Rabbits are the first-choice pet for many animal lovers. These balls of fluff are relatively easy to take care of. However, they have some strange habits that differ from that of a typical house pet. For instance, rabbits are not awake with the hamsters at night or dogs during the day – so when are they awake?
Rabbits are not nocturnal but are crepuscular. Animals that are crepuscular are most active during dusk and dawn – the twilight hours. This means that rabbits sleep at night and during the day with only short waking periods where they will eat and drink water.
If you have a rabbit or have seen a wild rabbit on an evening run, you may have noticed that all rabbits tend to be awake and busy at the same time. These little creatures have peculiar waking and resting times and strange nightly habits. Read on to find out more!
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Are Rabbits Nocturnal?
A typical misconception is that rabbits are nocturnal. However, this is not true. Rabbits are what is known as crepuscular.
Have you noticed how, just as nighttime starts to settle in, the rabbits emerge? This is why people think rabbits are nocturnal – but they aren’t! Let’s explain.
Animals that are crepuscular, such as rabbits, are most active during dusk and dawn – we often refer to these times as the twilight hours. The exact time of day when rabbits are active is hard to determine, given that dawn and dusk depend on the ever-changing sunrise and sunset times.
The reason why rabbits are most active during the twilight hours is due to instinct. In the wild, rabbits will seek food during these hours as it is the safest time of day to leave their burrows. The dimmed light at dusk or dawn makes it hard for predators to see and make a meal out of them!
While most active during these twilight hours, they will move around at night to snack on pellets or drink water. They rarely sleep through the night but rather take long naps with small waking periods.
Are Rabbits Active At Night?
A common worry amongst new rabbit owners is that their rabbit is going to be scurrying around at night and making a noise. Given that we now know rabbits are crepuscular, it is clear that they will only be active at dusk but later will settle down and sleep.
As the evening starts to fall, your rabbit will likely start moving around, eating a bit, playing a little, and grooming themselves. In comparison with the morning waking period, the early-evening, dusk period is the time of day where rabbits are more sociable. Therefore, if you want to give your bunny some love, it is best to do so at dusk as your rabbit will be in a cuddly mood.
Luckily, owning a rabbit is not like owning a hamster – you will not have to worry about constant noise and rummaging at odd hours. However, you can expect your rabbit to start waking up and moving around in the very early hours of the morning.
It can be a bit disturbing for rabbit owners who keep their pets inside, as these furry guys tend to wake us up super early. If you are someone who does not like an early wake-up call, then I suggest you keep your rabbit away from your bedroom.
When Is The Best Time To Feed A Rabbit?
The best time of day to feed a rabbit is when they are awake and active. However, rabbits should have access to food at all times of the day.
Rabbits are most likely to eat during their busy times, both dusk and dawn. You can provide them with some fresh pellets or greens during these times.
As a rabbit owner, it is essential to note that your rabbits’ food bowl and water bowl should always be full as these little guys do not stick to a strict eating schedule but rather eat little bits here and there. Access to grass-hay at all times is advisable!
Rabbits who do not have constant access to food can start to display strange and irritating behaviors such as frequently chewing on objects around the house. To prevent this behavior, check their food in the morning and evening – a simple phone reminder twice a day is a great idea!
Do Rabbits Get Cold At Night?
Rabbits are known to handle cold weather; however, rabbits can get cold if they do not have access to an area out of the wind and chilly night air – especially in winter.
For those who keep their rabbits outdoors, giving them a sheltered area they can access when it gets chilly out is essential. In the wild, rabbits can go into burrows which maintain a constant temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, no matter the season. As pets, they do not have these burrows, and thus we need to provide them with an ideal alternative.
Your rabbit hutch should be elevated off the ground, around 4 inches. Elevation will ensure that the hutch’s base does not become damp or rotten during the rainy season. For warmth, you can layer your hutch with some newspaper and dust-free hay – these two combinations will insulate your bunnies.
Another critical factor in preventing your bunnies from the cold is body heat. Rabbits naturally cuddle up to each other for warmth and find it soothing to do so. Given that rabbits are social animals, it is crucial to ensure your rabbit has company for both playtime and warmth!
In creating that perfect outdoor bunny hutch, please check that it has the following features:
- Water-proof
- Dry
- Well-ventilated
- Sloped roof (for proper drainage)
- Thermometer (Temperature should remain between 50- and 68 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Lots of bedding such as hay, straw, newspapers
Conclusion
In conclusion, rabbits are not nocturnal but crepuscular and are most active during dawn and dusk. It is best to give your rabbit access to food at all times because rabbits tend to snack continuously throughout the day and night. Lastly, if you have an outdoor hutch, please make sure to protect your rabbit from the cold through constant hutch management!
