30
Apr
The best course of action is to try and trap the rabbit and get him to safety. Generations of domestication have caused our pet rabbits to lose the sharp wild instincts that would give them a chance at survival.
Sadly in far too many circumstances they rarely make it.
Can domestic bunnies live in the wild. Wild rabbits tend to survive for as little as a year due to predators whereas rabbits who are kept as pets can live up to eight years. Disease And Infection Rabbits that live in the wild from birth build up a resistance to the diseases and bacteria that they come into contact with on a daily basis. Would a domestic rabbit survive in the wild.
It is unlikely that a pet rabbit would be able to survive if they were released into the wild. Generations of domestication have caused our pet rabbits to lose the sharp wild instincts that would give them a chance at survival. They thus cannot disrupt the local ecosystem.
But that also means since domesticated rabbits are 1 domesticated and 2 not native to this continent that they cannot survive well in the wild. What happens to rabbits who end up in the wild if they have been abandoned or. As domesticated rabbits struggle in the wild you may be concerned about your pet getting away.
Its true that bunnies can be escape artists. Rabbits are mischievous and curious always seeking new adventures and experiences. To prevent your rabbit from taking flight follow these steps.
Domesticated rabbits will not survive in the wild and should never be set free. Wild rabbits should never be tamed and confined as it causes severe stress. Wild and domesticated rabbits share some similarities.
This means theyll find enough common ground to co-exist. This means Eastern cottontail rabbits have evolved over time to live in the wild with all the skills and cunning that living in the wild for millions of generations has bestowed upon them. In contrast European rabbits have been domesticated by humans since ancient Rome and have been refined via selective breeding over generations for appearance quality of fur or other human uses.
Pets should NEVER be released into the wild. There are countless reasons for this. Your pet might not be native to the area you live in.
It can cause harm to the environment. When they are cared for properly a domesticated rabbit who lives indoors will live between 8-12 years. If they live outside domesticated rabbits live only half that.
Wild rabbits have an average life span of two years. Sadly in far too many circumstances they rarely make it. Domestic rabbits are not native to the Americas.
They are descended from the wild European rabbit. Domesticated rabbits will be unable to breed with the local species of rabbits in the Americas and may end up fighting over territory with fatal results. White and other brightly colored coats on a domestic rabbit give them no way to hide.
Despite this there is a range of differences. The rabbits we keep in our homes are specifically bred to be domesticated pets. These rabbits would not survive in the wild.
Likewise you should never attempt to tame a wild rabbit. Most often a wild rabbit will be a Cottontail. Domestic rabbits can live a good deal longer than that indoors but they may not survive a week in the wild on their own.
All of the traits rabbits have that make them suited for the wild have been bred out of the house breeds. Domestic rabbits are exactly that - theyve been adapted for centuries now to live either in houses with humans or in backyard or farmyard hutches. Over the generations theyve lost the abilities and instincts that enable their wild cousins to.
Wild rabbits are more nervous than domesticated pets and see most other creatures as predators. Wild rabbits are more likely to be jealous and protective over their food. Wild rabbits have not been spayed or neutered.
Wild rabbits find it hard to infiltrate an existing group of rabbits. Wild rabbits are more likely to harbor fatal diseases. They are domesticated pets that are unlikely to survive in the wild.
They are used to being fed and sheltered and may not be able to escape from prey as wild rabbits can. You shouldnt try to tame a wild rabbit as it will be terrifying and they will feel trapped if put in a hutch which could even result in its death. Domesticated rabbits can be provided with long enriched lives as companions inside our homes whereas wild rabbits are equipped to live outside and have not gone through the domestication process.
While domestic rabbits are social and prefer to live in groups the wild rabbits are more likely to do their own thing anyway. The best course of action is to try and trap the rabbit and get him to safety. You may be able to approach them and scoop them up especially if tempted with a yummy treat.