I don’t support the idea of refraining from force-feeding rabbits in all cases.

The concern behind this advice is the risk of blockage. It is true that overfeeding a rabbit could potentially worsen a blockage, which can be life-threatening. However, it’s important to note that not eating or producing feces due to issues like gas or discomfort can also be fatal, leading to a condition called statis. Statis occurs when the digestive tract becomes sluggish, causing the fecal matter to accumulate and toxins to build up.

Therefore, it is crucial to promptly consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian to determine whether the issue is blockage or statis.

Statis is actually more common than blockage and is often caused by a poor diet, though other factors may contribute as well. Statis is a symptom that indicates an underlying problem, and the veterinarian should strive to identify its cause.

In instances where my rabbits have stopped eating, I take immediate action when I notice their refusal of morning food. My first step is to administer simethicone (an anti-gas liquid) using a dropper and encourage the rabbit to move around. Sometimes, this simple act of movement can alleviate discomfort by shifting trapped gas bubbles and stimulate the rabbit to resume eating.

If the simethicone and activity do not resolve the issue, I resort to syringe feeding.

I prepare a mixture using a larger syringe, primarily relying on critical care powder mix. If I happen to be out of critical care powder, I might utilize a small amount of hay or pellet dust for extra fiber. Additionally, I may include some apple juice, apple sauce, or pureed baby food. As an extra measure, I might add more simethicone and possibly metacam. I administer one syringe per feeding session, typically in the morning and evening, aiming to maintain a similar schedule to their regular feeding routine.

It’s important to consult with your veterinarian who may recommend adjusting the feeding frequency or advise against including certain ingredients (such as fruit or baby food) as they could occasionally exacerbate the condition due to fructose content.

Throughout this process, I keep my veterinarian informed about the steps I’m taking and schedule an examination for the rabbit.

I continue this syringe feeding regimen until my rabbit starts accepting treats again. As the gut starts to regain normal function, you’ll also observe the return of small fecal pellets.

Wishing you the best of luck with your rabbit’s recovery!