Fat bunny won’t stop eating

[MD]

One of my rabbits, Misty, developed a urinary infection, which was later found out to be related to an E. Cuniculi infection.  Her weight dropped rather dramatically, but slowly she’s getting back to normal, as has her appetite.  Meanwhile, her perfectly healthy sister rabbit, Daphny, has been eating more as well, when she definitely didn’t need too.  Now I have an overweight bunny who searches through the litter box for the tiniest scrap of hay.   I have no idea how to make a bunny lose weight.  I’ve tried feeding them separately, but rabbits don’t eat in just one sitting, so that’s been rather difficult.  The vet suggested reducing the pellets, but that seems to not be working either.  Daphny goes nuts if I take the pellets away from her.  I’ve tried only giving the pellets to Misty, but I’m afraid that Daphny will miss out on some nutrition.  I can’t exactly strap her to a treadmill, so I’m not sure how to increase her activity.  Both rabbits get free range of half the living room when I’m awake, so they do have room to run around in.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

[jerseygirl]

With mine that I’m trying to get to lose some weight, I feed some pellets but much reduced. Then provide plenty of hay. Grass hay should be fine unlimited, doesn’t add too many calories. It’s the grain hays like oat & wheat & alfalfa of course, that you have to take care with.
Other than that, increased exercise, play time. Toys that’ll make her move about.

[KatnipCrzy]

i would at least call and talk to your vet about this- since there has been a medical issue even if it was with the other bunny- it would be a good idea to at least inform your vet and get their opinion.

[RabbitPam]

I would agree with the notion of cutting back, but not cutting out, the pellets. Measure the quantity so you are sure what each is getting. Try only 1/8 of a cup to 1/4 max. daily, so she isn’t totally deprived but significantly reduced. Lolcats had a great cartoon today on the subject. I’ll go find it.

[Adalaide]

Oh gosh, that cartoon just makes me think that Freya would love that tree thing lol.

[MooBunnay]

I don’t think you need to be too concerned about Daphny missing out on nutrition, it sounds like she is very good at eating her hay and vegetables and that is really all that she needs. I have several friends who have put their bunnies on no-pellet diets. My bunnies only get 1 tablespoon of pellets each day. Maybe you could try just hand feeding Misty some pellets from time to time, and cutting down on Daphne’s amount.

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