Bunnies exhibit subtle symptoms when they are ill. As their caretakers, it is important for us to notice these signs quickly - this is an ability you will come to possess over time through daily interactions with your bunny.
A quick list to check if your bunny is healthy:
- eats food, especially hay, as usual
- produces poop throughout the day
- mostly active - instantly perks up when you bring him/her a treat
- carries out all bunny activities (eg: grooming) normally
Alerting symptoms:
- eats significantly less hay
- does not show interest in favourite foods (eg: vegetables, fruits)
- produces small-sized, abnormal poop OR none at all
- rests in same position and location without moving much
- lethargic, sluggish movements
It is not uncommon for bunnies to have mild digestive ailments every now and then. From personal experience, this is often the cause of why a bunny "doesn't seem him/herself" on a certain day.
In these cases, high-fibre hay is always the #1 solution.
To encourage hay consumption:
- Hand-feeding
- Pick a fresh strand of hay from the package and wiggle it in front of your bunny's mouth to entice him/her to eat it.
- Increase water intake
- I have found that giving 1/8 to 1/4 cup of diluted tomato juice helps. Just one 1/8 cup, though!
- Note: The tomato juice must be freshly made. Use a juicer. DO NOT purchase bottles or cartons of pre-packaged juice from the store.
- Accompany your bunny more often
- Have you been giving your bunny less attention lately? A good dose of praises and pets can do wonders!
- Ear TTouches
- The TTouch is a kind of massage technique. Ear TTouches helps stimulate the digestive system. You can read more on the TTouch method here: Tellington TTouch for a Happy and Healthy Rabbit
