How to Tell the Age of a Bunny

Determining the exact age of a rabbit is nearly impossible unless you have had the rabbit since birth. Rabbit rescue organizations, foster families and second owners generally have a hard time figuring out if their rabbit is two or ten. Even veterinary professionals have a difficult time, and often guess at the age of the rabbit, placing it in a category of young, adult, or old. Guessing the age range of a rabbit is done best by observation.

Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with the breed of rabbit you are trying to age. Different breeds grow to different sizes and weights, mature at different rates, and have varying life spans. Once you know how your specific rabbit ages, you will be able to make a more well-informed guess about its age.

    • 2

      Weigh the rabbit consistently over a period of two weeks. If the rabbit has gained two pounds or more within this time, it is probably still growing and is under one year old.

    • 3

      Observe the behavior of your rabbit. Look for signs of playfulness, energy level, and ease of movement. This can help you determine what age group your rabbit may fall into. Younger rabbits will move around quite a bit in their hutches. Younger rabbits are also emphatic chewers. If your rabbit does not move as much, but is still able to move quite well, it is probably between three and eight years old. Lethargy, sleeping for long periods, and slowed movement often indicate that the rabbit is over eight years old.

    • 4

      Examine the shape of the rabbit. If it is round in shape and its spine feels softer, then it is probably under three years of age. If its body is more angular and its spine feels sturdier, it is probably over three.

    • 5

      Examine the rabbit's teeth for signs of tartar build-up and decay. These types of teeth conditions will generally only be present in rabbits over three years of age, and will become more advanced in rabbits over five.

    • 6

      Take your rabbit to the veterinarian to have it spayed or neutered. Veterinarians may be able to help you determine the age range of your rabbit by the condition and size of the reproductive organs.