My first questions is: How long would an outdoor pet rabbit live, and what is the total life expectancy of a pet rabbit? My second question is: Do rabbits need shots or veterinary care? Nathan Lee Vadnais Heights , MN
A. A well cared for house rabbit who has been spayed or neutered early in life has a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years. However, rabbits kept in backyard hutches have less than half the average life span of a house rabbit. The greatest threat is attack by predators. These occur primarily at night, but can also happen occasionally in the daytime. Hutches or cages usually do not provide enough protection to make it safe to leave the rabbit outdoors 24 hours a day.
