Two bunnies not eating

[Dutchgirl]

Our bunnies are a week old now. Although we started out with seven, a black snake killed three of them. It is possible that it also injured the others, considering that it was a heavy snake curled up in the box.

Now two of the bunnies seem not to be eating at all. One bunny is larger than all the others with a plump tummy, another is smaller but is still plump, and the other two have shrunken tummies. I tried to get one of them to eat, but unlike most bunnies I've seen, it doesn't even attempt to nurse when I put it near the doe's nipples. Usually the bunny will immediately turn over and suckle, but this bunny just lay on its stomach underneath her.

Is there any way to get them to eat?

 

[froggy848]

Your bunnies are probably in shock from their sibling's been eaten by that snake.They need calm,quite and if possible bring them indoors where they can't see where the snake appeared from.Their probably worried about the snake and that's why they won't eat.Try giving them some hay or straw to intice them to eat.If all else fail's try bribing them with food like carrot's,some lettuce.Their a bit young for cabbage as it can give them an upset tummy.My rabbits also seem to love those forest fruit cereal bars or musli.Hope this helps.

 

[Bunnylady]

Um, Froggy? The OP said these bunnies are 1 week old. They don't even have their eyes open yet.


The only thing I can think of would be to try feeding them a little bit of Pedialyte or even just sugar water with an eyedropper. It's risky business, because they can inhale the stuff, but it really sounds like you are going to lose them anyway. They say sugar can help to stimulate the appetite; if they've gotten a bit dehydrated, maybe this could help jump-start them nursing again. Sorry I can't be more help, and I'm sorry for your loss.