As a General Rule from the ARBA Rabbit Categories
- Small Rabbits – 4-5 Months
- Medium Rabbits – 6-10 months Old
- Large Rabbits – 16-18 Months Old
When is a Rabbit Fully Grown?
When it comes to rabbits, there is a lot of confusion about when they reach maturity. Some people believe that they are fully grown at just a few months old, while others think that they don’t reach their full size until they are a year or two old. So, what is the truth? How long does it take for a rabbit to become an adult? In this article, we will explore the different growth stages of rabbits and answer that question once and for all! When is a Rabbit Fully Grown?
A rabbit’s age can vary depending on the breed, but most rabbits will reach full size by the time they are six months old. However, this does not mean that a rabbit is fully grown at six months.
Check Out Amazon for Resources about Breeding Rabbits
For example, a mini Rex rabbit will continue to fill out and develop muscle tone until they are around nine months old. Larger breeds, such as the Flemish Giant, can take up to a year to reach full size.
Even after a rabbit has reached full size, it will continue to mature and develop until they are around two years old. This is why it is important to provide ample space for a growing rabbit to exercise and explore. By giving them plenty of room to run and play, you can help ensure that your rabbit remains healthy and happy as they grow to adulthood. At What Age is a Rabbit Fully Grown?
Most rabbits live between 8 and 12 years, though many domestic rabbits can live up to 18 years with proper care. During that time, they go through several stages of life, each with its own challenges and rewards.
As newborns, rabbits are totally dependent on their mothers for food and protection. They are born blind and deaf, and their fur is typically still wet. At this stage, they are very vulnerable to predators and disease. However, they grow quickly, gaining weight and fur at a rapid pace. By the time they are two weeks old, they are usually ready to leave the nest and start exploring the world on their own.
As adolescents, rabbits begin to mature sexually and develop their own social hierarchies. At this stage of life, they also learn important skills like digging and foraging. As they reach adulthood, rabbits typically settle into a more sedentary lifestyle. Although they are no longer growing at such a rapid pace, they continue to put on weight throughout their lives. By the time they reach old age, most rabbits have significantly slowed down both physically and mentally.
Small Rabbit Lifecycle Stages and Weight
There are four main stages in a small rabbit’s life cycle: birth, weaning, sexual maturity, and senescence. The average weight of a small rabbit at birth is between 2 and 4 ounces. They typically double their weight by the time they are weaned, which occurs at around 6 weeks of age. At sexual maturity, which is typically reached at around 8 months of age, small rabbits will reach their adult weight, which ranges from 3 to 5 pounds. Finally, senescence begins at around 2 years of age, and small rabbits will slowly lose weight over the course of their remaining years.
Medium Rabbit Lifecycle Stages and Weight
A medium rabbit typically has a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. However, their weight can vary significantly over the course of their life. When they are born, they usually weigh between 4 and 6 ounces. By 6 months old, they will have reached their full adult size and can weigh anywhere from 4 to 8 pounds.
However, they will continue to put on some weight until they are around 2 years old, at which point they will reach their peak weight. After that, they will slowly start to lose weight as they enter their senior years. By the time they are 8 years old, most medium rabbits will have lost about 10% of their body weight.
Breeds of Rabbits FAQ
| Breed of Rabbit | Origin | Weight | Purpose | Kits / Litter | Breed association |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealands | California | 5 kg 11 lbs | Meat | 8 | American Federation New Zealand Rabbit Breeders Assoc |
| Californias | California | 3 kg 7-10 lbs | Meat | 6 - 8 | California Rabbit Breeders |
| Rex | France | 4.5 kg 10.5 lbs | Meat | 2 - 4 | National Rex Rabbit Club |
| Satins | Michigan | 4 kg 9.5 lbs | Meat | 2 - 4 | American satin Breeders Association |
| Paliminos | American | 5.4 kg 12 lbs | Meat | 6 -8 | Palimino Rabbit Breeders Association |
| English Angora | England | 2-3 kg 5-7 lbs | Wool | 6 - 8 | National Angora Breeders |
| French Angora | France | 4.5 kg 10.5 lbs | Wool | 6 - 8 | National Angora Breeders |
| Giant Angora | Turkey | 4.5 kg 9 - 10 lbs | Wool | 6 - 8 | National Angora Breeders |
| Satin Angora | Turkey | 4.5 kg 6 - 10 lbs | Wool | 6 - 8 | National Angora Breeders |
| Mini Lop | UK | 3 kg 5.5 lbs | Dwarf | 2 -3 | American Mini Lop Rabbit Club |
| Dutch Dwarf | Netherlands | 1 - 2 kg 2,5 lbs | Dwarf | 2 - 4 | American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club |
| Pygmy Rabbit | North American | 500 grams 1 lb | Dwarf | 6 | ? |
| Britania Petite | UK / Polish | 700 grams 1 1/2 - 2 lbs | Dwarf | 2-3 | American Britiania Petite Rabbit Society |
Size
Purpose
Litter Size
Breed Association
Large Rabbit Lifecycle Stages and Weight
The life cycle of a large rabbit is relatively short, but they grow quickly. A baby rabbit, or kitten, is born blind and deaf and weighs only about 3 ounces. They are completely dependent on their mother for food and warmth. At around 3 weeks old, their eyes and ears open and they begin to explore their world. By 6 weeks old, they are fully grown and ready to leave their mother to start their own family. Adult rabbits weigh between 8 and 10 pounds
Small Rabbits – 4-5 Months
Some of the Small Rabbit Breeds are Holland Lop, Netherland Dwarf, and Polish.
At four to five months old, your small rabbit is considered a juvenile. You will notice some big changes during this time as they become sexually mature. The biggest change you will see is their growth rate starts to slow down.
Medium Rabbits – 6 – 10 Months
Some of the Medium Rabbit Breeds are Mini Rex, Lionhead, and Jersey Wooly.
At 12 to 16 months old your medium rabbit is considered an adult. You will see their growth has slowed down considerably since they reached sexual maturity.
Large Rabbits – 16 – 24 Months
Some of the Large Rabbit Breeds are Flemish Giant, American Chinchilla, and French Lop.
At 24 months old your large rabbit is considered full grown. They will reach their final adult weight and size. You may see a small decrease in activity level as they enter their senior years.
As you can see, the size of your rabbit has a big impact on how quickly they reach full growth. Small breeds will reach adulthood at around four to five months old, medium breeds at 6 to 10 months old, and large breeds at 16 – 24 months old. However, all rabbits continue to put on some weight until they are around two years old. After that, they will slowly start to lose weight as they enter their senior years.
How Long does it Take for a Wild Rabbit (Cottontail) to be Fully Grown?
Various factors, include the species of rabbit, the climate, and the availability of food. In general, however, it takes wild rabbits between three and six months to reach full maturity. The cottontail rabbit is a common type of wild rabbit found in North America.
These rabbits typically weigh between two and four pounds when fully grown. They have brown or gray fur, and their tails are white with a black tip. Cottontail rabbits can reproduce throughout the year, but most litters are born between March and September.
Females usually give birth to four or five young at a time. The young are born blind and hairless, but they grow quickly. Within two weeks, they are covered in fur and able to see. They are weaned at around four weeks old, but they continue to live with their mother until they are ready to mate themselves.
What Factors Determine At What Age a Rabbit will be Fully Grown?
Some of the Major Factors to determine what age a Rabbit is fully Grown are;
- The Breed of Rabbit
- If the rabbit is a Male or Female
- The Climate
- The Availability of Food.
In general, however, it takes rabbits between four and 18 months to reach full maturity. The cottontail rabbit is a common type of wild rabbit found in North America.
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When is a Rabbit Considered Obese?
A plump bunny is often seen as a sign of good health, but how do you know when a rabbit is obese? According to the House Rabbit Society, obesity is defined as being 20% or more above the ideal weight for a given rabbit breed.
This excess weight can put a strain on a rabbit’s heart and lungs, and can also lead to mobility issues and other health problems. If your rabbit is carrying around more pudge than usual, take them to the vet for a check-up.
They will be able to assess whether your bunny is overweight and give you advice on getting them back to a healthy weight. In the meantime, cut back on high-calorie foods and offer plenty of hay and fresh vegetables to help your furry friend slim down.
When is a Lionhead Rabbit Fully Grown?
The average Lionhead rabbit will reach a full size between 8 and 10 months old. This is the age when they will have reached their full potential adult weight, which is between 3 and 4 pounds.
However, it is important to note that their coat will continue to grow and thicken throughout their lifetime. As a result, Lionheads may appear larger than they actually are due to their thick fur. In general, though, a Lionhead rabbit is considered fully grown once they reach 8-10 months old.
What age are Mini Lops Fully Grown?
Mini Lops are a type of small rabbit that is popular as a pet. They are known for their friendly personality and cute appearance. While full-grown Mini Lops may only weigh 3-4 pounds, they can reach up to 12 inches in length.
Most Mini Lops will reach their full size by the time they are 9-12 months old. However, some Mini Lops may continue to grow until they are 18 months old. Despite their small size, Mini Lops can live for 10 years or longer with proper care. As such, they make a great choice for families looking for long-term pets.
Final Thoughts – At What Age is a Rabbit Fully Grown?
At What Age is a Rabbit Fully Grown? The main Factors are Most rabbits will be fully grown by around 6 to 8 months old. However, there are a few factors that can affect this, such as the breed of rabbits and whether they are being kept indoors or outdoors.
Outdoor rabbits tend to grow slightly slower than indoor rabbits, as they have more space to run around and more opportunities to exercise. Additionally, giant breeds of rabbits can take up to a year + to reach their full size, while dwarf breeds may only be fully grown by 4 months old.
Ultimately, the best way to determine when your rabbit is fully grown is to consult with a veterinarian or rabbit breeder. They will be able to give you specific advice based on the type of rabbit you have.
