Struggling to get new bun to settle

[tskelly93]

Adopted a new bun on Thursday (5th april). She didn’t settle at all that night, and we realised in the morning she hasn’t eaten or gone to the loo. We started liquid feeds and rushed her to the vet who confirmed she had no gut sounds, and gave her a gut stimilant. Fastworward to now and she is still extremely scared. We have changed her set up so she now has an area where she can exercise safely without coming into contact with our other rabbit but also get into her cage if she wants. She barely eats, we have continued liquid feeds and 2 different gut stimulants and she doesn’t really go to the loo (maybe a few poo’s a day).

The vet has confirmed that there’s no physical reason for her gut stasis, her temperature is normal and she has good colour. She’s alert, follows noises. But she doesn’t show any interest in food or water. I have tried everything, mixed up with different veg and fruit. When she does eat it’s a tiny amount (like a small flourette of broccoli) when we aren’t in the same area. Her stasis seems to be caused by extreme stress. It’s a catch 22 where I stress her out to liquid feed and give her meds but without them she could deteriorate. She is meant to be a netherland dwarf however she weighs 1.6 kg so I think she’s a false dwarf. I’ve only ever had mini lop’s so not sure exactly how much they should eat (however I expect it would be alot more than her current diet)

Has anyone else experienced something similar? I feel like I’ve tried everything but it just doesn’t seem to be helping her. Im worried that she won’t settle at all and think I might have to return her as she won’t take to us

[Sapipsmu93]

Some buns are unfortunately much more skittish than others. I’d suggest giving her some space – continue with the liquid feed if needed, but after that leave her to her own devices with you either in the same room or too could sit/lie on the floor. Rabbits are naturally inquisitive and when she sees you’re no threat, she may hop over to investigate I’d still not go to pet her at this point, however. Just let her be curious without the added stress and slowly build up.

It might take some time, but hang in there!

[Deleted User]

I agree with Sapipsmu. She really just seems like the stress of moving and being in a new environment is taking a toll on her. Is she in the same room as your other bunny? It would also be helpful to her if she weren’t in the same room as him, that way she can get adjusted without smelling another bun (because we know buns can stress each other out too). Having her in a low traffic part of your house would probably help her too;

[tskelly93]

I’ve set up her cage in my bedroom door facing outward to her activity area as it were which is the hallway area. Were sleeping in a different room ao we dont climb over her cage and disturb her. There isn’t much traffic as it’s just me and my partner (usually one of us is out of the house). I would have put her elsewhere but my kitchen gets freezing and my living room is my other buns room.

She has another check up in the vets today, she’s picking at veg when we’re asleep so might go out all evening yo give her space. She’s still showing no interest in hay which is worrying me (tried Timothy and orchard hay) she doesn’t even like pellets or treats

[Author]

Messages