a directory of bunny terms
the basics
rabbit – a small mammal (Oryctolagus cuniculus domesticus) Wikipedia
bunny – a common name for a rabbIt
buck – male rabbit
doe – female rabbit
colony/nest/herd/fluffle – a group of rabbits
bunny homes
rabbitry – where rabbits are kept
cage – wire home for your bunny
hutch – wire/wood home, often with an attached run area
colony housing – rabbits living in a community in a large enclosure
free range – bunnies that live without an enclosure
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fur
solid/self – fur is all one color
shaded – fur is all one color but transitions from dark to light
broken – white fur “broken” with color patches or spots, this can include nose markings, colored ears, and/or eye circles
This is Aspen. He is “broken black.” He’s a white rabbit with black ears, eye circles, and a few random spots elsewhere.
making more bunnies
sire – father
dam – mother
kit/kitten – baby rabbit
breeding – sire and dam mate to produce baby bunnies
gestation – the time between breeding and kindling
kindling – giving birth to bunnies
nest box/kindling box – a box provided to the dam for having her litter
litter – baby rabbits born from a single mating
weaning – when baby bunnies move to adult food and stop nursing, about 4-5 weeks
sexing – determining the gender of a rabbit (a very tricky thing to do when they’re little)
trio – two does and one buck, often chosen to start a rabbitry or new line of rabbits.
behaviors
binky/binkies – an expression of joy, a jump with a twist or kick
chinning – rubbing their chin on something to mark ownership
flopping – rolling on their side or back in enjoyment
kisses – licking you, a show of affection
acronyms you will hear tossed about
ACV – apple cider vinegar
BOSS – black oil sunflower seeds
For an amazingly huge glossary of rabbit terms: North Dakota State University: Rabbit Terms
related article:
How to Pick a Healthy Rabbit - take them home healthy!
Image credits
two bunnies talking © croisy / Pixabay
Aspen © Lori Byerly / Dandelion Hill Homestead
Pinterest image / bunnies talking © croisy / Pixabay
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