rabbit9091
Young Bun
Hi,
My name's Laura - my husband and I have a neutered buck lionhead cross called Rory. Recently, we decided it was time for him to have a female companion, so today we re-homed a six month mini lop doe who we've named Bella. Unfortunately she was abandoned but taken in by an acquaintance so we agreed we would give her a new home so she could be Rory's companion.
She has been vaccinated but not spayed so we are hoping to do that this week - so for the next month or so they are being kept in separate rooms so we don't have any accidents!
I found out today that she was fed a mix of guinea pig food and rabbit muesli (not pellets) by her previous owner and confined to her hutch without having any chance to run around. She seems very heavy in my limited experience, but I have also read that round-headed rabbits can usually be quite chubby. Compared to other rabbits of the same breed though she does seem slightly overweight - she also moves quite slowly and is unable to jump down from the 10cm platform in her hutch.
I was wondering how much of this is normal and whether I'm worrying a bit too much or if I should be concerned. I'm not well versed in bunny dieting or exercise plans - I've of course given her fresh hay and water and a small bowl of veggies and she is currently having a well-supervised run around, will this do?
Also is there anything I should be doing to help her transition from outdoor bunny to house bunny any easier? My husband adds (jokingly!) is there anyway we can stop her smelling like farm?
Thanks in advance!
My name's Laura - my husband and I have a neutered buck lionhead cross called Rory. Recently, we decided it was time for him to have a female companion, so today we re-homed a six month mini lop doe who we've named Bella. Unfortunately she was abandoned but taken in by an acquaintance so we agreed we would give her a new home so she could be Rory's companion.
She has been vaccinated but not spayed so we are hoping to do that this week - so for the next month or so they are being kept in separate rooms so we don't have any accidents!
I found out today that she was fed a mix of guinea pig food and rabbit muesli (not pellets) by her previous owner and confined to her hutch without having any chance to run around. She seems very heavy in my limited experience, but I have also read that round-headed rabbits can usually be quite chubby. Compared to other rabbits of the same breed though she does seem slightly overweight - she also moves quite slowly and is unable to jump down from the 10cm platform in her hutch.
I was wondering how much of this is normal and whether I'm worrying a bit too much or if I should be concerned. I'm not well versed in bunny dieting or exercise plans - I've of course given her fresh hay and water and a small bowl of veggies and she is currently having a well-supervised run around, will this do?
Also is there anything I should be doing to help her transition from outdoor bunny to house bunny any easier? My husband adds (jokingly!) is there anyway we can stop her smelling like farm?
Thanks in advance!