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Rabbit growth

Faithyoo

New Kit
Hi all, new here, I was just wondering if anyone could tell me of my 4 month old rabbit is gaining weight. Because he’s healthy, he’s eating well and drinking well, but he doesn’t seem to be gaining any weight I don’t think. So not sure if my caspian has a high metabolism or is on the leaner side or if he just doesn’t gain weight because of how active he is. Not sure if I’m just over thinking things. But any advice or thoughts would help. Oh ye he’s a purebred minilop
 

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The only way to tell is to weigh him regularly. Kitchen scales will do up to a point, or take him in to your vet to check. If you are in the UK, he will need vaccinating, so you can get him checked over then.
 
He is a handsome boy. Looks good to me. Its difficult to assess by looks though, all that fluff gets in the way. How does his spine and ribs feel?
 
The only way to tell is to weigh him regularly. Kitchen scales will do up to a point, or take him in to your vet to check. If you are in the UK, he will need vaccinating, so you can get him checked over then.
That’s a good idea, but he doesn’t like to be picked up that much, he’s a very anti pick up rabbit. But I’ll book him appointment at some point as a general check up. And see what they say!
Thank you!
 
He is a handsome boy. Looks good to me. It’s difficult to assess by looks though, all that fluff gets in the way. How does his spine and ribs feel?
He’s such a handsome boy. And his spine and ribs feel normal, doesn’t feel bony or sticking out. I just think in worrying as he’s my baby haha. But ye his spine and ribs feel good to me.
 
That’s a good idea, but he doesn’t like to be picked up that much, he’s a very anti pick up rabbit. But I’ll book him appointment at some point as a general check up. And see what they say!
Thank you!
Most rabbits don't really like being handled, but will learn to tolerate it if you take things slowly. You need to groom him at least weekly, and check him over. Nails may need trimming every month or so, so he needs to get used to his feet and toes being handled as well.

There's a lot of useful information on the RWAF website:
 
That’s a good idea, but he doesn’t like to be picked up that much, he’s a very anti pick up rabbit. But I’ll book him appointment at some point as a general check up. And see what they say!
Thank you!

Put him in a cardboard box with a little treat, and weight him with the box. On the ground, just in case he hops out.

He has still months to grow, and in my personal experience rabbits that feel "normal" to the untrained eye and not lean are already on the chunky side. If he is eating well, is happy and energetic I wouldn't worry and wouldn't try to fatten him up ;)

And yes, getting him used to being handled may stress a little at first, but it saves a lot of stress in the long run and when he really doesn't need more of it.
 
He is very cute and I agree with Shimmer that he needs to get used to some handling. Joey and Boo is also correct that a good way to assess if a bunny is under or over weight is by feeling the ribs and spine, though weighing them regularly is best.
 
He is very cute and I agree with Shimmer that he needs to get used to some handling. Joey and Boo is also correct that a good way to assess if a bunny is under or over weight is by feeling the ribs and spine, though weighing them regularly is best.
I mean he doesn’t mind being picked up he just hates it haha. I can probably hold him for 3 second before he’s like “nope. Had enough” but ye I’m gonna try and put him in a box with some treats see if that will help. Thank you.
 
Put him in a cardboard box with a little treat, and weight him with the box. On the ground, just in case he hops out.

He has still months to grow, and in my personal experience rabbits that feel "normal" to the untrained eye and not lean are already on the chunky side. If he is eating well, is happy and energetic I wouldn't worry and wouldn't try to fatten him up ;)

And yes, getting him used to being handled may stress a little at first, but it saves a lot of stress in the long run and when he really doesn't need more of it.
That’s very true. He’s only 4 months. So hopefully when he reaches 5 months is there fast growing phase. So hopefully after that it’ll start showing.
 
Most rabbits don't really like being handled, but will learn to tolerate it if you take things slowly. You need to groom him at least weekly, and check him over. Nails may need trimming every month or so, so he needs to get used to his feet and toes being handled as well.

There's a lot of useful information on the RWAF website:
Thank you, I appreciate the link. And ye that’s gonna be hard cuz I can’t get him to stay still, so I’ll have to find a way to make him stay. But treats may work. But ye. I’m gonna get some kits.

Will definitely look at the link. Thank you
 
Just spend some time sitting on the floor in his area (read a book, watch TV, etc) and let him come to you. If you have some nice treats (eg dandelion leaves), he will associate you with good experiences. Just ignore him. Don't try to grab him or pick him up.
 
I agree that it's best to try to weigh him regularly. That way you've got a baseline, from which to monitor his weight.

Just try to provide him with a healthy diet, which will make sure that he doesn't put on too much weight. Being very active is also very good and will strengthen his muscles.
 
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