Is it normal for a new bunny to not eat?

It’s extremely important to contact your vet straight away if you notice your rabbit is eating less than normal. There are many different problems that could have caused your rabbit to stop eating, but some of the most common include dental disease, stress, and gut problems.

How do I get my new rabbit to eat?

Food can be set out for him in a clean corner of the cage or carrier if desired, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t eat it right away. When a rabbit is eating is when it’s at its most vulnerable, so he’ll have to feel pretty safe before he’ll really settle down to eat.

How long does it take a rabbit to settle into a new home?

Every bunny is different, however in our experience it generally takes around 6 months for a bunny to finally feel settled and happy in their new home. Bunnies that don’t appear to have settled and relaxed may be unhappy. You need to explore the possible reasons why.

What to do if a rabbit is not eating?

When a rabbit isn’t eating, it’s usually because they are very ill or stressed. Conditions such as GI stasis, dental disease, or chronic anxiety are likely culprits. If your rabbit ever stops eating for more than 10 hours at a time, they should be brought to a veterinarian for emergency care.

How do you destress a rabbit?

15 Ways to Reduce Stress in Rabbits

  1. Keep quiet around your rabbit.
  2. Avoid holding your rabbit.
  3. Give your rabbit a larger enclosure.
  4. Make sure your rabbit has places to hide.
  5. Establish a regular routine for your rabbit.
  6. Give your rabbit time to trust you.
  7. Keep the temperature cool.
  8. Give your rabbit toys to play with.

How do I know if my rabbit is hungry?

They need to have something in their stomachs at all times. When they’re really hungry, they’ll eat their own feet. I knew a kid who was a little slow and routinely forgot about his pet rabbit, then one day went to check on him and the rabbit was stiff and cold having starved to death, and missing its feet.

How do you settle a rabbit into a new home?

9 Tips to Help Your Rabbit Settle Into a New Home

  1. Set up a home base.
  2. Give your rabbit familiar objects.
  3. Make sure your rabbit is eating a healthy diet.
  4. Keep your rabbit in a quiet room.
  5. Be a calming presence.
  6. Stick to a daily routine.
  7. Make sure to thoroughly rabbit proof the home.
  8. Slowly give your rabbit more freedom.

How do you tell if your rabbit is stressed?

Signs of stress

  1. appearing nervous (freezing, hunched up with ears flat against the body)
  2. being excessively jumpy and watchful (bulging eyes)
  3. being aggressive to people or other rabbits, particularly if the behaviour is unusual.
  4. being aggressive when handled.

How do you know if your rabbit is sad?

The signs of an unhappy rabbit

  1. Chewing cage bars, if they’re kept in a hutch.
  2. Pulling at their fur and over-grooming – or not grooming at all.
  3. A change in feeding or toilet habits.
  4. Drinking a lot more.
  5. Repeated circling or pacing up and down.
  6. Biting and destructive behaviours.
  7. A lack of energy and curiosity.

What are the signs of a stressed rabbit?

Signs of stress

  • 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.
  • being aggressive when handled.