Why do rabbits sit down nearly all the time?

Rabbits don't actually sit down nearly all the time! It's more accurate to say they spend a lot of time resting in a hunched position that might look like sitting.

Here's why:

* Natural posture: Rabbits are prey animals and their natural posture is to be alert and ready to run. This means they are usually hunched over, with their ears up, and their body tense. This posture allows them to see and hear predators more easily and allows them to quickly escape if necessary.

* Conserving energy: Even when they are resting, rabbits need to stay alert. This means they don't relax completely and instead maintain a semi-alert posture that allows them to quickly react to danger. This also helps them conserve energy.

* Digesting food: Rabbits are hindgut fermenters, which means they digest their food in their hindgut (caecum). This process takes a long time and requires them to stay still and relax their muscles.

* Social bonding: Rabbits may also rest in a hunched position when they are relaxed and comfortable around other rabbits.

While it may look like they are sitting, they are actually resting in a position that is both comfortable and safe for them. They are not truly sitting in the way humans do.