All rabbit moms know that bunnies are very picky eaters. They do not eat everything and anything like some other animals. They have a strict diet and won’t budge. This could be a headache sometimes.
But if you feed them something they don’t enjoy it could become an even bigger headache for you. Their digestive system will only cooperate with certain foods. If you feed them improper food then it could lead to one big problem: CONSTIPATION!
Constipation is a serious issue in rabbits. Constipation occurs when the rabbit’s feces hardens and won’t be able to move through the digestive tract. This could even lead to intestinal blockage. That’s why it’s important to make sure your bunny does not get constipated.
But do you know what foods can cause constipation? Or the symptoms of constipation? And how do you treat it? It might be a little overwhelming but don’t worry because I’m this article we will discuss everything you have to know about constipation in rabbits.
Let’s hop straight in!
Do Rabbits Get Constipated?
Yes, rabbits do get constipated. Rabbits drop feces that are small in size and even in size. You will notice hardened and small uneven droppings of feces if your rabbit is constipated.
Rabbits will show few symptoms if they are constipated. You can observe it by their droppings too. You will see that your rabbit is in extreme discomfort. Slumped over and tired-eyed rabbits are the signs of discomfort.
There are many ways in which you can treat a constipated bunny. You can try feeding foods that help rabbits with GI stasis. Basil, bok choy, and broccoli are some greens that can help rabbits. You can also try feeding them olive oil during constipation.
Normal droppings are a sign of a healthy rabbit. If you see constipation then you should treat it immediately because keeping it untreated can worsen the problem. It could put your rabbit at some serious health risks.
We will further discuss the food that can cause constipation, symptoms of constipation in rabbits, how to treat it, and more. Keep reading rabbit moms!!
Why Is My Rabbit Eating But Not Pooping?
Stress stress stress! Stress is most likely the reason why your rabbit is eating but not pooping. If your rabbit is stressed, it will still eat but won’t move around. Since they don’t move around there won’t be any bowel movement either. This can cause constipation in bunnies.
You should observe your rabbit while this happens. If your rabbit is eating and not passing feces then you have to look for signs that might suggest your rabbit is stressed. If you don’t find signs that your rabbit is not stressed then it could be some other reasons.
If you observe that the rabbit is not stressed then you should pay attention to what your rabbit is eating. You have to check if you feed your rabbit any food item that has caused this constipation. You have to make sure that the rabbit is eating the usual and has a healthy appetite.
Rabbits are very active animals. They always run around and exercise. But if they stop this then it could lead to constipation. You have to see if your rabbits are exercising like usual. If there is no body movement there won’t be any bowel movement as well.
If you observe that your rabbit has done all of the above properly then the reason for your rabbit’s constipation could be something else. Rabbit constipation could be because of several reasons. It could be as simple as a loud noise startling them or seeing another animal.
Foods That Cause Constipation In Rabbits
A rabbit’s diet is very important. What they eat determines their health. Even though they are very picky eaters, some rabbit moms could force them to eat something they don’t like.
Or in some cases, our bunnies could be a little naughty and overeat some food that could potentially cause constipation.
Hay is the main food item in a rabbit’s diet. Timothy, meadow, and grass hay are all high in fiber. Usually, these types of hay are fed to the rabbits.
However, if you feed your rabbit alfalfa hay then it could lead to constipation. Avoid Alfalfa hay for your bunnies.
You have to avoid giving your rabbit any legumes such as peas and beans. This can cause intestinal stasis. Avoid anything from the onion family as well. This includes chives and green onions.
Dry food can also cause clogging in rabbits. Fresh vegetables should be fed and if this is absent then rabbits can get constipation. That is when you feed them dried fruits or herbs, there can be a lack of water in it. This can cause hardened feces which they can’t excrete.
Starchy food can cause constipation too. Potatoes and bread are the main examples. Rabbits should not eat potatoes or bread at any cost. Apart from constipation, starchy food can also cause serious health issues in your bunnies.
So the key to a healthy rabbit digestive system is simple: good food. You have to feed them food that’s high in fiber for healthy excretion. Quality food is the key to this riddle.
Conditions That Cause Rabbit Constipation
Apart from the diet, there could still be some other reasons that can cause constipation in bunnies. Even when your rabbit is on a healthy diet, there is a chance for them to get pooping problems.
Let’s discuss some of the reasons apart from the diet that can cause constipation in rabbits.
- Stress: As we mentioned above, Stress could be one of the reasons why rabbits get constipation. If your rabbit is mentally or emotionally unhealthy it can reflect on its pooping pattern.
- New events: It takes rabbits a while to adjust to things. If they have to undergo any new situations like a new member, a new place, or a car ride, can result in your rabbit being terrified. This can result in constipation as well.
- Being alone: Rabbits are very social and friendly. If they are left alone for too long they can get scared: another reason for GI stasis.
- Loud noises: sudden and loud noises can startle or scare your bunnies hence causing constipation.
- Lack of exercise: if your rabbit is not moving around enough it can cause stasis. You have to make a fixed routine that will help your rabbits to exercise.
These are some of the conditions that can cause continuation for your furry babies. Don’t worry, we will next discuss the symptoms of stasis so it will help you to spot any problem in your bunnies.
Rabbit Constipation Symptoms
The easiest way you can notice if your rabbit is constipated is if it stops passing feces.
Other than that, there are some symptoms of GI stasis that you should look out for in your rabbit.
- Dehydration
- Lack of moving around
- Abdominal swelling/ bloating
- Decreased urination
- Lethargy
- Fainting
- Anorexia
- Slumped over posture
- Thick saliva
- Gassy stomach
- Refusing to eat
These are some of the symptoms you have to look out for. If you notice these in your bunny then you should visit the vet immediately or could follow the ways to relieve your rabbit from constipation at home which we will discuss in the article. So Keep Reading!
How Long Can Bunnies Go Without Pooping?
Rabbits poop a lot. They excrete every single day. Even if they are not dropping feces every day, it could be a sign of constipation. As you know the main diet of rabbits is hay and water. This is fibrous. Therefore, they will poop every single day.
The maximum that rabbits can go without pooping is 48 hours. After that, it can cause very serious health issues. Some rabbits may not even survive if they don’t excrete for 48 hours.
Check out more details about How Often Do Bunnies Poop?
How To Treat Rabbit Constipation?
You will have to give some extra push and care if your bunny is constipated. Let’s discuss some ways through which you can treat your rabbit’s constipation.
- You can give your bunnies a laxative. You can ask your vet for a bun-safe laxative.
- You can make your rabbit exercise. Moving around will help in bowel movements as well. You can bribe them by giving them little treats if they move around.
These are the best way to help a constipated rabbit. Apart from this you can feed them vegetables that help in bowel movement and give them plenty of water to drink.
What Is A Natural Laxative For Rabbits?
The best way is to consult your vet for some rabbit-safe laxatives. If you prefer a natural laxative then olive oil is a good option. It will help bowel movement in your buns.
This is the only time when you should give olive oil to your buns. This is because olive oil contains fat. It can cause diarrhea. So if you give it to rabbits while they are constipated, it will help the bunnies but not otherwise.
You have to make sure you only give a little of the olive oil. One teaspoon is the recommended amount. You can wait for the rabbit to poop after giving the oil. If they do not poop even after that they do not give them olive oil again. This could be very bad for your rabbit’s health.
Foods That Are Good For Rabbit’s Digestive System
- Basil
- Carrot tops
- Broccoli
- Cilantro
- Bok Choy
- Beet greens
- Hay or grass
- Romaine lettuce
- Kohlrabi
- Watercress
- Mustard greens
- Celery
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if your rabbit has an upset stomach?
Indicators of abdominal discomfort include bruxism (teeth grinding), pushing the abdomen on the ground, and a stooped posture. General therapy consists of rehydrating the rabbit and restoring a healthy microbial ecology in the digestive tract.
Can rabbits eat strawberries?
Due to their reasonably balanced sugar and fiber content, strawberries are one of the greatest occasional treats that you can give your rabbit. Therefore, if you want to give your rabbit a special treat, strawberries are a wonderful option!
Final Word
Rabbit constipation is a serious health problem. You must care for your rabbits because treating constipation is no easy task. That’s why you have to prevent it from happening.
You can easily prevent GI stasis in bunnies by sticking to a healthy diet and making your rabbit exercise. It’s that easy! If you notice your rabbit having constipation then make sure you treat it in the ways we discussed above. In case it’s been more than 48 hours, then you must visit the vet immediately.
I hope all your rabbits are safe from constipation and are healthy. For more questions about rabbit constipation and health, comment down below!
