Why is my young rabbit not eating and pooping less than usual?

I'm sorry that Daisy is not feeling well! Even a few days of not eating is cause for concern in rabbits, as it can slow down their gastrointestinal motility, and be life threatening. Her loss of appetite can be caused by many conditions ranging from tooth issues to overgrowth of certain intestinal bacteria or even joint pain. Daisy should be seen by a vet as she likely needs fluids and nutritional support while a diagnosis is made. I hope Daisy gets well soon!

She may be dehydrated, have a tummy upset or GI stasis. Unfortunately bunnies are not very heat tolerant, so if it is a hot day in your area it can make thm lethargic and even die. Put your bunny in a cool place, offer some fresh cool water, you may even have to syringe some to your bunny. Offer hay, a piece of apple, some lettuce. If your bunny does not start to eat soon when in a cool place you will need to take it to a Pet ER today (call first to see whether they see rabbits) for an exam.

Carefully check his teeth to see if they are overgrown or misaligned. If his front teeth are fine, have him examined by your veterinarian to check his cheek teeth. These teeth need regular trimming to prevent sharp points from developing. These points can cause discomfort and may affect appetite.

Discontinue feeding milk and egg yolks to Yuki. These are not appropriate foods for a rabbit. Stop the colic-aid as well. This may interfere with her gut. Rabbits require a high fiber diet to maintain gut health. Feed as much timothy hay or similar grasses as she wants to eat. She can eat alfalfa until she is about 7 months old. Offer a commercial pelleted diet as well. You can moisten it to make it easier for her to eat. Have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits to diagnose illness or injury. If she is dehydrated, she may need supportive care to get her eating and acting normally.

A rabbit that is not eating is a potential veterinary emergency. Gut stasis can develop if he doesn't start eating soon. Have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits to diagnose illness or injury. Causes include dental disease, pain, stress, hairballs, GI obstruction, fecal impaction or a poor diet. Offer as much timothy hay or similar grasses as Keo wants to eat. The high fiber keeps his system moving. You can purchase a supplemental diet from Oxbow specifically for herbivores at your veterinary clinic or pet store. This special diet may stimulate his appetite.

Thanks for reaching out about Hazel and including photos. She is spayed? Could be building a nest because she is uncomfortable or sick and trying to hide. Does she seem uncomfortable when you pet her/palpate her belly? Another visit to the veterinarian is recommended. Rabbits stomachs are normally very acidic and needed for digestion of hay. Giving antacids could alter the pH, complicating digestion. Providing some heat support can give some aid. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Stewie. Bruxism (grinding of the teeth) can be a sign of pain in rabbits, In addition, a decreased appetite is also a sign of pain that is originating somewhere in the body. When a rabbit eats less and has a decrease in defecation, this is termed gastrointestinal stasis. Unfortunately, there are many reasons for GI stasis to occur, including infections, tooth problems, masses, arthritis, etc. Due to the many reasons that GI stasis can occur, I would recommend having Stewie evaluated by a veterinarian. With his history of intermittent diarrhea, your veterinarian will likely want to evaluate the feces, so please bring in a fresh sample, if any is produced. Your veterinarian can also perform a thorough physical examination, and then will likely recommend some diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of the pain and GI stasis if there is not an obvious reason found on physical examination. They can also provide you with pain medications. Please don't give Stewie any human medications at home, as many of these can be harmful to our furry friends. If you are having trouble identifying a veterinarian who is comfortable with rabbits in your area, you can visit the AEMV website for assistance. I hope this gives you a place to start, and that Stewie feels better soon.