I’m sure others will jump in, but I want to start by offering my condolences on the loss – it’s always difficult to lose one, especially so when you’ve tried to prepare well for having one.

Timothy hay is great for adults, I think the babies benefit the extra nutrients in the Alfalfa though. What were you feeding for pellets? The hay is only part of the diet, pellets the other. Veggies can be slowly introduced as they get older.
– Annette

I would contact the breeder to see if she had another other issues with the litter since you purchased your bunnies.  What was the breeder feeding them?  Were they eating the hay?  (did you need to add more?)

 Oh how sad… I’m so sorry for your loss.

… seems like the only thing you were missing is pellet. I HIGHLY recommend Oxbow for both hay and pellet!!

Strange how they both passed so suddenly, have you talked with the breeder? 

Again I’m sorry for your loss! 

*binky free baby buns!*

I have been thinking about your situation and thought of some other possibilities- were the dandelion leaves from your yard or from the store?  Was your yard treated with anything- insect or weed killers/repellents?  Was the area they bunnies were housed in treated with anything?  Do you know if your neighbors have used anything?

Even if a yard treatment says it is safe after X amount of hours for pets- I would not consider it safe for a rabbit or any animal that ingests the grass.

Any other environment issues that you can think of?

I’m sorry for your loss also. They could have been carrying a bacteria or parasite that contributed. It will often result in a sudden death. However, it would be difficult to determine this without a necrospy. I would suggest contacting the breeder also. Were they eating alot of the hay and doing a lot of droppings beforehand?

I’m so sorry. This must be very hard on your son as well.

Except for the possibility of pesticides on outdoor dandilions, I’m inclined to think it was an illness or weakness inherent in both bunnies. Indoors with unlimited hay and water and the appearance of normal behavior (all good care on your part) makes me wonder if there was an underlying heart or vital organ problem that gave way. I would definitely call the breeder to ask if any others have had this problem as well. Sometimes weaknesses appear in over-bred animals, or as jersey suggested, they were carrying something when you got them.

Will you be getting another bunny? You could visit a shelter to rescue a bunny that has been observed so their health and personalities are already known. If you get a 6 month old bunny, they will probably be spayed or neutered by the shelter already, saving you a cost, and allowing for a more gentle behavior. If so, you can plan on your new family member to be with you for years. I would hate to have your son be too upset by this as well as yourself.

I’m really sorry about this. How upsetting, especially for your son. Without knowing more info, I am also leaning towards something being wrong with that litter in general. Maybe a parasite or just a genetic problem. Can you contact the breeder and let them know?

I’m sorry for the circumstances that brought you here, but welcome. Since you are posting on BinkyBunny, are you considering getting another rabbit or are you just looking for some info on what may have happened? If you are considering another bun, I would also very strongly recommend that you adopt an older bunny that has already been altered and health-checked. You can locate rescues in your area by doing a “rabbit” search for your zip code on Petfinder. If you need any further help regarding adopting, or have other questions about rabbits, please let us know.

The alfalfa hay and Pellets are good for young bunnies.. the pellets are specially formulated for young ones.  Dont’ feed the pellets with Things in it.  YOu know dried fruit seeds and such.. Not good for them. 

I am curiuos as to what the breeder says about that litter… If the others had gotten sick or what…