New mini lop acting very..depressed per say?

[Hannah Belle]

I just got a new mini lop yesterday, he is about 3-3 1/2 months old. He loves it when I bring him out to sit on my lap and pet him (I’ve already done it for a few hours d. Well we have a new cage set up for him, and I don’t think that he is eating. He moved away the bedding in one of the corners and has been sitting there nearly all that I’ve seen him while in his cage. Is he just adjusting to his new home, and not quite sure what to think of it all? Could he possibly be lonely because at the pet store he was caged with other bunnies? I’m just hoping to learn a little more about it, because I want my Keetyn to be comfortable! thanks! 

[Sarita]

It sounds like he’s just adjusting to me and a bit of sensory overload in new surroundings. Get a routine started for him so he can know what to expect and let him come explore on his own. Probably try not to be too fussy with him too.

[Elrohwen]

It does sound like he’s adjusting. Rabbits also sleep most of the day, and can sleep sitting up with eyes open, so it could be that he’s just napping when he’s sitting there.

Do you let him out of the cage to run around at all?

You should measure out his food so that you can tell for sure if he’s eating or not. Generally we say to feed baby bunnies unlimited pellets, but in order to check that they’re eating well it can be better to give them a couple portions per day and make sure they’re finishing.

[RabbitPam]

I always think it takes at least one week for a bunny to become comfortable in new surroundings when they first come home with you. Giving him lots of pets is a great start. Bunnies graze, unlike dogs that finish their food all at once, so see if the morning portions are gone by about 6ish at night before you give him another serving and that will tell you how much he’s eaten each day.

Did you say you’re using bedding? Is that in the whole cage, because it isn’t necessary except as litter in the litter pan. Bunnies will litter box train very quickly, but bedding will confuse them, so either keep a plain habitat floor or give him a cotton fibre rug or blankie to lie on if he wants instead. If you check out the Bunny Info. drop down menu at the top of the page, you will see many great tips on setting up your habitat, starter supplies, diet etc.

He will explore your home very slowly, and until he gets litter trained, let him be confined to the immediate room or two. They get to know their surroundings and humans very gradually. Then they assume their rightful throne.

[Cristina]

Hi Hannah Belle!

I hate to repeat everyone else but, yes it definitely could be adjusting! It can also be his food, or a combo of both. I bought my Holland Lop 2 weeks ago and he was 12 weeks old. He actually didn’t eat at all for 3 days and I was very worried. He played, and drank lots of water, but the no eating really worried me. I called the breeder I purchased him from, and she told me she fed him fresh pellets that she purchases from a local farm and suggested he may not like the “junk food” variety found in pet stores. After 3 days of him not eating, I purchased the fresh pellets he was acustomed to, and he dug in and ate like a little piggy when I set them in his cage! 

I would say it’s worth a try to call the pet store you bought him from and ask what kind of food they had been feeding him. A day or so of not eating is okay, but any more than that and you want to look into. With me it was as simple a fix as buying the pellets he likes. Ever since he has been a very healthy eater. I would for sure check with the pet store you bought him at though! It also might help him to feel more comfortable in his new home!

-Cristina

[LoveChaCha]

My now big drama queen Chacha was scared for a few days. She got adjusted slowly but surely. It can take a while. It is like moving into a new home and not knowing much about it. He will adjust with time

[Author]

Messages