Are Black Rabbits Lucky? (And Are They Rare?)

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If you happened upon this article, you must be wondering about black rabbits, specifically whether or not they are good luck.

Perhaps you keep seeing references to these fluffy, dark-colored creatures, you actually spotted one in the wild or a pet store, or you are thinking about getting a pet rabbit, and you want to know if getting a black one is the best choice.

No matter what has piqued your interest in black rabbits, after you have finished reading this article, you should have all the answers you are seeking.

First, you will be provided with some information about black bunnies.

Information on Black Rabbits

There are several different kinds of black rabbits that have been bred into existence by humans, but to find a rabbit of this color in the wild is very uncommon.

As far as domesticated black rabbits go, they have been bred and kept in captivity for centuries, many times outside in people’s gardens. Even King Henry VIII owned some black rabbits, revealing just how important they were thought to be in the days of old.

Although black rabbits were not necessarily appreciated for spiritual reasons, the black fur on these creatures was prized for use on clothing.

They were also used for checking to quickly see if their bunnies had been stolen by poachers, since black rabbits stick out among lightly colored ones. Thus, if the black spot is gone from the group of bunnies, they would know that some mischief was afoot and could take action immediately to find the perpetrator.

Are Black Rabbits Rare?

Although you can certainly come by black bunnies at pet stores that have been bred in captivity, black rabbits in the wild are extremely rare.

Upon trying to come up with a theory for why people have seen rare black rabbits running free and surviving without a human’s help, some individuals have ascertained that domesticated black rabbits have simply escaped from people’s yards or houses, ending up in the wild and surviving.

This is most certainly the case for almost all of the black bunnies that are seen hopping about in the wild, however, there is one other cause.

It turns out that it is possible for any animal to produce more melanin than normal and to be a very dark color or black as a result, though this is pretty uncommon.

When a black rabbit does have the gene that causes this overproduction of melanin, it can be passed onto future generations, leading to more black rabbits. However, this is very likely a recessive gene, so it is less likely to get passed down again and again.

Lucky Black Rabbit

So, we have finally reached the most important question of this article: Are black rabbits lucky?

It can be considered common knowledge that rabbits in general are lucky, especially a rabbit’s foot, but not much is known about whether the black variety are particularly fortunate to come across.

With black cats being considered unlucky in the West, some may be under the impression that black rabbits are unlucky as well, which is a perfectly acceptable assumption to make, and there are cultures from the past that would agree.

According to some, black rabbits are not necessarily lucky, but they are not unlucky either. Rather, they symbolize the shadow part of the self and of life, representing the dark aspects of existence that are viewed as “evil” when, in reality, they are simply the necessary duality to the positive parts of existence.

In other circles, black rabbits are thought of as symbols of lying and being scared of intimacy. This makes sense considering the white rabbit symbolizes healthy relationships.

Black bunnies are also a sign of being let down sexually and being insecure.

Long ago, black bunnies were thought to house the dead’s souls and, like other black animals, they were looked at as signs of evil and bad things to come. However, it was also believed that to kill a black bunny would make bad luck befall the killer.

A final interesting piece of historical information is that individuals used to try to bring themselves good luck by uttering the words “white rabbit” immediately after awakening and “black rabbit” prior to going to bed.

Some also thought that yelling “black rabbit” thrice right before the start of the new year and “white rabbit” thrice right after its start would bring good luck.

How to Care for Black Rabbits

If you have decided to keep a black rabbit as a pet, there are a few pieces of information that are important for you to know, such as what to feed your new pet, how to properly house it so it is as comfortable as it can be, and general grooming tips.

Ideal Diet

Most people are aware of the fact that rabbits are herbivores. In the wild, they fill their stomachs with seeds, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, grasses, cloves, fruits, tree bark, and roots.

For a pet bunny, you can simply buy some rabbit food from a nearby pet store. This will provide it with all the necessary nutrients it requires.

Best Environment for Your Bunny

Rabbits were originally native to only Africa and Europe. Thanks to humans spreading them across the world, wild bunnies are found just about everywhere, and so they can survive in a multitude of habitats.

Domesticated bunnies, on the other hand, should be kept in a regulated environment that you yourself would be comfortable in. You can keep your bunny contained in a cage, or you can let your bunny go outside on nice days.

If you do choose to keep your pet rabbit in a cage, opt for one that does not have a wired bottom, or place a tray in the bottom of the cage if it is wired.

Grooming Your Black Rabbit

When it comes to grooming care for your black rabbit, it really all comes down to brushing and clipping. It is smart to brush out your bunny with a slicker brush or another variety of brush that is designed for rabbit fur.

You should try to do this every few days, if possible, to remove any excess fur. This will prevent your pet rabbit from licking the fur into its belly, which can damage its digestive system.

You should also make it a habit to use a fur splitter to comb out mats, or use a pair of scissors to cut them out if they are extra tangled up.

Finally, keep your pet bunny’s nails trimmed to prevent them from getting caught on things. You should do this about once a month.

Final Thoughts

As a final note, it should be said that luck is what you make of it. To even see a black rabbit in the wild can be a bewildering experience, and this could be considered lucky in and of itself.

Black animals are not as common as creatures of other colors, so the rarity aspect certainly makes seeing a black rabbit an appealing experience to have. If you have decided to keep a black bunny as a pet, you should bask in the fact that people have been drawn to black rabbits for centuries, just as you have been.

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