Wild rabbits are elusive creatures, turning and flashing you a cotton tail before you’ve even registered that you’ve seen them!
As such, the daily life of wild rabbits is a mystery to many of us. How do wild rabbits survive and do wild rabbits drink water?
Yes, Wild rabbits will and do drink water. Rabbits are about 73% water, and water is essential for all bodily functions of these small mammals. However, the amount and frequency of water drinking does depend on the habitat, diet, and health of each rabbit.
Check Out The Video Below To See How Rabbits Drink Water
How Often Do Rabbits Drink Water
Wild rabbits obtain a lot of water from the greens, veggies, and fruits they ingest throughout the day.
But, they will still search out and drink fresh water. Rabbits also perform coprophagy (eating of feces). This practice helps these mammals retain and conserve nutrients and water if they are in a tough spot.
And as always, there are exceptions. For example, when a rabbit lives in a dryer environment or when a rabbit is not in good health. These exceptions can drive a wild rabbit to search out and drink fresh water more often.
How Much Water Do Wild Bunnies Drink
The amount of water a wild bunny drinks depends on multiple variables, including:
- Environment: A hotter, drier environment may force wild rabbits to search for and drink fresh water daily and practice more coprophagy, while a lush habitat with more cover and less dry heat will make drinking less of a priority.
- Diet: A rabbit eating dry hay will require more drinking water than a rabbit munching on hydrated greens.
- Health: Sick or weakened wild rabbits may settle closer to a freshwater source to ensure high water intake to assist with healing.
How Often Should A Rabbit Drink Water
Just like the amount of water wild rabbits drink, the frequency also depends on the environment, diet, and health of each rabbit.
However, a general observation shared on Lafeber Veterinarian is that rabbits drink 1.5 to 5 ounces per 2.2 pounds of body weight. This is a lot of water, a much higher water to weight ratio than other mammals!
Where Do Wild Rabbits Get Water
Natural sources of fresh waters that are accessible to wild rabbits include:
- Rivers
- Creeks
- Ponds
- Springs
- Ephemeral (seasonal) pools
How Do Wild Rabbits Drink Water
Wild rabbits drink water by lapping it up from freshwater sources with their tongue.
Do Wild Baby Rabbits Drink Water
Nursing baby rabbits do not drink water. Newborn and nursing baby rabbits are completely dependent upon their mothers for nourishing milk. This milk provides all the calories, vitamins, minerals and water baby wild rabbits require.
Can Wild Baby Rabbits Drink Water
Weaned, but still immature, rabbits can and will naturally start drinking water as they simultaneously start eating hay and greens.
Will Wild Rabbits Drink Water From A Bowl
Yes, if a wild rabbit comes across freshwater in a bowl, they will surely enjoy it!
This is because lapping water out of a bowl is quite natural for rabbits as it resembles water held in a natural river, pond, spring, or other source.
What Do Wild Rabbits Drink In The Winter
During winter months in cold areas, wild rabbits will continue to drink freshwater from fresh snow or unfrozen, running water.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Do Wild Rabbits Drink Water?
How Long Can Wild Rabbits Go Without Water?
Rabbits cannot go without water for more than 24hrs. Water is very important to the daily wellbeing of rabbits.
Can Wild Rabbits Drink Tap Water?
General rule: if you drink the tap water, it’s okay for rabbits!
How Do Rabbits Get Water In The Winter?
Rabbits in cold climates find fresh water in fallen snow or unfrozen rivers and creeks during winter months.
Final Thoughts on Do Wild Rabbits Drink Water
To highlight key points about wild rabbits and water consumption:
- With a body that is 73% water, finding and using freshwater sources is an important part of a wild rabbit’s survival.
- Healthy rabbits will follow their instinctual knowledge and drink any water they do not receive from the greens and veggies they consume.
- Water is a year round necessity for rabbits as they are active during every season. As such, wild Rabbits in cold climates adapt seasonally to their environment for their water needs.
To learn more about wild rabbits’ activity and survival during winter months, check out our article on what rabbits do in winter.