Force feeding a rabbit should only be performed as a supportive measure under the direct guidance of a licensed, rabbit-savvy veterinarian. A rabbit refusing to eat is a sign of a potentially life-threatening underlying condition (such as GI stasis or dental disease) that requires immediate professional diagnosis and treatment.
If he isn't eating, you can soak some of his pellets in warm water to form a mash and feed this to him via a syringe or small spoon. Offering vegetable-flavored baby foods fed in the same manner can be helpful and may entice his appetite. Just be sure to remove all uneaten portions after 1 hour.
This simple guideline can set the stage for a happy, healthy relationship with your new pet. The 3-3-3 rule is a roadmap for the first three days, three weeks, and three months after pet adoption. It emphasizes patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement to help pets acclimate to their new environment.
When It's Time to Seek Emergency Care. If your rabbit hasn't eaten in 12 hours, isn't producing droppings, or shows signs of bloating or distress, contact us immediately. These are red flags for serious complications like GI stasis or other internal issues.
A previous study based on primary veterinary care showed that the most common causes of death in pet rabbits were myiasis, myxomatosis, and bite injuries, which could be prevented by improved housing and suitable care [5].
Signs of stress may include: appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body) being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes) being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual.
Rabbits need unlimited access to grass and hay, so they shouldn't ever be left without food. However, if it's an emergency and there's no other choice, then they can go up to 12 hours without eating.
Rabbits are sociable creatures that can form deep bonds with their human companions.
If your rabbit has stopped eating completely, they are at risk of serious complications such as gut stasis, a gut blockage, dehydration and liver disease. It's extremely important to contact your vet straight away if you notice your rabbit is eating less than normal.
Stasis recovery will vary from almost immediate to days and days. I have had rabbits who ate and drank nothing willingly for almost two weeks. If they are not deteriorating or seem to be in pain, just keep supporting and remember to seek veterinary care if you are concerned.
If you notice your rabbit not eating, act fast. 4-6 hours without food can become life-threatening. GI Stasis, dental disease, hairballs, stress, and poor-quality hay are all common causes of appetite loss in rabbits.
Signs of pain include: > grinding teeth > rapid and shallow breathing > pulling hair > decreased grooming > hunched posture > lethargy > increased thirst and urination > a reluctance to move > bulging, strained, staring, or unfocused eyes.
You will need to ration the pellets for most adult bunnies. If you don't, they tend to overeat and get fat, and when they are full from pellets, they don't eat enough hay! A common portion is ¼ to ½ cup daily for a 5 to 7 pound adult rabbit.
Rabbits can survive without food for about three to four days but should ideally not go more than 12 hours without eating. If your rabbit is refusing to eat, it is an indication that something is wrong with them.
Is there such a thing as a 'low mood' in rabbits?
Rabbits rub their chins (which contain scent glands) on items to get their scent on them. This behavior indicates that the items belong to them and also defines their territory. The scent is undetectable to humans.
If you notice these symptoms in your bunny, it's time to see a vet as soon as possible.
Natural enemies of jackrabbits include hawks, owls, eagles, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and weasels. While predation will not eliminate the population, presence of predators will provide some useful assistance in rabbit control.
Fill a bottle with hot water, wrap a small towel around it, and put it against the rabbit. Make sure the bottle has a good seal. (WARNING: As it cools, it will begin to take heat away from the rabbit, so check it every 20 minutes) Heat a microwavable “bunny warmer” and then place it against the rabbit.
If your rabbit has not been eating or drinking for more than half a day, they should immediately be fed recovery food or a feeding formula (not the same as formula made for baby rabbits) made specifically for rabbits. Critical Care is our go to formula and we always have it in on hand just in case.
Keep tempting the rabbit with their favourite foods and items such as fresh herbs (basil, mint, coriander and parsley). You can wave this in front of the rabbits, and often, they will get annoyed and bite it. This can be enough for them to get the taste and then eat the whole sprig.
The most common symptoms of a dying rabbit include a lack of appetite, a loss of strength, and erratic movements. Other signs will vary depending on the cause of death, and sometimes you will not notice any symptoms before a rabbit passes on.