This type of rabbit nugget has been made especially for the dietary needs of senior rabbits. When a rabbit drinks more than usual, this is referred to as polydipsia. If they’re slow starters, encourage them by offering them a variety of food. Rabbits can experience constipation if fed an inappropriate diet. The ‘dead bunny flop’ refers to something that rabbits do, where they throw themselves to one side and lie down still. Fill it with mixed vegetable baby food, and feed your rabbit manually. Ear mites are generally not an emergency but if left untreated the lesions can become infected, which can cause loss of balance and hearing. He shook it a few times and fell heavily to the ground. If your rabbit has lost 10 percent or more of their regular bodyweight, this can be a reason to speak to your veterinarian. If you’re wondering about a rabbit losing weight as they age, this may be a normal part of the aging process. This is an unavoidable part of the aging process, so don’t be alarmed when it happens. If she continues losing weight, make a vet appt. Then, you can contact your rabbit’s doctor and provide as much detail as possible about what’s going on. They will sit hunched, and will be reluctant to move. This won’t significantly reduce their weight, and even if it does make them lose weight a little, that’s not a bad thing. They start to move around less, either because they are becoming blind, or they aren’t as strong as they were. They may also go through periods of extended and unusual activity, which indicates they’re searching for food and water. Similar to the symptoms, treatment is dependent on the underlying reason for the weight reduction in rabbits. This will allow your vet to best determine why your rabbit is losing weight. Newborn baby rabbits will nurse for between four and eight weeks. 7. This isn’t a sign of a problem, but rather that they’re happy. In rare cases, your rabbit can have parasites that can cause digestive upsets. This hair takes up space in their bowels and changes the consistency of their feces. Author. These digestive issues may slow down or stop their digestion altogether. Treatment for Weight Loss in Cats . Causes include parasites, a kidney infection, a more serious disease like cancer, or simply because they are getting older. They look like berries, i.e., many poops stuck together. If you notice your cat is losing weight, your first step should be to schedule a vet appointment. Weigh your rabbit … While it is all well and good to enjoy funny rabbit pictures to make you smile, you should do all you can to ensure that your rabbit stays safe. Your rabbit should maintain the same weight throughout its adult lifespan. If your rabbits have gained weight, it’s likely that they are eating too much or moving around too little. If your scales can’t adjust either manually or automatically to account for a weight—like you have to if you measure something in a cup or a bowl—that’s fine. Examine your rabbit's diet to determine what might be causing the dangerous weight gain and adjust accordingly. Hutch and Cage is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk. They are more likely to become ill or otherwise unwell. Rabbits typically either gain or lose weight in their old age. 10. If you’re thinking why is my rabbit losing weight? 5. Try feeding them rabbit-appropriate treats like different fruits and vegetables to encourage them to eat. Placing hay bins and litter boxes in several locations may also stimulate more activity. Or, it’s possible they are experiencing improper tooth wear or have overgrown incisors or molars. That’s especially the case when they’re molting heavily, as it’s a critical time. Some other common causes may include: 1. Extended time outside of the cage is important. Health. Lv 7. Other symptoms that may be noticed are red, inflamed skin around the perineum caused by urine scalding, and signs of discomfort. Adjust the scales to account for the weight of the carrier. 9 years ago. For the most part, the most common reason your rabbit is losing weight is that their appetite has decreased. They may have developed sores or abscesses in the mouth. Also, as an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Good luck, I hope she's ok. 0 0. devilishblueyes . Hutchandcage is supported by its readers. But with the right treatment or adjustment to their diet, your rabbit will regain the weight it has lost. Pick food that only contains ingredients safe for rabbits. You can monitor how well they’re gaining their weight back. Ceceotrope pellets are smaller and oblong. Once they’re weaned, they can start on the same diet as your adult rabbits are on. Rabbits suffer from intensive fear from these animals. Be aware that some rabbits experience dental disease. Required fields are marked *. An underweight rabbit should eat more food to make up for their weight loss. Lettuce have very few calories. of body weight is … Flystrike . Normal rabbit poop should be round and not too soft. Weight Changes. Rather than being a problem itself, it’s more a sign that something else is wrong. If you’re concerned about your rabbit losing weight, there can be many different causes. There are no good reasons for a rabbit to lose weight. 7. Causes include parasites, a kidney infection, a more serious disease like cancer, or simply because they are getting older. Image Source. Metabolic disorders such as organ failure or disorders associated with cancer can also bring this type of weight loss. Here are a few things to consider. It could be something simple, like her daughters eating all of the food before she can get to it. Avoid any pellets that contain nuts and seeds, as these are too high in carbohydrates. Allow them to nurse naturally, or offer a suitable replacement. It usually occurs in the summer, when grooming and molting cause the rabbit to ingest fur. Head tilt, also known as wry neck or torticollis, causes rabbits to lose balance. If you’re thinking why is my rabbit losing weight? Put the rabbit inside the carrier and weigh them. For this reason, rabbits must be fed a diet low in digestible fiber and high in indigestible fiber to achieve weight loss. Head tilt could, therefore, be the cause of their weight loss too. For example, the UK breed standard weight for a Lionhead is between 1.37kg and 1.7kg (3lb – 3lb 12oz). Our New Zealands are 12 weeks now. This is how food usually passes along the digestive tract. The first and most serious of these is a problem with their spine. Rabbit losing weight and digestive issues. Rabbits grow extra fur before the winter, which they need to keep themselves warm. Rabbits typically either gain or lose weight in their old age. All content is therefore for informational purposes only. That means identifying what’s causing their weight loss and taking steps to correct it. But they are an excellent supplement if your rabbit isn’t eating enough. In addition to traditional rabbit poop, your rabbit will also poop cecotrope pellets that are smaller than traditional rabbit poop. But if that doesn’t work, there’s a foolproof way to weigh them. Close. Obesity is rarely caused by a medical condition, but it’s sensible to have your rabbit checked by your vet if you notice changes. Offer them pellets to kickstart their growth. Loud noises from children or other pets can startle and stress your rabbit. Click here! 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