Fat or thin?

George&dillon · Dec 7, 2008

Hope i've posted in the right section, how can you tell if a rabbit is too fat or too thin? i just see in some posts how they've been told there too fat or thin :shock: i no with dogs its all about ribs is there a way to tell with a rabbit or is it weighing and breed?

teddy · Dec 13, 2008

if on a very warm day you put him in warm water and soak him u should b able to c how much is rabit and how much is fur umm his ribs shuldnt stick owt he shuld b lyk streamlined not round

doorkeeper · Dec 13, 2008

teddy said:
if on a very warm day you put him in warm water and soak him u should b able to c how much is rabit and how much is fur umm his ribs shuldnt stick owt he shuld b lyk streamlined not round

What a very very bad idea:shock::roll:

Do NOT do this:roll:

You should be able to feel a rabbits hips and ribs and shoulders. They should not have padding except for fur. Of all species they need to stay fit as they are at high risk of fly strike if they can not reach their bottoms to eat their caecotrophs (sticky poo). They lack the enzyme that other species use to protect them from maggots and will go into shock if it happens to them.

Does will get enormous dewlaps often even when not otherwise overweight, especially lops. This alone is a good reason for spaying. Bucks tend to put weight on their shoulders. Rabbits can have round bellys even when thin on top particularly when older, so the most important indicator is the hips and ribs. Remember no padding! And never ever put rabbits on a crash diet as fat rabbits are at high risk of liver damage if they do not eat. Careful observation is needed when reducing or changing doet to make sure that the rabbit is eating something. Hay is the best thing. Carrots are fattening, not diet food where rabbits are concerned.

Sooz · Dec 13, 2008

Your vet should always weigh your rabbit when they have an appointment and will be able to tell you if they are the correct weight for their breed/size.

As Louise said DO NOT soak them in water, it's a very silly idea. :shock:

kayj · Dec 13, 2008

Sooz said:
Your vet should always weigh your rabbit when they have an appointment and will be able to tell you if they are the correct weight for their breed/size.

As Louise said DO NOT soak them in water, it's a very silly idea. :shock:

I agree

Definately no to soaking them in water

AlisonA · Dec 13, 2008

Another no to water soaking from me - apart from the fact that it's not necessary, it will be extremely stressful for your bun and stress can make them ill...plus of course bunnies aren't designed to get wet so that in itself could make them unwell or even kill them if it makes them cold after their dip!

For too thin - I would say don't be fooled by the belly, you can have an extremely underweight bunny that 'feels' ok under his or her belly. If you run your hand along the bunny's spine, you should be able to feel the spine in much the same way as you can feel your own - but if you can easily feel the bone along the sides of the spine as well (i.e. the spine is forming a bit of a ridge over the top of the muscles) then that bunny is too thin.

Best way really as Sooz says is (assuming you have a good bunny vet) to get your vet to weigh your bun and say whether they are about right. Once you know what is 'about right' for your bun, you can weigh them at home on kitchen or bathroom scales to check whether there are any changes.

bunlover · Dec 13, 2008

1.agree do not soak a rabbit in water this is a very bad idea!!!!
2. feel along buns spine for the spine should be not jutting out but abkle to be felt. or ask your vet for guidance dependant on breed. x

Fat or thin?

George&dillon

Mama Doe

teddy

New Kit

doorkeeper

Mama Doe

Sooz

Wise Old Thumper

kayj

Wise Old Thumper

AlisonA

Warren Veteran

bunlover

Warren Veteran

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