Growing up, i've always had pets. It seemed though, that any time we tried to take on a rabbit it would die within a couple months for no apparent reason. I figured now that i am older, i should try again so i bough a flemish giant rabbit at a local fair. I figured that being a sensible adult i could keep the rabbit healthy for a long time. But sure enough, he died pretty soon after i bought him. Is there something out there i should of been doing that i didn't know?
2006-07-12 08:41:13 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Oh gosh, it could be a variety of reasons! The person you bought your Flemish from could be one of those breeders who raises rabbits in cramped cages that helps breed disease.
And if you got the Flemish too young (which is another thing a bad breeder will do), you might have overfed it because they will keep eating unless you stop them.
They are also very prone to heart attacks because they are very skittish.
I wouldn't feel too bad. I'm sure you've been doing a good job! My suggestion would b to get online and find a reputable breeder in your area who will sell you a healthy, well raised rabbit.
2006-07-12 09:02:54 · answer #1 · answered by lazydazy 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The other readers are right, rabbits are super skittish. I suggest keeping rabbits indoors. Make sure that 1/2 of their cage is covered so they feel like they have a hiding place or den-like area. You have to exercise your rabbit by letting him out for awhile during the day. Like many other pets, rabbit nails need trimmed on a regular basis, and their ears must be kept clean (especially lop eared rabbits). Feeding too much fresh food, like halved grapes, lettuce, carrots will give bunny the runs. Take the advice of another answer posted and visit a web site, or check out some books about raising a bunny to be informed the best you can before you try again. (Check a local animal shelter a week or so after Easter next year - most rabbits are bought as cute pets around that time of year but people don't want to keep them and the Shelters give full check-ups to all animals who come through their doors.)
2006-07-12 09:34:58 · answer #2 · answered by Jennifer W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most rabbits are temperature sensitive, the giants more than others. But that is easily controlled with ice bottles or bringing the critter inside to air conditioning, mine love to come in out of the heat. Now if your bunnies were younger than six months and you were feeding them veggies and greens then there is more than likely your problem. I've been told on many occasions by people who bought bunnies from us who've had the same experience as you that bunnies don't have enough of the essential bacteria buildup in their digestive systems to break down the veggies and greens until about then.
2006-07-13 00:09:25 · answer #3 · answered by santana84_02 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the slamming of breeders on here and fair rabbits is rediculous. Fair rabbits have been HEALTH CHECKED in order to compete.
However, heat is a killer and it's been HOT in a lot of areas. Anything over 85 and especially upwards of 90 and rabbits can die of heat stroke VERY easy.
What are they fed when you get them? Are they getting a good pellet and clean hay? Are they caged or loose? *Where* are they caged or kept? Is there ANY chance dogs could get in there (dogs can and will kill a rabbit from stress - hot weather + excited dog + scared bunny = overheating = dead bunny :-( ) How old are they when you get them and how much are you feeding them? What about water source? Have they been wormed?
Cold weather doesn't bother rabbits NEARLY as much as heat does...if it gets much about 80 bucks can temporarily go sterile. If 85+ get air moving around them....a cage with shelter/shade and open front - use 2 liter bottles with frozen water in them and when it starts getting warm put a bottle for each rabbit. Use fans to keep air moving around them. especially in hot weather it's crucial to have water available to them.
Keep dogs away from them.
2006-07-12 12:31:04 · answer #4 · answered by Jan H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rabbits that are sold at fairs are thought of as stock and not pets. Chances are it wasn't healthy to begin with. Check out this website and find a local chapter. They can direct you to rabbit savvy vets and at least give some history on the bun you choose. http://www.rabbit.org
2006-07-12 09:07:38 · answer #5 · answered by sugarcarat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What are you feeding him? Where are you keeping him? Does he have good ventilation in his cage? Do you keep it cool during hot weather and warm in the cold?
If the answer is yes, maybe you're cursed....
2006-07-12 08:58:20 · answer #6 · answered by mury902 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋