How long do rabbits live?

Rabbits have one of the shortest mammal lifespans. However, this is dependent on several factors such as breed, exposure, as well as other environmental factors. On average, the life expectancy of rabbits will between 1 and 12 years.

Index
  1. Rabbits lifespan
    1. How long do rabbits live in the wild?
    2. How long do rabbits live in captivity?
  2. Where do rabbits live?
  3. What do rabbits eat?
  4. How much do rabbits measure?
  5. How much do rabbits weigh?
  6. Curiosities and facts about rabbits
  7. How to care for domestic rabbits?

Rabbits lifespan

How long do rabbits live in the wild?

In the wild, rabbits will have an average life expectancy of 1 -2 years. This is because they are not taken care of and that they are exposed to predators. Other factors include diseases, harsh weather, and lack of food.

How long do rabbits live in captivity?

In captivity, rabbits will live longer as opposed to those in the wild, with a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. These animals can live up to 18 years. This is also dependent on how well individuals take care for their pet rabbits.

It is good to know that rabbits that are kept as pets and live indoors have a greater life expectancy compared to those kept outdoors in the yard in a cage.

Another interesting fact is that the weight and overall size of the rabbit affect their life expectancy too. In most cases, bigger rabbits live shorter. That’s why it is a better idea to opt for a small rabbit if you want to have fun with it for a long period of time.

Of course, the life of a rabbit can’t be linked just to their size and weight. There are situations where people buy and adopt smaller breeds of rabbits, but they fail to reach 15 or more years of life. The reason is simple: rabbit owners didn’t take proper care of their pets.

In other words, the care you provide directly affects their life expectancy and their happiness. Rabbit owners must be sure that their rabbits have a balanced, healthy diet, good veterinary care and that they live in an ideal environment.

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Where do rabbits live?

Originally, rabbits were habitats of the European and African continents. Currently, they are spread out with very few regions that do not have rabbits.

How long do rabbits live?

Wild rabbits create their own homes, tunneling into the ground. They are found in woods, forests, grasslands, wetlands, as well as desserts.

What do rabbits eat?

Depending on where the rabbit lives, the food variety may vary. However, generally, rabbits eat dark, leafy, and fibrous greens. Home residing rabbits can have supplements and commercial food. Bottom line is that rabbits are herbivorous animals.

How much do rabbits measure?

Depending on the breed of the rabbit, the measurements will differ. However, you will find rabbits as little as 8-inches in length with others growing up to 20-inches.

How much do rabbits weigh?

A healthy rabbit will weigh between 2 and 11 pounds. Factors that will contribute to the weight factor include the breed. For example, the Eastern cottontail rabbit breed will weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. On the other hand, the Flemish giant can weigh up to 13 pounds.

Curiosities and facts about rabbits

  • While rabbits look the same with a slight difference in size and fur color, there are more than 50 rabbit species.
  • Rabbits are very popular pet animals too. There are statistics that show that rabbits are the third most popular pet in certain countries and regions right after dogs and cats.
  • Rabbits breed 3 to 4 times a year and according to the Animal Diversity Web, only about 15% of their babies make it through the first year.
  • It only takes 2 to 3 months for a kitten rabbit to be able to start a family of its own.
  • According to the Guinness World Records, the longest rabbit is a Flemish giant that is 4 feet 3-inches and it weighed 49 pounds.
  • According to the Guinness World Records, the oldest rabbit lived to its 18th birthday.
  • Rabbits make for a delicious meal in many parts of the globe. The larger species with a lot of fur produce thread and yarn.
  • Though they are mammals, their eyes have the ability to rotate 360 degrees. This is a safety mechanism allowing them to look everywhere without turning their heads.

How to care for domestic rabbits?

The vast majority of people believe that rabbits must take food in the form of pellets. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with this practice, it is important to understand that their basic diet should include around 90% of hay with high quality.

Rabbits lifespan

The digestive system of rabbits is sophisticated and sensitive and must be working all the time. If they consume proper amounts of hay, their digestive tract will remain active and healthy. Of course, you should not make your pet obese or overweight.

In addition, pellets should be given to rabbits every now and then or between 5 and 10% of their diet. In case they consume hay and pellets, they will get all the necessary nutrients and live longer.

Furthermore, by getting your pet rabbit to the vet on a regular basis, you will get a confirmation that your rabbit is healthy and happy. Before you choose a vet, make sure that they have knowledge in rabbits because these animals are specific.

Finally, it is a good idea to create a good environment for your rabbit inside your home. Rabbits that live in the house live longer and this is especially true when they are kept in a stress-free environment and when they are encouraged to exercise regularly.

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