Yesterday whilst trying to pick up my rabbit he was struggling hard to get out of my arms so I lowered myself to put him back down, however, due to struggling hard he managed to leap out of my arms (about 2 foot off the ground) and fell face first. I kept an eye on him and he seemed to be fine - he has been eating his dry food. However, I just gave him some carrot and he is not eating it - he always eats his carrots. I am very concerned that he may have broken a tooth or something, but I can't check him as he has become very frightened and won't let me pick him up to check him, let alone pick him up to take to a vet. Even stroking him he runs away!! Any advice!!!
P.S. he has always been nervous at being picked up, but I have always been able to hold him securely so that he can't struggle much.
2007-09-10 02:29:58 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Please read the question people! I would take him to the vet if I could, but he runs away when I get near!!! I can't take him to a vet if I can't even get near him!!
2007-09-10 02:37:00 · update #1
from what Ive read i think your rabbit has damaged gums and teeth rather than any thing life threatening,if he can eat dried food then his teeth wont be broken,he is probably a bit scared as well after the incident,i would just keep an eye on him,
if hes running round the garden put a cage out there and if you have a piece of wood you can use as a ramp put it against he door while open put some food in and see if he will go into the cage and then try and pick him up,
unless there is blood around his mouth or he is loosing his balance or becomes lethargic and cant walk or hop,then a vet is not a priority at the moment.
i don't know if you got my message as my email is playing up but it should be two weeks before any sensitivity goes feed small chunks of carrot apple and his dried food,try not to give him anything like unchopped carrots as it will make his gums more sensitive
2007-09-10 03:55:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay, I think you need to either have a look at him yourself or get him to the vet.
I know it's murder to pick up a fussy rabbit, especially if he's in the huff like yours probably is. I re-home all my rabbits and most of them are really jumpy to begin with.
I take it he has a run if he keeps running away from you?? Do you lock him in his hutch at night or does he go in and out as he pleases?? You could just not let him out one morning until you have time to check him or pick him up. Wait until he backs into a corner of his hutch, then grab him by the scruff of the neck. Don't lift him off the ground. Just hold him for a second, let him see you don't want to hurt him, then pick him up.
You can also try to tempt him with treats to come and speak to you, but if he's in the huff this isn't likely to work! You could put some in a rabbit carrier, and wait until he hops in.
Or find some way to block him into a corner of the run/hutch and grab him. I have a crate in my run that has a hole on both sides, so the bunnies can run out both ends. Block one end with your foot, but let some light into the box. Wait until he runs into one end, then block the other end. Put a hand in to grab his scruff, then lift the box.
I know this all seems a bit cruel but you do need to get a hold of him to check him. It's pretty unlikely that he's broken any teeth if he's still eating hard food, but they can eat without front teeth. He may have chipped one and need them filed.
To check his teeth - Wrap him in a towel and leave only his head poking out. Sit him on your lap and tuck him under your arm. Make sure there's plenty of light. Pull back the upper lip - put one finger on either side of the top of his mouth and pull back towards the body. You should be able to see his front teeth. Pull down the bottom lip and have a look there too, please check him gums. If you can get someone to help you, you can pull his mouth open and have a look at the back too, but if he's not used to it it may be a better idea to have the vet do that, if you think anything's up.
Also the way he jumped seems a bit funny, I have never heard of a rabbit landing on his face. Mine have landed on their feet, sides, and once flat on her stomach, (legs splayed out) but never on the face. You might want to mention that to the vet if you go.
Anyway, best of luck, he will be a huffy bunny for a while but if you can pick him up to have a look it will put your mind at ease.
2007-09-11 10:40:20 · answer #2 · answered by the_happy_green_fish 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the bruise doesn't show any improvement during the next couple of days I would consider going to a vet. Rabbits will often hide pain because they are prey animals. Hope your little bun feels better.
2016-04-04 00:12:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Throw a towel over him to catch him, then gather the little fella up and get him to the vet.Accidents happen, I know how lively rabbits can be, and their claws hurt when they fight to get away.Hope he'll be okay.
EDIT:My friend had a rabbit that I'd look after when she went on holiday.He was the bunny equivalent of Lynford Christie.He was very partial to Cadbury's chocolate finger biscuits and locus beans.Try dropping a few down, leave a trail towards yourself.If he gets close, throw a towel or duvet cover over him to trap him.
2007-09-10 02:35:19 · answer #4 · answered by CMH 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits are able to hold a grudge. (as can lots of animals)
It will be a while before he will take food from you.
Try to stroke his nose/face (without picking him up) from his point of view this is you saying, 'I'm sorry, you're the boss here'.
He will probably turn his back to you, to ostracise you.
Stroke your hair & face (mock grooming yourself) this says 'it doesn't matter, i don't care'.
This is what they do in the wild. This is how they interact with each other, and apologise.
Take things slowly, it could take a week or two for him to get back to trusting you. :-o
2007-09-10 02:47:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're gonna have to try and catch him. Use a bath towel if necessary. Throw it over him then try to catch him whilst he's underneath.
I'm sorry, but it's impossible to suggest anything else. Rabbits ARE very nervous creatures, but you still have to get medical attention for him.
My eldest cat savages me when it's time for her vets visit, but I still have to find a way of getting her into her container.
2007-09-10 03:19:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need to try to get him to the vet. Anything could be wrong if it fell on his face...(even though he is eating) Rabbits are very timid and it's hard to make them want to be held...just try to get him to the vet. Good luck!
2007-09-10 02:34:52 · answer #7 · answered by A to da Izzay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he does not seem to be eatiing hard food in a few days then i would take him to the vet . They will be able to have a look at him and just cheak everthing is ok.
2007-09-11 08:53:25 · answer #8 · answered by Louise 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet and get him checked out to make sure nothing is wrong.
2007-09-10 02:34:03 · answer #9 · answered by Ryder 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sit down with some hay in your had and let him come to you.
He doest sound hurt, just shook up and by letting him come to you will give him the confidence he needs.
Also have him castrated, this will also make him more handleable
2007-09-10 07:08:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋