Eating less during molt, is that normal?

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This topic has 2sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 10 months ago by Ellie from The Netherlands.

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- 04/26/2021 at 10:12 PM
  Waffle65
  Participant
  62 posts
  My lion head Phoebe seems to be shedding for spring right now. I’m not seeing very much fur in her poops, but she does have that shedding line going across her back and I’m seeing a good amount of fur coming off, plus she seems to be constantly grooming herself for the last couple days.
  
  Since this started she’s definitely eating less than usual. She’s only eating around half of her pellets (which she absolutely loves), and is continuing to eat hay and drink. She’s eating somewhat less hay than usual and I would say drinking slightly more water. She’s continuing to poop fine, although a little less than usual. Personality wise she’s doing great, continuing to be very playful and energetic, along with getting very excited for treats. Shes prone to sudden onset stasis episodes, and I can tell that’s not what’s going on here. She had some molar spurs filed down about 4 weeks ago, and she’s doing very well eating the very crunchy hay and biting at all her toys, so her teeth shouldn’t be an issue. She had her regular blood work back in January and that came back great so no underlying issues happening.
  
  Just want to see if seasonal shedding has an affect on anyone else’s bun? She’s under no stress and the only change that’s happened since the appetite change was the shedding started, so I can’t imagine what else could be the issue here. Thanks all!
- 04/27/2021 at 10:33 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9064 posts
  Molting and season change can def trigger gi issues and general grumpiness, even if they aren’t swallowing loads of hay. I would keep pushing hay and extra water on her to keep things moving a long. I have had buns that would snub pellets first when they were starting to have a tummy issue.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 04/27/2021 at 4:28 PM
  Ellie from The Netherlands
  Participant
  2512 posts
  Our bun always gets stomach problems in his first week of moult. He’s always been super hungry during moult, and he has this restless energy for weeks.
  
  We give him 20% more pellets and he’s still putting on the starving bunny act all day. He also goes through his hay a lot quicker.
  
  I’d keep an eye on your bun, and I think Dana made a very good suggestion to feed her more hay.
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