new bunny doesn’t drink much water

[flippersmom]

I have a new bunny at my house (long story, I’ll post more about that later when I have more time) who doesn’t seem to be drinking very much water compared to the rest of my crew.  He came to live with us Friday pm and had super soft stools all day Sat.  He seemed a little depressed also, but his appetite was good, so we thought he was just stressed by all the changes.  I notice on Sun that he hadn’t drank much from his water bottle and began trying different bottles and bowls to see if he preferred something else.  He seemed to drink better from the bowl , so we left him with both it and a water bottle. His attitude picked up and he turned into a spunky little guy from then on.  We have continued to monitor his water intake and it just seems low to me and there is very little urine in his litterbox (and none anywhere else in his cage).  He has a great appetite for his hay, greens and pellets and he’s active and curious like a bunny should be!!  Could this be normal for him or should I be concerned??? 

As always, thanks for your help in adavance!!!!!

[Sarita]

Well overall my rabbits are not big water drinkers. If it were me, at this point, I would just monitor him – it could be normal for him, but it’s really hard for you to know at this point.

Since he’s new to you, do you know anything at all about him? It also might be wise since he is new to have a check-up for him as well (especially if this is a rabbit you really don’t know much about).

[bunnytowne]

Some days I have to refill their waterbowls b4 I go to bed.  Other times they have enuf for the nite without refilling it. 

Ohhh you have an English Angora in your pic there.    Ohhhh I am jealous.

How about pics of your new bun too

[flippersmom]

His history is part of the long story of how I ended up with him!!!! He came thru the rescue I volunteer at – in a nut shell, I’m the 4th person to care for him in about 6 weeks and yet he never made it to a cage at the shelter!!!!! The llast 2 people who cared for him tried their best, but were just not bunny savvy to begin with – so they both said that he drank a “normal” amount!!! I have not had a chance to have my vet look at him as I’ve had a sick kid and now I’m a bit under the weather myself, but it’s on my list of to-do’s!!! I have been wetting his salads as well in trying to get a little more water into him.

Ohhh you have an English Angora in your pic there. Ohhhh I am jealous.

Bunnytowne, you make me laugh!!! You have commented on her several times!!!! That’s my Lola’s baby picture (she’s 3 now). There is an adult picture of her on here somewhere, but I promise I’ll post more of her, the new guy and the other 4 that allow me to serve them!!!!!! The new bun is a mini-lop who is dark brown with darker brown points (like a siamese cat) – sorry, I don’t know the technical name for that color!!!!!!!!

[Beka27]

I think you’re doing fine by trying out different methods (bottle vs. bowl) and by wetting the greens. Get him into the vet when you can.

[bunnymama]

My rabbits hardly dring any water either. If you really want to see is urine output, try folding up a paper towel and stick it in the bottom of his poop dish. I do this for odor control since once the urine dries it does not smell anymore. But it would give you an idea on a day by day basis just how big the wet spot is. I have been told by my vet that the buns will eat enough water from the veggies and will drink if they want to.

[Monkeybun]

OOo no, they definitely don’t get enough water just from veggies. Be sure to ALWAYS have fresh water handy for them.

[Sarita]

My holistic vet was asking about how much water Maxine drinks and I told her honestly than NONE of my rabbits drink an enormous amount of water and she said that was not a problem. I guess an enormous amount of water intake might be more of a concern. Another one of my vets said that indoor rabbits don’t usually drink a lot of water. I always have fresh water of course (who wouldn’t) but still, they don’t guzzle down the water.

[flippersmom]

Sarita – Thanks for the input!! I’ve enjoyed hearing about the holistic experience!!!! As an updat to my new guy – his water intake did increase after giving him a medium size ceramic crock to drink from – I’m thinkg between stress and personal preference we just had to find the happy place!!! He still doesn’t seem to drink quite as much as my others, but I’m ok with them amount (and the output looks appropriate and normal!!). His appetite has remaind excellent and is attitude is great – so we’re both happy!!!!!! I will have to get some pics and make an officail anouncement of him joining our family!!!!

[Moonlight_Wolf]

I guess an enormous amount of water intake might be more of a concern.

0_0 Thistle drinks a ton, and Fern hardly drinks at all, I wonder if thistle has a problem…. He seems fine.

[Sarita]

I say if he seems fine then I wouldn’t worry. You might mention it to your vet the next time you take them in and see what the vet says too. Always good to consult a vet – every rabbit’s needs and histories are different.

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