Stories and photos
Rabbits and their homes come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some snapshots from people who took part in our Great Big Rabbit Survey.
Photos sent in by people who took part in the survey can be viewed on our Flickr page.
Millie and friends by Kasia, Horsham
"I have had Millie for six-and-a-half years since she was a baby and she is now with her fourth male buddy, Louie.
"Louie was found abandoned in a cardboard box on Clapham Common as a baby and we think he is about two years old.
"The amazing thing about Millie and all her friends is not only how different they have all looked – white, black, grey, agouti, combinations of those- but how individual they are or have been personality wise – each one has been unique and so special.
"Chip was the velcro-pawed explorer who could traverse any surface and who spent hours tenderly grooming Millie, while Treacle was as soft and gentle as his name but so courageous in his defence of Millie from playful George cat and with the daily treatment of his poor eye that suffered from a blocked tear duct and corneal ulcer.
"It took a long time for little lop-eared Smokey to get over his agoraphobia and learn to be a proper bunny after four years of being kept in a tiny hutch. But he finally did bunny hops around the garden, although his lack of confidence meant he always followed Millie’s lead on everything.
"Then there’s Louie, who’s only just learning to experience human touch and trust me, which is very brave after everything he has been through.
"The constant friend that Millie has had throughout her life is me and sometimes I think she sees me as another rabbit, or at least I like to think that I am as important to her as she is to me.
"When we go to the vets she jumps straight into my arms for protection and reassurance, she demands to be stroked and will sit next to me for hours on the sofa even when I’ve fallen asleep.
"She’s also really clever – Millie can climb trees and worked out the cat flap in minutes, while Chip could only scrabble at it for hours in admiring frustration!
"Millie and the other bunnies are part of the family for the long-term. Sometimes I can’t believe that I’ve had Millie for the best part of my thirties and I don’t understand why people think that rabbits are just pets for children – they’re brilliant human companions full stop and in return they deserve our love and care."
Bandit and Snowy by Sam, Horsham
"I have not kept rabbits for long, but I decided to get rabbits because I have always loved them and I find they are great company. They always listen and mine are very cuddly.
"I have two rabbits, Bandit and Snowy. Bandit is six months old and he enjoys playing outside and running around. Snowy is only three months old and she loves being with Bandit, they are best friends.
"It makes me sad to think that thousands of rabbits are ending up in rescue centres every year. Rabbits are a big commitment that people do not seem to think about when buying them. Rabbits can live for up to 8 - 12 years, which is something to bear in mind when choosing a rabbit as a pet. People must make sure that they can facilitate their needs."