Rabbit losing some weight?

[Kyle@theWintertime]

I've got a young-ish rabbit, a jr doe, who isn't eating much. Today I was feeling her over and she's losing a bit of weight. Now...she's a show-quality doe, not one of my meat rabbits, but at the same time I'm not excited to incur large vet bills. Is there any way to boost an appetite and get her eating a bit more before I resort to the local vet? (Also, please no condemnation for not rushing her in post haste, I breed primarily for meat and thus my resolution to health problems usually involves dressing them out. However, since she's got a potential show career or at least a brood career planned, I'd like to try alternatives before she hits the freezer.)

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

[MaggieJ]

We don't jump on people here, Kyle, for making different choices, as long as the rabbits are treated humanely. Many of us choose to cull a rabbit that is not thriving rather than take it to the vet. There are strong arguments against breeding an animal that is not showing bouncing good health.

There are no doubt things you can offer her that may pique her appetite, but let's get the background first.

Was she born in your barn or is she a recent acquisition? What have you been feeding her and if she came from elsewhere is it the same feed? Is she drinking and pooping normally? Is she bright and active, or listless? Any obvious symptoms?

Any changes in her cage, position in rabbitry, feed, routine that may have upset her? I always look for the thing that has changed in cases like this.

 

[ottersatin]

Kyle,
keep cool boy, real cool.
There are many ways to address a situation.
I do not normally take any member of my herd to the Vet.
For the most part I feel that most Rabbit breeders know quite
a bit more about rabbits than a majority of the Vets.
Have you any good Rabbit books at your disposal?
Perhaps a trip to the Library is in order.
Try "Rabbit Production" By McNitt, Patton,Lukfahr & Cheeke.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[Kyle@theWintertime]

She is a very recent acquisition...though I purchased her with three other rabbits, all of whom have instantly settled in and have been eating like very small horses (or bottomless pits in the case of her half-sister!), and as such I worry. I'm a terrible, terrible vicarious hypochondriac, I'll limp around with massive wounds or horrible illnesses for weeks before admitting something is wrong, but let my cat sneeze twice on the same day and I'm having histrionics. She's acting a little down today, and today she has not passed any pellets. Can't tell if she's peed as it'd be dry before I could see. She's stopped looking terribly curious when I walk in the room...so she's currently as far from the other rabbits as possible.

I've got a few rabbit books including Storey's guide but not "Rabbit Production." I'll see if I can lay hands on it soon.

And thanks, btw. I've been getting frustrated at a few other forums by how terribly judgemental and snotty the members have been. I get a little paranoid when posting sometimes due to bad experiences elsewhere...so glad to've found this forum!

 

[curlysue]

I find some rabbits will eat horse feed(the kind with molasses)even when not eating.feed about a teaspoon ful.try parsley.

 

[MaggieJ]

It sounds like she is having problems settling in. Does she have a water bottle? It may not be the type she is used to. Please give her a crock for water immediately. Rabbits cannot eat if they don't drink.

A bit of green feed may help. Not too much if she is not accustomed to it. A couple sprigs of parsley or a few leaves of dandelion or clover may perk her interest. This sounds serious and I'm glad you are addressing it promptly.

 

[ottersatin]

Have you checked the teeth?
Many times a rabbit won't eat if their teeth are bothering them.
You have to check the back teeth for spurs.
I hope you discover and remedy the problem shortly.
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[Frosted Rabbits]

Ottersatin-- how best to check the back teeth-- can the spurs be easily felt, or does one need to enlist the aid of a second person to hold a flashlight?