Rabbit Age Calculator

Convert rabbit years to human years and understand their life stages

Rabbit Size

Rabbit's Age (in years)

Understanding Rabbit Ages

Rabbits are lagomorphs (not rodents) with lifespans varying by breed size. Small dwarf breeds typically live 7-9 years, medium breeds 8-12 years, and large breeds can live 8-14 years with proper care. Rabbits mature very quickly in their first year, reaching sexual maturity at 3-6 months depending on breed. The first year of a rabbit's life represents significant development equivalent to about 20 human years. After this, rabbits age approximately 6 human years for each rabbit year. Domestic rabbits generally live much longer than wild rabbits, which face predation and harsh conditions.

Rabbit Life Stages

Kit (0-6 months): Rapid growth and development, weaning around 4-6 weeks, learning social behaviors and litterbox habits
Juvenile (6-12 months): Sexual maturity reached, high energy levels, developing adult characteristics and personality, optimal spay/neuter age
Young Adult (1-3 years): Peak physical condition, full of energy and curiosity, prime health with proper care, established temperament
Adult (3-5 years): Stable personality and activity level, matured behavior, lower energy than youth but still active and playful
Senior (5-7 years): Beginning to slow down, may show subtle signs of aging, possible onset of age-related health issues like arthritis
Elderly (7+ years): Requires special care and monitoring, reduced activity level, increased veterinary attention needed for common senior conditions

Popular Rabbit Breeds and Lifespans

Netherland Dwarf

• Average lifespan: 10-12 years
• Weight: 1.5-2.5 lbs (0.7-1.1 kg)
• Size: Small
• Compact body, short ears

Holland Lop

• Average lifespan: 7-12 years
• Weight: 2-4 lbs (0.9-1.8 kg)
• Size: Small
• Floppy ears, compact body

Mini Rex

• Average lifespan: 7-10 years
• Weight: 3-4.5 lbs (1.4-2 kg)
• Size: Small-Medium
• Velvety fur, gentle nature

Lionhead

• Average lifespan: 7-10 years
• Weight: 2.5-3.75 lbs (1.1-1.7 kg)
• Size: Small
• Distinctive mane, playful

New Zealand

• Average lifespan: 5-8 years
• Weight: 9-12 lbs (4-5.4 kg)
• Size: Large
• Commercial breed, calm

Flemish Giant

• Average lifespan: 5-8 years
• Weight: 15-20+ lbs (6.8-9+ kg)
• Size: Giant
• Largest breed, gentle giants

Rabbit Health and Care

Rabbits are herbivorous lagomorphs requiring specialized care to thrive. They are highly social animals that bond strongly with companions and owners. Rabbits have unique digestive systems requiring constant fiber intake and practice cecotrophy (eating special nutritious fecal pellets). Their teeth grow continuously throughout life, making proper diet critical for dental health. Indoor housing is strongly recommended for safety and longevity. Spaying/neutering is essential for health, behavior, and preventing reproductive cancers.

Essential Rabbit Care Requirements:

Provide spacious housing with minimum 12 sq ft of living space, plus daily exercise time in larger area
Offer unlimited grass hay (timothy, orchard, meadow) for digestive health and dental wear (80-90% of diet)
Feed limited high-quality pellets (1/4 cup per 5 lbs body weight daily)
Provide fresh leafy greens daily (2 cups per 6 lbs body weight - romaine, cilantro, parsley, kale)
Ensure constant access to fresh, clean water in bowl or bottle
Keep rabbits in pairs or groups as they are social and become lonely alone (spay/neuter required)
Maintain proper temperature (60-70°F ideal) as rabbits are sensitive to heat and cannot vomit
Provide safe chew toys and hideaways for enrichment and dental health
Schedule annual veterinary exams with rabbit-savvy exotic vet
Spay/neuter between 4-6 months to prevent aggression, marking, and reproductive cancers
Bunny-proof living areas by protecting electrical cords and removing toxic plants
Never bathe rabbits unless medically necessary as it causes extreme stress
Groom regularly, especially during molting seasons to prevent wool block
Monitor for signs of GI stasis (停止eating/pooping) - medical emergency requiring immediate vet care

Common Rabbit Health Considerations

GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis)

Life-threatening condition where digestive system slows or stops. Signs include no appetite, no fecal pellets, lethargy, hunched posture. Requires immediate emergency veterinary care. Prevention through proper diet with unlimited hay is critical.

Dental Disease (Malocclusion)

Rabbit teeth grow continuously. Without proper hay consumption, teeth overgrow causing painful spurs, abscesses, inability to eat. Signs include drooling, decreased appetite, weight loss. Requires regular vet dental checks and unlimited hay access.

Uterine Cancer (Intact Females)

Unspayed female rabbits have 50-80% risk of uterine cancer by age 5. Signs include blood in urine, lethargy, abdominal masses. Prevention through spaying by age 2 is strongly recommended by veterinarians.

E. cuniculi (Encephalitozoon cuniculi)

Parasitic infection affecting nervous system and kidneys. Can cause head tilt, loss of balance, seizures, weakness, urinary issues. Many rabbits carry it asymptomatically. Treatment available but may not fully resolve neurological symptoms.

References

The lifespan and care data used in this calculator are based on scientific research from reputable sources:

Note: This calculator provides estimates based on average rabbit lifespans by breed size. Individual rabbit lifespans vary due to genetics, breed, diet, housing conditions, spay/neuter status, healthcare, and overall quality of care. Smaller breeds typically live longer than giant breeds. These estimates assume optimal indoor care with proper diet, veterinary attention, and enrichment. Rabbits require specialized veterinary care from rabbit-savvy exotic animal vets. Consult with your veterinarian for specific health and age-related guidance.