New Rabbit Not Eating Much

[Bee]

I’ve had Wiz, my first bun, since Monday. While I feel like I may be overreacting a little bit, I’m a little concerned. His foster dad had said that he went absolutely crazy for his hay, greens, pellets, and treats. However, since I’ve had him, he has acted quite the opposite towards eating. He does munch on his hay, but has barely gone through any that I’ve put out each morning. I’d say he is probably only eating a handful a day at the rate he is going. As far as his pellets, he has only eaten 1 tbsp. a day. Before I adopted him, he was eating 1/4 c. a day…which is why I’m a little concerned. It takes him all day to barely eat one cup of greens (I’ve decided to give him one cup in the morning and one in the evening). He doesn’t get excited when I present him anything…even a small piece of banana or carrot.  

Is this all just a part of the adjustment and the stress that goes along with it? If it is, I can totally relax about it, but if not, I’m a little concerned. 

For the record, he is about a year old and neutered. 

[bullrider76543]

I would personaly call your vet, rabbits go downhill very fast if the are sick and it is important to catch something as early as possible. It could be the stress, but only a qualified vet can be certain.

[LoveChaCha]

It sounds like he needs time to settle down into his new living quarters. I agree with bullrider as well – maybe a health check exam will do wonders. Rabbits need yearly exams to make sure they are in best health.

[Nova]

It sounds like the stress of his new living arrangement may have slowed his gut motility. G.I. tract slowdown is a problem in bunnies that we have to tip-toe around because it can go bad very quickly. Lack of appetite or lack of poops are the number one sign.

Ask your shelter to recommend a rabbit wise veterinarian who may be able to put him on a short course of motility medication while he adjusts to his new living arrangements.

Until then, try to go get some Bene-Bac from the pet store. Give 1 tube twice, 3 days apart. It’s good for rabbits who are under stressfull conditions nd helps give their GI tract and immune system a boost. Sluggish motility also needs lots of belly rubs, exercise, and slow movement when you cuddle himso he knows you will not eat him…that you love him. Talk softly to him. and cool it on the pellets (make sure you are using the same pellet brand the shelter used) and lots of green leafy veggies. Pellets should be no more than 25% of a rabbits’ daily diet. Please do contact the shelter as they may be able to hook you up with some motility meds until he can be seen by a vet.

Good job on noticing the lack of appetite though – seriously. It’s best to catch these things early.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I agree that his inappetance may be from stress but when a bunny doesn’t eat enough, the GI tract slows down which is a bad thing and can lead to stasis, a very serious tummy condition. It would be a good idea to discuss the situation with a vet.

Are you feeding him the same pellets and hay as his former home? Bunnies can be incredibly picky about new food.

[Bee]

Thank you all for your input! I contacted the shelter where I adopted him from this morning and am awaiting their response. As for taking him to the vet, the closest bunny savy vet is an hour away so I’m concerned that the trip would send him over the edge at this point. Obviously, I have zero problem taking him, I’m just trying to consider all angles.

As for the pellets, greens, and hay…they are all what he already ate. Both hay and pellets are Oxbow and the greens were his favorites.

I’m going to stop for Bene Bac on the way home from work and try to call the vet here shortly. I’m a new patient so hopefully they can get him in.

I’ll keep you all posted!

[Nova]

Keep us updated!!

when I brought a foster bun home he had a few days of bloat that I tummy rubbed and Bene-Bac’d him through. Definitely. find out what pellets he was on at the shelter, although Oxbow is the best.

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