How do I know if Mr. Hopper is getting too fat?

[bullrider76543]

I konw that bunnies carry thier fat in thier neck but how do I tell if Mr. Hopper is just bulked a little up for winter or getting too fat? he has small rolls under his chin. it was hard to get a pic of it so here’s a shot of what I got.

I know I sould rely on a vets oppinion, but I also respect all of yalls knowledge.

[LBJ10]

It can be really hard to tell with rabbits. He could just be really compact. I suppose warning signs would be stuff like not being able to reach his own rear. Otherwise, I’m sure a vet would have a better idea.

[bullrider76543]

ty, he is still pretty active and runs around the house a bunch. he has just always been thick lol, but he can reach his bottom fine cause he is constantly cleaning himself lol( one of the most cleanest bunnies I have ever seen LMAO)

[Sarita]

Here’s a good article with some photos and descriptions:

http://www.therabbithouse.com/diet/rabbit-weight.asp

Mr. Hopper is adorable.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

How old is Mr hopper and is he fixed?

[bullrider76543]

He is about 2 1/2 and I got him fixed when he was given to us.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Ah ok I know girl bunnies get those double chins which is why I asked. I think Samson might be overweight but its really hard to tell with all that fur!

[bullrider76543]

I understand, Mr. Hoppers fur is short but soooo thick. I am just watching what he eats right now so he doesnt over eat.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

I actually just bought him a slimcats treat ball (http://www.amazon.com/PetSafe-SlimCat-Food-Distributor-Ball/dp/B0018CG40O) and I put his 1/4 cup of pellets in that. Its been a week but it seems to help, at least he takes a little more time to eat the pellets rather than just chowing down on them all at once.

[bwild]

My male rabbit, Thumper, is starting to get a HUGE double chin and my vet tells me he could still stand to gain a tad bit more weight, but I guess it really just depends on the rabbit. He’s handsome though!

[TriBun]

That was an awesome article Sarita, thank you!

Mr. Hopper DOES look a little plump. Lol

[bullrider76543]

My vet said Mr. Hopper is a little heavy and to watch his intake for his health. I am giving about 6 oz of food a day for both Mr. Hopper and Nibblette and whatever hay they want. Plus I give them a little bit of cilantro, few leaves of romaine and collard greens. I am guessing I need to cut back a little on the pellets and give more greens?

[jerseygirl]

I think he looks pretty good. He might burn a bit more energy in the winter keeping warm but that depends on how warm you keep it in the house also.
Bullrider, is the feed you give timothy hay based? Pellets that are alfalfa based can be richer and more fattening. You mentioned one of your bunnies is a bit sensitive to greens? That might be a problem if increasing greens so if you’re unable to do that successfully, they’ll fill up on hay. Other fresh or dried plant material could be used too, like rose or apple or raspberry leaves. Another thing to do is separate the boys at pellet time so you know one is not eating more then the other.

 

 

That was an awesome article Sarita, thank you!

It was a goody! Just want to point out that Scamp, the bunny in the pictures used, is a wild rabbit, so he is leaner then most. Tribun, your Rosy  is a bit of a look-a-like.

[bullrider76543]

I am not sure if its timothy hay based its what my vet recomended it is purina complete rabbit feed.

[bullrider76543]

We keep him indoors all the time but his last owners put him outside a lot

[jerseygirl]

 

We keep him indoors all the time but his last owners put him outside a lot

Oh I know! I was meaning the cooler temps in winter in general though we do keep interior temps cosy so the chilly temps probably makes little difference to the house rabbit.

 

Is this the one?

This one is alfafa based but actually, it’s not bad in terms of protein and fat content. Fibre content at 17% is on the low side though.

What do you guesstimate 6oz is in cup measures? I’m so used to thinking of amounts in that way.

[zpipes]

Isnt the rule of thumb, if you run your hand down their back and cannot clearly feel the spine, they are overweight?

[bullrider76543]

You can easily feek his backbone and ribs without pushing he just has a big double chin.

[bullrider76543]

6 oz is 3/4 cup.

[AbbyGirl]

6oz is 3/4 of a cup when measuring liquids but this would not apply to veggies or pellets. You would have to use a scale to know how many ounces you were actually giving them.

[TriBun]

Posted By jerseygirl on 10/25/2011 05:10 PM

 

Just want to point out that Scamp, the bunny in the pictures used, is a wild rabbit, so he is leaner then most. Tribun, your Rosy  is a bit of a look-a-like.

She is, huh Jersey? 

Rosy is definitly on the lean side. I wonder about her sometimes.

 

[jerseygirl]

Oh! I just want to snatch her up!

OK, i just weighed some pellets. lol     3oz comes close to being 3/4cup (generous 1/2 cup) but our cup measures are bigger here in Australia. Anyway, you could definitely reduce their portions gradually down to about 1/4cup each. I *think* that’s about 1-2oz each?

Desexed rabbits don’t need as many calories. I did read once that neutered bucks can develop a little dewlap. I think it’s cute.

[Author]

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