Anybody got any ideas why my bunnies are hardly moving?

[ChristmasBunnies]

I have just been to pick up 2 brand new bunnies this morning.

I got them from a local dealer who shows rabbits and only occasionally sells their surplus stocks.

They are mini lops and they are about 10 weeks old.

They are 2 brothers and they have been handled lots since birth.

The problem is they hardly move. Are they stressed about coming to a new home? They were in a travel box on my lap for about a 15minute car journey.

I have got them a huge double storey hutch and I have put LOADS of hay in there for them. Are they warm enough? They are in the garage which is attached to the house so I am popping back and for to see them every 5 minutes!!!!

They are more than willing to be picked up. You can cuddle them for ages and they will hardly move. They're almost like cuddly toys!

Is this normal after being moved to a new home? Is there anything I can do to relieve their stress? How do I know if they are scared, cold or actually ill?

I'd say they are stressed and will take a while to settle down after the move. They'll probably be a bit more active tomorrow.

I know bugger all about rabbits though so maybe give the breeder a call to double check.

They are probably a bit scared and shocked, they are just babies, I would give them some food and then leave them alone until the morning and let them settle into their new surroundings.

They are probably a bit stressed out and getting used to their surroundings. Have they fed since they came home?

BTW - I don't think they'll be cold though.

I don't know. They sound cute. Word of warning - I bought 2 brothers and after a while they started fighting - dreadful, blood was drawn, they had to be seperated and I gave them away as the only solution would have been to have them both castrated, which I couldn't afford to have done.

Your bunnies are probably just a bit confused - did they come from a large litter? Maybe if so, they are wondering where the rest of their siblings are - if bunnies wonder.

I'd leave them for a couple of days before trying to pick them up again. Just make sure they've got water and food and let them settle in. They'll soon be hopping about all over. Its normal for rabbits when they're scared.

They sound scared to me - i would leave them alone for a few hours then go in very quietly and see if they've moved

Many thanks for your quick responses guys

They do seem very slightly happier when I leave them alone. Each time I pop back they may be in a slightly different position.

They don't seem to have eaten much although they have chucked their food around a bit so they must move a bit!

I have seen them nibble the hay a bit.

Can rabbits this young get very ill from stress or is it something that they will just get over in a couple of days?

They won't get ill, just give them some peace and quiet and they will be fine.

I know it's really hard to leave them alone when you first get them but it really is what they need.

In a couple of days they will be all happy and frisky.

fantastic settling in advice here

SETTLING IN

I know it is really tempting to get your new rabbit home and everyone give them a cuddle and pass them around. I would strongly suggest putting them in their new home for the first day or two and letting them settlein properly. This doesnt mean you cant have a cuddle but keep it all a bit low key and quiet-remember they have just moved from familiar surroundings to a new enviroment and will be a little scared and wary. The sooner they settle in the sooner you will enjoy their confidence.