Dit deel is nog niet in het Nederlands beschikbaar; je ziet voorlopig de versie in het Engels.
In het kort
- Hormonal changes can bring more marking, digging and territorial behavior.
- Talk to your veterinarian about neutering and its timing.
- Energy is high; a large daily exercise area is very important.
- Litter habits can slip at this stage; support them again patiently.
- Unlimited hay remains the foundation of the diet.
Adolescence runs from about 6 months to 1 year of age. While your rabbit approaches adult size, hormones can bring clear changes in behavior.
What is happening in this stage?
- Sexual maturity develops; territorial behavior and marking can increase.
- The urge to dig, chew and carry things around can intensify.
- A previously relaxed rabbit may temporarily seem more distant or grumpy.
- Energy and curiosity are high.
What should you do differently?
- Neutering: Discuss timing and options with a rabbit-experienced veterinarian.
- Space: Give them a large, safe area to run and jump every day.
- Digging and chewing: Redirect these needs with a dig box, cardboard and safe chews.
- Litter habits: Move the litter tray to the corner they prefer, and never punish accidents.
- Diet: Unlimited hay, measured pellets and suitable greens.
What should you monitor?
- Weight and body condition
- Appetite and droppings
- Signs of fighting with other rabbits
- Changes in litter habits
Expected behavior
Circling your feet, marking objects by rubbing their chin, digging and testing boundaries now and then are common at this stage. A calm, consistent approach usually works best.
Reminders
- Check-ups and preventive care as recommended by your veterinarian
- Weighing every week or two
- Nail checks
Next stage
From about 1 year of age your rabbit enters the adult stage.
De leeftijdsgrenzen zijn bij benadering; verschillen binnen een soort (zoals grootte bij honden) kunnen de overgangen vervroegen of vertragen.
Deze inhoud is algemene informatie en vervangt geen onderzoek of diagnose door een dierenarts. Maak je je zorgen over de gezondheid van je dier, neem dan contact op met je dierenarts.