Growth Stages of Rabbits

The European common rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, is native to S Europe and Africa, but is now found, in its domestic varieties, throughout the world; wild varieties have also been introduced in some places, such as England. All domestic rabbits, including the so-called Belgian hare, belong to this species. Wild common rabbits are up to 16 in. (41 cm) long and usually weigh 2 to 3 lb (0.9–1.4 kg). They have soft, thick fur, usually grayish brown above and white below. The tail is usually carried upright when the animal runs, exposing the white undersurface. Common rabbits live in elaborate systems of adjoining burrows called warrens. The young are suckled in a special burrow, dug by the mother at a distance from the warren and lined with a nest of her own fur. The entrance to this burrow is plugged with earth when she is away. Domestic rabbits, which may be various colors but are commonly white, are bred for food and for their fur, which is much used in making fur trim and felt. They are also frequently used as laboratory animals and are kept as pets.

Rabbits live an average of 6 years. However, with good care a life span of 10 years is not unusual, which makes owning a rabbit a long-term commitment. Rabbits are quiet and inexpensive to house and maintain. Rabbits grow very quickly and will be fully grown by 6-8 months of age. Each unaltered rabbit should be housed seperately. Most do not get along well once they reach sexual maturity.

Newborns

Domestic rabbits are born deaf, blind and without hair. The mother rabbit builds a comfortable nest lined with hair she pulls from her own body to keep her babies warm. A few days after birth the fur starts to come in and thicken. and they begin to squirm around in the nest. Baby rabbits nurse for only a few minutes a day so don't be alarmed if you don't witness babies nursing.

Two to three weeks

Eyes start opening by day 14 and babies start exploring their world outside the nest. They start nibbling grass hay and sometimes even mom's pellets but still rely on mothers milk for a majority of their nutrition. Babies at this age spend a lot of time perfecting their balance and hopping skills.

5 Cute baby rabbits from Kerry's Garden

Four to six weeks

Babies spend most of their time out of the nest box. Their eating solid foods and drinking water. Babies still try nursing on mother if she will let them. Weaning can begin at six weeks of age for some of the smaller breeds.

Maturity

Rabbits reach maturity somewhere between 6 and 10 months of age depending on the breed. Smaller breeds mature quicker than larger.

How big will your new bunny be when full grown?

Netherland Dwarf	2 1/2 lbs.	Mini Lop	6 1/2 lbs.
Jersey Wooly	3 1/2 lbs.	Rex	9 lbs.
Holland Lop	4 lbs.	Palomino	10 lbs.
Mini-Rex	4 1/2 lbs.	Satin	11 lbs.
Dutch	5 1/2 lbs.	New Zealand	11 lbs.
Havana	5 1/2 lbs.	French Lop	12 lbs.
Florida White	6 lbs.	Flemish Giant	13+ lbs.

A young bunny should not be sold at less than 6 weeks of age, 8 weeks is prefered. A bunny should not be given any fresh vegetables like carrots or apples until he is 6 months old, and then use only as a treat once or twice a week. Never give a rabbit, of any age, iceberg lettuce!!! It is too watery and may cause diarrhea. You shouldn't over feed your rabbit. An adult rabbit should be fed the following amounts of pellets per day:

Dwarfs	1/2 cup
Mini-lops	3/4 cup
Larger rabbits (7-11 lbs.)	1 cup
Flemish Giant	1 1/2 cups

Bunnies under 6 months old are growing rapidly, it is not necessary to give them less food just because they are smaller. However, don't keep feeding your bunny just because his bowl is empty (unless it got knocked over). He will keep eating as long as there is food there. And always keep plenty of fresh water available. In the winter you may have to replace frozen water twice a day.

Click here To see more pictures of baby rabbits

Nicky and Natalie's New born baby rabbits

Sasha Rae Story Adventure