URGENT HELP NEEDED!!!

[LittleFluffyBunnies]

So today I noticed my little 11 week old doe had softer droppings than usual, and two or three that were long instead of round and were also soft. I gave her less pellets and extra hay and I am keeping an eye on her. Than I was tidying all of the rabbit stuff. the feed bags I buy are large, so I keep some in a large sealed container that I feed them from, and the rest in two smaller containers. I noticed that the feed in the smaller containers was moldy, and I figured it was because I had just washed them before putting the feed in and hadn't dried them enough, so I just threw it out. Later, I just randomly decided to look at the rest of the feed, and I noticed it was also moldy! I have no idea why, as I that container I know had NO moisture. And the feed was clean and good looking when I bought it. I feel terrible now and I am so worried, because I hadn't noticed and I don't know how long I have been feeding them moldy food. All three rabbits I have, including the doe, are acting normal, eating and drinking fine, and the two bucks droppings are normal.

Is there anything I can do for them? I am not going to feed them any more of those pellets. I am so worried, are they going to die?

 

[Petlover500]

They are not necessarily going to die, don't worry! Just be cautious.
Keep a close watch on them. Make sure they are drinking plenty of water.
Do you have essential oils? Not a lot of people do, but if you happen to: frankincense essential oil helps with bacteria, fungus, and infections. I would put a drop or two in their water if you have any to help their digestive system out.

 

[Prisma]

Make sure to dispose of all the bad pellets. When you get your new bag, check the entire bag, sift through it with your hand and dump into your container to check the bottom if its too big of a bag for you to see. If you still have the original bag most places will exchange a bad bag of feed for a new one, even if you don't have the bag call and tell the store you got it from so they can check their stock. They may ask for a bag number, explain what happened that you've already dumped into your container and trusted them to have good feed so didn't keep the bag, it happens. Feed hay and water, I'd leave out pellets for a day. Mold can be deadly, even if they ingested just a little bit. Hopefully, that didn't happen. You'll know within 24 hour period though, least in my experience. When I got a hold of bad feed, with in a few hours started to show signs of issues. There was nothing that could be done, I just had to clean out all the pellets, give hay, give water, yogurt, greens and hope. There is nothing you can do to "fix" it, just provide supportive care and hope they get through it. If they go completely off water and don't want to nibble on hay, fresh watered spritzed greens and yogurt with electrolytes pushed by syringe may be needed. I'm sure others will chime in...

The soft poo just sounds like some extra night droppings (they consume those normally but some times young ones don't do a good job at that), can happen at any age.

 

[Dood]

Sounds like normal cecotrope poops to me

Can you post a picture?

 

[MaggieJ]

Do you have essential oils? Not a lot of people do, but if you happen to: frankincense essential oil helps with bacteria, fungus, and infections. I would put a drop or two in their water if you have any to help their digestive system out.

I don't know if frankincense oil is safe for rabbits. I would not use it unless I was certain.

I agree that the poops sound like normal cecotropes. Those poops may have alerted you to a coincidental problem with mouldy feed. It's good that you are getting rid of it - even better if the feed store will give you a new bag.

In the meantime, feed hay and kitchen oatmeal (large-flake, old-fashioned is best.) It sounds like you caught this in time if they are all still eating, drinking, pooping and peeing normally. Whew! Good save!

 

[Petlover500]

Do you have essential oils? Not a lot of people do, but if you happen to: frankincense essential oil helps with bacteria, fungus, and infections. I would put a drop or two in their water if you have any to help their digestive system out.

I don't know if frankincense oil is safe for rabbits. I would not use it unless I was certain.

I agree that the poops sound like normal cecotropes. Those poops may have alerted you to a coincidental problem with mouldy feed. It's good that you are getting rid of it - even better if the feed store will give you a new bag.

In the meantime, feed hay and kitchen oatmeal (large-flake, old-fashioned is best.) It sounds like you caught this in time if they are all still eating, drinking, pooping and peeing normally. Whew! Good save!

It is very strong, that is why only use one or two drops per quarter gallon of water

 

[LittleFluffyBunnies]

Hi!
Thanks so much everyone for your help, the rabbits are all fine after 24 hours.

I am so glad!!!! You all are great, thank you again!!

I was wondering, is it fine to keep feed in the freezer? I don't want any more risks. Or if not, is there another way to store it to make sure it stays fresh? Or is keeping feed in a sealed container fine?

 

[MaggieJ]

Glad to hear all is well with your rabbits. :goodjob:

I've heard of people keeping feed in the freezer. If I were doing that, I'd put it in a tightly closed container rather than just the feed sack.

What's your climate like? Is it dry or humid? Storing feed in a very humid climate is tricky. it is important not to trap moisture in with the feed. That could make it go mouldy very quickly. Perhaps some members facing that challenge will chime in.

 

[Petlover500]

I am glad to hear that your bunnies are alright!

 

[Oscar]

How hot is it at your house, because if it is humid and you stick it in the freezer when you take it out it might mold. Glad your bunnies are all right.

 

[Miss M]

How hot is it at your house, because if it is humid and you stick it in the freezer when you take it out it might mold. Glad your bunnies are all right.

I live in a humid climate. We have one (wool) bunny on 18% feed, and can buy feed only in 50 lb bags. I divide it up among a bunch of gallon freezer bags and freeze them. When I take one out, I try not to use it until it comes to room temperature. I figure, there was no moisture in the bag except what the food contained already, and moisture can't get into the bag. So as long as I have it open as little as possible before it warms up, it shouldn't mold. I have not seen mold yet doing this. Condensation on the outside of the bag, yes. Condensation on the inside, or mold? Nope.