Rabbit Anatomy (2)

Long Legs

The hind legs are very strong and used for running while the front legs are used for placement which makes rabbits very athletic.   Their hop makes for a 1-2-3 cadence.  They can reach speeds over 20 mph for short distances, and jump as high a four feet and as broad as four feet.  The front legs are used to position themselves.  The rabbit’s paws are not padded but only covered with fur so can become sore (wire cage floors can cause this).  The nails grow continuously so have to be trimmed regularly.  If they are not it causes difficulty in walking, accompanied by pain.  The claws cannot be retracted like a cat’s.  The hock joints are like our ankles and it is here they rest their weight.  Rabbits in the wild use foot thumping to warn other rabbits in the burrow, but domestic rabbits will stomp occasionally for other reasons besides fear (like to let you know they are not happy with you).  Their position for being alert is when they stand upright and look around.

Fur Coats

Rabbit fur pelts have clothed humans throughout history.  The under coat is soft, short and helps insulate the body.  The surface hairs are long and will molt at least once a year.  The skin is very sensitive and susceptible to infection when scratched.

Scent Glands

The main scent glands are located under the chin and release an oily substance undetected by humans.  Your rabbit will “chin” everything in its environment (including you).  There are also anal glands used for scenting the fecal pellets in order to mark territory, and inguinal glands which the doe uses to mark her kits.  If the male’s scent glands gets clogged up they will give off a musky smell.

Sexuality

Famous for their fecundity, a doe rabbit is sexually mature at three-and-a-half months, the male at four months.  Gestation period is only about 30 days.  The doe averages 5 - 6 kits per litter.  Sexually she operates by "reflex ovulation" (does not ovulate until after intercourse).  The incidence of uterine cancer is very high if the doe is not spayed (around 5 - 6 months is best).  Bucks reach sexual maturity a month or so after puberty.  Bucks will run circles around your foot and may even try to mount your ankle until neutered.

Conclusion

This overview of the rabbit’s anatomy should help you respect its vulnerability.  Being a prey animal does not necessarily mean your bunny is a frail animal.  On the contrary, treated lovingly and properly, your rabbit’s anatomy should remain intact and unhurt throughout its life.  We hope we have stimulated your interest to study more in depth the uniqueness of your rabbit’s anatomy.