Why is my bunny sleepy outside but active in her cage? Should I worry?

Hi, It sounds like Luna may just be tired from the increased activity earlier in the day. However, if her appetite and defecation decrease or her behavior is otherwise altered, then that could certainly be a sign of illness. I think it’s fine to wait and monitor her, as long as she keeps eating and defeating nornally. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to take her in to see her veterinarian. Good luck!

Thanks for reaching out about Snowball. This is mildly worrisome and a veterinary visit is a good idea to assess. Arthritis or spondylosis can make it difficult to stand quickly. Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a parasitic infestation common in outdoor rabbits and can lead to some neurologic problems. Metabolic disorders can also lead to lethargy. Continue to monitor for water and food intake. Good luck.

Hello, and thank you for your question. Rabbits do not always show obvious signs of pain or illness; oftentimes being more quiet or eating a bit less, or pooping less are the first signs that something is wrong. It does sound like her symptoms may be related to the issue she had in June (gut stasis). Other possibilities would be pain from another area such as her teeth or an injury, or focal or systemic infection. I would recommend having her checked out by the vet within the next 12 hours if she is still acting very quiet. In the meantime, keep her hay and pellets close by to encourage eating, as well as her water, and monitor her poop output closely. If her appetite or energy are worsening over the next few hours, if she is producing very little to no poop, I would get her to the vet sooner, as gut stasis in rabbits can quickly become an emergency. I hope this helps, and that Miss Cottontail feels better soon!

Thanks for reaching out about Junior. It sounds as if she is uncomfortable and restless. Possible causes include gastrointestinal disease (obstruction, GI stasis, infections), urinary problems (kidney/ureteral.bladder/urethral stones, infections), reproductive problems (endometrosis, neoplasia, other) and more. A veterinary visit is highly recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Monitor food and water intake, defecation and urination. If possible, offer water via a syringe. If Junior continues to seem uncomfortable, an emergency visit tonight might be needed. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Bun Bun. E cuniculi is a possible concern, but is she spayed? Could she have a back injury? A veterinary visit is recommended for all of these problems, so a diagnosis can be made and treatment protocol be implemented. Good luck.

This sounds potentially quite dangerous as Bun Bun could suffer trauma or predation while out on her adventures. I would recommend keeping her in a rabbit enclosure or a closed room inside your house, especially when you’re leaving the house and not supervising her. She can free roam when you’re there to keep an eye on her, but if you’re opening the door to leave or having people over, she should be confined. This will prevent her running out the door again. As for not remembering your sister, she probably does but may still be on high alert from her outside events and may need some time to calm down and respond more normally to people. As a prey species, rabbits are always on high alert for dangers, and the chemicals in her body need some time to adjust to the change in scenario.

With this abrupt change in behavior I would be concerned that something is going on with Binky, like the early signs of an illness. Since he is still eating and drinking there is not much that can be done at this time. Ensure that Binky is still making stool. Also, watch him and his food intake very closely. If you notice his appetite or pooping decrease at all, take him to the vet as soon as possible. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.