Rabbits love to eat and are wonderful pets.When a rabbit's bulk is not fur, but fat, there is a point where they are too fluffy.House rabbits are prone to being obese because their owners don't know what to feed them or if they are not getting enough exercise.Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a rabbit-safe diet is important for the health of rabbits.
Step 1: If your rabbit is overweight, you should understand the risks.
Fat rabbits are susceptible to many diseases.They may suffer from chronic diarrhea, heat stress in hot weather, and splayed legs in later years.Obesity can make it difficult to have a baby.
Step 2: Make sure your rabbit's weight is indicative of a problem.
Some rabbits are larger than others, but the overall size doesn't indicate a weight problem.
Step 3: There are obvious signs of being obese.
If your rabbit has a lot of fat and you can't see his feet, he's probably overweight.Don't be alarmed if you see a pocket of fat under the rabbit's chin.This is called a dewlap.They are very common in females, but males may have them as well.To see if your rabbit is pear-shaped, check to see that his head is smaller than his body, which should be narrow and widen around his hips when he is sitting down.If your rabbit looks like a squishy round blob when he's sitting, he is definitely overweight.A smooth upward curve should be found between the rabbit's hips and shoulder.The rabbit has a spine.Your rabbit is too thin if you can easily feel it.If you can feel it, your rabbit is in good shape.Your rabbit is overweight if you can't feel it.
Step 4: on a scale.
If you think you need to be concerned about your rabbit's health, weigh it and make sure its weight is in a healthy range for its breed.It might be best to take your rabbit to the vet to be weighed because it may be difficult at home.
Step 5: Take a look at your rabbit's diet to find out what is causing the weight gain.
A rabbit's diet should include a good amount of hay and vegetables.It is important that your rabbit transition to timothy hay when they're older because it is high in nutrition.Poor choices of vegetables and over-feeding of pellets are some of the common owner mistakes that contribute to rabbit obesity.The majority of a rabbit's diet shouldn't be made up of pellets, but some rabbits are fine without them.If you want to include pellets in your rabbit's diet, make sure to buy timothy-based pellets with 18 to 20 percent fiber.Don't buy pellets that claim to have dried vegetables as they are unnecessary and often contribute to weight gain.An adult rabbit only needs 1/2 cup of pellet feed per day for 5 pounds of body weight.Don't feed your rabbit too many treats.Fruits and other treats should only be given to rabbits in moderation.Rabbits should only consume 2 ounces of fruit per day.
Step 6: An opportunity to exercise is given to overweight rabbits.
If your house has been rabbit-proofed, you should allow your rabbit to run around the house for at least a couple of hours a day.If that isn't feasible, buy an indoor dog pen and let them run around in it.To inspire them to play, be sure to give them toys or another rabbit.