What is the average age that rabbit dies?

Answer 1

FWIW, I have a small Holland Lop male (house rabbit) who will soon be 11 years old. For the most part, he's been feed a very good diet consisting mostly of celery (his favorite), various types of lettuce (prefers red lettuce), carrots (baby), sunflower seeds (they have to be rationed carefully as they are very fattening), and hay (purchased specifically from a pet store). He also likes red clover, apple branches, and yogurt treats.

He has gotten into chocolate in the past (ate over half of my 1.5 pound Christmas present chocolate bar, before it was discovered. I don't recommend feeding a rabbit chocolate but the only obvious side effect at that particular time was a perpetual smile on his face ;-)

Concerns noted to date:

* torticollis: at about 3 or 4, he developed head tilt (torticollis) which almost killed him. Only with the help of a great vet whom I've never met, were we able to treat and finally bring him back to full health. However, I understand that the bacteria remains (will always remain and can be passed from parent to young) and possible stress or exposure to harsh environmental conditions may cause its return. We keep a supply of the antibiotic available and should we notice the symptoms, he is dosed regularly for several weeks until we're satisfied with the improvement. * teeth problems-1: within the first few years we learned that his front teeth must be monitored and clipped when needed. This is a painless procedure (like cutting our fingernails) but should be done very carefully. Refer to your vet for help and/or guidance. Ensuring that he chews wood, bark, and other hard-edible foods may help with the problem.

* teeth problems - 2: At about 8 or 9, he developed a series of problems which initially showed as teary eyes, drooling, lethargy, and a decrease in appetite. Obviously, his fur took on a shabby appearance and he lost weight. Only with the help of a very knowledgeable vet were we able to determine that his rear teeth (too deep down his throat to see without specialized equipment) had developed a 1/4" long spur which was cutting his tongue severely. Local vets, knowing little about rabbits, had no idea what was happening and unfortunately we don't know how long he was suffering as he remained good natured all the way. * although very expensive, we plan to have him checked over every year, with special attention to his teeth. The very knowledgable vet lives over 3 hours drive from my home so the check-up is very expensive (e.g. the tooth correction cost over $1200 plus our travel and hotel accomodations over night). However, if anyone is going to have a pet, they must be prepared to do what is necessary to ensure it has the best life possible. BUYING A PET IS THE CHEAPEST PART! * be sure not to overfeed the rabbit or provide excessive high calorie or fat foods. One symptom (other than obvious weight gain) is the production of excessive cecotropes or 'poopy butt'. Although there are many causes for this conditions, a high fat diet, too much food, or being overweight sometimes is the cause of this condition. Please note that I am not a vet and don't claim to have any special medical advice. My rabbit 'Wilbur' is a house rabbit and therefore his living conditions may be far different than those for rabbits living in a different enviroment.

Dale Mullen (N.S., Canada)

life expectancy of the rabbit is between 8-12 years.