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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum BEHAVIOR Depressed Bunny

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    • amieguerra
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        I think my rabbit, Vassy, is depressed. I picked her up two days ago from a friend’s friend who kept her in a pediatrics office just for the kids’ entertainment. When I went to go check her out, I noticed her little tray and food bowls were broken, that she was given the wrong type of pellets, that there was barely any bedding or hay in the cage. The doctor I got her from didn’t know her age, if she’s been spayed (I doubt it, she has a dewlap), and if she is even a girl (I’m still not sure, but again, she has a dewlap which I’ve read is most common for unspayed girls). They also mentioned her paw being broken once, but said it’s fine now…they said nothing about whether they took her to get medical help or not, but I don’t see anything wrong with her paw. Also, I asked if they’d ever given her greens and they said no. Just pellets and fruit treats, but little to no hay. She’s overweight. It doesn’t help that the kids in the office were throwing lollipops in her cage either. She has long nails, and I’m not sure about her teeth as I’m a little afraid to check right now.

        So naturally once we took her home I replaced her food bowls and litter tray. I cleaned out her entire cage and put in a fresh, nice layer of bedding and gave her a great amount of Timothy hay. I bought Timothy pellets, a lot of greens, and carrots for treats. She didn’t really want to eat when I was watching her yesterday, but today when I put the greens in her cage she went straight for it. She doesn’t really eat this new type of pellet so far.

        I let her out for a long time both the night I got her and yesterday. I’d say three or four hours. And when I let her out, she’s not very active. She walks slowly and roams around and explores, but then sometimes she’ll stay under the table- she already has a favorite spot. When she’s back in her cage, she stays either in a corner or in her litter tray across from that corner. She grooms herself, she eats, she drinks, and for the most part she’ll poop in her new litter tray, but she just doesn’t seem happy.

        I’m thinking maybe it could be the huge change of environment. She’s much better off with me and I’ve been doing all that I can to make her lighten up. She has a chew toy and I’m in the process of ordering her more toys. I’m also going to take her to the vet next week to see about whether she can still be spayed (I don’t even know how old she is), to have her nails clipped, to see about that paw, and to know about her general health.

        I just don’t know what to do. I know it’s only been two days but I’m concerned and I want to know if anyone has any suggestions on how I can keep her happy? Thank you!


      • Sarita
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        18851 posts Send Private Message

          Welcome.

          Oh bless her heart – she’s much better off with you.

          I suspect she is just getting used to your place and the new environment. I don’t think she’s unhappy or depressed and it just may take awhile for her to get acclimated to her new surroundings and to trust you. Two days is not very long :~)

          I think just let her go at her own pace and that will make her feel more comfortable.


        • rayray
          Participant
          376 posts Send Private Message

            Thank you for helping this poor girl. Sounds like she was in a very stressful environment.
            I agree, 2 days isn’t that long. Give her time. If she’s grooming, eating and exploring, I’d say that’s a good start for her. It doesn’t sound like she’s scared. Just cautious.


          • manic_muncher
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              I agree with Sarita and rayray. When she’s expanding her explored areas and chinning everything, you’ll know she loves her new home.

              Maybe even a few binkys once those nails are trimmed!


            • LongEaredLions
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              4482 posts Send Private Message

                Aww thank you for saving her!
                I agree that two days is not long and she will come out of her shell with lots of quiet love and interaction.

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            Forum BEHAVIOR Depressed Bunny