Life is a flat circle – The life cycle of a rabbit part 3: Adulthood

My dear readers,

If you’ve been paying attention the last couple of weeks you will have, hopefully, been amazed at just how magical a rabbit’s life can be. Well, the best part is that we’re only halfway there! Read on to find out more about the life cycle of a rabbit, as this week we discuss rabbit adulthood.

 

What age is a rabbit an adult?

In our previous instalment of this series we discussed infancy in rabbits and at what age a rabbit is a ‘kit’ (baby rabbit). The answer is that a rabbit is considered a kit until the age of 6 months old, at which point the warren prepares itself for the ‘teenage stage’. By this point, both males and females will have reached sexual maturity, and their energy levels will be off the charts.

And I mean it, a sexually active young bunny is one of the most tireless creatures you will ever meet; read our first issue to find out how prolific rabbit breeding can be when they are bored and left to their own devices.

Procreation is only part of the story however. We’re here to talk about what else goes on in the life of a rabbit once they reach physical maturity.

photo courtesy of @mistythecutebunny

How long does a rabbit live for?

Let me answer that question with another question, how long is a piece of string?

An adult rabbit’s lifespan can depend on many factors like genetics, living situation and diet. As a general rule, however, you can expect a rabbit of good health to live between 8-12 years long. Pure bred rabbits will have a shorter life span that mixed breeds, and larger rabbit breeds will have a shorter lifespan that dwarf breeds.

It’s also important to remember that the life span of any creature, not just rabbits, are affected by genetics, lifestyle and diet, of which I will discuss more now:

1. Genetics

Genetic factors, the great, untamed dictator of all creatures! Whilst it can be a cruel or kind master, genetics can influence a rabbit's susceptibility to certain diseases and health conditions that can shorten its lifespan. For example, some rabbits may inherit genes that make them more prone to dental disease, respiratory infections, or other chronic illnesses. These conditions can reduce a rabbit's quality of life and ultimately contribute to a shorter lifespan.

The genetic diversity of a rabbit population can also affect its lifespan. Inbreeding, which occurs when closely related rabbits are bred together, can result in a reduced genetic diversity and an increased risk of inherited health problems. Conversely, a diverse gene pool can help to ensure that rabbits are less susceptible to genetic diseases and have a better chance of living a long and healthy life.

If you’re worried about getting a rabbit that is inbred, ad you should be, then a good thing to remember is that adoption is an easy choice to help a rabbit in need AND discourage unscrupulous rabbit breeders.

2. Environment

The environment in which a rabbit lives can also affect its lifespan. Providing a safe and comfortable living space that is free from stressors, such as loud noises and predators, can help to reduce the risk of health problems related to stress. Rabbits that live in dirty or cramped conditions are also at higher risk of developing health problems that can shorten their lifespan. Now you may be looking at your place and think you might not have the budget to make a kingdom for you bunnies but you can, and must, give them space and cleanliness.

Another thing to consider for your rabbit environment is the temperature and the humidity. High temperatures can cause heat stroke, while low temperatures can lead to hypothermia. Both of these conditions can be life-threatening, especially for young, elderly, or sick rabbits. Humidity can also affect a rabbit's health. High humidity can cause respiratory problems, while low humidity can lead to dry skin and coat. It is crucial to maintain a stable humidity level in a rabbit's living space to ensure their comfort and health.

3. Diet

I’ve said it so many times, haven’t I? Say it with me now… “a diet of Timothy hay is the best diet you can give to your rabbit”. Why? There’s a few reasons, and they are as follows:

1. Timothy hay is a good source of essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamin A. These nutrients are the key to maintaining healthy bones, skin, and fur in rabbits.
2. Promotes dental health: Timothy hay requires a lot of chewing, which helps to wear down a rabbit's teeth and prevent dental problems such as overgrown teeth.

• Low in calories: Timothy hay is low in calories and fat, making it an ideal food for rabbits who need to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a common problem in domestic rabbits and can lead to a range of health problems that can shorten their lifespan.

photo courtesy of @daveanddextaaa

As you can see, it speaks for itself. This is delectable dining at it’s finest as it helps to prolong a rabbit’s life whilst also being delicious. As far as super foods go it’s something even humans can be jealous about. 

 

How do adult rabbits interact with each other?

Rabbits are highly social creatures, so much so that it can affect our lifespan if we’re left alone. Gift of the gab, we’re all born with it, and we need someone around at all times to share. As adults, rabbits use a range of vocalizations, body language, and scents to communicate with each other. For example, a rabbit may thump its hind legs on the ground to warn others of danger or use various postures to indicate submission or dominance.

Bonding rituals are another crucial aspect of rabbit social life. When two rabbits meet for the first time, they may engage in a process called "bonding," which involves a series of interactions that help them establish a relationship. This can include grooming each other, playing, and snuggling. You can read more about bonding here.

photo courtesy of @ralphy_and_mo
Whilst we love to have other bunnies as company, we’re by no means fuddy. Once a rabbit has hit adulthood we can be very comfortable with humans or other animals, such as cats and dogs. However, it's important to note that not all rabbits will get along with each other or other animals. Proper introductions, monitoring, and patience are necessary to ensure a successful bond.

 

And there you have it, we’re all grown up now and ready to steal your heart. Next week come the final chapter of our life cycle series so stay tuned for that.