However, a sick bun or a rabbit in pain may not eat as much as they should, or stop eating completely. Even waving tempting treat foods in front of him can entice your annoyed rabbit to take a bite and decide food isn't so bad after all. It is vital that you remain calm and patient and undertake the feeding in a quiet area with minimal distractions. If standing at a table, ensure the rabbit cannot reverse or easily jump off. Somerset They can be towel wrapped before placing if preferred. Approach from the side instead and aim for the gap next to the incisors. Remove the syringe and give your rabbit a few moments to swallow the formula. Before syringe feeding, always ensure to identify the real cause of appetite issue. Assisted feeding can often stimulate the rabbit’s appetite so be sure to offer some fresh tasty food in the enclosure directly after feeding. This commercially-prepared syringe feeding formula is for all small herbivores, is nutritionally balanced, and is easy to feed. Watch later. – While you are syringe feeding your rabbit with Critical Care every day, you should still be giving her the same amount of pellets, hay and fresh vegetables you always do and monitoring what she eats. Try not to ever force feed your rabbit … This afternoon he started eating a little hay and ate some spirea twigs, […] Gastrointestinal stasis is one of the most common medical problems seen in small herbivores. Syringe Feeding. A rabbit that isn't eating is usually sick, in pain, or maybe even having a bad reaction to a medicine. In most cases, it is beneficial to feed small meals, multiple times throughout the day. Are you also administering meds? Talk to your vet about ready-to-mix feeds made especially for syringe feeding. This is going to get messy. Does it have cold ears (when my rabbit suffers from an intestinal transit stop, it is systematically in hypothermic state) Use a syringe or eye dropper to feed your baby rabbit twice a day. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This is where assisted feeding is needed. Copy link. It is however, important to be guided by your patient as some rabbits will not tolerate this much or will need to take smaller amounts more frequently. It is a major concern that you should never take lightly. apple, banana, pear or carrot) and sometimes this also makes it easier to flow through the syringe, although most of these recovery products are designed to be fed by themselves. Assisted feeding can often stimulate the rabbit’s appetite so be sure to offer some fresh tasty food in the enclosure directly after feeding. The head needs to be held gently but with positive pressure as the rabbit will often try to turn away from the syringe. ​Approach from the side, not too far back, and aim for the gap next to the front teeth. and swallow. Even a few hours without food can cause a rabbit's digestive system to shut down. Share. Wait for the rabbit to swallow. Give it 5 cc’s of formula at each feeding the first week, 10-15 cc’s the second week, and 15-30 cc’s after that. It'll get easier for both of you. To get the best service, choose the store closest to you: While syringe feeding a rabbit can be messy, it's surely necessary in some situations. You can add some 100% pure canned pumpkin or vegetable baby food to make it more palatable. Remember that rabbits are easily stressed by change or when syringe feeding. Put the syringe back into your rabbit’s mouth and push in about 1 mL of formula. Syringe Feeding. Take great care when doing this and if in any doubt at all seek advice from your vet. ​Syringe feeding rabbits by hand can make a world of difference when they are under the weather. Mild to moderately ill herbivores are often syringe fed, and proper syringe-feeding technique is an essential skill in the care of the rabbit, chinchilla, and guinea pig. Getting food moving through as soon as possible after they come home from surgery, or when you notice your rabbit isn't eating, is vital to recovery. The syringe should be removed between mouthfuls and the rabbit’s head stroked to encourage this. Tap to unmute. Of course, you have to let the bunny swallow the food, right? What causes sex-specific behaviours in rabbits? It will most likely be hay from their nests. Always keep your rabbit calm and in a natural standing position so he doesn't choke. Symptoms of GI stasis include very small (or no) fecal pellets, sometimes clinging to the bunnys bottom. Rabbits will naturally shy away from this as it is a blind spot for them. In addition, your vet may recommend feeding your rabbit a prokinetic pill to get its digestion moving again. If you are giving either metoclopramide or cisapride, follow the directions: give the rabbit the drug 15-30 minutes before you offer food. Remove the syringe between each mouthful to encourage chewing and swallowing. With the smaller syringes you will only feed them so much at a time and then when you are switching to a new syringe they will be … … You should use whichever method you are most comfortable with and the one in which you feel the rabbit is most secure. He may eventually take a nibble. Deliver a very small amount at a time, insuring that the pet swallows before offering more product. If sitting on the floor, you can cross your legs and place the rabbit in your lap with their bottom and back legs in between your crossed legs. A word of warning: If a blockage is suspected, do NOT force feed a rabbit. There are a variety of different foods available that are made especially for syringe feeding: The large food retailers including Burgess, Lafeber, Oxbow and Supreme all have products available suitable for syringe feeding. You can get it from your vet. Items You Will Need. Many rabbits find smaller syringes less annoying being stuffed behind their incisors, but see what works best for you and your rabbit. Your baby rabbits will take their first bites of solid food somewhere between 2 or 3 weeks. For those animals who won’t eat on their own, Critical Care can be assist-fed via syringe or tube feeding. Make sure the rabbit’s head remains straight while the small volumes of food are being administered. In some cases, … Always keep your rabbit calm and in a natural standing position so he doesn't choke. Continue to give small amounts pausing between each few mls. Signs your rabbit needs to see a vet right now. Syringe or Tube Feeding. Some items needed are: You will find your own preference as to what type and size of syringe you prefer. But steel yourself. Once you get home, they'll then proceed to throw a fit. If your companion rabbit refuses to eat, special needs or not, you’ve got a serious problem. With the other hand, gently insert the syringe into the side of your rabbit’s mouth, in the gap between their incisors and cheek teeth; Give about 1ml, then remove the syringe and allow the rabbit to finish the mouthful – make sure they chew and swallow before giving any more food; Wipe the syringe between mouthfuls to get rid of accumulated food Don't let him bite off more than he can chew to avoid aspiration. The consistency can be altered to suit the method of feeding and the rabbit’s preference and each brand will have feeding directions on the packet. This will just result in the rabbit, and you, getting more stressed and less food being administered. (See “Rabbit Language,” by Crampton, in the Resource section for a perfect description.) Clinical techniques for successful rabbit nursing Claire Speight RVN, A1, Clinical Coach C&G Cert in Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Species Abstract This lecture discusses clinical techniques in rabbit nursing such as intravenous catheter placement, blood sampling technique, syringe feeding… A rabbit that is no longer feeding, is a rabbit in danger! If you love your bunny, don’t cave. © 2021 Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF). A specially formulated diet which when mixed with water, can be easily syringe fed to both rabbits and guinea pigs at times of stress and recovery. Avoid touching the nose or trying to feed between the incisors. I've wrapped her up like a little bunny burrito, but about 1/2 way through the first syringe full of food (they said do 2 total), she starts trying to chew on the towel and doesn't stop until I free her. Then place their front legs over your thigh. Get everything ready before you start; you will need: 1. more than enough formula for the feed 2. They can lose their appetite after an anaesthetic, hospital stay, or another illness causing discomfort such as dental conditions. Rabbits naturally eat all throughout the day and night. We’re always keen to hear from our members, email us at info@rabbitwelfare.co.uk or: Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund Your rabbit won’t feel as confident and will be unlikely to struggle as much. Keep tempting the rabbit with their favourite foods and items such as fresh herbs (basil, mint, coriander and parsley). If the patient is unwilling to sit still then you can use a towel to wrap them in the ‘bunny burrito’ which makes them easier to handle, supports their legs and backs and can make them feel calmer. Up Next. Shopping. Some people like to sit on the floor to feed, others prefer to stand at a table. As soon as they are eating small amounts for themselves the assisted feeding can be reduced. Hold the rabbit in a normal position ie on all 4 feet on a table or the floor, or slightly head up, as below. Syringe feeding should only be done with a vet’s approval. Your rabbit may say things he doesn't mean right now, but they will feel better, recover faster, and thank you in the end. Filling the Syringe Get your vet’s approval. Syringe feeding (supportive feeding) your rabbit is a very important part of recovery from gastrointestinal stasis (gut stasis), and in some cases is the most important part of recovering from surgery or illness. This … TA3 7DY, Call our helpline 01919 339 000 - available between 11am and 3pm Monday to Friday. Culmhead Business Park Image Source Pet rabbits usually appear to gnaw and chew anything that can get into their mouth. Many find it easiest to place the rabbit on a table and sit in front of him for feeding sessions. It is vitally important that rabbits eat throughout the day. If your pet rabbit stops on feeding, it gets the problem to worsen because they have deprived themselves of the essential nutrients which are fundamental in the health of the digestive system. Offer ​fresh parsley and other fragrant, tasty. Make sure you have all items ready and within easy reach. It is generally agreed that you should aim to feed approximately 8-12ml/kg of the mixture, four times a day to give a sufficient amount. For these methods, you can find suggested feeding volumes based on weight on the package and it is always best to divide this volume into 4-6 daily feedings. Gently insert the nozzle of the syringe into the side of the mouth. Towel – to wrap or secure your rabbit. By syringe – 1ml syringes (available from your vet or chemist shop); 2ml syringe for rabbits over 3 weeks old and feeding well (available from your vet). Once this happens, you have a much bigger problem on top of what caused the disinterest in food in the first place. This position stops them from reversing and allows you good access to hold their head and administer the food whilst keeping them in a natural, standing position. Rabbits don't eat a few meals a day like we do. Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Your rabbit is already grumpy and not feeling his best, so remain patient, tell him he's handsome, and take your time. Ensure the rabbit is as relaxed as possible. This will take awhile to do but it’s totally worth it for force feeding. He had a hard time recovering from anaesthesia. Another option to make it easier is to cut the tapered end of the syringe off to make pulling up the food mixture easier. He did not eat or drink for 24 hours and so was started on OxBow critical care and syringe feeding Gatorade for 2 days. If you are pre-filling, you will need to shake the syringe before feeding as the mixture can often separate. Tagged with: health issues. It might not be a huge deal if your cat, dog, or any other pet refuses to eat. Placing a hand over the rabbit’s eyes is another method that can help to calm them, as well as talking to them quietly in a soothing manner and stroking their head and ears. It is generally agreed that you should aim to feed approximately 8-12ml/kg of the mixture, four times a day to give a sufficient amount. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. If your rabbit isn't eating at all, he will need to be force fed every few hours, even throughout the night. This site uses cookies to make the site simpler. Never syringe feed a rabbit with them laid backwards like a baby. ​Many find it easiest to place the rabbit on a table and sit in front of him for feeding sessions. Begin with mixed-veggie baby food provided by using a syringe. While us humans can go off our food for a day or two if we’re feeling poorly, the same isn’t true for our A mother rabbit nurses her baby rabbits until 6 to 8 weeks. Some people like to use 1ml syringes and cut the end of the barrel off. Feed a syringe of mashed up pellets and Critical care on a regular basis throughout the day, until eating normally again. Often the syringe will block up a little, if this occurs direct the syringe into the towel and use more force to depress the plunger, this often removes the blockage and you can resume feeding your pet. Make sure a big pile of fresh hay is avaialble at all times for when he does decide to give eating a go again. You MUST seek veterinary advice BEFORE any syringe feeding to ensure the rabbit does not have an intestinal blockage. These formulas are user-friendly and easy to prepare, but we all know rabbits have a secret (so they think) pact to only stop eating after 5 p.m., on holidays, and on weekends when their exotic vet isn't on duty. Methods of foster-feeding. Allow plenty of time for him to chew and swallow. It also means you either have to refill the 1ml syringe frequently or have a number of pre-filled ready to feed. Avoid feeding your pet rabbit pellets at this time. You can hand feed rabbits quite well – once they have started to eat you can hold up the next sprig so it goes in like a never ending piece of spaghetti. Covid-19 rabbits’ vaccinations advice and FAQ, Why a hutch is not enough, the 5 welfare needs, Owner, rescue centre and veterinary professional experiences of rabbit bonding. How to syringe feed your pet rabbit when it's not eating. Syringe feeding a rabbi... Pet Care Veterinary Hospital's Veterinary Assistant Nicole Martineau demonstrates the proper method of syringe feeding a sick rabbit. While syringe feeding a rabbit can be messy, it's surely necessary in some situations. The slower and gentler that you are, the less the rabbit will resist you. My bun isn't doing so great and the vet suggested I syringe feed her a special critical care diet. Syringe feeding can stimulate your rabbits appetite. Your vet will come up with a treatment plan to go hand-in-hand with syringe feeding until he's on the mend. This means the food flows very well but beware, this also means the rubber bung can easily come out of the end of the syringe and be swallowed by the patient. Syringe Feeding - Not Something to be Undertaken Without Consulting a Vet By Jane & Christabel, Feb 2008 Syringe feeding an anorexic rabbit should only be undertaken as a *supportive* measure and *never* forced. Food to be syringe fed. This just means that you’re making some kind of food mixture and giving it to your rabbit through a big syringe. Most of these mix with warm water and produce a gruel like paste that can be passed through a syringe or lapped from a bowl or spoon. Actions to take if you suspect that your rabbit has digestive issues: Empty the litter to check if the rabbit is making its droppings or not. If the rabbit is refusing to swallow at all, then the feeding should be stopped and the patient re-assessed to avoid the risk of aspiration and choking. Ideally rabbits should be fed Critical Care (TM) every 3 to 4 hours. Rabbits don't eat a few meals a day like we do. That big old syringe is awkward to use and it’s hard to get that in rabbits mouth. Force-feed your pet to stimulate its GI. This can be enough for them to get the taste and then eat the whole sprig. You can buy from Small Pet Select anywhere in the world! A sick or post surgical rabbit or any rabbit with deficient intake of nutrients also benefit greatly from Critical Care™. Offer ​fresh parsley and other fragrant, tasty herbs throughout the day. After it … If your rabbit is still eating a little bit, offer greens with higher water content, such as lettuce and celery, as well as lots of hay. Continue to provide lots of extra exercise, provide unlimited amounts of good quality fresh hay, provide their favourite vegetables & keep brushing your rabbit every day. So be patient, be prepared and take time to sit quietly and nurse your patient. You must seek veterinary advice before starting syringe feeding. It is very important that the rabbit remains in a natural standing position whilst being fed to reduce the risk of it aspirating (taking into the lungs) any food. They need to have high-fiber food moving through continuously to keep their GI tract functioning properly. ⬇️⬇️⬇️. A baby’s bib around the rabbit’s neck may be more tolerable to the rabbit than a paper towel and it helps minimise the mess and wetness that can be caused by assisted feeding. ​If your rabbit isn't eating at all, he will need to be force fed every few hours, even throughout the night. If your rabbit may not be strong enough to eat on his own, your veterinarian will hand feed him using a syringe or feed him through a nasogastric tube. Your rabbit may be very calm about this procedure at the vet’s office. Is difficult or impossible to syringe feed then placing a naso-oesphageal feeding tube is worth considering unformed, cecotropes... Foods, too ve got a serious problem and is easy to feed, others to... Starting syringe feeding a rabbit that is n't eating at all, he will need to have food. Rabbit does not make a world of difference when they are under the weather added to the bunnys.... In case of blockage is suspected, do not force feed it volumes! 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