Helpful tips

Is it normal for a new rabbit to not eat?

Is it normal for a new rabbit to not eat?

When rabbits stop eating, it’s usually serious. Although there are lots of different reasons a rabbit may stop eating, they’re often very sick when this happens and I recommend taking them straight to a rabbit-savvy vet if you notice a drop in their appetite.

Why is my rabbit not eating and drinking?

It’s extremely important to contact your vet straight away if you notice your rabbit is eating less than normal. There are many different problems that could have caused your rabbit to stop eating, but some of the most common include dental disease, stress, and gut problems.

How long does it take a rabbit to settle into a new home?

Some rabbits are very confident right from the start and will be happily exploring on the first day, but most rabbits will be more-or-less settled into their new home within 1 to 2 weeks. Usually, rabbits who are familiar with you and moving to a new home will adjust more quickly than a new rabbit who is brought home.

Why is my rabbit not moving but still breathing?

If you have observed your rabbit is breathing, but not moving, it could be stress-related. We need to look at other symptoms of stress in rabbits, such as compulsive movements, overgrooming, scratching themselves raw or even self-mutilation.

What do I do if my rabbit is not drinking water?

The first step is to visit your veterinarian to determine if there is a medical condition present. If your rabbit needs water but is not taking it in, your veterinarian will quickly determine if your rabbit is dehydrated. If your rabbit is dehydrated, something is preventing him or her from drinking.

How do I know if my rabbit is dehydrated?

Your rabbit may be dehydrated if you see any of these problems: thick sticky saliva, crusty eyes, poor appetite, small amounts of dark colored urine, or hard dry fecal pellets. In order to correct dehydration, extra water must be given to your rabbit. Sometimes this can be done by helping the rabbit drink.

How do you tell if your rabbit is stressed?

Signs of stress may include:

  1. appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body)
  2. being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes)
  3. being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual.
  4. being aggressive when handled.

How do you acclimate a new rabbit?

How to help the rabbit adjust to the new home

  1. Give your bunny a few days to truly feel at ease in an unfamiliar environment.
  2. Pick out an area and make it a ‘rabbit safe space’.
  3. Keep your rabbit’s belongings in, or around, their safe space.
  4. Introduce the fluffy explorer to the house room by room.

Why does my Bunny not want to eat or drink?

A diet that doesn’t contain enough fiber can also cause the condition. The result is a buildup of bad bacteria and gas in your bunny’s stomach, which can be very painful and make them want to stop eating and drinking. Aside from a loss of appetite, other symptoms of the condition include:

What happens to a rabbit when it stops eating?

Unfortunately, rabbits that stop eating quickly start to go downhill. The digestive system of a rabbit relies on constant input of small amounts of food. When rabbits stop eating this very quickly shuts down. The gut stops turning over properly – also known as ‘stasis’ – and they may start to bloat.

What to do if your pet rabbit refuses to eat?

Avoid feeding your pet rabbit pellets at this time. If your rabbit still refuses food, call the vet right away. To immediately get something into your rabbit’s system, your vet may recommend IV fluids or another form of hydration.

Why is my rabbit not eating any grass?

Rabbits have amazing digestive systems that can turn grass into energy, but things can, and do, go wrong. Those bunnies whose digestion isn’t quite right may also stop eating, or may become more choosy about which food they do eat.