My rabbit won't eat. What liquid food can I syringe feed or make?

Hi there. You are going to have to force feed her with a syringe. I suggest you look at some of these YouTube videos to see how to do this: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=syringe+feeding+rabbit I don't know if you can get this in your country but here we use Oxbow Critical Care to force feed rabbits. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KSOIJG/ref=asc_df_B005KSOIJG5348815/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B005KSOIJG&linkCode=df0&hvadid=218413592118&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=550266868780409041&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011549&hvtargid=pla-355923001198 You can also use human baby foods (fruit and vegetable flavors). You will have to force feed her until she will eat on her own. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

A rabbit that will not eat should be considered a veterinary emergency. Anorexia in rabbits can slow down or stop the gut which can lead to a dangerous build-up of bacteria and gas. This can be deadly. It is critical to have Thumper examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating rabbits to get him eating as soon as possible and to diagnose the reason for his loss of appetite. Keep timothy hay and water available at all times. You can soak some pellets in an unflavored electrolyte replacement beverage to make a mash which may make eating easier also.

You could try syringing some water and mashed pellets into her mouth but be cautious as her ability to swallow may be affected also. Telephone your vets office immediately and there should be instructions as to how to access emergency veterinary care; intravenous fluids may be helpful if the injury is reversible. Be aware in rabbits that many spinal injuries are catastophic and euthanasia may be the most appropriiate option to relieve her pain if the condition cannot be reversed

A rabbit that is not eating normally should be considered a veterinary emergency. If the GI tract slows or stops, a dangerous buildup of bacteria and toxins could endanger Bun Bun's life. Given his age and weight loss, he needs to be seen by a veterinarian...any veterinarian. If necessary, a specialist can be contacted by phone or online by your vet. Veterinary reference labs may provide consultation services as well. For now, offer as much timothy hay as he will eat. Offer some Oxbow Critical Care for Herbivores as well. You may be able to find it in pet stores or in the local vet clinic. Keep Bun Bun warm and as stress free as possible. The link below leads to a list of veterinarians experienced in treating rabbits locate din Wisconsin. http://wisconsinhrs.org/local-vets/

Hello. It sounds like your rabbit may have signs of gastrointestinal stasis, which means the GI tract has slowed down, usually as a result of a rabbit that stops eating. Rabbits will stop eating for a number of reasons - their teeth may be overgrown, their tooth roots may be infected, they could also have any other systemic disease (respiratory, urinary, infection, etc). As you can see, the causes are many and its impossible to say what is the underlying cause for sure without an exam and testing (usually radiographs, blood work, etc). Regardless of the cause, GI stasis is potentially fatal if left untreated. Therefore, I would urge you to get veterinary care ASAP. In the meantime, syringe feed Hobie with a liquid hay diet, ideally Oxbow herbivore critical care if you can get some, or soak the hay pellets in warm water to make a slurry. The best thing to keep the GI tract healthy is fiber and hydration, so hay is the foundation of health. I see in the first picture a pellet mix with maybe some oats, corn, and/or seeds mixed with the pellets. This is not an appropriate diet for rabbits as they are selective feeders and usually pick out the concentrates. These pellet mixes significantly increase the incidence of dental disease and obesity. I recommend a 100% timothy hay pellet, ideally Oxbow brand. Feed 1/4 cup timothy hay pellets, free choice grass hay, and 2 cups fresh greens a day with fresh water available in a bowl and sipper.

Be careful using too much apple juice. It is very high in sugar. If you use it, you should dilute it 50:50 with water. Syringing plain water is best. I have linked an article for you that has in-depth information on how to try and treat this at home until you reach the vet. https://rabbit.org/gastrointestinal-stasis-the-silent-killer-2/

Thanks for reaching out about your rabbit. A veterinary visit is recommended anytime a rabbit stops eating. Ingested foreign bodies, GI stasis, metabolic disorders (liver, kidney), infections are all possible. Yogurt and crackers are not a good food item for rabbits as they do not digest dairy or carbohydrates well, and can lead to additional GI upset. Even if obstructed, they can continue to pass feces for 1-2 days. Try syringe offering water. Good luck.