Training my rabbit to use a water bottle?

Question

Hello all,

I've had my rabbit for about 2 years now. She's a mini-rex and we love her to bits!

We have tried a few times to get her on a water bottle.

She does try, but it looks like she's not getting much water.

She drinks a TON of water from her dish. But sometimes she spills it or needs a refill. If we want to leave her overnight we need someone to come in and give her more water....

hence the need for her to use her water bottle.

she does drink from it, but maybe only 1/4 of what she would normally drink from her dish (or less)

we have tried giving the bottle to her for 2 days straight for her to get used to it, but when she drinks such a small amount we get worried

any suggestions?

Answer 1

Rabbits prefer drinking from a water dish. What you describe is normal.

Get a heavier crock for water.

Answer 2

i would try to position it differently, like the person said before me, it might be too high or too low to drink from comfortably.  you might also try one of those refilling water bowls.  they have them for cats, you could use it for a bunny too.

i have a mini rex too... and i love mine to bits also... lol!

Answer 3

What i used to do when my bunny was a baby and didn;t know how to drink, i put my finger on it and put some water on her mouth. If that's not the case and your bunny already knows how to drink, then i don't think she really likes it. Maybe bowl put a large stone or something to weigh it down, or get a really heavy bowl? I think it's hard to change their habits, so just compromise =]