Older rabbits sleep alot?

Question

I have a 4 year old mini lop rabbit I got last week and he sleeps alot! He will wake up and play if I make him and he wakes up for cookies or apples! He eats, drinks and poops normal. He just sleeps alot. Could this be cuz he's elderly? He goes for checkup next week.

Answer 1

He may just be adjusting to his new home. Four years isn't too old for a bunny. I have a six year old bunny and he runs around the house like a maniac all night.

Answer 2

He may sleep a lot because he is geting too much sugar in treats.  Like people, rabbits can have that energy rush and then feel tired when the sugar is out of their system.  Try feeding him more veggies and natural treats, he'll feel better trust me (carbs can mess up their digestion).  Also, rabbits are most active early in the morning and early in the evening.  I have 5 rabbits and they snooze most of the day, getting up to play during their active times.

Your rabbit is NOT elderly.  Make sure you have a good rabbit vet, a cat or dog vet probably doesn't know a lot about them.  4 is young.  My rabbit is 11.. he's elderly and  is  still active.  I wouldn't worry about anything being wrong except his diet.  Good Luck!!!

Answer 3

CONGRATULATIONS!!

What are you feeding your new bunny? My friend has a rabbit and her vet recommended Nutriphase® Rabbit Food. You can get it at Petsmart.

(here's what it looks like) http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js...

Here's some Information on the food.

Specially formulated for PetSmart, Nutriphase Rabbit Formula is a scientifically-developed, high fiber diet designed especially for rabbits. It supports a rabbit's delicate digestive system to ensure that all necessary nutrients are being absorbed. With flavor pellets for added variety. Nutriphase offers excellent nutrition at a great value.

Ingredients: Dehydrated alfalfa meal, ground oats, ground wheat, soybean meal, wheat middlings, ground corn, dried cane molasses, dicalcium phosphate, corn oil, calcium carbonate, salt, vitamin a supplement, choline chloride, yucca schidigera extract, dl-methionine, ferrous carbonate, manganous oxide, zinc oxide, riboflavin supplement, vitamin b12 supplement, vitamin e supplement, copper sulfate, ethoxyquin (a preservative), niacin, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin k activity), cholecalciferol (source of vitamin d3), calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, thiamine mononitrate, biotin, folic acid, calcium iodate, cobalt carbonate, sodium selenite, artificial color.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein (min) 17.0%

Crude Fat (min) 3.0%

Crude Fiber (min) 12.0%

Crude Fiber (max) 17.0%

Moisture (max) 12.0%

Calcium (min) 0.5%

Calcium (max) 1.0%

Phosphorus (min) 0.4%

Salt (min) 0.25%

Salt (max) 0.75%

Vitamin A (min) 2500 IU/lb

Feeding Instructions: Feed Nutriphase in a clean, covered container. Give only as much as your rabbit will eat in a 24 hour period.

Daily Feeding Amount:

Small Rabbit - 1/4-1/2 cup per animal

Large Rabbit - 1/2-1 cup per animal

What are you giving to him for treats?

You should give him:

carrots and tops

parsley

watercress

cilantro

mint

radish leaves

collard greens

beet greens

occasional mustard greens*

dandelion greens (never picked from unknown yards or roadsides due to pesticide contamination)

romaine, red

green leaf lettuce

apple

endive

grapes

kale*

pear

occasional spinach*

banana

celery and/or leaves

blueberries

brussel sprouts

raspberries

broccoli

strawberries

peaches/nectarines

tomato

turnip greens

pea pods (such as Chinese)

papaya, fresh or dried (no sugar-coating)

*remember to feed him Rabbit Food also - the treats should be treats because they contain oxalates which can be toxic if consumed too much.

You should give him 1/2-1 cup of fruits or veggies a day.

Remember, Timmothy Hay should be available at all times.

And, give the new bunbun some time :) He could be adjusting to his new home.

HaVe FuN!

love,

animal helper