Myth #1: Rabbits eat their own poop
Yes and no. Did you know healthy rabbits have two different kinds of poop? Most of their poop will be small, dry, and spherical. They do not eat this kind. The second kind of poop is a small, wet, grapelike cluster called a cecotrope. It is also known as night poop. This is the kind they eat - and they usually eat it straight from the source. This is normal and healthy. Occasionally they will miss one, so if you see one in their cage, don't panic! It is not diarrhea, and it is totally fine.
Myth #2: Rabbits need to eat vegetables
False! Rabbits have extremely sensitive digestive systems, and cannot tolerate inconsistency or high water content foods in their diet. They benefit from an extremely consistent and fairly bland diet. Instead of offering vegetables, it's best to go with a high quality show rabbit pellet in combination with a good quality hay for fiber.
Myth #3: Rabbits can't be flipped over on their backs
False. This myth is based on the very flawed McBride 2006 study in which only 6 rabbits were observed, and "a single typical response pattern was not evident across the group." In reality, rabbits do not experience any adverse effect from being flipped on their backs. That said, it is important to have good handling skills before attempting this with your own rabbit.
Myth #4: Free-roaming is better
This is a controversial topic, but I personally advise against free roaming in most cases. Rabbits are prey animals, and allowing them large expanses of space tends to engage their fight or flight response as it more closely mimics a wild habitat. This frequently results in increased stress and higher likelihood of temperament problems such as fearfulness and aggression. For most rabbits in most situations, the ideal form of housing is a good quality wire floored cage of appropriate size for the animal's breed and activity level.
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Myth #5: Lop is bad
5. Brachy is bad
6. Mixed is healthier than purebred
8. There is overpopulation
9. Rabbits have to be spayed/neutered
10. Rabbits need to live in pairs
Yes and no. Did you know healthy rabbits have two different kinds of poop? Most of their poop will be small, dry, and spherical. They do not eat this kind. The second kind of poop is a small, wet, grapelike cluster called a cecotrope. It is also known as night poop. This is the kind they eat - and they usually eat it straight from the source. This is normal and healthy. Occasionally they will miss one, so if you see one in their cage, don't panic! It is not diarrhea, and it is totally fine.
Myth #2: Rabbits need to eat vegetables
False! Rabbits have extremely sensitive digestive systems, and cannot tolerate inconsistency or high water content foods in their diet. They benefit from an extremely consistent and fairly bland diet. Instead of offering vegetables, it's best to go with a high quality show rabbit pellet in combination with a good quality hay for fiber.
Myth #3: Rabbits can't be flipped over on their backs
False. This myth is based on the very flawed McBride 2006 study in which only 6 rabbits were observed, and "a single typical response pattern was not evident across the group." In reality, rabbits do not experience any adverse effect from being flipped on their backs. That said, it is important to have good handling skills before attempting this with your own rabbit.
Myth #4: Free-roaming is better
This is a controversial topic, but I personally advise against free roaming in most cases. Rabbits are prey animals, and allowing them large expanses of space tends to engage their fight or flight response as it more closely mimics a wild habitat. This frequently results in increased stress and higher likelihood of temperament problems such as fearfulness and aggression. For most rabbits in most situations, the ideal form of housing is a good quality wire floored cage of appropriate size for the animal's breed and activity level.
+
Myth #5: Lop is bad
5. Brachy is bad
6. Mixed is healthier than purebred
8. There is overpopulation
9. Rabbits have to be spayed/neutered
10. Rabbits need to live in pairs