Rabbits are relatively small animals, so you might be wondering how big they can actually get. If you’re considering getting a rabbit as a pet, it’s important to know how big they’ll grow so that you can provide them with the appropriate housing and care. So, when do rabbits stop growing?
Depending on the breed, rabbits generally stop growing anywhere from 4 to 10 months old. However, they may continue to fill out and add weight until they are around 1 year old. Some larger breeds of rabbits may even keep growing until they are 18 months old!
If you’re wondering how big your rabbit will get, the best thing to do is research the average size of the breed. This way, you’ll have a good idea of what to expect and can prepare accordingly.
In this article, we’ll discuss how big some of the most popular rabbit breeds get, so keep reading to learn more!
When Do Rabbits Stop Growing
Rabbits grow rapidly during their early life stages, going from tiny newborns to full-grown adults in just a few months.
However, the rate at which they grow varies depending on the breed of rabbit. Smaller breeds tend to mature faster than larger breeds.
During the first few weeks of life, baby rabbits (called “kits”) grow rapidly, gaining up to 3 ounces (85 grams) a week! By the time they are 6 weeks old, they usually weigh between 2 and 4 pounds (900 to 1800 grams).
At this point, their growth starts to slow down, and they may only gain 1/2 to 1 ounce (14 to 28 grams) a week. Full-grown rabbits usually weigh between 4 and 8 pounds (1800 to 3600 grams).
How Can You Tell How Big Your Bunny Will Get
Like most animals, a rabbit’s adult size is determined by its genes. If you know the parents’ sizes, you can get a good idea of how big your bunny will be as an adult.
For example, if both parents are small breeds (under 4 pounds), then their offspring are likely to be small as well.
On the other hand, if one or both parents are large breeds (over 8 pounds), then their offspring are likely to be larger.
If you don’t know the parents’ sizes, you can still make a good estimation by looking at your bunny’s breed. Each breed has an average adult size that can give you a rough idea of how big your bunny will be.
Knowing your bunny’s adult size can be helpful in many situations. For example, if you are looking for a housing option for your bunny, you will want to make sure that it is big enough for them to comfortably move around in as an adult.
If your bunny is still growing, you may need to adjust its diet as they grow. For example, young rabbits have different nutritional needs than adults, so you will need to make sure that their diet is appropriate for their stage of life.
In addition, you’ll want to ensure they are not getting too fat or too thin. An overweight rabbit is more likely to suffer from health problems, such as heart disease, arthritis, and respiratory problems.
What Age Are Rabbits Fully Grown
In general, rabbits will stop growing once they reach sexual maturity, which is around 4 to 10 months old for most breeds. However, some larger breeds may continue to grow until they are 12 to 18 months old.
To tell if your rabbit is still growing, you can look at its head and eye size. Young rabbits have much smaller heads and eyes in proportion to their body size than adult rabbits do.
You can also feel your rabbit’s bones to see if they are still growing. Young rabbits have softer, more pliable bones than adults do. If you can feel your rabbit’s bones easily, then they are probably still growing.
Rabbit Growth Chart
The following chart shows the approximate weight and when rabbits of different breeds usually stop growing.
| Breed | Approximate Weight | Age When Fully Grown |
| Mini Rex | 3 – 4.5 pounds | 6 – 7 months |
| Holland Lop | 2.75 – 4 pounds | 6 – 7 months |
| Netherland Dwarf | 1 – 2.5 pounds | 4 – 5 months |
| Lionhead | 2 – 3 pounds | 6 – 12 months |
| Continental Giant | 15+ pounds | 12+ months |
| Flemish Giant | 15+ pounds | 18 months |
| English Spot | 5 – 8 pounds | 10 – 12 months |
| French Lop | 10 – 12 pounds | 12+ months |
| English Angora | 5 – 8 pounds | 6 – 8 months |
As you can see, there is a lot of variation in how big rabbits can get, depending on their breed. And even within a breed, there can be some individual variation in size. However, in general, rabbits will reach their full adult size by around 6 to 12 months of age.
If you are concerned about your rabbit’s growth or development, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian who is familiar with rabbits.
They can help you determine if your rabbit is on track for its breed and offer advice on how to best support its growth and development.
Factors That Can Affect a Rabbit’s Growth
There are several main factors that can affect a rabbit’s growth, including:
Diet
For rabbits, a balanced diet is essential for proper growth and development. Fresh vegetables and hay should make up the majority of their diet, with a small number of pellets and fresh fruit as well.
They also have a very sensitive digestive system, so a diet that is too high in sugar or fat can lead to obesity, while a diet that is too low in fiber can cause gastrointestinal problems. Pumpkin is a great source of fibers and minerals for your rabbits and some other green vegetables.
Environment
A rabbit’s growth can also be affected by its environment, including the amount of space it has to move around, the temperature and humidity of its enclosure, and whether or not it has access to fresh air and sunlight.
Illness
For example, if a rabbit has an infection, it may not have the energy or appetite to eat enough to support its growth. It is best to know on how many times should your pet rabbit eat in a day. Or, if a rabbit has dental problems, it may not be able to chew its food properly.
Genetics
Dwarf rabbits are naturally smaller than other breeds and will not grow to be as large, no matter how well they are cared for.
Gender
Female rabbits tend to be larger than males of the same breed.
Wrap Up
When do rabbits stop growing? Rabbits reach full size anywhere from 6 to 12 months old. Some giant breeds may take up to 18 months to reach their full adult size.
And How big do rabbits get? The average Rabbit weighs between 4 and 8 pounds, with the largest breeds reaching as much as 15 pounds or more.
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!
