The Pygmy rabbit, tiny and fuzzy and on the verge of extinction, is unique in its size as well as its environment. You just want one of these adorable little creatures to take home. These adorable little animals cannot be kept as pets. After learning more about them, you’ll want to support the preservation of this species of rabbit.
Here are some quick facts about Pygmy Rabbits
| Species Name: | Brachyiagus Idahoensis |
| Family: | Leporidae |
| Care Level | High |
| Temperament: | Shy, scared |
| Color Form: | Gray and brown |
| Lifespan: | 3-5 Years |
| Size: | 1 pound |
| Diet: | Herbivore |
| Minimum Cage Size: | 4 x 2×2 x 2 feet |
| Configuration of a cage: | Single-level |
| Compatibility: | Low |
Pygmy Rabbit Overview
The Pygmy rabbit (also known as the Columbia Basin Pygmy) is North America’s smallest breed of rabbit. This is its most famous feature. Only certain areas in Washington are home to the Pygmy rabbit. Both the federal and state governments have listed them as endangered species.
The Pygmy rabbit is in danger of extinction due to its vulnerability to climate change. It relies on sagebrush for its main diet. The amount of sagebrush in Washington is rapidly being destroyed by wildfires and dried up by drought. They also have a very small litter, with only 8 to 8 pups each year.
The Washington Department of Wildlife continues to work diligently to restore this species to the wild.
What Does it Cost to Own Pygmy Rabbits?
Pygmy rabbits should not be kept as pets. You can find other dwarf rabbit breeds which are suitable for pets that look similar to Pygmy rabbits.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Pygmy rabbits, wild animals, are very flighty and skittish. They could be called homebodies. Pygmy rabbits stay within 200 feet of their burrows.
Pygmy rabbits, the only rabbit breed in America that can burrow into the ground, are the only ones. They can escape predators quickly and efficiently.
Appearance and Varieties
Pygmy rabbits weigh in at around 1 pound even though they are full-grown adults. Their shape is like a small ball with small ears that can either stick up straight or lay flat on their backs. They can grow up to 11 inches from their nose to the tail when fully grown. Although you might think they are missing their tails, they have them (often tucked away).
This breed is typical for rabbits in that the females of this breed are larger than their male counterparts. To burrow, Pygmy rabbits use long claws. They can run up to 15 miles an hour which is quite fast for such a small creature.
Pygmy rabbits come in one color, which changes with the seasons. Sometimes they may have whitish spots near their ears and nose. They have a gray fur coat in winter. In summer, their fur is brownish. Their fur is thick and fluffy in winter. Their fur becomes lighter and slicker in the summertime after they molt in springtime.
How to Care for Pygmy Rabbits
Despite being so adorable and tiny, Pygmy Rabbits are endangered and should only be handled by professionals. The rabbits may need your assistance in certain circumstances.
These are the steps to take if you’re responsible for a Pygmy Rabbi.
- If you spot them in Washington, please email data@dfw.wa.gov with the exact location and a photograph if possible.
- You should never touch a bunny or any bunnies. Mother Pygmies only feed their young one time per day. She will likely return later or tomorrow. If you have taken the bunnies from their nest, and know where they came to, place them back in their cage and cover them with any brush that they had previously used.
- Call the vet or local wildlife department if you find a Pygmy rabbit injured.
Are Pygmy Rabbits able to get along with other pets?
Pygmy rabbits can be wild and timid so if they come into contact with another animal, it will flee. Cats and dogs are naturally inclined to attack small animals like rabbits. Pygmy rabbits should be kept away from other pets. Pygmy rabbits can only cohabit with their own species.
How to Feed Your Pygmy Rabbit
You should contact your local wildlife agency if you are temporarily caring for a Pygmy Rabbit. You can bet that a wild Pygmy Rabbit will become so scared to eat if you attempt to feed it.
In the wild, Pygmy Rabbits eat mainly sagebrush in winter. They eat sagebrush in the winter, but they eat about a third of their summer diet.
Keeping Your Pygmy Rabbit Healthy
A healthy Pygmy rabbit will be one that is in its natural environment with lots of sagebrushes and no forest fires. If you find a Pygmy Rabbit in the wild, please notify the wildlife department. It will be happy that it has all the resources it needs to survive.
Breeding
Pygmy rabbits are able to mate in spring and summer, with litters born in June or July. There are 4-8 bunnies in each litter. The mother bunny covers the bunnies in her own shallow burrow when they are born. The small rabbits start exploring the world outside their burrows after they reach 2 weeks of age.
In order to protect this species, conservationists have been keeping Pygmy rabbits captive and then releasing them into the wild. This is usually done at the Washington State University, Oregon Zoo, and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park.
Many reintroduction efforts have been halted by wildfires and other undetermined reasons. However, conservationists don’t give up.
Are Pygmy Rabbits suitable for you?
Conservationists have been trying to save this breed since 1990. The pros should take care of Pygmy rabbit-keeping. You should not keep this animal as a pet. Because of their unique temperament and needs, they are best left alone.
What is the tiniest rabbit breed?
Pygmy Rabbits of the Columbia Basin The Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit is the world’s smallest and one of the most endangered species.
Are pygmy rabbits quick?
Pygmies are the tiniest rabbits in North America, with adults weighing less than a pound. They are tough despite their little size. Their small legs can hop at 15 miles per hour.
Which rabbit is the simplest to train?
1. Dutch. The Dutch rabbit is one of the most popular bunny breeds, and it’s easy to understand why with its eye-catching patterns and color pattern. They are normally calm and gentle as a breed, making them simple to train and handle.
Is it simpler to have two rabbits than one?
They are frequently considerably happy and pleased with a companion. Rabbits, like people, feel bored, even unhappy, and when they do, they frequently act out with destructive behavior. Take your time finding a new companion, or better yet, buy two rabbits from the start.
Are pygmy rabbits suitable as pets?
Yes, Netherland Dwarf rabbits are terrific pets if you prefer adorable, cuddly, and small animals. This breed is warier than other domestic rabbit breeds. They are also smaller and hence more sensitive.
What is the finest rabbit to start with?
Mini Lop, Mini Rex, Dutch, and Polish are other popular breeds for new pet rabbit owners. All four are little breeds with soft personalities. Having said that, all domestic rabbits have the potential to be terrific pets.
Dwarf rabbits can bite.
Some rabbit breeds are also more aggressive. When scared, the Netherland Dwarf rabbit, for example, bites and scratches faster than other varieties.
What is the most amiable pet rabbit?
With this in mind, the following are the friendliest rabbit breeds that are suitable for every home: Rabbit Harlequin. Rabbit Rex. Wooly Jersey Rabbit. The Dutch Rabbit. Miniature Lop Rabbit. Chinchilla Rabbit is a kind of rabbit. Rabbit from Poland. Rabbit with a Lion’s Head.
Are pygmy rabbits uncommon?
Pygmy rabbits, so named because of their small stature, are listed as Endangered on both the state and federal levels. They are the smallest rabbit species in North America and reside in the core of Washington’s shrub-steppe habitats.