How Long Do Pet Rabbits Live?
Rabbits are among the easiest animals to love as pets. These lovable, as well as social animals, become wonderful companions for many years if you take the time to be knowledgeable about their needs. One of the factors that you will want to consider before getting a pet rabbit is their lifespan. Rabbits can live many years. So, how long do pet rabbits live? Answers to this question vary depending on a number of factors. I will find out the factors that affect how long do pet rabbits live below.
Factors Affecting Rabbit Lifespan
Care and Attention
How long your rabbit lives will be dependent on the nature and amount of care your pet bunny will receive during its life, breed, and its living environment. Generally, pet bunnies that have been well cared for live longer years than a rabbit that has not been well cared for. If you have pet rabbit read my another article by click the link where I broadly discussed about how to care a pet rabbit.
Your pet rabbit’s lifespan will be determined by the care and attention you give it while it is under your care. For instance, a well-cared-for bunny that has been kept indoors and one that has been neutered or spayed can live for many years, ranging from 8 to 12 years. What is more, a domesticated rabbit can even live to see its teenage years in some instances. It is not impossible for this to happen. In fact, the oldest bunny documented lived for an amazing 18 years.
Size
Besides the care and attention given to your bunny while under your care, there are several other factors that affect its lifespan.
The size of a rabbit plays an important role in determining a bunny’s lifespan. Specifically, smaller rabbits are known to live longer than larger rabbits. This means that if your rabbit is a dwarf, you can expect it to live for more years than a large pet bunny.
Living Environment
Whether or not your rabbit lives indoors or outdoors, a rabbit that lives indoors tends to have a higher lifespan than one that stays outdoors because it is naturally protected while indoors. Those that stay outdoors are more vulnerable to harsh weather conditions, bacterial infections, predators, and even diseases that can cause the premature death of the bunny.
Breed
The breed of your pet rabbit tends to have an influence on its lifespan. Bunnies that are mixed breeds tend to have a longer lifespan than those from pure breeds. So if you can get one from mixed breeds, the longer you are likely to stay with your lovely companion. Additionally, if you want to add to its lifespan, you may want to consider neutering and spaying it, especially when it is a female rabbit. Female bunnies are especially prone to contracting cancer if they are not spayed.
Diet
Remember to observe a balanced diet when feeding your pet rabbit. Their digestive systems are complex and therefore it is important for them to get a proper diet. Most of the health problems for pet rabbits are usually caused by foods incompatible with their digestive system. Ensure that your pet’s diet contains hay, vegetables, fruits, and treats as well as a constant supply of fresh water. You can read my other articles where I talk about what should rabbit diet and which food harmful for your bunny.
Impact of Care on Lifespan
You can have an impact on how long your rabbit lives. By observing the key factors of the living environment and diet, you can help prolong the lifespan of your rabbit. If you are choosing a rabbit breed, you may want to consider adopting a mixed breed bunny and not paying more for a pure breed rabbit that may have a shorter lifespan. By taking good care of your rabbit and keeping him indoors, you can expect your rabbit to live 10 years or more. Know more about how to help your rabbit live longer by click the link.
Lifespans for Different Breeds
Wondering how long your particular breed of rabbit is expected to live? Here are the average years for many breeds:
1. Holland Lop: 7 to 12 years. If you want to know more about Holland Lop, you can read my another article about Holland Lop here.
2. Lionhead: 7 to 10 years
3. Dutch: 5 to 8 years
4. American Sable: 5 to 8 years
5. Britannia: 5 to 8 years
6. Giant Angora: 7 to 12 years
7. Flemish Giant: 5 to 7 years
8. Checkered Giant: 5 to 8 years
9. Mini Lop: 7 to 14 years
10. Polish: 5 to 6 years
11. Rex: 5 to 6 years
12. Angora: 7 to 12 years
13. Californian: 5 to 10 years
14. Lop: 8 to 12 years
15. Netherland Dwarf: 10 to 12 years
That’s all for today about how long do pet rabbits live. If you own a rabbit, please leave a comment with how old your pet rabbit is or how long your pet rabbit lived.