Do Rabbits Blink Their Eyes?

Yes, Rabbits blink, but you may not be able to catch them since they do it so rarely.

That’s why many people wonder whether they can blink at all.

When rabbits blink, they usually have some debris in their eyes because weather conditions are dry, and they need to keep their eyes lubricated.

Rabbits have a third eyelid that never closes fully, which is why they can sleep with their eyes open and stay alert even when they blink.

This is important for rabbits because they are low on the food chain in nature and have many predators.

Rabbits blink approximately 10-12 times per hour, but they can blink even less if they feel scared or threatened.

Do Baby Rabbits Blink their eyes?

Baby bunnies can blink their eyes as adult rabbits do. When a baby rabbit is born, he is incapable of opening his eyes for almost the first ten days.

Baby bunny opens his eyes slowly with time. The moment they start seeing around themselves, their eyes also start blinking at regular intervals from five to six minutes. 

Do Rabbits Have Eyelids?

Rabbits have three eyelids. Your pet has eyelids above his eyes, just like other mammals. They also have a third eyelid, known as the nictating membrane, which is invisible to the naked eye.

It is transparent and located just in front of the cornea. The purpose of the nictating membrane is to keep the rabbit’s eyes moist. It acts as a shield, keeping dust, grit, or dirt out of a rabbit’s eyes.

This is important to rabbits as they have large eyes. The cornea takes up around 30% of the rabbit’s entire eye. As a result, rabbits have good long-range vision and can see predators from miles away.

Do Rabbits Close Their Eyes?

Rabbits are capable of closing their eyes. Rabbits typically only close their eyes for three reasons:

1. Your rabbit is exhausted and has fallen into a very deep sleep. This will only happen if your rabbit feels completely safe. It’s rare for a rabbit that’s new to home to close her eyes.
2. Your rabbit is enjoying petting or grooming. If your pet closes her eyes while you do this, do not stop. She loves the attention and feels completely relaxed.
3. Your rabbit has a medical concern that is preventing her from opening her eyes. This can often be resolved by home cleaning. Don’t go to the vet without cleaning her eyes first.

Eye Problems In The Rabbits

Even if they blink their eyes episodically, but still an important part of their lives.

The problem with the rabbit’s third eyelid is a genuine condition to consider. Rabbit’s eye health should be a priority.

The rabbit’s third eyelid works continuously and is the most crucial among the other two eyelids. It works relentlessly and can expose many eye problems in rabbits. 

Body inflammation or irritation is common among animals as well. Even a rabbit’s nictitating membrane can get inflamed and infected.

Due to inflammation or irritation, the rabbit’s will eye becomes red, puffy, and full of tears. If this condition occurs, consult with the vet as soon as possible.

Cysts are common among rabbits.

Bunnies can develop one or more cysts on their third eyelid. To treat the cysts, your pet will need surgical treatment recommended by the vet. 

An encounter of the third eyelid with any sharp object could lead to an eye injury. Possible conditions are that the eyelid may be damaged or misplaced. 

When it comes to the rabbit’s eyes, self-medication is not recommended.

You need to visit professional healthcare for animals. You need to examine the root cause and request suitable treatment.