Baby Rabbit Growing Slowly: Everything You Need to Know

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    Introduction: Baby Rabbit Growing Slowly: Everything You Need to Know

    Baby Rabbit Growing Slowly: Everything You Need to Know

    Pet rabbits grow as quickly as their cousins in the wild. Retarded growth is rare and mostly linked to poor diet, genetic disorders, and diseases.  

    This article gives comprehensive information on rabbit growth to help new or soon-to-be bunny parents. 

    After reading this post, you will know:

    • Average/normal rabbit growth timeline

    • Age at which various rabbit species become full grown

    • Factors and diseases that can affect growth in bunnies

    Rabbit Growth Timeline 

    The rate of growth or when a rabbit will stop growing depends on the breed, living environment, and diet. Based on average growth, herein is a quick synopsis of their normal body weight during various growth stages (Mini-Lop Breeds): 

    Age

    Body Weight (lbs)

    At Birth

    0.11-0.15

    1 Month

    0.55-1.0

    2 Months

    1.05-1.55

    3 Months

    1.55-2.05

    4 Months

    2.05-2.50

    5 Months

    2.50-2.80

    6 Months

    2.80-3.05

    7 Months

    3.05-3.25

    8 Months

    3.25-3.35

    9 Months

    3.35-3.50

    10 Months

    3.50+

    The weight of rabbits varies depending on the breed and environment. Flemish Giants (the largest domestic rabbit breed) are full-grown by the age of 18 months. At this age, their weight is around 15-22lbs. Most other breeds will attain the full-growth stage within 6-10 months. 

    Below is an overview of average growth in various pet rabbit species.  

    At What Age Does a Rabbit Becomes Full Grown

    Different rabbit breeds attain maturity depending on their specific genetic factors. Following is a list of the most popular domestic rabbit breeds and details about their growth during various phases of life. 

    #1. Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

    These species attain full growth by 5 months when their weight is around 1-3 pounds. The problem with adopting these bunnies is that they have small faces and are prone to develop overgrown teeth. 

    #2. Rex Rabbit

    There are two variations of rex rabbits- standard and miniature. Rex bunnies have long upright ears grabbing attention for their soft, thick, and shiny coats. Miniature rex rabbits stop growing after 7 months of age when they become 3-4 pounds. 

    The standard cousins will keep growing for 9 months to attain maturity. Their body weight upon maturity is 7-10 pounds. 

    #3. Flemish Giant Rabbit

    Known to be the largest of all rabbit breeds in the world, these bunnies take a longer time to attain adulthood. The breed has an extended growth period than all other species. Flemish giants stop growing after 18 months of age. At this age, their body weight will be around 15-22 pounds.

    #4. Holland Lop

    Holland lops are cute small bunnies with adorable floppy ears. They become fully mature within 7 months. The adult bunnies weigh around 3-4 pounds. 

    #5. Lionhead Rabbit

    Featuring lovely dense fur, lionheads are among the cutest domestic rabbit breeds. Lionheads become full-size by the age of 6 months. In adulthood, their body weight is just 3-4 pounds. However, they will keep gaining little weight during the next 6 months. 

    #6. Dutch Rabbit

    Boasting soft black and white fur, these bunny species do not grow large in adulthood. Dutch rabbits are fully grown in 7 months, gaining around 5-6 pounds of body weight. 

    #7. French Lop

    These long-eared bunnies are heavier than their Holland cousins. They take around 10 months to become adults and fully grown. The average weight of an adult French lop is 15 pounds. 

    #8. English Lop

    English Lops are beautiful buns with sleek, long drooping ears. These rabbits will stop growing after 10 months of age. The weight of an adult English Lop is around 11 pounds. 

    #9. Angora Rabbit

    English Angoras look larger than they actually are. Their bulky size is attributed to their fluffy coat. Their fur keeps growing for a lifetime. Apparently, they seem to be growing large with time. But these furry angels are fully grown by the age of 8 months. The average body weight of Angoras is around 8 pounds. 

    #10. Harlequin Rabbit

    These rabbits have lovely upright ears and versicolored coats. Adult Harlequin males with bucks weigh around 6.5-9 pounds, while their counterparts weigh 7-9.5 pounds. These species become fully grown by the age of 9 months. 

    #11. New Zealand Rabbit

    These species are found in beautiful hues in various regions. Their growth cycle stops when they become 10 months old. At this age, their weight is around 12 pounds. 

    #12. American Fuzzy Lop

    A fully mature American Fuzzy Lop weighs around 3.5-4 pounds. It takes 6-8 months to become an adult. 

    Factors Affecting Growth in Rabbits

    Various factors have been connected to rapid or slow growth in bunnies. 

    Genetic Mutation

    If an ancestor of the bunny has gone through a gene mutation, it can cause slow or fast growth in the animal. This also includes retarded growth in bunnies with genetic disorders. The impact persists even after many generations have passed away. 

    Poorly Weaned Rabbits are not Healthy

    Never adopt an unweaned baby rabbit. Newborn rabbits are bred with care under the supervision of expert breeders. These people are good at nurturing delicate babies during the early stages of life. 

    Your bunny should be fully weaned when you bring it home. A thoroughly weaned rabbit can eat independently (without any help). Some breeders do a fabulous job of socializing their animals. Socialized animals bond with humans quickly compared to others. 

    Diseases

    Often underlying health issues can slow down the growth process in pet rabbits. Monitoring your bun can help in identifying symptoms and behaviors. This should give an understanding of the condition. In most cases, it is recommended to visit the vet immediately.

    Common diseases affecting growth in rabbits are: 

    Enterotoxemia: This is a bacterial infection found in young rabbits aged 4-8 weeks. The bacteria develops and spreads in the stomach, causing diarrhea in the infected animal. You can identify the problem by watching the symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, fatigue, etc. 

    GI Stasis: This is a common health condition in rabbits that emerge due to bad eating habits. Bunnies eating foods low in fiber and high in starch content can experience bloating and severe gastrointestinal (gut) pain. Buns will usually stop eating food and have difficulty defecating. 

    Diet 

    Baby rabbits must eat alfalfa hay, which is a rich source of protein, fat, and fiber necessary for growth. Pellets are optional foods to provide the essential micronutrients assisting in development. Treats consisting of veggies and fruits can be given in small quantities (less than 2% of daily diet). 

    Most bunnies should have proper growth without any health complications if provided access to a healthy hay-based diet. 

    Please read our complete guide to rabbit diet for daily feeding instructions. 

    Size of the Rabbit Habitat

    Rabbits in the wild live in a burrow and roam about in bushy areas. There is fresh air and plenty of free space all around. Domestic animals also need adequate room to thrive well. 

    Don’t keep your rabbit confined in a small cage. The rabbit surroundings, including the bedding and litter pan, should be large enough to promote growth. Living in a spacious, peaceful, clean, and hygienic environment is favorable for healthy growth in indoor rabbits.  

    Access to Essential Commodities 

    It may be surprising to know that the growth in bunnies has been linked to their mental health. Healthy living environments and joyfulness aid in the proper growth of these small pets.

    Consider providing rabbit toys made of natural ingredients to keep them safe. Toys, tunnels, hideouts, and other accessories keep a pet rabbit engaged and free of boredom, stress, etc.  

    What to do if a House Rabbit is Growing Slowly

    It is fine if you have a pet rabbit of any other breed. It is best to visit a local vet clinic for a consultation to learn everything about the growth pattern. Regular health check-ups and weight measurements help to detect the problems early. 

    Rabbits showing a poor growth rate generally exhibit symptoms of illness. It is worth taking your bun for diagnosis. Never try home care measures to overcome the issue. There may be underlying health complications in your small pet. 

    Medical treatment and recommended care measures help faster recovery. Following these simple measures, you will lead a happy life with your little furry friend.

    Wrapping it up

    Most pet rabbits grow fast without any problems. Follow our growth chart to monitor your young rabbit. Your vet can also guide you through the same. 

    I hope you found this guide helpful. If your rabbit is not eating or is ill, rush to the vet immediately. Your bunny needs medical assistance.