Raising rabbits for meat is a popular and efficient way to produce high-quality protein in a small space. Meat breeds such as New Zealand Whites, Californians, and Flemish Giants are known for their rapid growth and high feed-to-meat conversion ratios. Understanding their growth patterns week by week is essential for proper care, feeding, and harvesting.
This are detailed Rabbit Growth Chart By Week for meat breeds, covering weight expectations, feeding requirements, and key developmental milestones.
Table of Contents
Week-by-Week Rabbit Growth Chart for Meat Breeds
Week 1: Newborn Kits (0-7 Days)
- Weight: 50–100 grams (varies by breed)
- Development:
- Born hairless, blind, and deaf.
- Entirely dependent on mother’s milk.
- Nest box should be kept warm (around 85°F).
- Feeding:
- Only mother’s milk (colostrum is crucial for immunity).
- Ensure the doe is well-fed with high-protein pellets (18-20% protein).
Week 2: Fur Growth & Slight Mobility (7-14 Days)
- Weight: 150–250 grams
- Development:
- Fine fur begins to grow.
- Eyes and ears start opening (around 10-12 days).
- Limited mobility, mostly crawling.
- Feeding:
- Still primarily nursing.
- Mother’s milk production peaks this week.
Week 3: Eyes Open, Exploring (14-21 Days)
- Weight: 250–400 grams
- Development:
- Eyes fully open, hearing develops.
- Start hopping and exploring the nest.
- Begin nibbling on hay/pellets (but still need milk).
- Feeding:
- Introduce alfalfa hay and starter pellets (16-18% protein).
- Fresh water should be accessible in a shallow dish.
Week 4: Weaning Begins (21-28 Days)
- Weight: 400–600 grams
- Development:
- Fully furred, active, and playful.
- Start eating solid food more consistently.
- Can be partially weaned (but still benefit from some milk).
- Feeding:
- Increase pellet and hay intake.
- Monitor for diarrhea (transitioning to solids can cause digestive upset).
Week 5: Full Weaning & Rapid Growth (28-35 Days)
- Weight: 600–900 grams
- Development:
- Most kits are fully weaned by the end of this week.
- Highly active, socializing with littermates.
- Feeding:
- High-protein pellets (16-18%) for optimal growth.
- Unlimited alfalfa hay for fiber and calcium.
Week 6: Accelerated Weight Gain (35-42 Days)
- Weight: 900–1,300 grams (~2-3 lbs)
- Development:
- Muscles develop rapidly.
- Strong appetite; feed efficiency is highest now.
- Feeding:
- Continue high-protein diet.
- Ensure clean water at all times (critical for digestion).
Week 7: Peak Growth Phase (42-49 Days)
- Weight: 1,300–1,700 grams (~3-4 lbs)
- Development:
- Most meat breeds hit their fastest growth now.
- Active, healthy, and eating large amounts of feed.
- Feeding:
- Maintain consistent feeding schedule.
- Watch for obesity in slower-growing breeds.
Week 8: Approaching Harvest Weight (49-56 Days)
- Weight: 1,700–2,200 grams (~4-5 lbs)
- Development:
- Many meat rabbits reach market weight (4-5 lbs dressed).
- Growth rate starts to slow slightly.
- Feeding:
- Continue high-quality pellets and hay.
- Some breeders reduce feed slightly before harvest to improve meat quality.
Week 9-10: Final Growth Phase (56-70 Days)
- Weight: 2,200–2,800 grams (~5-6+ lbs)
- Development:
- Larger breeds (like Flemish Giants) continue growing.
- Feed efficiency declines (more feed for less weight gain).
- Feeding:
- Adjust feed if keeping for breeding (lower protein).
- Most meat rabbits are harvested by 8-12 weeks.
Week 12+: Maturity & Breeding Age (84+ Days)
- Weight: 3,500–5,500+ grams (~8-12+ lbs, depending on breed)
- Development:
- Rabbits reach sexual maturity.
- Growth slows significantly; feed costs increase.
- Feeding:
- Transition to maintenance diet (14-16% protein).
- Breeding does/bucks require balanced nutrition.
Factors Affecting Rabbit Growth Rates
- Genetics – Meat breeds grow faster than pet or wool breeds.
- Diet – High-protein feed (16-20%) accelerates growth.
- Health – Parasites or illness can stunt growth.
- Environment – Stress, extreme temperatures, or overcrowding slows growth.
- Weaning Time – Early weaning can reduce growth rates.
Optimal Harvesting Time for Meat Rabbits
- 8-10 weeks – Best for fryers (tender meat, 4-5 lbs live weight).
- 12-16 weeks – Roasters (larger, 6-8+ lbs live weight).
- Beyond 16 weeks, feed efficiency drops, making it less economical.
Here are ten frequently asked questions (FAQs) about rabbits:
1. What do rabbits eat?
Rabbits primarily eat hay (like timothy or orchard grass), fresh leafy greens, and a small amount of pellets. Avoid sugary or starchy foods.
2. How long do rabbits live?
Domestic rabbits typically live 8–12 years, depending on breed, diet, and care.
3. Do rabbits need vaccinations?
Yes, depending on location. Common vaccines protect against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV).
4. Can rabbits be litter-trained?
Yes! Many rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, especially if spayed/neutered.
5. Do rabbits need companionship?
Rabbits are social and often thrive with a bonded partner. However, introductions should be gradual.
6. Why should I spay/neuter my rabbit?
It prevents health issues (e.g., uterine cancer in females), reduces aggression, and helps with litter training.
7. How much space does a rabbit need?
They need a large enclosure (at least 4x their stretched-out size) and daily free-roam time for exercise.
8. Why does my rabbit chew everything?
Chewing keeps their teeth trimmed (they grow continuously!). Provide safe chew toys to protect furniture.
9. Are rabbits good pets for children?
Rabbits are fragile and easily stressed; they’re better suited to calm, supervised households.