Rabbits have various breeds and kinds. Like people, each race of bunny has a different color, shape, size, and individual differences. However, they all have almost the same life expectancy.
There was a time when people thought of rabbits as temporary pets due to the myth of rabbits not living too long. It is not the case now. Rabbits can live long with proper food, living space, and safety.
It is essential to know what growth stages the rabbit will go through and when it turns an adult, as you will be living with your pet for an extended period. So, when is a rabbit considered an adult?
Rabbits reach adulthood after nine months of age. Depending on the breed, an average rabbit reaches full maturity at five years. If you take good care of your rabbit, it can live for ten to twelve years.
Bunnies are excellent pets; they do not make noise and love to hang in your lap for some cuddles. Caring for a rabbit is easier than it might seem. All these tiny cute animals need is adequate food, love, and attention. As rabbits live long lives, you must know what they need at every stage to keep them happy and healthy. Keep on reading to learn more about your rabbit’s aging process.
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A Rabbit’s Stages of Adulthood
People go through many stages of maturity in their lives. The environment plays an essential role in a human being’s growth. Some people mature before the time due to hardships, while others are pampered even in later years.
Rabbits are simpler creatures. They do not experience the same type of stress as humans. The most stress a bunny feels is when it is sick or afraid. Even though rabbits are pretty different from humans, they go through similar adulthood stages.
Here are the stages your rabbit goes through once it reaches the adulthood phase:
Young Adulthood
Your precious rabbit enters young adulthood after it grows out of its teenage phase. This stage lasts from 1-3 years. During this stage, bunnies are hyperactive and love to stay on their paws.
You will notice an increase in your rabbit’s physical activity and alertness. It will seem like your rabbit never gets tired. Your precious bunny will require loads of food and water during this stage, as it will need a lot of energy for all the hopping and zooming around.
Middle Age
After three years, your rabbit will start calming down. This transition to a less hyperactive life will last about 3-5 years.
The best part about this stage of a rabbit’s adulthood is the increased love for their pet owner. As your special bunny moves to middle age, it will have a strong sense of trust and affection for you.
Late Middle Age
This stage lasts about 5-7 years. Your rabbit will start showing signs of getting old by this stage. Apart from a decrease in your precious furry friend’s physical activity, you will also notice a decline in your rabbit’s grooming.
Your bunny will have dirty fur more often than before as it will not be energetic enough to keep itself clean. If your rabbit becomes too lazy and dirty, it is best to contact your vet.
Old Age
Your rabbit reaches the extent of old age at the age of 7. Your bunny will be calmer by this age and will love to hang out with you. Older bunnies become comfortable around people and enjoy their company.
Spend as much time as possible with your older bunnies. Give them loads of love and attention. With age, your rabbit will require frequent vet checkups to ensure it is healthy and happy.
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How To Care For Older Rabbits?
Rabbits are delicate animals that can easily harm themselves. They have weak bones and spines prone to breaking even with the slightest force. As your precious furry friend grow’s older, it will become weaker. As a pet owner, you must ensure your rabbit’s safety and happiness in the last few years.
Here are a few things you can do to keep your rabbit safe and happy till its very last breath:
A Safe Home
Domesticated rabbits are happiest when kept indoors, giving them a safe vibe. Bunnies need plenty of space to hop and zoom around. Ensure that the area you keep your rabbit in has enough space for movement. Furthermore, older rabbits love to spend time with their owners, keep your rabbit’s pen or cage in your living room.
Bunny Proofing
As your rabbit will live in your house, you must bunny-proof it to avoid accidents. Bunnies enjoy exploring every nook and cranny of their owner’s house.
As a pet owner, taking care of any exposed wires, switches, hiding places your rabbit can get lost, and anything that can fall on your bunny is best. Your pet’s safety is your job.
Unlimited Hay
A rabbit’s diet is vital in making its life happy and long. These fragile creatures need adequate minerals and vitamins in their daily diet.
With their sensitive digestive tracts, bunnies can only eat hay as an unlimited food with side dishes of moderate greens and fruits. Provide your precious bunny with the best quality hay constantly so it can eat it at leisure.
Freshwater
Rabbits need to stay hydrated to carry out their physical exertion during playtime. Bunnies do not need any other drinks to keep them entertained. It is best to provide a constant source of water to your rabbit to prevent dehydration.
Fruits and Veggies
Hay does not contain all the necessary nutrients your rabbit needs for a long and healthy life. You should mix a moderate amount of vegetables and fruits into your rabbit’s daily diet as treats.
Litter Box
Bunnies excrete digested food from their bodies through fecal pellets. People love to go to the toilet in comfortable and clean washrooms. Bunnies are the same. A clean litter box will help your bunny feel loved. Furthermore, your bunny will avoid its litter box if it is unclean and stinks, leading to health issues.
A Place To Hide
Bunnies love to play hide and seek. You can place a sturdy and large cardboard box for your rabbit. Your precious pet will love to chew the box and make holes for entrance and exit. Furthermore, it will give your bunny a sense of personal space and safety.
Grooming
Older rabbits have a hard time grooming themselves. They get weaker and lazier in carrying out the cleaning process. Due to this reason, you should intervene and ensure that your pet is clean.
Use a soft brush to groom your pet’s fur, and give it sponge baths when necessary. If your bunny becomes too unclean, take it to the vet and let the professionals handle it.
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How Can You Judge Your Rabbit’s Age?
Guessing your rabbit’s age is a challenging task. However, there are a few signs your rabbit is getting old:
- Your rabbit will sleep more than often.
- It will have a decline in its appetite.
- Your precious pet might look skinnier.
- It will be less exciting for your bunny to explore its environment.
- Your rabbit’s fur will be dull due to the lack of grooming.
- Your rabbit would hop stiffer than usual.
- It can develop hock calluses.
- Rabbit’s teeth are ever-growing. So, you can get a hint of your bunny’s age by observing its teeth.
No matter how many signs your think your rabbit is exhibiting, it is best to go to your vet when you think your rabbit has entered adulthood.
Adult rabbits require extra care than young ones. Frequent vet visits will be beneficial for your rabbit to maintain its health and increase its life span to the maximum.
Final Words
Adult rabbits are equal responsibility as young ones. Rabbits require utmost care at each stage of their lives. When raising a rabbit, you must prepare to give your all to your precious pet.
Give your aging bunny loads of hay, greens, and fruits to keep it healthy. Give your furry friend loads of love, attention, care, and playtime. Spend as much time with your little old guy as possible to ensure a happy ending to your rabbit’s long and healthy life.