Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]


Welcome to Rabbit Addict.

The forums are a place to discuss all things related to rabbits and cavy. From breeding to pet, emergency to genetics questions. Our members are a mix of genetics enthusiasts, breeders, and pet owners looking to share their animals.

Hop on in and join the fun!
We don't bite. I promise.



You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as joining the discussion, customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free.

If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
New bunny, sorta rescued. First timer. Help?; I got a new rabbit from a not-so-pleasant source and want to make his life better. :D
Topic Started: Dec 12 2013, 09:14 AM (290 Views)
Mistahipstah
New to the Addiction
[ * ]
Okay, so hi. I'm new here and mainly joined this forum for my new little guy, Altair, who I got yesterday. I'm a teen so I'm still a bit young and need some help with him since I didn't plan for him and my vet friend said (well, he's a freshman in vet school) that he's really undernourished and people scared (probably trauma).

It started when I was with the friend I mentioned above and we saw some bunnies for sale on the sidewalk (The roads here aren't nice at all. They're very polluted and badly maintained. Illegal street vendors (including where we got Altair) scatter the streets. I live in the Philippines. The roads sorta look like Manilathis.) So obviously, it's not a very good place for selling bunnies. About 10 of them were shoved on this small plastic crate so that some were stepping on others and whatnot. They were also very hungry as some we jumping on to the seller's cart of mangoes, trying to look for something to nibble on. Almost all he passersby took a few seconds to pet some of them so I'm pretty sure they're dirty too. Anyway, they were all pretty skinny, some scabbed, some had tattered ears, some had bald spots. They were selling for about the USD equivalent of $3-3.50. I told my friend I wanted to save all of them and give them better homes. He said it would be stupid for me to do that but in the end I convinced him to get me the "healthiest" of the lot so I could at least make one rabbit's life better.

We ended up getting a black one. His eyes and nose were clear and just right. My friend concluded that this did not have rabies or mites but has dandruff, at worst. The bunny was also really malnourished. He looked full because of his inch-thick fur. At first, he would flinch whenever one of us would make any motion towards him. However he was treated there, it obviously wasn't nice. One thing odd about him though: My friend pointed out his well-built hind legs and said he was a jumper. He had never jumped (Like jumped jumped) the whole time since I got him. They must have trained him not to jump since they were all housed in a lidless shallow crate. By the end of the day, I can safely say we made progress: he would let us carry him and he would calm down (sometimes even fall asleep), he drank lots of water, ate some carrots, and peed. He currently resides in a large plastic bin I use for my hedgehog (he's alone there though) with a big towel folded up as bedding. I also gave him a bowl of water there, more carrots, some toys (Hedgehog toys: a ping pong ball, and a toilet paper tube cut in half lengthwise), and a little hideaway (which he seems to like the most).

So a few dilemmas are still present here: (1) He hasn't taken a poo since this time yesterday, when we got him. He's been eating fine and all but I'm worried about his bowels. (2) I realised that I have no prior knowledge on rabbits whatsoever. (My friend really couldn't tell me more than what he already did) So any help on basic care would be great. (I checked out some stuff online and some things contradicted each other and whatnot so I'd rather get it from many people in a single community) Diet? How many times a day do they eat? Is the bedding I use okay for him? Does he need fleece blankets? Is there anything else I need for him? (3) I would really like to know how I can get him off his thinness for the time being. (4) Are there more things I know so I can train him better or something, so he'd be more affectionate towards humans (4) How do I get a bunny from something probably traumatizing less agitated? (5) Are there any tips you can offer a new owner? (6) I found some sources, I just want to know if they're credible and whatnot. Link 1Link 1 2 3

Thanks in advance for the help! No picture yet as I currently have no knowledge to make an effort, sorry about that.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
sidd-says-gimme
Member Avatar
sidd says stay gold
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Hi! Welcome to RA.

For food, I'm not sure what is available in your area but the best thing for him right now would be a good quality pellet food and hay. Hay is great for fiber and to get things moving. Pellet food will help him gain and maintain the weight as long as he is healthy otherwise. Veggies aren't likely to do anything for him and actually may be hard on his stomach and cause problems, since he hasn't been fed well/properly. I would free feed pellets until he is at a good weight... hay should probably always be available for him too.

The bedding is probably fine but it may be difficult to keep it clean enough. You may want to consider litter training him (at least for urine) so he can have litter (like wood pellets, shavings, something absorbent) that can easily be emptied and the towel won't get all dirty.

You will need to gain his trust which can take a long time. I have a rabbit that was being physically abused and neglected. He was a wreck... took about a year but he started warming up to me. He is now 6 1/2 and loves people. Just be gentle and try not to do things that bother him too much... I guess that would be a start, along with him seeing that you provide food and water for him.

Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Mistahipstah
New to the Addiction
[ * ]
Alright! Thanks a lot!

I don't think there's any hay here but pellets should be easy enough to find. I fed him an apple for fiber and that seemed to work well. Would fruits do him good? They're more available here.

Well so far, he's doing pretty well. Still scared but yeah, I'm taking it slow with him.

Would there be any way for me to know how old he is? He's a bit bigger than a dollar bill.
Posted Image

I also set him down and sat beside him then he climbed on my lap so I carried him and he sorta rolled on his back and fell asleep. Not sure if that's normal.
Posted Image Posted Image

EDIT: Okay I didn't realise those pictures were huge. Sorry bout that.
Edited by Mistahipstah, Dec 13 2013, 05:46 AM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Welcome to Rabbit Addict! Hope everyone is doing better there after the big storm. We don't get much real news here in the US after it happens. Is everyone doing OK there? Are you recovering? So sorry, nature can be very cruel.

Congratulations on the little guy. Have a small black bunny myself. Kreacher is my Polish and is the tiniest of my Z-Tribe. Can't tell by the photos (don't worry about being big, sometimes you size them and they still come out big) but definitely small and young.

Know it's tough getting hay where you are so maybe this RWAF list can help you find different things to feed your little guy. Apples are good as they do have fiber, but you have to watch the sugar. Sugar is not really good for rabbits as it can throw off the gut flora (digestive system). Maybe using some of the herbs or vegetables as part of his diet. I would just introduce anything real slow (little bit at a time) and see how your rabbit's digestive system takes it in. Some vegetables and fruits can also cause gas, which causes bloat in rabbits which is very painful and also could be very detrimental to a rabbit.

Don't want to scare you, but everyone needs to know with rabbits, that their digestive system is really sensitive and little things can throw it off and it can become serious real fast. But when you find the right diet, stick with it and you and your rabbit can have a lovely life together. Rabbits are really sweet to have around.

Regarding bedding, my rabbits usually like to sleep in their litter box where the hay is. Kreacher does have a "woobie" (husband's shirt) which he loves to snuggle on. If you use a fleece blanket, just watch your little guy doesn't chew on it and ingest the blanket. That can cause problems with blockage. Also not a good thing for rabbits.

Trust is the key with rabbits. You need to gain their trust in you and that will open up the relationship. Best bet is take it on his terms. When I get a new rabbit, I always let him/her get to know my voice. I sit outside their crate and talk to them. When I enter their crate, I talk to them, while petting them, I talk to them. It seems to relax them once they know my voice. With the voice, they don't feel any threat. Also treats are good at first. Rabbit are driven by food. Knowing your voice, knowing your touch and then knowing a tasty treat is on it's way, definitely will help you on your way to gain his trust. People can be cruel and a rabbit coming from a bad situation can take a bit to learn to trust. Rabbits being "prey" animals already have their radar up for danger.

Be consistent in everything you do at first. Feed at the same time. Greet your little guy the same, let him out for exercise at the same time each day. Basically you are getting him used to a routine. Rabbits thrive on routine. It does take time, but you put that time into a rabbit, it is an awesome experience.

Hope to hear more about your new venture in rabbits. Definitely a different experience from any other domesticated animal.

KAZ
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NeuBunny
Genetics Geek!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Good luck with your little guy. With not knowing breed or previous treatment, it's hard to venture a guess on age. But even with my dwarf breeds, they are usually bigger than that by 8 weeks - so my guess is he was weaned early (4-5 weeks) and just before you got him.

Carrots and apples are both high sugar - which can be risky for any bunny, but especially for babies. Carrot tops (the greens) would be better for him than the carrots. Hay is really the best option for him. Understand it is difficult to get where you are. The next best option would be any sort of grass -- even picking from a lawn (wash well if you aren't sure whether it may have been sprayed with chemicals). Dark greens (not iceberg lettuce or cabbage, those are too high water and can cause diarrhea in young rabbits) are another alternative. Look for other veggies that are low sugar - broccoli, peas, brussel sprouts, spinach, etc.

Adult rabbits I feed once a day. Under 4 months old I try to keep a constant supply of food (at least hay) in the cage so they can nibble all day. Keep the water dish filled all the time.

No poo is a concern, but better that than diarrhea - he may not have been eating much recently. Fiber will help, but just getting him on a constant diet is best.

Sleeping upside down is something my rabbits do when they are warm. Doing it on your lap is a good sign that he trusts you -- as a prey animal rabbits have a strong instinct to protect their belly around anything they see as even a marginal threat.

Keep in touch!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
TherapyBunnies
Member Avatar
Hey, look at you! You chatterbox you. Now you can request a new title! PM the Admin to do so
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Welcome to Rabbit Addict and congratulations on your new bunny. Hope he is doing better. If he is still not pooping, pumpkin & pineapple seem to work well with hay or fresh grass that does not have pesticide on it. Massaging his tummy and gently working on areas that feel bigger than other areas. You don't need to massage areas that that feel like his normal round pellets.
Cara
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Therapy Bunny Breeder, Chaplain.
Lionheads are my focus & Giant Chinchilla is my son's.
My daughter's focus is Mini Lops and she has couple of show / pet rabbits.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Mistahipstah
New to the Addiction
[ * ]
Thanks for all the replies! He's been doing well. He pooped about 5 times yesterday but he's slowing down again. I'll try the suggestions though I really don't think hay for rabbits is available here. (I tried asking and only got confused looks from salespeople) I'm trying to look for good quality pellets but it's apparently not as easy. Well it's fine (You're not scaring me, ZRabbits, don't worry. My hedgehog has a pickier diet.) I'll try to feed him some broccoli later. Hope I can get his digestive system back on track.

He's been really affectionate, so I think all he needed was to know that all humans aren't hostile forces. He always jumps onto my lap and sort of just sits there with his eyes half open. He licks my hand a lot. He also likes crawling under my shirts and some towels.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Mistahipstah
Dec 15 2013, 06:23 AM
Thanks for all the replies! He's been doing well. He pooped about 5 times yesterday but he's slowing down again. I'll try the suggestions though I really don't think hay for rabbits is available here. (I tried asking and only got confused looks from salespeople) I'm trying to look for good quality pellets but it's apparently not as easy. Well it's fine (You're not scaring me, ZRabbits, don't worry. My hedgehog has a pickier diet.) I'll try to feed him some broccoli later. Hope I can get his digestive system back on track.

He's been really affectionate, so I think all he needed was to know that all humans aren't hostile forces. He always jumps onto my lap and sort of just sits there with his eyes half open. He licks my hand a lot. He also likes crawling under my shirts and some towels.
Field hay is just as good. Is there farmers near you? If so, walk the fields and you can find. They do have hay.

Also you can have hay shipped from another Country? I know Europe has hay suppliers that ship from on-line.

Here's Oxbow
http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/contact/find_products

Hay Experts from UK
http://www.thehayexperts.co.uk/

Regarding the broccoli, just be careful. Definitely a veggie that gives bunnies gas. My poor Dobby experienced gas from broccoli.

Glad to hear he's so relaxed with you that he enjoys just being with you and showing his affection by grooming you.

You have a hedgehog? Think they are just a neat animal. Would love to hear about him/her.

KAZ
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Mistahipstah
New to the Addiction
[ * ]
ZRabbits
Dec 15 2013, 07:24 AM
Field hay is just as good. Is there farmers near you? If so, walk the fields and you can find. They do have hay.

Also you can have hay shipped from another Country? I know Europe has hay suppliers that ship from on-line.

Here's Oxbow
http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/contact/find_products

Hay Experts from UK
http://www.thehayexperts.co.uk/

Regarding the broccoli, just be careful. Definitely a veggie that gives bunnies gas. My poor Dobby experienced gas from broccoli.

Glad to hear he's so relaxed with you that he enjoys just being with you and showing his affection by grooming you.

You have a hedgehog? Think they are just a neat animal. Would love to hear about him/her.

KAZ
No farms near here, I live in the city. I'll try to ask though if I can get some shipped.

Well NeuBunny said I could also give him peas and spinach so maybe I'll look into those too. Just wondering but since they're technically part of the rodent family, does the rule regarding mice and gas apply: give a mouse gas and it'll die since it can't burp (or pass gas in general, I think)? You said Dobby had gas but I was just wondering if they could die from it altogether. (just to be more cautious with it)

Yeah, I'm glad too! He does kick other people, unfortunately, so I kind of want to remedy that.

Yeah I do! He's still sorta new. Have only had him for a couple of weeks. He's still rather antisocial (Hedgehogs are usually harder to earn the trust of sooooo yeah) So far he just rolls into a ball when I try to give him this new friend. Oh well. When I get him tame enough, I'll probably go to that section with off topic threads and whatnot. :P
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
Peas and spinach are a good start. I'd stay away from too much cabbage as that also gives gas. Mine also like romaine lettuce. Stay clear of the iceburg as it's only just water and nothing nutritional for rabbits.

Yes, like mice, gas or "bloat" can be fatal to a rabbit. Though some say rabbits don't pass gas, they do, but not enough to compensate for the pressure.

Since your rabbit is just getting used to you, other people would be a threat so he/she kicks. Until totally trusting in you, the rabbit will react this way. All normal. Build up that trust relationship and your rabbit will see others as trustworthy also.

Will look for your "hedgehog thread' once settled in. Really interesting animals.

KAZ
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
NeuBunny
Genetics Geek!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
I think they do pass gas, but also know that if it becomes a problem, they can be given the simethicone drops that you use for infants. A little yogurt with active cultures (like a tablespoon - not a lot) is also good for treating bloat and getting their stomachs 'back to normal' after a problem.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Mistahipstah
New to the Addiction
[ * ]
Well I discovered that he hates anything leafy. Won't touch it at all. I even tried mixing in some spinach with some food from this list (http://www.saveafluff.co.uk/rabbit-info/safe-foods-for-rabbits) but he just tried to eat around the leaves.

Well he doesn't seem to have gotten bloated so far so that's good but I'll keep all that in mind.

He seems a lot more comfortable now and a lot more playful too.

ZRabbits, I'll be sure to get to that. He's undergoing the last few days of quilling (which can be quite painful for them) which is them shedding quills and growing new ones so he's still a grump.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
[ *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * ]
I guess he doesn't like the texture of the leafy stuff. Mine have certain things they don't like either.

Glad to hear he's starting to settle in. Love to see the time mine finally realize they are safe and secure.


Ouch, didn't know it would be painful for your Hedgehog to loose their quills and grow new ones. Poor thing. I'd be grumpy too. Hope the process is over soon.

Look forward to meeting your Hedgehog. I truly think they are unique little animals.

KAZ
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Free Forums with no limits on posts or members.
Learn More · Sign-up Now
« Previous Topic · Bunny Emergency · Next Topic »
Add Reply