• Forum/Server Upgrade If you are reading this you have made it to the upgraded forum. Posts made on the old forum after 26th October 2023 have not been transfered. Everything else should be here. If you find any issues please let us know.

  • Please Note - Medical Advice

    Please keep in mind that posts on this forum are from members of the public sharing personal opinions. It is not a replacement for qualified medical advice from a veterinarian. Many illnesses share similar symptoms but require different treatments. A medical exam is necessary for an accurate diagnosis, without which appropriate treatment cannot be given.

    You should always consult your vet before following any suggestions for medication or treatment you have read about. The wrong treatment could make your rabbit worse or mean your vet is unable to give the correct treatment because of drug interactions. Even non prescription drugs can do harm if given inappropriately.

    We are very grateful to members who take time to answer other members questions, but please do be clear in your replies that you are sharing personal experience and not giving instructions on what must be done.

    Urgent Medical Advice: If you need, or think you might need, urgent medical advice you should contact a vet. If it is out of working hours phone your vet's normal number and there should be an answer phone message with instructions on what to do.

Tamsin or Rescues - age question

Wererabbit

Wererabbit

Young Bun
Has anyone found a way of determining an age bracket for adult rabbits?

I have 2 large lops (of 4) who were abandoned at a local vets a month ago. The vet felt they were approx 3yrs but my gut instinct is 6 years as they don't seem to move as much as my younger rabbits. All 4 had fur nibbling on their coats, were overweight and had extra long nails which makes me suspicious of living previously in too small a cage so their muscles haven't been used to exercise.
They now have a playhouse and run but the female is still reluctant to jump about, despite slimming down, nails etc (i will take her back to the vets but want to gain her trust a bit more first) they seem well and are eating lots but i have no idea of their age.

They are only supposed to be a foster but the longer they stay......... :oops:
 
I'm neither Tamsin or a rescue but I have discussed this with a rabbit specialist vet and the answer is that unless they are very old or very young then there is no way of knowing their age.

Good luck with the 'failed fostering' :lol:
 
Bunny Buddy said:
I'm neither Tamsin or a rescue but I have discussed this with a rabbit specialist vet and the answer is that unless they are very old or very young then there is no way of knowing their age.

Thanks, i thought this might be the case (and i don't mind you're not Tamsin or a rescue :D)

Good luck with the 'failed fostering' :lol:
Click to expand...

Have decided to call it 'long-term fostering' ;)
 
Yes, babies are easiest to guess ages for but once they are adults it's very hard to tell the difference - even behaviour wise there are rabbits at 8 that act like teenagers.

The movement could well be related to the neglect rather than age. Limited exercise, which ties in with the obesity and long nails, can lead to osteoporosis/arthritis at a much younger age than a rabbit getting a healthy amount of exercise. It does take time to build up muscles again though or it could be she's just not very confident moving around - jumping up/on things takes a bit of self-confidence, and making a bigger target of yourself general confidence in the environment.
 
If they are not neutered the thickness of the skin is somewhat indicitive of age or a large dewlap ?
In mine I've noticed the third eyelid might start to show at 5+
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

InspectorMorse
Jellycat Bashful Bunnies- A Thread About Brachycephlic Rabbits
Replies
5
Views
281
tulsi
tulsi
H
Possible causes
Replies
19
Views
471
Helen1981
H
InspectorMorse
  • Sticky
Important Message From the RWAF Re ‘Conscious Dentals’
Replies
2
Views
333
InspectorMorse
InspectorMorse
Back
Top