Why does rabbits have long ears

There are more than 50 types of rabbits and hares. European rabbits have been kept by humans for centuries, as pets and for food. They breed very quickly, and can raise 40 babies, called kits, every year. Rabbits have front limbs that are good for digging. They dig networks of underground burrows to live in, called warrens. Find a space and stand still in the middle. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds in the room.

Now, cup your hands and place them behind your ears, pushing your ears forward gently and listen to how the sounds change. For the full impact of this activity, try this human ear vs. Chances are you can narrow down the direction of the sound much better when your hands are behind your ears!

Rabbit ears are signals! Just like cats, rabbits can use their ears to signal things to other rabbits. In fact, ears are an important part of body language for any species that can move its ears. Forward facing ears are generally considered happier, while ears that are turned backwards indicate a more annoyed rabbit unless the rabbit is listening for a sound behind them. How can you best decipher this rabbit-ear semaphore? This is a great way to learn the body language of any species!

Rabbit ears are air conditioners! Rabbits cannot sweat. Rabbits, on the other hand, do not have paw pads like cats or dogs rabbit feet are entirely covered in fur so they cannot sweat at all. Substance and Shape of Ears: Ears are to be uniformly thick enough not to be easily blemished or torn, yet thin enough to maintain the longitudinal crease in the ear.

Ears are to be well rounded and wide at the tips. Texture and Condition of Ears: Ears are to be very soft, smooth and pliable. Both governing councils suggest that ear shape and size is important to success in shows.

The breed seems to be kept mainly for showing and less as a family pet. The selective breeding for exaggerated ear size has lead to a number of specific problems for the rabbits:. Trauma to the ears : Because of their excessive length and drooping nature, the ears are at an increased risk of trauma from the animal standing on them or from contact with objects in their environment.

Lack of normal mobility : Standing on the ears stops free forward motion and rabbits may trip over. The ears are also a substantial weight to carry around and the rabbits have limited control of their positioning.

During cold weather, this can lead to the extremities toes, tail and, in this case, particularly the ears getting so cold that they become frostbitten ie they freeze.

Signs include scratching at the ear, holding the head in a tilted position, a foul smell or discharge coming from the ear, resistance to any handling of the area around the ear and, if severe, anorexia not eating and depression. Obesity: As a result of the sedentary lifestyle enforced by the size of the ears. To help minimise these problems, specific husbandry is recommended for the breed. Return to top.

Because of their size and because they cannot be held erect, their ears are at risk of trauma, soiling through contact with the ground , recurrent infection and frostbite and the resulting discomfort and pain, which may be severe and chronic. It is possible they may suffer from mental distress due to their relative immobility and therefore inability to escape from perceived dangers; whether this is the case is unknown.

As rabbits do not show signs of pain that are readily apparent, their suffering may easily be underestimated and problems may not be detected until they are severe RSPCA They may suffer episodes of injury, infection or frostbite and these may cause pain for long periods and recur.

The problems created by long ears are life-long but may be greater for young animals, as they have relatively even larger ears compared to body size than the adult.

The numbers of English lops currently owned as show and pet animals are not known. Eliminating the condition would involve radical changes to the breed including out-crossing to other breeds. If the onus when breeding continues to be for ear length then it seems likely that ear length will further increase.

This in turn is likely to adversely affect rabbit welfare. Genetics Accessed Meredith A General Biology and Husbandry. Website by Adept. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare. Animal Welfare Information. Share this page. Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals An information resource for prospective pet owners English Lop Overlong Ears Outline : The abnormal ear length of lop rabbits compromises their agility and mobility.