Last Updated on February 25, 2023 by Marjon Ramos
Rabbits grow extremely fast. Depending on the breed, it can take up to 12 months for a rabbit to be considered fully grown.
Small rabbit breeds can be considered fully grown at 5–7 months. While larger breeds such as Flemish giants can take anywhere from 12–18 months to be considered fully grown.
When it comes to sexual maturity, depending on the breed, it can take anywhere from 4–7 months for a rabbit to reach sexual maturity. This can also be called the “teenage years of rabbits.”
Smaller rabbits would reach sexual maturity faster at around 4–5 months, while medium- and large-bred rabbits would usually reach it at 6–7 months.
Now that I’ve given you the gist of the article, read on as I explain the article in more detail:
Table of Contents
Rabbit growth timeline
Rabbits grow fast during their first few months. Here’s what happens to your rabbit as they age:
Young rabbits (birth to 12 months)
Baby Rabbits (birth to 3 months)
The first month is the most eventful when it comes to rabbits. Kits, or baby rabbits, are born with their ears and eyes closed and without any fur. At this stage (1-3 weeks), they are totally dependent on their mother to take care of them and warm them.
Does or mother rabbits would only feed their kits twice a day, quickly. So don’t be alarmed if it seems like the doe is not nursing her kits.
Just check the kits themselves by checking if their tummies are flat or round. Round, meaning the kits have been fed.
At around the first week, the kits would start to grow fur and their eyes and ears would soon follow, opening at around day 10-12.
Then, at around three weeks, the rabbits would start to nibble on some solid food and prepare to leave the nest.
Adolescence Rabbits (3 months–6 months)
At 3–6 months, rabbits can live on their own. This is the age where most rabbits get adopted.
You may also notice some behavioral changes during this time as they reach sexual maturity. Some behavioral changes could include spraying pee, being territorial, and aggressive behaviors.
That’s why it’s highly recommended that you get your rabbits neutered or spayed to prevent these unwanted behaviors. Neutering would also make it easier to litter train your rabbit.
Teenage Rabbits (6 months to 12 months)
For most breeds, depending on their size, the teenage years (6–12 months) are when they would be ready to reproduce. This is also the time when most rabbit owners will neuter or spay their rabbits.
Adult rabbit (1–5 years old)
At 12 months, most rabbit breeds would have already reached their maximum size. Some exceptions to this are giant breeds like the Flemish Giant, where it could take up to 18 months to reach adulthood.
During this time, you should consider changing your rabbit’s diet to lower calcium content to prevent renal disease. Talk to your veterinarian for proper advice regarding your rabbit’s diet.
Adult rabbits also require regular exercise to manage their weight. At least 4 hours of free running is recommended.
Senior rabbit (> 6 years old)
Senior rabbits are rabbits that are more than 6 years old. Depending on your rabbit’s condition during this time, you may also need some dietary changes. Talk to your veterinarian.
How long does it take for a wild rabbit to mature?
Wild rabbits’ maturity age would vary depending on their breed. Small breeds would typically reach their fully grown age at 4-5 months. While medium-sized breeds would reach their adult size at around 6-10 months.
It can take up to 18 months for larger wild rabbit breeds to reach their adult size.
Here’s a table which shows the different wild rabbit breeds and their sexual maturity age, as well as their fully grown age:
| Wild rabbit breeds | Sexual maturity age | Fully grown age |
|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbits | 2-3 months | 4 months |
| Jackrabbits | 7 months | 8 – 12 months |
| Snowshoe Hare | 1 year | 3 months |
| Arctic Hare, Alaskan Hare | 1 year | 1 year |
| Pygmy rabbits | 1 year | 4 – 5 months |
| European Rabbits | 4-6 months | 6 – 10 months |
| Cape Hare | 8 months | 8 months |
| Volcano Rabbit | 4 months | 8 months |
| South American Cottontail | 3 months | 3 months |
Do all rabbit breeds mature at the same rate?
No, rabbit breeds would mature depending on their size. Typically, smaller breeds will reach their maturity age faster, at around 4-5 months.
While medium-sized breeds would reach their maturity at 6-10 months. It can take up to 18 months for larger breeds like Flemish giants to reach their full size.
