Diminished interest in pellets – should I be worrying?

[mrs. coach]

Mrs. Coach is a laid back bun.  She flops frequently and nose bonks for pets and is generally receptive to any pets (and graciously keeps her head down to indicate she’s not finished even if we are), so I think she’s pretty settled/content (we got her in March).  She doesn’t binky, but used to run victory laps every morning when she saw me coming, then run straight for the pellets and devour them.  

For the past week or so, in the morning when I come down she’s remained asleep, or sought out pets but not pellets.  She eats the pellets eventually, and shows some excitement for her evening pellets (she gets a little less than 1/4 cup total per day).  She still shows excitement for treats.  She’s eating plenty of hay and greens and pooping regularly.  Is it normal to kind of get “over” pellets?  Her estimated age is almost 4.

I also moved her pet bed under to a cozier nook (open on the sides but a low “roof” over her head) close to the heat vent, which is right when this change started, so I’m wondering if she’s just really cozy and it’s harder to get excited in the morning.

A recent vet check showed no problems (including with teeth), and she was a dream behavior-wise (first time she ate a treat while in her carrier).

Is she just mellow, or could she be depressed?  I’ve considered getting a friend for her but am unsure.  She has never been around other rabbits to my knowledge.

[Sarita]

I think it’s just age. It is possible that she may be getting arthritis as well which will slow a rabbit down a bit. I know that sounds young but it is not at all uncommon for rabbits this age to be diagnosed with arthritis.

[mrs. coach]

Thanks.  I actually do think she may have arthritis (re: no binkys, eats cecals from the floor, seems to have trouble with some positioning in general).  It doesn’t really get in her way day to day, but I’ve speculated that may be an issue for her.

[Author]

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