Down the Rabbit Hole - Everything You Never Knew About Rabbits (But Should)
, by Majella Gee, 20 min reading time
Down the Rabbit Hole: Everything You Never Knew About Rabbits (But Should)
Let’s be honest — rabbits don’t get the spotlight they deserve. They’re soft, smart, full of personality, and capable of more mischief than you’d think. They thump, they zoom, they flop dramatically like they’ve just given up on life… and somehow, they’ve still been misunderstood for centuries.
So today, let’s hop headfirst into the fluffy, fabulous, and slightly controversial world of rabbits. We’ll cover history, fun facts, care tips, and yes — the bizarre reality that Queensland is still the only place in the entire world where pet rabbits are illegal. (That’s right. The whole planet. But we’ll get to that...)
Here’s what you’ll find in this furry little journey:
· A warren of weird and wonderful rabbit facts 🐇
· The surprising (and chaotic) history of rabbits in Australia
· What you need to know to keep a rabbit healthy and happy
· Why Queensland still says “no” to pet bunnies — and why that’s absurd
· PLUS: Curious myths, adorable quirks, and what happens when bunnies go feral
So, grab a cuppa and let’s tumble down the rabbit hole together…
Fun Bunny Facts to Make You the Cleverest Carrot in the Patch
- Did you know rabbits aren’t rodents? They’re actually lagomorphs. Basically, they’re like a rodent’s fancier cousin — same gnawing habits, but with a few extra teeth and a sense of flair.
- Their teeth never stop growing — which is why they chew on hay, branches, cardboard, or yes, your favourite shoe. They can clock up around 120 jaw movements a minute. That’s a lot of munching.
- And don’t let their lounge-lover reputation fool you. Wild rabbits can bolt up to 70 km/h. The domestic ones? They mostly just loaf like bread and expect head pats.
- They “binky” when they’re happy — a high-speed hop with a twist and kick. If your bunny’s doing air acrobatics in the hallway, you’re doing something right.
- They thump with their back feet when they’re annoyed or trying to warn others. Think of it as their version of banging pots in protest.
- They can be toilet trained. No, really. Set up a litter tray and they’ll do the rest. (Mostly.)
- Oh, and they can’t vomit. No reverse gear. So if they eat something dodgy, it can get dangerous quickly.
Bunny Quirks You Never Knew You Needed to Know
- Rabbits have a few habits that’ll either make you laugh or question your reality.
- They grind their teeth softly when they’re happy. It’s like a cat purr, but slightly creepier.
- They’ll often sleep with their eyes open. Yes, open. So if you think your rabbit never naps — they do. They’re just dramatic about it.
- They rub their chins on everything — it’s how they mark their territory. That shoe? The couch? Your hand? All theirs now.
- And yes, they shed. A lot. A good brush a couple of times a week will save your furniture (and your sinuses).
Bunny Care Basics — the Real Deal
If you’re thinking of bringing a rabbit into your life, here’s what you need to know to keep them healthy and happy — and make your life easier too.
Lifespan:
With proper care, most rabbits live 8–12 years. Some even hit their teenage years.
Breed Options:
You’ve got tiny buns like Netherland Dwarfs, laidback ones like Mini Rexes, and absolute couch monsters like the Flemish Giant. They come in all shapes, sizes, and fluff levels — and they all have their own vibe.
Food (The Good Stuff):
- 80% of their diet should be good quality hay (timothy, oaten, meadow — whatever’s fresh and safe)
- Fresh greens daily: parsley, coriander, kale, mint, basil, and dandelion leaves
- Small treats like apple slices, blueberries, or a bit of carrot
- Steer clear of iceberg lettuce, onions, garlic, processed food, and all human snacks
Housing:
- A single rabbit needs at least 3m x 2m of space — double that for a bonded pair
- They need shelter from sun, wind, and rain, with airflow and shade
- Add things to dig, hide in, and explore — like tunnels, cardboard boxes, or logs
Companionship:
Rabbits are social creatures. If you can’t commit to spending loads of time with them, get a bonded pair. Solo buns get lonely — and that can cause serious stress.
Cleanliness:
They’re actually very clean animals. Set up a paper-based litter box, spot-clean daily, and give their setup a regular once-over.
Grooming:
- Most bunnies don’t need baths (in fact, it can be dangerous)
- Brush regularly, especially if they’ve got long coats
- Check lop ears often for wax and signs of mites
Health Stuff You Actually Need to Know:
- Desexing is important — not just to avoid accidental litters, but also to reduce hormonal behaviours and help them live more peacefully with others
- Keep plenty of natural chew options to prevent dental issues (hay is your best friend here)
- A bottle of Rescue Remedy or a pet-safe calming spray in the first aid kit is handy for storms, travel, or general bunny drama
Show Bunny Life:
Yes, people show rabbits — and no, they don’t run them around a ring. It’s more like a fluff inspection where judges check coat condition, body type, temperament, and how well they meet the breed standard. And yes, it can be very competitive.
Bunny Beginnings: How It All Got Started
Rabbits have been around for about 40 million years, but the fluffy pet versions we know today were domesticated in Europe by monks — mostly for meat and fur, though their cuteness didn’t go unnoticed.
In Australia, they arrived in the early 1800s — a few dozen released for hunting. Those few became thousands, and eventually millions. The ecosystem never stood a chance. Enter the fences, the viruses, and all the failed attempts to stop them.
Now? We’ve got somewhere around 150–200 million feral rabbits hopping around the country.
What Happens if a Pet Rabbit Escapes?
Most don’t last long. Between predators, lack of bush survival skills, and their obvious colouring, domestic rabbits are usually picked off quickly.
BUT — if a few survive and manage to breed, they can add to the wild population. It’s rare, but not impossible. And it’s one of the reasons Queensland uses to justify its pet rabbit ban.
Can You Spot the Difference?
Rabbits (left in the photo above) are social, rounder, and born helpless.
Hares (right) are lankier, solitary, and born ready to bolt — fully furred and eyes open.
They may look similar to the untrained eye, but they’re entirely different species.
And funnily enough, hares are legal in Queensland. Rabbits aren’t.
The Queensland Ban: Still a Thing. Still Absurd.
Queensland remains the only state — in the entire world — where it’s illegal to own a rabbit as a pet.
The logic? That one escaped domestic rabbit could survive and ruin everything. Except... we already have millions of ferals, and farmers still have issues.
Other states allow pet rabbits with rules in place. And somehow, they manage. Microchipping, desexing, and responsible ownership actually work.
But here in QLD? If you’re caught with a rabbit, you could be fined up to $44,000. Yep, you read that right.
Meanwhile:
- Hares are legal
- Rats are legal
- Cane toads were a government decision (and we all know how well that went)
- But a desexed, microchipped pet bunny? Illegal.
Without clear evidence that the ban has reduced the feral population more effectively than responsible ownership, it just feels... outdated. Like banning horses because someone once fell off one.
Final Thoughts
Rabbits are clever, affectionate, sometimes dramatic companions that deserve to be seen as more than pests. If you’re in a state where they’re legal — lucky you. Learn, love, and go full bunny parent.
If you’re in QLD? Keep hoping common sense eventually hops into parliament.
And if you’ve never experienced a full-speed hallway binky, you’re seriously missing out.
— Majella🐾
Majella’s Pet Store – Caring for Pets, Wildlife & Our Planet
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