varied coat color than bunnies. This is due to the fact that rabbits are bred for their fur, while bunnies are not.
Name
The main bunny vs rabbit difference is that bunnies are baby rabbits. All rabbits start out as bunnies. Once a rabbit reaches adulthood, it is no longer considered a bunny.
| Bunny | Rabbit | |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Motherâs milk | Twigs, grass, bark, clover, and seedlings. |
| Coat | Fluffy | Smooth |
| Name | Bunny | Rabbit, coney, cottontail, or jackrabbit |
Difference Between Rabbit and Hare
Rabbits and hares are both lagomorphs, an order of mammals that also includes pikas. They are similar in many ways but there are some key differences.
For one, rabbits are born blind and hairless while hares are born with their eyes open and fully furred. This difference is due to the fact that hares live in open areas and are thus more exposed to the elements and predators right from the start, while rabbits live in burrows and are better protected.
Another difference is that hares are generally larger than rabbits. This is again due to their different lifestyles â hares need to be able to outrun predators, while rabbits can rely on their burrows for safety.
Hares also have longer ears and hind legs than rabbits, which again helps them to escape predators. They are also generally more solitary creatures than rabbits, which live in groups.
So while rabbits and hares may look similar, there are some key differences between the two creatures.
Keeping A Pet Rabbit: Read BEFORE Buying
There are many reasons to keep a pet rabbit. They are relatively low maintenance, can be litter box trained, and are generally gentle and playful animals. Plus, theyâre just downright cute. If youâre considering adding a furry friend to your family, hereâs what you need to know about keeping a pet rabbit.
- Housing
Your rabbit will need a place to call home. A hutch is the most traditional option, but many people opt for something more creative, like an old dresser or bookshelf. Whatever you choose, just make sure itâs sturdy, escape-proof, and big enough for your rabbit to move around in.
Your rabbit will also need a place to run and play. A simple fenced-in area in your yard will do, or you can get creative and build a little maze for your bunny to explore.
- Diet
A diet of hay, fresh vegetables, and a small number of pellets is all your rabbit needs to stay healthy.
- Exercise
Rabbits are active creatures, so they need plenty of opportunities to run and play. A daily playtime session is a great way to bond with your rabbit while also giving them some much-needed exercise.
- Grooming
Rabbits are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, but they will still need to be brushed occasionally to avoid matting. Youâll also need to trim their nails every few weeks.
- Health
Rabbits are generally healthy animals, but they are susceptible to a few common health problems. These include dental problems, heat stroke, and GI stasis. To help prevent these issues, make sure you are feeding your rabbit a balanced diet and providing them with plenty of opportunities to exercise.
If youâre looking for a fun furry friend, a pet rabbit might be the perfect addition to your family. Just be sure to do your research and be prepared to provide them with a comfortable home and a healthy diet.
FAQ
Is a Bunny a Baby Rabbit?
A bunny is a baby rabbit, but not all rabbits are bunnies. Baby rabbits are called “kittens” or “bunnies” in the pet trade, while adult rabbits are referred to as “rabbits”.
Is a rabbit bigger than a bunny?
A rabbit is not necessarily bigger than a bunny. It depends on the individual animal. Some rabbits are small, while some bunnies are large.
Are bunnies and rabbits the same thing?
No, bunnies and rabbits are not are rabbits and bunnies the same thing. Bunnies are baby rabbits and rabbits are adult rabbits.
Summary: Bunnies vs Rabbits
Overall, when most people think of a bunny, they think of an Easter Bunny or a childâs stuffed animal. When they think of a rabbit, they may think of the character from Alice in Wonderland or of a wild animal. So, what is the difference between a bunny and a rabbit?
Rabbits and bunnies are different species of animals. A rabbit is classified as a lagomorph, while a bunny is classified as a rodent. Lagomorphs are characterized by their long ears, short tails, and four powerful legs that are good for running and jumping. Rabbits are also known for their excellent vision and hearing. On the other hand, rodents have long tails, and small ears.
References:
- Leporidae, hares and rabbits (Animal Diversity Web): https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Leporidae/
- American Pika (National Wildlife Federation): https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/American-Pika
- White Rabbit (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Rabbit
Also read:
- Discover the Amazing World of 10 Day Old Bunnies: All About Rabbits!
- Discover All About the Characteristics of a 1 Year Old Rabbit
- Why Doesn’t My Rabbit Like Me? – Understanding Rabbit Behavior for All About Rabbits
- Everything You Need to Know About Bunny Grinding Teeth in Rabbits
- How Eating Poop is Part of a Normal Rabbit Diet – All About Rabbits
