Can a wild rabbit breed with a domestic? It may seem like this question has a simple answer since they are both rabbits in the first place. But, unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
Rabbits exist in different species. These species have slightly different genetic makeups that can determine whether mating can be accomplished or not. So can pet rabbits mate with wild rabbits? Sometimes, yes. If the breed is close enough and they can stand each other, you just may have new rabbit babies.
To fully understand how this works, you should know the science behind it. This article will explain the differences between pet bunnies and wild bunnies, among other things:
- Can a pet rabbit mate with a wild rabbit
- Can a wild rabbit impregnate a domestic rabbit?
- Do wild rabbits and domestic rabbits get along?
- Will wild rabbits breed in captivity?
- Can cottontail rabbits breed with European rabbits?
What Are Pet Rabbits?
Pet rabbits are rabbits that have been domesticated. What this means is that they are groomed and raised indoors and not out in the wild.
A rabbit doesn’t become domesticated just because you catch it and keep it in your home. Although that rabbit may have become your pet, it’s still a wild rabbit. Domestic rabbits have been raised over generations to live in sheltered environments, and they have adapted.
In fact, these rabbits may have lost some of the instincts and habits that are often apparent in wild rabbits. They have long ears which are usually down and often look a lot rounder. These bunnies can weigh up to ten pounds.
What Are Wild Rabbits?
It’s easier to identify wild rabbits since they often look alike. They have dull brown coats, slim yet swift feet, and weigh between one and two pounds. Their coats help them blend in to avoid predators.
Pet rabbits often come in a variety of colored fur, and they grow to be very plump. Wild rabbits are quick on their feet and will seldom approach you. This is because they’re built to hide from predators and escape at the slightest sign of danger. That’s why rabbits in your backyard sprint very quickly when spooked.
Their ears are usually erect, thin, and generally less fluffy.
Pet Rabbits and Wild Rabbits: Are They Related?
Depending on your area, most wild rabbits in the United States are cottontails. You would be able to tell by their small bushy tails and long ears. Pet rabbits, on the other hand, are European, trained to live indoors.
If you trace them through long decades, you might find that your bunny and the naughty rabbit in your backyard are distant cousins. However, domesticated bunnies have evolved to fit into human environments more quickly than wild rabbits.
This means that wild rabbits and pet rabbits cannot be said to be the same species. But can a pet rabbit mate with a wild rabbit? Well, since they are of different species, they cannot mate.
Can You Domesticate a Wild Rabbit?
Domestication is a long, selective process. It doesn’t happen because you have caught a wild rabbit and have chosen to raise it in your home. In addition, certain traits make wild bunnies unsuitable for sheltered living.
Wild rabbits are naturally skittish. Their first instinct is to bolt whenever they are afraid. So, living with humans and being in noisy areas can be traumatic for them. There have been instances where rabbits have suffered from heart attacks or have died from fright.
Chances are that a wild rabbit will not survive living as a pet. Some do, however. They will get to eat regularly and healthily. It’s also easier to avoid predators when you are in a cage.
The fact remains, however, that their instincts are better suited to the wild. Living in captivity will put undue stress on their bodies, and you will be left with an unhappy pet.
Can Pet Rabbits Become Wild Rabbits?
If you wonder what happens if your rabbit gets loose, you might ask, “can pet rabbits become wild rabbits?” No one can tell for sure what will happen to your rabbit if it gets lost in the wild. The chances of survival for a domestic rabbit in the wild are very slim.
Pet bunnies are not built to endure the harsh conditions that exist outside. In addition, unlike wild bunnies, pet rabbits cannot select their food correctly. As a result, they could end up eating harmful plants and get terribly ill.
Rabbits are also prone to heatstroke. Cottontails know how to keep their bodies cool by seeking shade in burrows. Unfortunately, a pet rabbit could be at risk of heat or insect infestation.
They could also fall victim to predators since they haven’t learned how to hide or dash. So, letting your rabbits lose will not make them wild. They are still domesticated and could get badly hurt.
Can a Wild Rabbit Impregnate a Domestic Rabbit?
This is where genetics comes into play. Cottontails are Eastern rabbits, i.e., rabbits who live in the wild. These belong to a species called S. Floridanus. Wild rabbits in the US belong to this grouping.
Domestic rabbits are primarily European, and their species is O Cuniculus. Now, wild rabbits in Europe may be different from wild rabbits in the US. This is so because European wild rabbits belong to the same species as the domesticated rabbits in the US.
Although European bunnies who live in the wild will not behave like those raised as pets, they are still of the same species. Therefore they can mate and have other rabbits. So, European wild rabbits can impregnate domesticated rabbits.
On the other hand, Cottontails cannot mate with domesticated rabbits because they are not of the same species. Therefore, the chances that an impregnation will occur are very minimal.
Eastern wild rabbits are S. Floridanus, while Western rabbits (usually domestic) are O. Cuniculus. Therefore, S. Floridanus rabbits can impregnate other wild rabbits, and O. Cuniculus rabbits can impregnate other O. Cuniculus rabbits. However, S. Floridanus rabbits cannot impregnate O. Cuniculus rabbits.
Therefore, wild rabbits cannot impregnate domestic rabbits because they are of different species.
Can Wild Rabbits Impregnate Pet Rabbits If They Are Both Pets?
No, they cannot. Rabbit genes will not change just because their environment does. They are still bunnies of different species, and mating is most likely unsuccessful.
Now, you might wonder if pet rabbits and wild rabbits get along when put together.
Do Wild Rabbits and Domestic Rabbits Get Along?
In some cases, yes. If both are raised together as babies, they could develop a bond. Wild rabbits are fond of living in groups, however. So, if you put one domestic among wild rabbits, they could ostracize it.
Wild rabbits have strong survival instincts. They protect themselves and forage for food. So, they are pretty protective of what’s theirs. In addition, they are skittish. Any sudden actions by a domestic pet can be misconstrued as a threat, and a fight could ensue.
So, there are a few hurdles for wild and pet rabbit friendships. First, of course, it’s best to keep them apart. There are, however, specific reasons why you shouldn’t put wild rabbits with your other bunnies.
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Contamination
First, they could infect them. Wild bunnies have more exposure to tic, flies, and infections. Their bodies have built more resistance to the risk of quick disease and likely illnesses.
So, if you put them in with your pets, they could spread these insects or germs to your pets. Unlike cottontails, domestic bunnies will handle the exposure worse. They could fall ill or die.
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Transfer of diseases
If the wild bunny has an illness, your bunny could catch it. Typically, you shouldn’t keep sick bunnies with healthy ones. So if you notice any signs of weakness, isolate that wild rabbit. It will preserve your other pets, who are a lot more fragile.
Will Wild Rabbits Breed in Captivity?
Wild rabbits don’t live well when they are raised in captivity. This doesn’t mean that they can’t breed, however. If you have male and female wild rabbits, they’ll most likely get it going and breed other bunnies.
You must, however, consider their health. Sick rabbits will most likely be unable to breed or have healthy children. But, on the other hand, they are more adapted to living on their own and enjoying varied diets.
Cottontails can die of fright and shock, so the unfamiliarity of a cage will bother them. Further, the stress of your environment will affect them and make them weak.
The chances that their baby rabbits will be sickly or die early are also very high. So, breeding wild rabbits in captivity is not the best.
Can Cottontail Rabbits Breed With European Rabbits?
The answer to the question “can cottontail rabbits breed with European rabbits?” is no. If your pet rabbit gets lost and strays living out in the wild, it will be unable to have children.
There’s a chance that there may be other European rabbits surviving in the wild. In that case, breeding can take place. Otherwise, there will be no breeding.
If you want to raise more rabbits, you could buy other rabbits. You could also purchase male and female domestic rabbits. As long as they haven’t been neutered, they’ll breed and have babies.
So, can a pet rabbit mate with a wild rabbit? There may be some sexual activity, but the chance of breeding is next to nothing.