Most rabbits have an average life span of 7 to 12 years. They are exceptionally clean animals that can easily be house trained, require little grooming and can become affectionate companions.
The domestic rabbit is a descendant of the wild European rabbit. Rabbits were introduced to Britain by the Romans who kept them in order to harvest their meat and fur. The earliest known records of rabbits in Britain occurred during the 12th Century. They were first described as conies, after the second part of their scientific name (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Rabbits are very adaptable and have become so successful in some areas that they are considered to be a pest.
A domestic rabbit can live up to 12 years. The Guinness record for the oldest rabbit is held by a 14-year old Netherlands dwarf rabbit. Their average lifespan is 6-8 years though with proper care and attention they can live much longer. Rabbits kept outdoors in backyard hutches have a much lower age-average. This is because merely the sight or scent of a predator can make the rabbit panic and either injure herself or even die of shock.
There are a few basic rules to follow to ensure that your rabbit has a long and healthy life. It is most important that its diet is right. Substituting grass for the more common (and convenient) pet shop mix is advisable as it will ensure that your rabbit has no dental problems (the single largest killer of domesticated rabbits). Make sure that your rabbit has his vaccinations and annual booster on time. Myxomatosis is still a very real problem and should not be ignored. Neutering is very beneficial to female rabbits as it prevents Uterine and ovarian cancer (1 in every3 female rabbits suffer from either of the two). Make sure that your rabbit has plenty of space but make sure that you also protect it from predators. Finally make sure that your rabbit is taken for regular check-ups.
My rabbit is called lucyfer and is around 10 1/2 years old and I have had her since she was a kitten. I am now 13 and I am very upset as my rabbit is not well and has a patch of fur missing and a wet patch around her left eye does anyone know what is wrong with her and how can I help her? Because I want her to hopefully last for an extra few years.
They can live longer if cared for and live inside. They will live as long as 6-10 years. If they live out side and arent cared for well then they will live 4-7 years
Like most have said here; with a good diet, a clean home and some quality attention/affection they can live beyond 10 years. We currently have a small part angora rabbit that is 12 years old. While she is a bit unsteady on her feet she is attentive, affectionate, excitable and expressive. She also continues to have a very good appetite (a variety of fresh greens and hay twice daily). The only negatives is that she has given up the litter box so we use towels in her cage (2 twice daily). She does not like to go outside the cage except to be held and groomed, which she really loves. She does have some difficutly getting back to her feet after laying on her side. In fact she now avoids laying on her side and instead perchers herself up next to her hay box. As long as she seems to be happy we will avoid the tough decisions but will do so when the time comes. In the meantime we enjoy our smallest member of our family.
My rabbit is black and strangly Enough that when we inherited it, it's first owner had Ginger hair; she was very ill and suffers from cancer so a few weeks after she died, our rabbit started going Ginger, especially around the back and on his cheeks..... He is very different to any other rabbit, he sleeps indoors and is a dwarf rabbit, were not certain of his age but he must be about 7-9 years old. His very odd, and although chocolate isn't good for animals,mm Y rabbit goes mad for it!!! And he also loves malted milks (buiscuites) LOL.x well let's hope he lasts a few more years, no Signs of lose yet! Love you rockii.....xxxx. 24/01/10
Rabbits can live for up to 12 years (depending on how well looked after they are - it doesnt make a difference if they live indoors or outside if they are well looked after). However in the wild rabbits usually only last about a year.
Larger rabbits tend to live a much shorter life and smaller dwarf rabbits live a much longer life. The oldest bunny lived to be 18! Generally rabbits live from 8-12 years unless they get cancer or some other wierd disease.
My rabbit, Pyon-kichi (lit. "lucky hop" in Japanese) just passed away this morning. He was a little over 12 and a half years old, as healthy as ever to his very last day. Best pet I've ever had.
Most of the rabbits live in burrows and holes in the ground. In fact rabbits are capable of making extensive burrow systems. Thus the extensive burrows are also known as warrens. Burrows can be temporary or permanent. Warrens are permanent burrows. There are non-burrowing rabbits also and some of them are cottontail rabbits and hispid rabbits. Such rabbits live in nests known as forms and these nests are generally made in dense and thick forests with protective covering so that the nests are not easily seen. Camouflage from predators and other enemies is also a reason for the building nests under protective coverings. Rabbits are found in large numbers in fields, parks and gardens. They also live in groups in valleys. Rabbits are reared as pets and also for their meat which is said to be very tasty. Most rabbits have an average life span of 7 to 12 years. They are exceptionally clean animals that can easily be house trained, require little grooming and can become affectionate companions. The domestic rabbit is a descendant of the wild European rabbit. Rabbits were introduced to Britain by the Romans who kept them in order to harvest their meat and fur. The earliest known records of rabbits in Britain occurred during the 12th Century. They were first described as conies, after the second part of their scientific name (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Rabbits are very adaptable and have become so successful in some areas that they are considered to be a pest.
