Understanding Pathological Deformities in Rabbits
There are only pathological deformity rabbits, and no truly miniature palm-sized rabbits. Rabbits that never grow to full size do not exist as a healthy norm. Normal pet rabbits, regardless of their body size, must have a mature body length (measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail) of at least 30 centimeters once fully grown. If a rabbit older than one year still measures less than 30 centimeters, it is likely suffering from genetic pathology.
These types of pet rabbits typically carry multiple genetic defects and tend to develop illnesses gradually at certain ages or stages. Common conditions include skeletal abnormalities that cause limb deformities, brachycephaly (an excessively round face) which leads to overcrowded oral cavities resulting in malocclusion such as overgrown incisors and misaligned molars, and endocrine disorders that trigger chronic eye protrusion. Additionally, some rabbits may experience weakened digestive systems leading to shorter lifespans.
Most symptoms in undersized rabbits begin to manifest and often worsen after the age of three, sometimes occurring simultaneously.
The Truth About Cup Rabbit
The Cup Rabbit is very cute, isn't it? Actually, it is just a young rabbit that has not yet fully grown.
Just like humans, within the same ethnic group (and even within the same family), some people can be taller than 200 centimeters while others may be shorter than 160 centimeters. However, we do not mistakenly consider these two people to be of different races; we clearly understand that the differences are due to height and weight variations.
Yes, rabbits are the same. Within the same breed, adult rabbits can vary greatly in size — some small rabbits may be around 30 centimeters long, while larger ones can exceed 50 centimeters in length. Therefore, we should not regard these two rabbits as different breeds. Instead, we should understand that these size differences come from the genetic inheritance of height and weight from their parents.
Rabbits of the same breed also have size variations (such as the Dwarf Lop). Terms like mini rabbit and dwarf rabbit only describe body size; they are not distinct breeds.
The Commercialization of Baby Rabbits
It all comes down to the scheming of merchants. Baby rabbits are most visually appealing around two weeks of age, during which they begin to nibble on food even though they are not yet weaned. However, since these nursing rabbits look great, are gentle, and lack aggression—qualities highly favored by the general public—merchants sell these nibbling nursing rabbits as if they were three-month-old weaned bunnies.
To boost sales, merchants use advertising tactics featuring terms like "rabbits that don't grow," "pocket-sized rabbits," and "cup rabbits." Coupled with their very low price compared to cats and dogs, most people mistakenly believe they are easy to care for. As a result, many parents buy these baby rabbits as toys for their children.
This practice turns living beings into commodities and playthings, effectively making them disposable consumer products used and discarded.
Understanding Rabbit Body Type Determination
When it comes to determining a rabbit's body type, unfortunately, unless you know the body types of the parents, it is impossible to distinguish the body type of a young rabbit that is only 1-2 months old. Only after they reach three months of age can features such as ears, face, and limbs be used for assessment.
Regrettably, most rabbits sold in pet stores in Taiwan are between 2 and 4 weeks old, yet are commonly marketed as three-month-old rabbits. In such a social environment, attempting to gauge or inquire about how large a rabbit will grow based on these young rabbits is simply unrealistic.
This misunderstanding has led many sellers to mix young rabbits of generally large breeds and pass them off as small breed rabbits for sale. This practice indirectly causes many people to be unprepared mentally before raising rabbits, often treating them like small toys.
As a result, the serious social problem of rabbits being abandoned once they grow up has become increasingly common.
Growth of Rabbits from Weaning
The young rabbit, or kit, starts growing rapidly after weaning and reaches adulthood in just four months. This remarkable growth period is essential for understanding rabbit development and care.
During these four months, proper nutrition and environment are crucial to ensure healthy development. By the end of this period, the rabbit will have fully matured into an adult, capable of reproduction and independent living.
Pet Anthropocentrism in Taiwanese Society
In Taiwan, there is an extreme and perverse societal deviation known as Dwarf Pet Fetish. This phenomenon runs deep in the hearts of the general public, who believe that pets must be gentle, cute, fluffy, and even tiny.
As a result, numerous "pathological species" are continuously bred by breeders, such as pocket dogs, folded-ear cats, and earless rabbits. Most of these "pathological species" suffer from genetic defects or are poor breeds that should have been eliminated. However, due to political correctness, they are preserved and increasingly bred for these defects.
Some are even artificially modified, like the mute dogs and earless rabbits that have undergone sound-reduction surgeries. Under the societal norms that favor smaller body size, quieter sounds, and more unusual appearances, these condemnable actions are overlooked.
Biologically altered animals are continuously sold as commercial products. When you buy a mini and tiny rabbit, behind the scenes, it actually represents thousands of deformed rabbits produced.
Advice on Pet Rabbit Limb Malformations
We sincerely offer this advice to the public (or those preparing to raise rabbits): unless you adopt a fully grown rabbit directly, it is impossible to accurately judge the size of a baby rabbit before purchasing. Therefore, if you cannot accept a rabbit as shown in the picture below, please reconsider the idea of raising one. After all, baby rabbits grow up in less than six months.
Healthy and Adorable Rabbits
Stop the trend of having overly pampered or "pet snob" attitudes towards rabbits. Rabbits with a normal, healthy body size are the ones that are truly healthy and adorable. Every rabbit will grow up, so it's important to appreciate them as they are and provide the proper care they need.
Embracing a healthy lifestyle for your rabbit means ensuring it has the right diet, enough exercise, and a safe environment. Avoid forcing your rabbit to stay small or treating them like fragile objects just for aesthetic reasons. A well-cared-for rabbit with a normal physique is happier and more lively.
Remember, rabbits grow over time, and it's natural. Celebrate their development and enjoy the companionship that comes with raising a thriving, healthy bunny.
