Rabbits are generally not cannibals, meaning they do not hunt and eat healthy members of their own species for sustenance. Observed behaviors that appear similar are typically rooted in instinctual responses related to survival, hygiene, or stress, rather than predatory intent. These actions are distinct from true cannibalism, which involves consuming another individual of the same species as a food source.
Understanding Rabbit Behaviors
Rabbits exhibit specific behaviors that can be misinterpreted as cannibalism. Placentophagy is one common behavior, where a mother rabbit eats the placenta and afterbirth following the birth of her kits. She consumes these tissues for cleanliness, to reabsorb valuable nutrients, and to remove scent cues that might attract predators to her vulnerable newborn kits.
Another behavior is infanticide, where a mother rabbit might harm or consume her young. This is a response to extreme stress, fear, or perceived threats, not true cannibalism or a predatory act. It often occurs when a mother feels her environment is unsafe or lacks sufficient resources. Rabbits also consume dead tissue, known as necrophagy. This is not cannibalism, as it involves consuming already deceased individuals rather than actively killing for food.
Why These Behaviors Occur
Placentophagy serves multiple purposes for the mother and her offspring. By consuming the placenta, the mother rabbit helps to keep her nest clean and free of biological material that could attract predators. This also allows her to reabsorb nutrients and hormones, potentially aiding in milk production and pain management after giving birth.
Infanticide usually stems from environmental or physiological stressors. Loud noises, frequent disturbances, or a perceived threat in the nesting area can cause extreme anxiety in a mother rabbit, leading her to harm her kits. First-time mothers may also exhibit this behavior due to inexperience or being overwhelmed by the birthing process. Health issues in the kits, such as sickness or weakness, or a mother suffering from nutritional deficiencies, can also trigger infanticide as an instinctive way to preserve resources for healthier offspring or for her own survival.
Supporting Healthy Rabbit Behavior
To minimize problematic behaviors like infanticide, providing a stable and secure environment for a pregnant or lactating rabbit. Ensuring the doe has a quiet, secluded space for kindling (birthing) with minimal disturbances, as stress is a primary trigger for these behaviors. This includes limiting human interference and keeping other pets away from the nesting area.
Adequate nesting materials, such as hay or straw, should be readily available for the mother to build a comfortable nest. Proper nutrition is important; pregnant and lactating does require a diet rich in protein and fiber, often benefiting from unlimited access to alfalfa hay and increased pellets to support milk production. Limit handling newborn kits, especially in the first few days. Brief checks can be performed if necessary to ensure their well-being, as mothers typically do not reject kits due to human scent. Observing the kits from a distance to ensure they appear warm, well-fed, and calm is usually sufficient.