Too thin??

[Nidia]

Since Abby is my first bunny, I don't know what a healthy rabbit should feel. I can't SEE her bones, but when I run my hand over her, I can feel her spine and shoulders pretty easily. She's about 5 months old, has unlimited access to Timothy Complete pellets and Kaytee Alfalfa and Timothy hay. She also gets a plate of mixed greens with collard greens, mustard greens, endive and escarole, and sometimes carrots and celery every day. She gets plenty of exercize and loves to play with her toilet paper rolls. She eats and poops well. No diarrhea or anything like that. Should I be worried?

 

[MyBabyBunnies]

Well first off, she should have been on Alfalfa pellets not Timothy pellets. But since she's 5 months old, there is no point in switching her now.

Spine and shoulder bones are a bad way to judge condition. Some rabbits just have very prominent spines or other bones. The ribs are the best way to accurately judge weight. If you have to really dig to feel her ribs, then she is over weight. If you run your hand over and you feel ribs without pressing, she is too skinny.

In my opinion, the best way to find out if your bunny is a good weight or not is to ask a vet. I finally figured out how to judge it after my vet told me. Is she going to be spayed? You can ask when you take her in then.

 

[Nidia]

She was on Alfalfa pellets until about 2 weeks ago. I actually went looking for Oxbow, but since they didn't have any, I went with the Timothy Complete.
I can feel her ribs, but I have to press down a little bit. I AM planning on having her spayed, but not until November. I just don't have the money right now. Thanks for the quick reply

 

[MyBabyBunnies]

Oh ok, I still would have waited until over 6 months to switch but it's ok to switch them sooner, and I guess she is still getting some alfalfa hay.

It sounds like your rabbit is ok, but it's really hard to tell without seeing for myself. One of my does is naturally slim. She was eating more than my 8 lb bucks and not putting on any weight. There is no medical reason for it but my vet came to the conclusion that she is just wearing off as many calories and she is consuming so she isn't putting on weight.

If your rabbit is very hyper like mine, it's possible the same thing is going on. Many rabbits put on weight after spay. Some don't, my doe is over a year old and spayed for 3 months and still no weight gain.

But, I do think you should ask your vet if you are still concerned when you take her for her spay.

 

[Nidia]

Ok thanks a lot! She usually is very hyper and she looooves to hop. She will have a check up before November, just because she hasn't had one since I got her and I want to make sure everything is ok. I'll ask my vet then. Thanks again for your help. :bunnydance: