Six Fascinating Facts About Rabbits

Rabbits are wonderful creatures, with adorable ears, faces, and paws. Many people assume rabbits are all the same, but they are unique, complex, and enchanting animals. Beyond the twitchy nose and soft fur, there are many delightful and interesting secrets to uncover about rabbits. Here are six fascinating facts:

They have distinct personalities

Gentle and cuddly, or feisty and opinionated, bunnies each have their own unique and individual personality. For example, some rabbits like to be patted, while others are very independent. Long-time rabbit owners know that each domestic rabbit has its own personality that shapes the way they interact with their owners.

To read more on this story, click here: Six Fascinating Facts About Rabbits

Maybe It’s Time to Take Animal Feelings Seriously

Dogs can read human emotions. So, it appears, can horses. Whales have regional accents. Ravens have demonstrated that they might be able to guess at the thoughts of other ravens — something scientists call “theory of mind,” which has long been considered a uniquely human ability. All of these findings have been published within the past several weeks, and taken together they suggest that many of the traits and abilities we believe are “uniquely human” are, in fact, not so unique to us.

To read more on this story, click here: Maybe It’s Time to Take Animal Feelings Seriously

Jerboas as Pets: Feeding, Housing, and Personality

Jerboas are small rodents with a rather bizarre-looking appearance that are rarely kept as pets. They are distinctive in appearance and highly sought after because they are one of the few mammals that are bipedal, maneuvering with a hopping motion in a similar fashion to kangaroos, as well as sprinting like a road runner. Their particularly thin legs and tiny size make this mode of locomotion appear even stranger; therefore jerboas are fascinating to observe in captivity.

Unfortunately, they aren’t readily available due to two important factors: they are extremely hard to breed in captivity and there is a restriction on the importation of African rodents (in the United States).

To read more on this story, click here: Jerboas as Pets: Feeding, Housing, and Personality

This Tiny Animal Looks Like A Mix Between A Mouse, A Rabbit, A Pig, And A Kangaroo And It’s Absolutely Adorable

Our Mother Nature is often quite weird and the little long-eared jerboa is the perfect example of that. I mean, just look at this tiny creature. This adorable animal has a mouse-like body, rabbit-like ears, a pig’s snout, and back legs that look like a miniature model of a kangaroo’s. Seriously, what kind of Pokemon is it? Never heard of it.

The long-eared jerboa is so mysterious, so weird, and so cute that people on the interwebs seem to be absolutely in love with this little creature.

The long-eared jerboa looks like a cross between a mouse, a rabbit, a pig, and a kangaroo

To read more on this story, click here: This Tiny Animal Looks Like A Mix Between A Mouse, A Rabbit, A Pig, And A Kangaroo And It’s Absolutely Adorable

10 Of The Most Popular Pets In The US That Aren't Cats Or Dogs

It makes sense to assume that dogs and cats are the most common pets in the United States; after all, they make up a significant number of our favorite animal accounts on Instagram, attracting thousands of followers each day and taking over social media feeds.

While it would seem that something equally as soft and cuddly would come in as third runner-up, the next most popular pet in the US isn’t quite what you’d expect. Below are the most popular pets in America besides cats and dogs.

To read more on this story, click here: 10 Of The Most Popular Pets In The US That Aren't Cats Or Dogs

The Best Unusual Pets For Families That Are Easy To Care For

When a dog or cat doesn't cut it for the little ones, these are your next best options for an unusual family pet.

Looking for the perfect pet that suits your lifestyle?

With increased apartment living, many Aussies are choosing an unusual pet over the traditional dog or cat - something the kids can easily look after but still love. And don’t forget that teaching your Norwegian Dwarf Rabbit to fetch is quite a conversation starter.

Here’s a list of my favourite - but unusual - family-friendly pets.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

To read more on this story, click here: The Best Unusual Pets For Families That Are Easy To Care For

These Common Household Foods Can Be Poisonous To Your Pets

(Meredith) -- It’s National Pet Poison Prevention Week and many pet owners may not be aware of all of the foods that can be dangerous to their cats and dogs.

Pet expert Haylee Bergeland from DailyPaws.com has some important information you should know to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Bergeland says that common pet poisons owners tend to forget are things like caffeine.

To read more on this story, click here: These Common Household Foods Can Be Poisonous To Your Pets

A Complete Guide to the Best Rabbit Breeds

Rabbit breeds come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities, which can make picking the right one overwhelming. The American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) officially recognizes 50 unique breeds, ranging from the playful Californian rabbit to the adorable English Lop. If you’re considering adopting a bunny, we have everything you need to know to help find the perfect companion.

To read more on this story, click here: A Complete Guide to the Best Rabbit Breeds

Unicorns May Not Exist, But Did You Know That “Magical Rabbits” Do?

Unicorns may not exist, but did you know that “magical rabbits” do?

Okay, so they’re not really magical, but they’re certainly something special. “Magical rabbits” are also known as Ili Pika, and they are one of the most endangered species on the planet.

Pictures of them are exceptionally rare. In fact, the pictures seen in this post are the first images to surface of the elusive rabbits in 20 years.

Conservationist Weidong Li first discovered these cute animals in the 1980’s. The second time they were spotted was in the Tianshian mountains, located in the northwestern region of China.

The species was originally known as “Ochotona iliensis”, but Li changed its name in honor of his hometown. Sadly, the species population has plummeted even farther since they were first discovered.

Experts now estimate that there are fewer than 1,000 of these rabbits still alive.

Li feels a great responsibility to keep them safe, being as he was the person who discovered them in the first place. He’s said that he would feel very guilty if they went extinct on his watch. So he actually retired from his day job early in order to spend more of his time observing these creatures in their natural habitat.

But because of their rarity, it’s hard to establish any scientific data on them. What scientists do know definitively is that they are a member of the rabbit family, and there aren’t many of them left.

This is one of many issues that is blamed on global warming. Humans play a big part in the elimination of species in general, and this case is no different. We need to come together and make an effort to save the creatures of our planet.

Images of the Ili Pika have been released in order to raise some awareness about these special animals and their endangered status.

Pet Allergies, Are You Allergic to Your Pet? - Do You Know the Symptoms?

What is pet dander?
Cats and dogs have pet dander. It is tiny flakes of dead skin that slough off the pet continuously. Breathing in pet dander is the number one reason that people have an allergic reaction to animals. The dander is hard to see on some animals, and on others it looks like a bad case of dandruff, and the animal smells even after a bath. When the dander combines with oil and dirt, it becomes a glue-like substance trapping the undercoat and causing the hair to turn into large wadded mats.

What are the most common causes for pet allergies?
Cat and dog Dander, or skin flakes, as well as their saliva and urine, can cause an allergic reaction such as: sneezing, wheezing, and running eyes and nose.

Both feathers and the droppings from birds, another common kind of pets, can increase the allergen exposure. Bird droppings can also be a source of bacteria, dust, fungi and mold. This also applies to the droppings of other caged pets, such as gerbils, hamsters and mice.

Animal hair is not considered to be a very significant allergen, however, the hair or fur can collect pollen, dust, mold, and other allergens. Although individual pets may produce more or less allergen, there is no relationship between the pet's hair length and allergen production. There is also no such thing as a non-allergenic breed.

Animal allergens are found mostly in homes where pets are present. What is surprising, however, is that these allergens are also found (in lesser amounts) in places where pets have never been present, such as schools, workplaces, and other public spaces. Since dander allergens are sticky, they can be brought to these places on the clothing of pet owners. Also, while dander on a smooth surface (such as a wall) can be easily wiped off, in soft materials, such as carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, and clothing, it can persist for long periods of time. That is why, unless special steps are taken, pet dander can remain in a home for up to six months after the pet has been removed.

Rabbit Allergy
Many people gets surprised when they first hear about rabbit allergy, it is something that they don’t even consider before buying a rabbit as a pet, however it is a type of allergy found in some homes.  Just like other types of animal allergies its origin is in the proteins found in the saliva and blood of the animal and not in the fur.

When the immune system is weak to fight these allergens, it enters into a defense mode, producing the infamous allergic reactions.  Watery eyes and nose dripping are used by the body to wash away the allergens.  This means that the body reacts to an attack, this attack by itself is not dangerous but it could be if the symptoms complicate.

Animals That Shed and Tips on Removing Pet Hair from Furniture

I guess I was lucky. I never had this problem. My dogs where shih tzu, and shed very little.

My brother’s cat…now that’s a different story! The cat had his own chair…and you knew not to sit in it. I used to tease my brother and ask if he had two cats! He tried everything and finally got a hand vacuum cleaner that seemed to work for him.

When we think of pets that shed hair, we think of dogs and cats.

Dogs:
Shedding is a natural process for a dog. Shedding allows a new coat to come in, however, it can be different amongst different breeds of dogs, some with a longer coat may shed more often, while some with a shorter coat may shed little. The point of shedding is to get rid of the current fur coat and allow a new one to grow in its place. It is important that dogs shed because it keeps the hair healthy, when a new coat comes through it is getting rid of the old coat which usually contains dirt and is generally quite unhealthy.

Cats:
This is a normal event in the life of a cat and it is largely influenced by daylight. There is a word for this phenomenon: photoperiod. The number of hours a cat is exposed to sunlight in a day (photoperiod) triggers the shedding process. It is more noticeable in outdoor cats in the spring and fall.

Did you know that Chinchillas, Rabbits and Horses shed?

Chinchillas - All chinchillas shed year-round, with increased fur loss during spring and summers. Shedding hair tends to drop off chinchillas with thinner coats, so they only require infrequent combing.

Rabbits - Rabbits shed every 3 months. Every alternate time they'll have a light shedding that may not be very noticeable. Next they'll have a heavy shedding that you will not be able to escape. Bald spots on rabbits are quite common when they are shedding.

Horses - Just like dogs and other animals, horses shed because of temperature change. Horses shed so that their body feels comfortable during the hot months.

Tips to get hair off of furniture:

• Pet hair clings to furnishing because of static electricity, so you want to break the static bond.

• Good Housekeeping says a handy tool to get hair off upholstered furniture: rubber gloves. Put on a clean pair, dampen, and run your hands over cushions (for silk, use dry gloves).

• Heloise says, We love our messy and oh-so hairy pets. They seem to leave hair everywhere, mainly on our furniture. You can prevent much of this by brushing/combing and washing pets regularly. However, if you see hairy remains on your couch or chairs, here are several ways to remove it. Wipe a lightly dampened clean sponge over it to lift off. You also can swipe the rubber bottom (sole) of a tennis sneaker to lift up hair or roll a couple of lengths of tape around your hand (sticky side out) to pick up small amounts of hair.

• Here is a trick that I heard of, but have never tried. Lightly spray water on the furniture to break the static cling, then vacuum. Not too much, you don’t want to soak your vacuum cleaner bag.

• Use a damp sponge and the hair pulls right off. You have to make sure it is not really wet.

• If it's not an extreme amount... I've used tape...real good sticky tape... wrap it around your hand with the sticky side "out"...and start patting the furniture.... tape picks up the animal hair! Might have to use this a few times to get it all... Also a good "fun" way to get the kids to help!

• Vacuum, vacuum vacuum - at least 2 times a day. 

All shedding problems can be helped by regular grooming. If you think your animal is shedding excessively, take him or her to the vet. It can be a symptom of some underlying health problem, such as a thyroid imbalance.

Are You Thinking About Getting A Rabbit As A Pet?

Are you thinking about getting a rabbit as a pet? The first thing that you must understand is that a rabbit is nothing like a cat or a dog.

Rabbits aren't for everyone, but make loving pets. You will need to spend time with them every day. If you leave them alone with only other rabbits for company, some tend not like human attention. You will need to make your home rabbit friendly.

Take time to think about what you are getting into. While they are cute in the pet store, you must look past the cuteness and consider the care. Do some research before making your decision.

Things To Think About Before Getting A Rabbit As A Pet:

1. Some have a very long life-span. Most live between 7 – 10 years, and some into their teens. Are you
prepared to devote this time?

2. They are very messy and can be destructive, sometimes burrowing into mattresses and furniture.

3. Pretty independent and could do without human interaction rabbits do not like to be picked up. The act of bending over them and grabbing them by their ribs to pick them up is very similar to being picked up by a hawk and is very scary to them. Please read the article below called, “Rabbit References”, it will tell you the proper way to pick up a rabbit.

4. They are prone to dental problems, as their teeth grow constantly during their life.

5. Male rabbits, especially make the best pets because they are more attentive and affectionate. They make the best pets for kids because they are interactive, curious, and easy to handle.

6. When a female rabbit reaches sexual maturity, she may begin to view her cage as her potential nesting space and become protective of it. A female rabbit that feels nature urging her to breed can become very testy.

7. Rabbits should always be kept inside. Their body temperature rises far more quickly than that of many other animals, and is already at a higher average than other animals. It is necessary to make sure that the area they are in is appropriately heated or cooled as warranted by the environmental conditions around it.

8. You should not leave them in the sun for long periods of time. Seems obvious, but if you put it in a cage near a window, make sure you provide some shade.

9. Vet visits are expensive for rabbits as compared to cats and dogs. You will need to find a good vet who has experience with rabbits.

10. A rabbit screaming is a sign that the rabbit perceives itself to be in a life or death situation.

11. Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box and some can learn to come when called.

Fun Facts About Rabbits and Hares:

A rabbit is different from a hare. A hare is usually born with hair and its eyes open. While a rabbit is born with no hair and its eyes closed.

Did you know that baby rabbits are called kits or kittens?

Baby hares are born above ground with fur and open eyes. They are called leverets. While rabbits are born underground, blind and naked.

The word Bunny is a nickname for rabbits. It comes from the word "coney" (pronounced like "honey"), which used to be the name for a rabbit. The word "rabbit" used to be the name for a kitten (that is, a baby "coney").

Pet rabbits kept indoors are referred to as house rabbits. House rabbits typically have an indoor pen or cage and a rabbit-safe place to run and exercise, such as an exercise pen.

A rabbit will teach you a new way of looking at the world! Although they can be ornery at times, rabbits are wonderful, fun, and loving companions.

Are you the right kind of person to live with a rabbit? 

If you have decided to get a rabbit as a pet, would you please consider checking your local animal shelter. They often have rabbits that are looking for a forever home!

How to Treat Ear Mites in Rabbits

Rabbits are susceptible to infection by a small oval shaped mite called Psoroptes cuniculi, which has a preference for ears. Rabbits can pick up infection when they contact eggs in hay, straw, or wood chip bedding.[1] Although the mites live in the ear, if the infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the paws, head, neck, abdomen, or around the anus.[2] Learn how to treat ear mites so you can keep your rabbit healthy.


1- Clean everything the rabbit has touched. Ear mites are very contagious. Because of this, everything the rabbit comes into contact with should be cleaned and disinfected in case they harbor mites or mite eggs.[3]

Dispose of all bedding materials and provide fresh bedding every day until the mites have been gotten rid of completely.

Scrub and disinfect the hutch and run. Make sure to clean it often while your rabbit has the infection.

Ear mites are highly infectious to other rabbits and can spread by direct contact. Therefore, all the rabbits in the household should be treated, too.

To read more on this story, click here: How to Treat Ear Mites in Rabbits

The Pros and Cons of Pet Ownership – Are You Really Ready for Pet Ownership?

I have always had a pet in my life. Even as a small child, I had pets. Some my parents would let me keep…and others that belonged to neighbors, that I had to return! I have had dogs, cats, birds, and fish.

As a pet owner, I feel that I can speak freely on my experiences with pet ownership. I had two Shih Tzu’s, Sugar and Domino for twelve years each. I got each of them when they were only months old. They have both crossed over the “Rainbow Bridge”.  Sugar in 2008, and Domino crossed on February 25, 2011.

I believe there is a health benefit to having pets. It is said that they can lower your stress level, and blood pressure. We have all had one of those days when we are not feeling well. One day I had a headache, and was lying on the sofa and fell asleep, only to wake up to warm bodies on me. They had both jumped up on the sofa and cuddled up with me, Domino on my feet and Sugar on my back…it was so cute, I actually forgot about my headache!

Then there are the days when I would arrive home from a stressful day a work, only to be greeted by the sound two yapping little dogs ready to go outside!  Once in the backyard running, and playing with them made the stress of the day slowly fade away.

The Pros:

• A pet is a wonderful addition to a family. I say “addition”, because eventually they become a part of your family.
• They are cute, playful and can make you laugh.
• Dogs are great for protecting you and your home.
•  If you get one from a shelter you are saving a life.

The Cons:

• Pets are not toys.
• Require commitment
• They can be expensive
• Hard work
• Require attention and maintenance

Pets Are Not Toys:
Have you ever noticed people’s reaction to pets in a pet shop. You’ll hear “Awww, look at this one…so cute!” or “I want one”. You may also have noticed someone in the street with a well-groomed dog, and think “that is a cute dog, I sure would like to have one like that”. The truth of the matter is that they are all cute…but require commitment, maintenance and can be expensive!

Pets are not toys, and you should never ever give one as a gift. Pets given as gifts usually end up on the streets or in the animal shelter.  Why? Because the person giving the gift thought it was cute, and would make the recipient happy. The recipient accepting the pet also thought it was cute…until it came time to care for it.

Pets Require Commitment:
Some dogs and cats can live up to 15 years and some longer. Are you committed to taking care of a living-breathing animal for 15 years? There are some birds, especially exotic ones that can live over 50 years.

They Can Be Expensive:
Pets can be expensive! Be mindful of your income before deciding to get a pet. I am not referring to pet food unless you have big pets such as several big dogs or horses!  I am referring to Vet bills, unexpected medical expenses, grooming and boarding.

I will refer to my expenses for my dogs. When they were puppies my grooming bill was $50 per dog approximately every 6 weeks, plus $10 tip ($110 every 6 weeks). They saw the Vet once a year for all of their shots, which was approximately $65 per dog. Unless they got sick…which my did several times. The office visit was $35 plus additional if they needed medication. Did you know that some pet medications could cost as much as human medications?

If you take your pet to an animal hospital they are very expensive. I paid $65 for an emergency visit, this was just for walking in! Then you have your Vet charges and medications. I also paid to have them spayed and neutered.

As my dogs turned in to adults, the grooming charges went up to $65 per dog. Thank God, the yearly visit to the Vet bill remained the same, however, they now needed to be on medication for heartworms, flea and ticks. A six-month package of each would run me approximately $35 - $50 depending. Since the packages contained only six doses, that would only last me 3 months because I had two dogs. I estimated it at being approximately $80 for both treatments every 3 months.

As pets get older, they can start experiencing health problems. Sugar was diagnosed with heart problems in August 2008. She was put on daily medications. In October she was rushed to the animal hospital on three occasions. A few days before she passed she was put on oxygen at $25 an hour. She stayed there for 4 hours ($100).

On the day that Sugar passed, I rushed her to the animal hospital where they began to work on her. They called me to let me know that she had passed, and let me know that I had a balance of  $650 due. I chose to have her cremated and put in an urn for an additional $500.

Domino got sick shortly after Sugar passed, and started chewing on his leg, which required a Vet visit and medication.

Now without Sugar, I only had Domino to worry about. Everything was okay for about two more years. Domino got sick in December 2010, right after Christmas. I took him to his regular Vet, and then there where three more visits to the animal hospital, two in the middle of the night. He had test done, x-rays and was put on medication. Domino had a tumor and past at home on February 25, 2011. I also had him cremated, and he now sits in my curio cabinet next to Sugar.

Hard Work
Did I say hard work? When you get a new puppy or kitten, it requires constant attention, and you will be cleaning up after them. You must pet proof your house! Just as you would for a child. You must take time to train them. This means getting your kitten use to the litter box. Did you know that young kittens have to go several times a day…so yes, you have to take them to the box…several times a day. I had them sectioned off in room outside of my kitchen with a folding gate while I was away. He told me to never give them full run of the house even when I was at home until they became adults. This stops them from getting into things and chewing in other parts of the house. The room was big enough for me to put their feeding bowls and water on one side, and their beds and puppy pads in other areas.

I took them out in the mornings, evenings and at night. I am so glad I have a fenced in backyard. Some people have to walk their dogs!  Taking them out three times a day was cute at first, but after awhile, you realize that you have got to stop in the middle of that good movie, or get up a little earlier for work to take them out. Oh yeah, my husband was on yard patrol with his pooper-scooper!

Sometimes, I would come home and they had been playing in their food, and missed the puppy pad!  Then there was the time when I came home and one had diarrhea and the other was spitting up. Oh, well that comes with the luxury of having pets. I would just clean it up. I can’t tell you how many times that I would be sitting at the dinner table and one would decide to throw their dinner back up!  I would have to run and get the cleaning supplies, and then clean them up. You should always clean up their messes immediately, this eliminates staining and odor. I had to make sure that I kept everything away from them, if I dropped anything they would both come running. Pets will eat anything off of the floor. When Sugar was teething, I bought her teething rings…she still chewed up my coffee table leg. Domino took out my Christmas lights! I am sure that some of you have had your experiences with cleaning up after pets.

Require Attention and Maintenance:
I don’t care what type of pet you have…it requires attention and maintenance. Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, hamster…etc. require play periods and some belly rubs and hugs. Dogs especially love human touch.

When you walk your dog the responsible thing to do as a pet parent is to carry a bag to pick up after them. If you have a pet in a cage…you must clean its cage. Birds will throw food all over the place, go in their water, which must be changed every day.

I currently have a 45 gallon fish aquarium that I maintain. I have approximately 60 tropical fish. I change 15% of their water, clean the sand, filter and the glass. I carry buckets of clean water to refill the tank. I do this, every Saturday…whether I want to or not!

I chose my dogs and my fish, they did not choose me. In doing so, I made a commitment to care for them and help them live happy lives.

Before you choose to become a Pet Owner, please consider some of the things that I have mentioned. If your lifestyle does not give you the time to take care of a pet…don’t get one until you have the time to commit. Also, please don’t buy an animal. A lot of pet shops get their dogs from puppy mills. Consider adoption. Check with you local animal shelter, they always have wonderful animals just looking for a forever home.

My intentions are not to discourage you from getting a pet, but only to let you know the requirements behind those cute little faces. Please take time to think before rushing out to get a pet, don’t buy on impulse, check your finances…and your heart. Are you ready for the commitment?

Tiny Bunny Born Without Ears Gets Adorable Knitted Replacements

A tiny bunny born with no ears is living 'hoppily ever after' as her new adoptive owner knitted her a replacement pair.

Seven week-old runt of the litter Mimi is completely deaf and only has three legs, but Rodajia Welch created the bunny wool ears to ensure she can feel just as fabulous as her furry siblings.

The rabbit can 'be whoever she wants to be', as Rodajia has made an impressive collection of woollen ears for Mimi, after being inspired by cosplay.

Rodajia agreed to take on the litter and their mum after their elderly breeder became too ill to look after them properly.

Mimi's wardrobe includes a knitted flower crown, pink and white ears, as well as a pair of Minnie Mouse-inspired ones.

To read more on this story, click here: Tiny Bunny Born Without Ears Gets Adorable Knitted Replacements

Thinking About Getting A Pet Rabbit? Please Visit The 'House Rabbit Society's' Website For Information on Purchasing and Caring for a Pet Rabbit

House Rabbit Society is an international, nonprofit animal welfare organization based in Richmond, California. Our mission has two parts:

Through our fostering program, volunteers rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent adoptive homes for them.

Through education, we seek to reduce the number of unwanted rabbits — and to improve bunnies’ lives — by helping people better understand these often misunderstood companion animals.

In line with our mission, we are against the exploitation of rabbits.

To visit their website, click here: Thinking About Getting A Pet Rabbit?

Small Pets, Big Love: The Big Guide For Small Pet Lovers

The big guide for small pet lovers and everyone who loves little nose twitches, big floppy ears, or soft furry feet.

Small pet fun facts, a printable daily care checklist, and everything you need to know about how to love and care for: 

Rabbits, Guinea pig, Gerbil, Hamster, Rat, Mice
Specialty Pets, like Chinchillas, Hedgehogs, and Ferrets

To get your copy, click here: Big Guide For Small Pet Lovers

10 Extremely Super Big Animals

You wont believe the size of these animals. The most gigantic animals Earth has ever seen.

Meet Darius, the Worlds Largest Bunny Rabbit - He Weighs 49 Pounds!

Darius weighs 49 pounds and measures 4ft 4in, making him the world’s biggest rabbit, according to Guinness World Records.

His owner, Annette Edwards, 62, from Worcester, is considering putting him on a diet after revealing that he eats 12 carrots a day – more than 4,000 a year.

He also gets through piles of cabbage, apples and two large bowls of rabbit mix - at an annual cost of $2,400.

                      Carrot cruncher: Darius with six-year-old Mia, a family friend of his owner                              Annette Edwards.

              Darius the rabbit munches his way through a staggering 4,000 carrots a year                        costing over $2,000 a year.

                       Darius weighs over 49 pounds and measures 4ft 4in - making him the world's                         largest.

Ms. Edwards is well used to looking after bunnies with big appetites as Darius’s mother Alice held the record title before him.

And Ms. Edwards couldn’t believe the speed Darius grew at when he was born – and she never thought after just five years he would hold the crown for biggest rabbit in the world.

"Darius is from a family of giant rabbits but he is the biggest bunny in history. It’s amazing just how big he is."

"If Darius had his way he would never stop eating," she said. "He is very greedy. I have to really watch him."

"He has a great personality and so I can’t be too angry when he is trying to sneak more food."

                          Darius' owners say he has a great personality and so gets away with                                      sneaking extra snacks.

              Owner Annette Edwards, 62, from Worcester says if the greedy creature had his                    way, he'd eat all day.

            As the bunny's birthday is in April, the family say he really is the real-life Easter                      Bunny

"Darius eats me out of house and home but he is very active which is good for his health.’
graphic."

"Luckily he likes to hop around all the time. I had to put a child gate on the stairs to stop him going up there."

"I treat him like a dog. He even sits on the sofa with me to watch TV.  People love coming round to  see Darius – he is bigger than most dogs."

"The family all love him and he has a mischievous glint in his eye."

"He really is the real-life Easter bunny, as his birthday is in April and it always falls around Easter."

"There is no secret to growing the world’s biggest rabbit. I treat him really well and indulge him in the odd carrot or 12."

Continental giant rabbits usually live to four or five years, but can last up to seven if well cared for.

They are considered docile, friendly and intelligent, and are relaxed around humans if socialized when young. They were originally bred for their meat and fur.

        The family treat Darius like a dog - and let him sit on the sofa and watch television.

            The rabbit enjoys a stroke on the sofa after hopping around the family home.

There Is An Island in Japan, Where Rabbits Rule

There is an island where rabbits rule. They are well fed, free from predators, and spend their time lounging around getting photographed by fawning humans. So where is this bunny paradise?

It’s a small island in the Seto Inland Sea called Ōkunoshima, two miles off the coast of the Japanese city of Takehara, in Hiroshima Prefecture. These days, though, it’s most often referred to by its nickname Usagi Jima, which translates to Rabbit Island and is so named for the hundreds of feral rabbits that call it home.

It’s a bit of a mystery how all these bunnies ended up on a tiny island whose previous claim to fame (infamy, actually) was as the spot where the Japanese Imperial Army manufactured thousands of tons of poison gas during World War II in a facility so secret the island was removed from all Japanese maps. According to The New York Times, the poison—mustard gas, phosgene and other types—was used against Chinese soldiers and civilians in the 1930s and 40s during the war in China, killing about 80,000 people by some estimates.

Some believe the island’s terrible history may hold the key to why rabbits now call it home. Back in 1929, when the army began manufacturing chemical weapons, rabbits were brought to the island and used to test the effectiveness of the poison gas, according to The Guardian. This gave rise to the belief that workers may have released the captive animals onto the island following the war. Most experts disagree with this version of events, though. Ellis Krauss, a professor of Japanese politics at the University of California San Diego, told the website The Dodo in a 2014 interview that the original rabbits were wiped out after the war: “The test rabbits were all euthanized by the Americans when they came to the island during the Occupation… about 200 of the poor things were being [used] in experiments by the Japanese,” said Krauss.

So if these rabbits aren’t the descendants of the test bunnies, where did they come from? About eight rabbits may have been released by  a group of school kids back in 1971. With no predators to worry about—cats and dogs are banned, as is hunting—these fast-breeding mammals may have multiplied (as they are famous for doing) to their present population of around 1,000 animals.

There may be an unfortunate side effect of the newfound popularity of Rabbit Island. According to researchers who spoke with takepart.com, all the visitors feeding the feral bunnies has led to an unsustainable population boom that has destroyed the island’s ecosystem. Similarly, what and when the rabbits are fed is wreaking havoc on their health resulting in only a two-year lifespan. They are often given cabbage, not the best choice for bunnies since it can cause bloat and is low in fiber, something the animals need a lot of to stay healthy. The boom and bust cycle of being fed a ton of food on sunny days during holidays and nothing at all on rainy days when no one comes to visit is compounding the problem since rabbits need a steady amount of food and there is very little vegetation left on the island for them to eat when tourists aren’t around.

Here’s some from Rabbit Island— see for yourself: