Help! My rabbit ate an orchid flower..

[Vivy]

I am worried sick right now!!
I left my 7 week old nethie at my cousins home so she could babysit her because I’m away on an overnight trip. She just called me and said that Loki nipped off and ate a small blooming flower from her mini orchid (phalaenopsis). I read that buns are not supposed to eat anything but hay and pellets due to their sensitive stomachs so I am extremely worried right now and can’t even rush home to see if he’s going to be ok.. will he be alright? I read online that orchids are non toxic. However, anything but hay and pellets seem very dangerous as of right now. I instructed my cousin to closely monitor his eating, drinking and pooping habits but I just feel extremely guilty and very very worried.. he’s such a small little bun so if anything were to happen to him I’d never get over myself for letting that happen to him. Sigh.

[Roberta]

Ok, the good news is the phalenopsis orchid is listed as non toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Get your cousin to feed him all of his favourites so his tummy fills up and pushes the flower through. Still researching for more info.

[Roberta]

Nope, no bad info. Looks like it will be fine. Phalaenopsis orchids are not toxic to bunnies. I don’t think they would be of great benefit though and cause a little tummy upset but he should be fine.

[Vivy]

Thank you…!! As a new bun owner, I am extremely grateful for such a wonderful community such as binkybunny who are so tolerant of any concerns that I have.
She told me that he is eating his hay and drinking water normally. I will have her keep a close eye on him and rush back home to see him as soon as I can.
I will keep a very close eye on him for a few days in case something happens.

[jerseygirl]

I’m glad he seems okay.  It’s amazing what how these little balls of fluff can cause us so much worry!

I did read this excerpt from textbook of rabbit medicine recently that alleviated some of my concerns about plant matter. (The yellow highlight was for another BB member but comforting all the same). 

Source: Textbook of Rabbit Medicine – Frances Harcourt-Brown

[jerseygirl]

Roberta, nice to “see” you! How are you and all the furbabies??

[Vivy]

Ok, it’s been past 6 hours since he ate the orchid. I rushed home this morning and he seems fine, he even insisted on his playtime. His poops are normal, he’s eating and drinking normally as well.

That was a major scare! Thanks for the help everyone.

[Vivy]

Actually, some of his poops have gotten smaller and are “misshaped.” I have been watching over him and he’s been eating hay and drinking water. I took away his pellets for the time being so he could get more fibre. Should I be concerned?

[Aki]

First, greens and vegetables aren’t bad for rabbits – what do you think rabbits eat in the wild? They just should be introduced one at a time and progressively if your rabbit comes from a place where rabbits aren’t kept correctly (aka pet shops) and don’t have access to greens. As an adult, vegetables (especially leafy greens) will be the second thing your rabbit eats after hay.
Next, don’t panic. Orchids aren’t poisonous and as I said, greens aren’t bad for rabbits. Moreover if your rabbit had a reaction to it, he would probably have diarrhea. Poops getting smaller can come from the stress of being moved – most rabbits don’t like it and next time, it might be best to find someone who can come to your house rather than moving the rabbit for just 24h. As long as the rabbit is pooping and eating, I would just keep an eye on him and offer lots of hay like you already did. It can take a few days to go back to normal. Then, if it’s not better you might need to phone a vet. But I really wouldn’t risk stressing him even more as long as it’s just a slight slowing of the guts.

[Author]

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