Q&A for How to Tell the Age of a Rabbit

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What age do rabbits live to?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The life expectancy for pet rabbits kept under ideal conditions is 8 - 12 years. This is in contrast to wild rabbits that have to escape predators, disease, and hardship, where the average is just a few years.
  • Question
    How can you tell if a rabbit is a boy or a girl?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    To identify a rabbit's gender, look between their back legs. A male rabbit has two long testicles on either side of the belly, just below the surface. A female rabbit lacks testicles and has a slit-like vulva. However, be aware the differences can be tricky to spot, so if in doubt, get a vet to check.
  • Question
    How long does a bunny have to stay with the mother?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Six weeks is considered the ideal length of time for a baby bunny to stay with their mother. In some circumstances, a youngster can be early weaned and leave at 4 weeks, but 6 is preferred.
  • Question
    How old is my rabbit in human years?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    There is no accurate formula for converting rabbit to human years. But a rough rule of thumb is to count one rabbit year as equivalent to ten human years.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article