Another Question.

[FreezeNkody]

So I need to fatten Tebow up (Rescued Lop) What are things I can use?
I heard oats? I just don't think the pellets are quite doing it for him.

 

[LakeCondo]

Sunflower seeds, but don't over do it.

 

[FreezeNkody]

i'm guessing unsalted?

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

It takes time to put on healthy weight. Good pellets in sufficient quantities should put weight on a rabbit. If he is really skinny, an alfalfa pellet that you can work up to free feeding (get him used to it over at least a few days) should help a lot.
Adding extra things like oats or sunflower seeds tend to put on more fat than muscle. A small pinch a couple times a week, but more than that is not really needed.
If you just got him, you need to give him more time to become healthy. Give him at least a month to put on healthy weight. Weighing him now and as often as you can does help determine that he is gaining and how much he is gaining.

 

[FreezeNkody]

ALSO just happened. He jumped unto the couch and pooped a little and then after "chinning" my foot came over and pee'd on my arm. WHY?? is he marking me or something, or does he just have bad manners.

 

[ldoerr]

If he is new he is marking his teritory. They do this for a couple of weeks when put in a new environment. I agree with the oats and sunflower seeds. You can make a mix of 50/50 oats and barley and then add a couple of handfulls of the black oil sunflower seeds for every couple of pounds of the mixture. I give 1/4 cup per rabbit per day. I get all that at the feed store. My feed store sells it all by the pound. You could also feed an alfalfa pellet. If the rabbit will not eat, then you could offer a few raisens, this almost always gets them eating again.

 

[JBun]

I'd say you are now claimed as 'his' human. This is one very good reason for having males neutered. At least you know he likes you

If you are already feeding him an alfalfa pellet, you could just gradually increase the amount of pellets he's getting, but not so much that he isn't eating any hay, as the hay is also important for rabbits to eat every day. I would be careful about feeding seeds or grains to you rabbit to fatten him up. Some rabbits won't have a problem with the extra carbs in their diet, but then some are more sensitive to the added carbs and it can make them very sick. You may want to hold off on that kind of thing until you are more familiar with your new bun and how he does with food. What ever you do try, just make sure to introduce any food, in small amounts, and very gradually increase the amounts, to avoid stomach upset.

 

[FreezeNkody]

I was told he was neutered. but i'm guessing i'm going to have to go take a look down south. Also I don't see him eating a lot of hay. and I have kept his food bowl full. i'm REALLY hoping it's not his teeth. or he could just be so active it's hard to put a lil weight on? He'll run around chasing a ball for hours. and if I don't throw it back he gets upset..lol He's super adorable. more active than my 2 Dwarfs.

 

[JBun]

Do you mean you keep his food bowl full of pellets? If he's filling up on pellets, then that would be why he isn't eating hay. If you decrease the amount of pellets he gets so that he runs out a few hours before feeding time, then he'll most likely start eating some of his hay.

 

[FreezeNkody]

I put about a 1/4 cup of pellets in his bowl. he's barely touched it, nibbles here and there. Hay I've barely seen him touch. the girl who had him before me, was feeding him Oxbow Orchard grass. So i stuck some of my timothy in his litter pan. As i look over i see him nibbling hay..lol

 

[wendymac]

First, if he's thin, I'd give him free-choice pellets. You can also top dress it with black oil sunflower seeds, old-fashioned oatmeal, etc. I prefer Calf Manna. I've had great results with my show bunnies and nursing/pregnant does.

 

[FreezeNkody]

He does have free range to eat as he pleases. I think he needs a vet check soon. I'm making an appointment Soon.

Another question, Can rabbits have OCD? He seems VERY obsessed with his ball. and will push it for hours and if I take it away from him he begs, and stares ..lol

 

[PaGal]

I don't see why rabbits can't be OCD. I swear my dog has it. It could be that he will focus on the ball less as time goes by. Maybe he just has a lot of pent up energy if he did not get to play much before.

You could try feeding the bunny yourself. Thumper is good about eating but he does seem to enjoy his hay more when I feed it to him either by holding a handful near him and he chooses which pieces to eat or I will try one piece of hay at a time. He still chooses which to eat though. If he doesn't like a piece he'll bite it in half and then with much attitude toss the part remaining in his mouth aside.