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How do you know when a bunny is overweight?

GrahamL

Wise Old Thumper
As title really.

This isn't for anybun specifically, just my attempts at learning keeping me wanting to post!

How do you tell? Are there any particular signs or things you could check?

I know you should be able to just about feel the spine / ribs, i think thats right?

Wonder if anyone would care to enlighten me? :)

Ta in advance to all who reply.

:wave:
 
I tell when mine are getting porky mainly by how prominent their spine is (or rather, how much I can feel their spine). A prominent spine is an indication of a problem, but you should be able to feel the spine comfortably.

The risba re not a good indicator because different breeds have different statures.

I think really you can just look at a rabbit and know, within a bit, whether they are slender, healthy, over weight or obese.
 
There is a really good article in one of my Rabbiting On back issues. I think it said (among other more technical things!) that your rabbit's ribs should feel like a packet of pens. Spenser's do, which is useful as his actual weight doesn't mean much as he is a crossbreed.
 
I was wondering this too. I've been trying to fatten Archie up slightly and in the process Blanche has positively ballooned. She's got a right little round head now :lol:
 
when they look like Robinia who I have just posted a photo of on a chat thread here!!
photo-3.jpg
 
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I believe you should be able to feel their spine but not see it. What susieb said makes sense and is what three of mine are currently like. Mischa's is a tad bit more noticeable but I think that's more due to him not having so much muscle. He's a bit lazy. :oops: You can't see it but you can feel it slightly easier.
 
Take them to the vets and weigh them.

When the vet does the full health check before the myxi jab they will want to weigh them. Record the weight. If the vet thinks they are healthy thats fine. \

If you think your rabbit has put on weight then weigh them again at the vets(usually free) and see if there is a significant increase. All bunnies weight fluctuates a little (like humans) but you should be able to see any marked increase(or decrease).
sue:wave:
 
Thanks for your responses guys and gals :)

This wasn't about either of mine, as they were both weighed when we went to the vets for Ginger's nose the other day.

Ginger is 1.22Kg's (put on 120grams from when she had her jab!) and Biscuit is 2.3Kg.

Happy bunnys :)

This is purely for research purposes whilst i try and improve my knowledge :)
 
so is it ok for outdoor buns to be a bit chunkier in the winter (a bit of blubber keeping them warm?)
 
so is it ok for outdoor buns to be a bit chunkier in the winter (a bit of blubber keeping them warm?)

Good question. I took a photo of Spenser yestedray standing up on the couch and thought he looked a bit skinny!
 
Good question. I took a photo of Spenser yestedray standing up on the couch and thought he looked a bit skinny!

I don't have that problem :roll: but I don't want to diet them too much as they are outside in case they feel the cold.
yes I'm too soft on them:lol:
 
I was wondering this as I think my buns look a little chubby, but they were weighed at the vets today and I was told all was fine :) Mine eat so much when they're outside free ranging.
 
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