When one bun is a chunk and the other is too slim!

[DanaNM]

Hi guys! 

Many of you know my bunnies, but I currently have a newly bonded pair, Bertha and Bun Jovi. Bertha weighs in around 9 lbs, and Bun Jovi is a trim guy, at just under 5 lbs. Both are about 8-9 years old. 

Bertha had lost weight while being bonded to Moose, as he was hogging all the pellets. Bun Jovi was a bit thin when we got him, so I’ve been trying to bulk him up a bit and have been tracking his weight. 

Now Bertha has definitely gained back the weight she lost with Moose, and even some extra (she didn’t get the name Big Bertha for nothin!). 

Bun Jovi has gained a bit since we first started fostering him, but has been holding steady at least the last 3 weeks. The vet weighed him at about 4.5lbs in January, now he’s at 4lbs 15 oz (both today and 3 weeks ago). I know our scales might be different, but at least I know he’s not loosing weight. 

I mostly go off of feel, and he just feels a bit bony. He still has muscle mass, but around his spine I can feel the edges, and his hip bones are pretty noticeable. 

They are starting to remind me of the classic fat wide, skinny tiny husband stereotype…. 

Anyway, I had been feeding a bit extra pellets, but I think Bertha is getting most of them! 

Any suggestions for dealing with these sorts of things in bonded pairs? I’m planning to take them in for a check up soon, but when he had a check up in Jan the vet didn’t say anything about his weight being low, and he hasn’t lost weight, so I’m not super concerned. The shelter also said he’s always been a pretty trim bunny. 

I also don’t want to just give him tons of pellets and oats, because that’s not great for other reasons. 

. . . 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.  

[Katie]

I had the same issue with my 2 bunnies, I started feeding two times during the day.. when they look like they’re full I don’t leave the pellet dishes in their pen I take them away because the thin one is a peckish eater and will stop eating when full while reggie eats until the food is gone. When I get home from school I give them the leftovers that they didn’t eat during the morning and they both dive in. This stops reggie from eating more than his fair share and also encourages them to eat hay while I’m gone.

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