Rabbits

“Bow down your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress to save me.” [Psalm 31:2]

Did you know a male rabbit is called a buck, a female is called a doe, and a baby rabbit is a kit (and several are kittens)? When a doe gives birth to a bunch of little bunnies it is called a litter. Interestingly, domestic rabbits are born without fur. A group of rabbits living in the wild is called a herd. Some can breed as early as three months old, which is why they can populate so rapidly. One of the largest litters of kittens ever born was 24!

Here are some other interesting facts about rabbits. Their teeth never stop growing. When they grind their teeth it can sound like they are purring like a cat. Rabbits do not have the ability to vomit (I hope you are not reading this during mealtime!). They are nearsighted animals. The world’s heaviest rabbit was named Darius and weighed 50 pounds. Rabbits only sweat on the pads of their feet. A rabbit has five toenails on its front two paws and four toenails on its back two feet, making a total of 18 toenails per rabbit.

North America has the largest number of domesticated rabbits. There are over 45 recognized breeds of rabbits. Some rabbits are raised for their meat and others for their fur. Pet rabbits tend to live longer (8-10 years) than their friends in the wild. In England the third most popular pet (after dogs and cats) is the rabbit. They have very sensitive backbones and can be easily hurt if dropped. Rabbits can actually suffer from osteoporosis if they don’t get enough exercise.

Some people believe that to carry around a rabbit’s foot will bring them good luck, but the Bible teaches that life is not so much about chance as choice. Our destiny does not come from the roll of dice, but whether we choose to follow Jesus or the devil. When Joshua challenged the Israelites as they settled in Canaan, he said, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

We don’t need lucky charms like a rabbit’s foot to protect us. We are safe when we choose to be in the hands of God.