Comments on: Rabbit Health

By: Richard Lord

Richard Lord — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 09:33:03 +0000

Hi Emily
Rabbits personalities do vary very much between rabbits. The thing to look for is if a rabbit is normally very active and then becomes less so, as changes in personality can be a sign of health problems. If you are worried though, it is always a good idea to visit your vet for a check up.
Richard

By: Emily

Emily — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:32:52 +0000

Hi,
I have just bought two gorgeous baby boy lion heads (brothers) one is very happy and bouncy and loves to wonder round everywhere but the other one just mainly lies down on my lap (or my daughters) and is no where as bouncy as the other one :0 is this worth a trip to the vet just to make sure eveything is fine or is it just personalities? Just being cautious as both are so adorable and would hate for there to be anything wrong!

By: Richard Lord

Richard Lord — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:49:29 +0000

Hi Kaz
I think the best way to start with a rabbit that has been neglected is to take some advice from the rabbit herself! If she seems to be nervous, be patient and gentle. If she seems to be loving getting lots of attention and playing games, play with her.
It will probably take time for her to get used to you, and get used to getting lots of attention. Be gentle with her, and let her find what she is comfortable with.
Rabbits are very communicative, so it is usually fairly easy to tell whether a rabbit likes what you are doing or not!

By: Kaz

Kaz — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:21:01 +0000

Hi there, this is a great website and it has been so helpful so thank you. I’m collecting information for a friend, just today she has taken on a house rabbit from a relative of mine.We are very concerned as the reason my friend has adopted the rabbit is because she has been stuck in a cage day in day out whilst my relative has been at work and she must be so lonely. It is actually quite upsetting. So all we want to do now is give this rabbit the loving home it deserves and I’m sure it is going to take time to build trust and reassure her she is safe and loved. I would really appreciate any advise you can give on how best to start with a rabbit that’s been neglected? Give her her own space? Give her lots of attention? I will add though that although my daft relative didn’t quite think things through when taking her on, she is up to date with the vet and has been checked etc.

By: Richard Lord

Richard Lord — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 12:22:57 +0000

You’re welcome, glad to help!

By: marion

marion — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:33:30 +0000

thanks so much for the advice!

By: Richard Lord

Richard Lord — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 12:23:36 +0000

Hi Marion
Rabbits can become depressed, with symptoms including those you have described. This can be caused by a physical illness, and I would suggest another visit to your vet to make sure that there is no underlying cause, particularly as he is not eating properly.
If there is no physical illness causing this, then getting a companion for him may improve things. Rabbits need a lot of time spent with them to keep them from getting lonely, and getting another rabbit can help this as he won’t feel lonely when you are not there.
As you have said, if you do get another rabbit, it will help the bonding process if both are neutered a few weeks before they meet.
Be aware that occasionally, two rabbits will not bond with each other and you should be prepared for what you will do in case this happens. Male and female pairs of rabbits are usually the easiest to bond with each other.

By: marion

marion — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 21:31:58 +0000

hi, i have a male non neutered house rabbit, 1.5 yrs old, usually active friendly with me, playful and good eater. when a friend came to stay he stopped eating or drinking, had to go to the vets. vet thought he was miffed my friend was staying, as he is a dominant male, and thinks i’m his mate. A few days later he was home, a bit better, but has been looking depressed, not playing or moving much, and lettign me pet him but not engaging , eating sporadically, would i be best to get him neutred and a female friend?

By: Richard Lord

Richard Lord — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 21:41:38 +0000

Hi Jennia,
Yes it is a good idea to get a regular rabbit health check from a vet, to check for any problems including teeth problems. I have my rabbits checked each time they go to the vet for their vaccinations, every six months.

By: Jennia

Jennia — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 21:41:13 +0000

Do rabbits need to go to the vet for check ups?