05/24/2026
I've had many people say they didn't want to adopt a rabbit with red eyes 😒.
I personally love rabbits with gorgeous ruby eyes, and have been a Mom for several over the years.😍.
“I’m scared of bunnies with red eyes.” Grow up.
We rescue tons of bunnies with bright red eyes. Sadly, people are often freaked out by these ruby eyes, as it makes them appear “scary”.
But we at know that this just means they’re extra special, so wanted to share some facts about Red Eyed Whites or REWs:
1. Their eyes are red because they’re albino - though only pure white rabbits can be considered albino!
2. This started as a genetic mutation but then quickly some breeders began to breed them exclusively since they’re often the healthiest bunnies.
3. Since they are albino and/or lack melanin (so light bounces off their red blood cells) they’re extra sensitive to the sun. They get sunburned easier and direct sunlight hurts their eyes!
4. Albino rabbits have fewer rods in their eyes than other rabbits, so they scan things extra due to having a slightly slower processing time.
5. When they’re calm, their eyes turn lilac. They become bright red when stressed or excited - whenever their blood pressure is raised.
6. Many REW breeds were designed for industrial, or meat, use which means that they’re often larger than your “typical” rabbit and more docile.
Please share this post. Our hope is to break down the stigma around ruby eyed bunnies, so people will not preemptively see them as “scary”, but as absolutely fantastic!
They truly see the world through rose tinted lenses.
