Rabbit won’t eat hay anymore

[moonsie]

My rabbit who’s around 8 months old just won’t eat his hay anymore and his twin sister seems fine. Its been about maybe a week since I saw a decline in eating hay because I usually filled up their bin every 3 or so days and now its almost full every day. I tried hand feeding him his hay and even got oat hay (i was using timothy before) and he takes it in his mouth and throws it down. He’s eating his normal pellet foods and carrots though but not any crunchy treats.

[OnyxMoon]

It could be dental issues, with his molars. Even if its not, I would suggest a visit to the vet so they can check his teeth and make sure he is all good.

Although, my bunny declined in his hay eating when I increase his pellets, but when I take the pellets away he is suddenly eating his hay again. Hay is a super important part of their diet, it keeps the tummy happy and moving. Its supposed to make up 70% – 90% of their diet.

[Wick & Fable]

I also recommend a dental exam visit to see if it’s teeth. Some people say they don’t think that’s it because their rabbit is still eating something else, but in reality different foods require different teeth and movement, so it’s common for certain foods to cause discomfort while others do not.

Any changes in your feeding? Some rabbits will decline in hay when the amount of non-hay items are offered too frequently.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Deleted User]

The fact that he grabs the hay and then sets it down makes me think that it is dental as well. Hay is very fibrous and abrasive, since it is intended to keep their teeth filed down. Pellets and other snacks may just be easier for him to tolerate eating, but I do think that you should get him to a vet to check out his teeth.

[moonsie]

I’ve tried hand feeding him hay today and he ate 2 pieces then started to throw it on the ground again. Is there any way I can make sure It’s a dental problem so I don’t waste a lot of money?

[kurottabun]

The only way to know whether it’s a dental problem or not is bringing him to a rabbit savvy vet for a teeth check.

Also, how much pellets and carrots do you feed him daily?

[Heaven]

Hi moonsie!

I had a similar issue with my bunny about a month ago and it was driving me crazy. He would barely eat hay, or pick it up then throw it down like you’re describing. I figured out that I was giving him way too many treats/snacks in between meals, kind of a catch 22 because I was concerned about him not eating the hay so didn’t want him to go hungry… little did I know I was being manipulated by a smart little bun ;p

If you do decide not to go to the vets right away, try limiting his treats & just leaving him with hay – feed pellets once a day, at the same time, and no more through the day. He may decide he’s actually hungry & will try the hay. As Wick rightly said above, ‘some rabbits will decline in hay when the amount of non-hay items are offered too frequently’.

[Author]

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