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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.

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Forum BEHAVIOR Rabbit wont eat and building nest please assist me.

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    • Brittinay
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        My bun is not fixed she is a year and a month old has never been around any other rabbits. She is going to what is believed false pregnancy collecting hay tearing out fur borouging in the corner she checks the nest regularly. She used to eat ALOT and drink ALOT now she refuses to touch her pellets sometimes she eats hay and she does drink . But is it normal she wont eat?  some times she will eat it if I hand feed her. Other than that she is still strong hoping around and stuff . Also I need to clean her cage but I was told not to disturb the nest? but it needs cleaned out. Please guide me on what to do. she has no eye puss no changes in urine or bowel movement  she just constantly is worried about that nest.


      • jerseygirl
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          If she has built a nest, she is likely at the end stage of this false pregnancy. She may even pull some fur to line the nest.

          If she is eating hay and drinking, she should be ok for now. These will keep her gut moving. Right before birthing, a hormone comes into play that can suppress the appetite. Whereas, throughout the false pregnancy she probably had higher levels of progesterone that may have increased her appetite. Did you notice her being more hungry in the past few weeks?

          Typically, this should resolve on its own so it might be just a matter of days now. You should see her lose interest in the nest at some point. She may become stressed if you remove it too early so best to just clean up around it and let her give the signal when she’s done with it.

          (((Vibes))) for your bunny.
          Hopefully some members who have experienced this with their rabbits will post here.


        • Brittinay
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            Hi Jersey girl
            Thanks for your reply. She is still putting hay into the nest and she’s still not eating much she’s basically tending to the nest non stop. She did drink some more her water is lower and she eats some straw. But I need to clean her cage what do I do like what will happen if I destroy her nest ?


          • jerseygirl
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              According to medirabbit.com this period of tending the nest only lasts 1-3 days. Personally, I would wait until this time has past.

              Otherwise, while she is elsewhere, lift out the nest keeping it whole as best you can and place it in a shoebox. You could then clean the cage and return whole nest & box afterward.
              Be careful fussing with the nest when she is around as she may be aggressive toward you. That’s the hormones!


            • LBJ10
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                I agree with Jersey. Let her have the nest until she is done with it. She will lose interest after a few days when she realizes no babies are coming.


              • Brittinay
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                  Thanks everyone.

                   But what do I do about the not eating part? plus the nest is a bunch of loose hay in a corner should I just remove the surrounding hay and leave the nest because if I clean her cage (which it needs ) its likely i’ll disturb it.

                  Shes going on her 3rd day and she is still tending to the nest regularly. For the first time she let me rub her belly she really liked it that NEVER happens. But im positive she cannot be pregnant she has never been near another rabbit.


                • jerseygirl
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                    Oh that’s sweet she let you do that. She’s obviously not the aggressive sort. : )

                    plus the nest is a bunch of loose hay in a corner should I just remove the surrounding hay and leave the nest because if I clean her cage (which it needs ) its likely i’ll disturb it.

                    Removing the surrounding hay sounds the simplest way.

                    But what do I do about the not eating part?

                    She is still eating hay isn’t she? And toileting okay?


                  • Brittinay
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                      She is is eating small amounts of haha d drinkimg but she won’t eat her pellets . And so just leave the nest and clean everything else ?


                    • jerseygirl
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                        And so just leave the nest and clean everything else ?

                        That’s what I would do.

                        As long as she is eating some hay and drinking she should be okay. She probably just doesn’t have the appetite for pellets at the moment. Whenever my rabbits aren’t feeling great, they don’t want pellets but will try other things. If you have some fresh herbs, offer her some of those. I also give mine rose bush leaves and willow when they don’t want to eat anything else.
                        Keep a close eye on her litterbox. If she stops eating altogether and stops toileting then she’ll need to go to a vet.


                      • Brittinay
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                          okay I am about to clean the cage ( leave the nest ) and wash food and water bowl thoroughly I will let you guys know if she gets any better thanks a bunch!!


                        • Brittinay
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                            hey guys I’m cleaning her cage now but she hopped back in it and wont move away from the nest she is tending to it again. Shes not showing aggression but she seems afraid that Im near it. but the cage HAS TO be cleaned . Do you think she will be okay if I lock her out of it to clean the other side. I dont want her going into distress. As I had animals before that would do bad things when in stress well not bad things but their instinct. Sorry for so many questions this is my first FEMALE RABBIT.


                          • Brittinay
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                              there is just too much urine and odor coming from the nest im going to dump the whole thing I dont want bacteria making her sick. I hope will she be okay.


                            • Brittinay
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                                Okay thanks everyone. I got rid of the nest and she is back to normal eating and drinking. Even has been more playful and energetic. Shes more affectionate now to . Thanks everyone this is a wonderful site. I highly appreciate it.

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                            Forum BEHAVIOR Rabbit wont eat and building nest please assist me.