Rabbits reach maturity and stop growing at different ages. Rabbits have a rapid growth cycle, which can be confusing and frustrating for pet owners. Typically, medium-sized rabbits reach their full size and stop growing around 6 – 10 months old. As rabbits grow, they must know the average size as they reach different age points.
Average Growth Timeline of Rabbit
It’s the time of the year when rabbits start to reach their sexual maturity and stop growing. As mentioned earlier, medium-sized typically mature at 6 to 10 months old, with some reaching as much as 18 months old. Female rabbits will produce 6-14 babies.
Keep this in mind when it comes to house training – the sooner, the better! All animals in a rabbit’s life cycle undergo physical changes such as growth spurt, weight gain/loss, and new fur patterns. So, whether your rabbit is growing or not, it’ll still need plenty of love and attention.
Growth Timeline of Common Rabbit Breeds
Rabbits are cute and lovable pets, but they can also be a bit of a handful. One of the biggest concerns for rabbit owners is when their rabbit reaches sexual maturity. Although there is no set age for when this happens, it’s typically around this age. So if you notice that your rabbit isn’t growing as fast as usual, get them checked out by a vet.
Rex Rabbit
This rabbit breed reaches its full size at around nine months old, so there’s no need to scramble to buy more clothes or toys for your pet – they’ll eventually outgrow them. Other common breeds may stop growing earlier or later, so it’s essential to do your research before getting a Rex rabbit and be sure that the breeder you choose is experienced in raising this type of rabbit.
Dutch Rabbit
There is no known breed of rabbit that grows this age, and Dutch rabbits are the only breed known to do so. This is due to their genetic disposition- they don’t grow as fast as other breeds, typically stopping growing around 6-7 months old.
Netherland Dwarf Rabbit
These rabbits reach full size once they are 4-5 months old, so remember that they may not be as active as other breeds of rabbits at first. Also, dwarf rabbits can stop growing at any age – making them one of the most miniature rabbit breeds!
Holland Lop Rabbit
The Holland Lop Rabbit is a breed of rabbit that isn’t bred for meat, but because they are bred to have long fur, their muscle mass doesn’t grow as much during the early age range. As a result, growth slows down around 6-7 months old in this breed, and after that point, it will only slow down even more.
New Zealand Rabbit
New Zealand rabbits may not reach their full growth potential in warm climates as they stop growing around 9-10 months old due to their diet mainly consisting of hay and fresh vegetables. Besides being one of the most common rabbit breeds in the world, NZ rabbits are also known for their friendly nature and easy-to-handle size. They make great house pets and can be socialized well with other animals.
English Angora Rabbit
This rabbit breed is one of the most common, and they stop growing when they are around 7-8 months old, making them quite petite! Another reason English angoras make great pets is a genetic mutation – their hair doesn’t grow any further than its shoulders, so there’s no need to brush or trim it constantly. The rabbits also have luxuriant fur, which retains its color well even when wetted down often!
Harlequin Rabbit
If you have a harlequin rabbit, keeping track of their growth is essential to give them the proper care and nutrition. Depending on genetic makeup, other breeds may stop growing at different ages. This rabbit breed typically stops growing when they are 8-9 months old. The best way to do this is by keeping records of their food intake, weight, and activity levels.
French Lop Rabbit
The French lop rabbit breed is one of the most popular rabbit breeds in the world, primarily because of a genetic disorder called dwarfism, which affects their growth. As for size, they will reach maturity at ten months old and stop growing. However, other common rabbit breeds won’t reach this age and will continue growing until around 18 months old!
Flemish Giant Rabbit
One of the most common rabbit breeds is the Flemish Giant, which usually grows the biggest. When they reach maturity (usually around nine months old), your rabbit will stop growing further – this’s called sexual maturity. So if you’re concerned about their size from this point onwards, give them regular exercise!
Factors That Can Affect the Growth of a Rabbit
Knowing the different factors that can affect the growth of a rabbit can help you provide the best possible care for your rabbit. For example, the environment, diet, and health conditions can all impact your rabbit’s growth.
Several factors can affect the growth of a rabbit, including age, diet (including whether or not your rabbit gets hay), sunlight exposure, temperature, etc., so keeping an eye on these things is essential for them to stay healthy and happy throughout their lives.
Length and weight are also important indicators of a rabbit’s growth, so monitor both of these measurements regularly. Rabbit breeds grow at different rates and reach maturity at different ages, with some rabbits reaching full size much sooner than others. Baby rabbits increase, but as they get older, their growth slows down.
Welsh corgi rabbits, for example, stop growing when they are about 12 months old. If you’re unsure of your rabbit’s age, it’s best to take their weight and height regularly to ensure they get the right amount of food and exercise.
Helping Your Rabbit Grow Up Healthy
Rabbits reach maturity around six months of age, but the age of a rabbit can vary depending on the breed. By the time your rabbit reaches maturity, it will have grown quite a bit, and you’ll want to make the most of it! Here are some tips to help your rabbit grow up healthy:
- Be there for them when they need you the most – rabbits love attention and will appreciate your love and care more than you can imagine.
- Check for ear mites, including fleas, Bunny Tails, aka “Hairballs,” and other health problems. If there’s anything wrong, take your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible.
- Provide the bare necessities – food, water, a warm and dry home – and make sure the rabbit is spayed or neutered to reduce the population size and improve their overall health/well-being.
- Make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest.
Proper Living Arrangements
Regarding rabbit living arrangements, the cage size is mainly based on the breed of rabbit you have. However, other factors such as the type of diet your bunny receives, exercise habits, and access to hay and fresh water should also be considered. What’s more important than all these details is that your bunny has plenty of toys to play with and places to hide when the mood strikes!
Quality Diet
A healthy diet is the key to a long and happy rabbit life! Feed rabbits small meals several times daily to keep their energy levels up. Ensure their diet includes hay, fresh vegetables and fruit, pellets (essential nutrients), and sufficient water. A balanced diet will help avoid diseases like obesity or gastrointestinal problems.
Well-Hydrated Rabbits
Rabbits are usually water-strainers and need around eight glasses of fresh water each day. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with fresh water dishes as well as food pellets so that they can monitor their weight and nutrition. If there are any concerns about the rabbit’s health, consult a veterinarian. A well-hydrated rabbit is a healthy rabbit!
