Rabbit Body Condition Scoring
The Body Condition Score (BCS) system is a screening tool for managing a rabbit’s health. It is a numerical system used to assess body fat and overall body condition, helping veterinarians and pet owners determine whether a rabbit is underweight, at an ideal weight, or overweight. This system is crucial for monitoring health and preventing obesity-related issues, which can be particularly harmful to rabbits.
The BCS is assessed by feeling key areas such as the ribs, spine, hips, and abdomen while also observing the rabbit’s overall shape and fat distribution. Due to their thick fur, palpation is especially important when evaluating a rabbit’s body condition.
The scoring typically ranges in whole integers on a scale from 1 to 9, with:
1 - indicating emaciation (prominent ribs, spine, and hip bones with no fat cover)
5 - representing an ideal body condition (ribs and spine can be felt but are covered with a slight fat layer, and the body has a smooth rounded shape
9 - reflecting obesity (thick fat deposits and no palpable ribs or spine)
A rabbit with an ideal Body Condition Score (BCS) has a smooth, well-proportioned body, with the ribs and spine easily felt under a thin fat layer. There should be no excessive fat deposits around the hindquarters or dewlap.
Maintaining an appropriate BCS is essential for a rabbit’s overall well-being, as excess weight can contribute to mobility issues, gastrointestinal disorders, and other health concerns.
How to Perform a Body Condition Assessment on a Rabbit
Routine body condition assessments are an important way to monitor your rabbit’s health, guide feeding decisions, and catch early signs of weight-related problems. This hands-on check only takes a few minutes and can help you maintain your rabbit's ideal body condition over time.
1. Position the Rabbit Comfortably
Place your rabbit on a solid, non-slip surface, facing away from you.
Choose a quiet, calm space free from loud noises or sudden movements.
Allow nervous rabbits time to settle. Signs of stress include thumping, rapid breathing, or struggling.
Never force or restrain your rabbit tightly, as this can cause fear or injury.
2. Check the Ribs
Gently run your hands along both sides of your rabbit’s chest.
In an ideal condition, ribs should be easily felt but not seen.
If ribs feel sharp or prominent → your rabbit may be underweight.
If ribs are hard to feel or buried in fat → your rabbit may be overweight or have obesity.
3. Feel the Spine and Back
Place your hands along the spine, from shoulders to hips.
In a healthy rabbit, the spine is palpable but not sharp.
A spine that feels bony may indicate underweight, while one that is hard to feel may suggest excess fat.
4. Assess the Hips and Hindquarters
Gently palpate the hips and upper back legs.
Hip bones should be detectable but not protruding.
Sharp, visible bones → underweight.
Rounded, fat-padded hips → overweight or obese.
5. Examine the Dewlap (females)
The dewlap, a fold of skin under the chin, should be present in many female rabbits but not excessively large.
A small to moderate dewlap is normal.
A large, thick, or sagging dewlap may suggest excess fat.
Note: Dewlap size varies by breed and age.
6. Check Belly and Abdominal Fat
Feel the underside of the belly.
A healthy rabbit will have a smooth, firm abdomen.
Sagging or lumpy fat along the belly indicates excess adiposity.
7. Observe Body Shape from Above and Side
From above: Look for a slight waist taper behind the ribs.
From the side: Rabbits in ideal condition have a balanced profile, not excessively rounded.
Compact breeds (e.g., Holland Lops, Flemish Giants) may have less visible taper due to body type and fur density.
Make it a habit
Regularly assessing these key areas can help determine where the rabbit falls on the 1–9 BCS scale. Routine monthly body condition assessments, paired with proper diet, exercise, and veterinary care, can help your rabbit stay healthy.