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Original poster

Rabbits appear to be in a hunger strike!

40 replies

Blu · 23/04/2008 11:31

OUr two rabbits seem to have eaten very little fro about 5 days. They look ok, but they just sit glumly in thier bed. They have drunk water, but have eaten no pellets at all. They might have eaten some hay, and I thnk they eat their straw (barley straw) as well as hay. I can't see any evidence of illness.

On a nice sunny day they did venture out into their run, but otherwise they show no interest in doing anything.

Are they ill? What should i do?

OP posts:
Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 13:40

Any views or experience?

OP posts:
mybestfriendiscalledstig · 23/04/2008 13:41

Rabbits not eating usually a big sign, ime (their insides are set up for a constant food intake) I'd probably try and talk to a vet...

katwith3kittens · 23/04/2008 13:41

Sounds a bit odd to me.

Can you phone your vet ?

happystory · 23/04/2008 13:41

How old are they blu?

Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 14:00

They are about 15 months old.

They are fussy eaters, they only like thier one brand of pellets, and eat hardly any fresh food at all. I put things in, but they leave it. They sometimes eat a little grass, or kale, but won't touch much else.

I'm just surprised that they are both behaving like this together - I thought of teeth, but then they wouldn't have stopped eating simultaneously, would they?

It has co-incided with a new bag of pellets - i wonder if i picked up 'excel lite' instead of excel dwarf, and they don't like it? Does anyone know if they look the same? Have thrown the bag away now.

OP posts:
katwith3kittens · 23/04/2008 14:11

Sorry dont know. But I know what you mean about fussy eaters, I have to drive 5 miles to the only pet shop around that sells Wagg ( strange name for rabbit food )

Will they have apples or pears or anything as treat ?

Nosnik · 23/04/2008 14:15

my rabbit used to love sprouting carrot tops when poorly. Could be cold weather, rabbits very prone to colds aren't they?

happystory · 23/04/2008 14:19

Our rabbit was v fussy, if we got her the mixed Alpen-y type stuff she picked out certain bits and left the rest.

But my vet did tell me rabbits have to eat continuously (that's why they poo a lot!) so I think you should get it checked out...

Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 14:21

Well, I have arranged to take them to the vets this evening - it won't be a wasted visit if they are just sulking or fed up with the weather, as I can get thier injections done.

I will buy a NEW bag of food, and try them on apple, pear, and carrot tops tomorrow.

They will ruin me.

OP posts:
happystory · 23/04/2008 14:43

I'm sure it won't be anything serious if they are both off their food, they're just ganging up on you!

Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 14:46

I do hope there is nothing wrong with them, I do my best for them and am very fond of them, but they are hopeless as pets and hate me, so they should watch their step if they are winding me up for no reason!

Thank you everyone.

OP posts:
beautifulgirls · 23/04/2008 15:24

Message from a vet: YOU NEED TO GET THEM BOTH TO A VET TODAY!

Not eating in rabbits is a serious sign and can lead to death in a very short time. It is important that they are seen now.

Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 15:58

2 hours til they are seen by vet....
eeeek

OP posts:
southeastastra · 23/04/2008 16:22

blimey hope they're ok blu.

Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 16:24

well they look ok - that's what's so confusing.

OP posts:
Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 16:25

I have been carefully smoothing the top of the pellets in the dish so that I can see if they have disturbed it.

They might have been eating some hat - and i see them nibbling straw, but i'm not sure if that is just busying it about. Do rabbits eat barley straw?

OP posts:
Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 16:25

hay - not hat.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 23/04/2008 16:33

not sure, mine just eat bog standard hay. don't think they've ever not eaten for any length of time though.

Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 16:38

Blinkin' temperamental female Netherland Dwarfs - they're probably probably worried about their weight!

OP posts:
cadelaide · 23/04/2008 16:41

Could be teeth trouble.

cadelaide · 23/04/2008 16:43

They may have developed teeth trouble at the same time, if they're from the same family.

Dwarf breeds are very susceptible.

mumoftwo37 · 23/04/2008 16:54

I used to give my rabbit rich tea biscuits and cream crackers! She used to love them, even used to wait by the back door for me! Don't know if you have tried that!

cornsilk · 23/04/2008 17:02

Hope they're okay. Fussy buggers, rabbits.

Original poster
Blu · 23/04/2008 19:09

well, the vet took their temperature - she didn't check their teeth, though. They do gnaw a lot, so would be surprised if their teeth had grown too long. Can anything else happen to their teeth? I don't think they are full sisters.

I have to take them in two weeks for their next set of injections, so i will monitor them. They were out and hopping about this afternoon, though, and nibbling hay.

OP posts:
marmadukescarlet · 23/04/2008 19:15

Pick some dandelions, they are free!

I hope they feel better soon.

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