What should I do if my new bunny isn't eating grass?

Answer 1

Fresh grass isn't a normal food for pet rabbits.

WHY HAY (NOT GRASS)

Pet rabbits should eat lots of grass hay (dried grass). It should be dried because that way, it's harder to eat, which means it helps wear down your bunny's teeth.

Rabbit teeth grow continuously. If you don't give rabbits something to wear down their teeth, it's likely they'll have painful and expensive dental problems. Hay is the best way to help rabbits keep their teeth healthy.

WHAT IF YOUR NEW RABBIT ISN'T EATING SOME FOODS

Sometimes, if a rabbit was raised on pellets only, then it won't want to eat hay or fresh foods. It can take some time for the rabbit to adjust.

Transition the rabbit from its old diet to the new one slowly. When you first bring home a new rabbit you should bring her to the vet to make sure she's healthy. When you see the vet, talk to him or her about how to transition you bunny to a new diet safely.

Slowly reduce the pellets and treats, or whatever unhealthy things the rabbit was eating. Eventually, the rabbit will start eating more and more healthy foods.

Don't starve your rabbit, though. Don't take the food he's used to away completely. Don't make your rabbit go cold turkey. This would more than likely lead to serious illness (see "What if your rabbit isn't eating at all").

Lots of fresh greens suddenly can lead to digestive upset, too. Introduce greens slowly, one at a time. Watch for signs of ill-health (like gas, lethargy, allergic reactions, mushy stool).

WHAT IF YOUR RABBIT ISN'T EATING AT ALL

If your bunny isn't eating at all, that is a serious emergency that requires vet care right away. There are things you can do at home to help, but your rabbit needs medicine (pain meds, and gut motility drugs -- at least).

Rabbit digestion isn't like ours is. If a rabbit stops eating -- for any reason -- then it's very difficult, often impossible, for them to start eating again. This is a deadly situation, and very painful for the bunny.

ABOUT RABBIT VETS

If you don't have a vet already, be careful looking for a new one. Not all vets have experience or training in rabbits. Rabbits are very different from cats and dogs. Some medicines and procedures that are safe for cats or dogs, are deadly for rabbits, and lots of vets are not aware of that.

There are websites that can help you find a good vet for your rabbit. The House Rabbit Society is a good place to start. You can find them with a web search.

HEALTHY RABBIT DIET

There is a lot of good info about what to feed your bunny online. The House Rabbit Society is a good place to start -- you can find their website by doing a web search.

Rabbits should eat lots and lots of grass hay. Legume hay (like alfalfa) isn't healthy for most adult rabbits.

Rabbits should also eat some fresh dark leafy greens daily. Grass isn't recommended. Don't give just one kind of green: give a variety. Some recommended greens include:

• Herbs, like cilantro, basil, dill
• Dark lettuces, like the dark parts of romaine, green leaf, red leaf, Boston or bibb
• Carrot tops, green celery tops
• Parsley
• Dandelion greens

Rabbits can also eat some pellets, and some treats. Treats can include a bite or two of fresh fruit (like apple, pineapple, berries) or veg (like carrot).