Question about rabbits?

[Bunnylady]

A good "starter food" for bunnies weaned a bit on the young side is rolled oats (like you use to make oatmeal). Since that is also a food that a lot of breeders recommend for rabbits that are experiencing loose stools, it might help firm things up a bit. All you have to do is mix a bit of dry, rolled oats in with the pellets.

It's possible that this rabbit has some chronic health issue causing what you are seeing, but for now, I'm going to assume that it's just a bunny that is having a little bit of trouble adjusting to all the changes in her young life. Poop sticking to her isn't 'normal,' but if it doesn't get any worse, and clears up in time, it sounds like something to just keep an eye on for now.

 

[Fiasco]

A good "starter food" for bunnies weaned a bit on the young side is rolled oats (like you use to make oatmeal). Since that is also a food that a lot of breeders recommend for rabbits that are experiencing loose stools, it might help firm things up a bit. All you have to do is mix a bit of dry, rolled oats in with the pellets.

It's possible that this rabbit has some chronic health issue causing what you are seeing, but for now, I'm going to assume that it's just a bunny that is having a little bit of trouble adjusting to all the changes in her young life. Poop sticking to her isn't 'normal,' but if it doesn't get any worse, and clears up in time, it sounds like something to just keep an eye on for now.

Oh, interesting! I'll give that a try. I've got two questions: First, how much do you think I should mix in? If their feed bowl holds about half a cup, how much of that do you think should be the oats? And secondly, is it okay if her older brother eats them too? I have them together at the moment.

As for the poop sticking to her, I'm not too concerned...the poop is fairly firm, but I think it could have something to do with the amount they poop on their fleece bed while they're in it. Although her brother doesn't have the same issue, so go figure. Either way, I'll have to work on litter-training them! They pee in the litter right now, but drop the poo wherever they happen to be.

Thanks for your help!

 

[kwhites634]

One other thing to think about: Her brother's housed with her, and he don't give a hoot about incest. They'll breed like....well, they'll breed like rabbits.
Oh, when they do, and the male falls over & appears to have worked himself to death, don't worry; that's normal. 1st time I saw it I freaked, then he jumped up and did it all over again.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Also, if you change types of food pellets they get loose stools too. Are you feeding what the breeder fed?

 

[Bunnylady]

I've got two questions: First, how much do you think I should mix in? If their feed bowl holds about half a cup, how much of that do you think should be the oats? And secondly, is it okay if her older brother eats them too? I have them together at the moment.

I'd put maybe a tablespoonful or so of oats in a dish that size. As for him eating them, not a problem at all.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Plenty of folks on here have dabbled in rabbits. So feel free to ask away on BYC. There's more forums on rabbits on Backyard Herds, the sister site to this one so maybe check that out too, there's a link at the bottom of the page.

@pastordave over on BYH is very knowledgeable in this field. Raising/breeding/processing.
Great guy too!

 

[Fiasco]

Thanks everyone!

To answer a couple questions... Yes, I'm feeding the exact same kind of pellets. And as to the breeding, I'm going to separate them when they reach "that age" - which, I think is around 10 weeks old for the boy. I may let them breed when they get old enough, but time will tell. They are really half-siblings (same sire, different dams) - my bad on that one, I know I said siblings earlier. The breeder said it's okay to breed at their relation.

I must say, BYC is awesome! I love how kind and helpful everyone on here is. It's such a big help to me! Thanks again!

 

[balloonflower]

I'd put maybe a tablespoonful or so of oats in a dish that size. As for him eating them, not a problem at all.

Really, they love rolled oats. Mine go nuts at the treat. I would separate them while they eat them though. Other bun might bully and not share.

 

[Tale of Tails Rabbitry]

I agree...rolled oats are like rabbit candy!

Half siblings are okay to breed, but just as it can set a good genetic trait you see, it can do the same with a bad one you did not see. I had half-sib Silver Foxes that would throw a one or two kits per kindle with one drooping ear, always the same side. The parents did not have the problem, but obviously both carried it because I never saw it in their kits from breedings with other rabbits.

 

[Fiasco]

I can see that they like the oats, but they're best pals and share like good bunnies! I understand the risks of the genetic variations in their kits, and I'm okay with that. I'll probably just sell them as pets anyways. I think a rabbit with one ear up would be adorable! My younger bunny (Clementine) has one ear dropped right now, and it's too cute.