How High Can Rabbits Jump?

  • By: Rob Jones
  • Date: November 25, 2022
  • Time to read: 5 min.
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Rabbits are known for their athletic abilities, and one of the things they’re most famous for is their jumping prowess. But just how high can rabbits jump?

It turns out that rabbits are capable of jumping quite high, especially considering their size. The average rabbit can jump two to three feet in the air! Some rabbits may even be able to reach heights of four feet.

Let’s find out more about how high rabbits can jump, and what factors influence their jumping abilities.

How High Can Rabbits Jump

Rabbits are able to jump so high because of their strong hind legs. Their back legs are much longer and stronger than their front legs, which gives them the power they need to make big leaps.

When a rabbit wants to jump, it first bends its back legs. Then, it uses its powerful hind legs to push off the ground and spring into the air.

They also have a shorter tail that acts as a counterbalance when they jump. It provides stability and keeps the rabbit’s body from toppling over as it leaves the ground. Find out how long rabbit tails are and how it can affect their jump

Of this combination of powerful muscles and a well-designed skeleton, rabbits are able to bind into the air and make some pretty big jumps.

The height a rabbit can jump is determined by a variety of factors, including the breed of rabbit, age, and health.

Most pet rabbits can jump up to about three feet in the air, and some wild rabbits can even jump higher than four feet.

The main reason why wild rabbits can jump higher than pet rabbits is that they are simply more bigger and powerful.

Why Do Rabbits Jump

Though it may seem like rabbits simply enjoy a good jump, there are actually several reasons why they engage in this behavior.

  • Avoid predators: In the wild, rabbits are often preyed upon by coyotes, foxes, and other animals. By jumping high into the air, they can get a better view of their surroundings and spot any potential danger.
  • Expressing excitement or happiness: Have you ever seen a rabbit jump for joy? When they are excited or happy, rabbits will sometimes express this emotion by jumping up and down.
  • Showing dominance: In social situations, rabbits will sometimes jump on top of other rabbits to assert their dominance. This behavior is most common among males who are competing for mating rights.

Jumping is just one of the many ways that rabbits communicate and interact with their environment. So the next time you see your rabbit jump, take a moment to think about what it might be trying to say.

How Far Can Rabbits Jump

In addition to being able to jump quite high, rabbits are also able to cover a lot of ground with each jump. The average pet rabbit can cover distances of up to 10 feet in a single bound.

Rabbits also have a unique way of landing which helps them absorb the impact of their jumps, preventing any serious injuries.

brown bunny

When a rabbit jumps, it tucks its legs close to its body and rotates its hind feet so they land pointing backward. This gives the rabbit a soft landing and prevents any strain on its legs or back.

This ability to cover a lot of ground with each jump is yet another adaptation that helps rabbits escape from predators.

By the time a predator has covered the same distance that the rabbit has, the rabbit is long gone and out of danger.

How High of a Fence Can a Rabbit Jump

The height of a fence that a rabbit can jump on depends on the size and strength of the rabbit. In general, most rabbits can jump over fences that are about two feet tall.

Some larger and more powerful rabbits, such as the Flemish Giant, can even jump over fences that are three or four feet tall.

If you have a pet rabbit that you are trying to keep contained, it is important to choose a fence that is tall enough to dissuade your rabbit from jumping over it.

You may also want to consider adding some type of barrier, such as chicken wire, along the top of the fence to make it even more difficult for your rabbit to escape.

However, make sure that the chicken wire (Amazon link) is not too sharp or it could injure your rabbit.

Can Rabbits Jump Into Raised Garden Beds

Rabbits can certainly jump high enough to get into a bed that’s several feet off the ground. They typically do this in order to eat the plants that are growing there.

If you have a raised garden bed, you will need to take some steps to keep rabbits out. One option is to build a fence around the perimeter of the bed. The fence should be tall at least two or three feet tall, and it should also extend several.

You can also use a wire mesh or hardware cloth to cover the top of the bed. This will prevent rabbits from being able to jump in, but it will also allow sunlight and rain to reach the plants.

Another option is to use a floating row cover (Amazon link). This is a type of fabric that drapes over the bed and extends to the ground on all sides.

The weight of the fabric will keep the cover in place, and it will also prevent rabbits from being able to jump in.

Finally, you can plant deterrent plants around the edge of your bed, such as lavender, sages, or columbine. The scent of these plants will help keep rabbits away.

How High Can Baby Rabbits Jump

Baby rabbits are not able to jump as high as adult rabbits. This is because they are not yet fully developed and their bones are not as strong.

In general, baby rabbits under three months old can only jump up to two foot high. As baby rabbits continue to grow and develop, they will gradually be able to jump higher and higher.

By the time they are fully grown within six to eight months, they will be able to jump just as high as an adult rabbit.

Baby rabbits need continuous access to foods that are high in protein and calcium in order to help them develop properly.

If you are raising baby rabbits, make sure to provide them with plenty of hay, fresh vegetables, and quality pellet food.

Rabbit eating grass

You should also make sure that their enclosure has plenty of space for them to run and jump around as they grow.

A small cage will quickly become too cramped for a growing rabbit, and this can lead to problems such as obesity and joint problems.

Wrap Up

How high can rabbits jump? Rabbits are able to jump quite high, up to two or three feet in the air thanks to their strong hind legs and long feet. This is an adaptation that helps them escape from predators.

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Rob is a long-time advocate of animal rights and despises any animal mistreatment. He has 4 pet rabbits and loves them all dearly. To treat rabbits properly is to care for them deeply!

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