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Rabbit with a Water Phobia? Not drinking.

22 9:53:49

Question
Hello. I'd like to start off by saying thank you in advance
for taking the time to answer my question.

It seems that the rabbit that I got from a friend doesn't
drink water unless you put the water on your finger or a
small teaspoon. I'm guessing that maybe she had a traumatic
experience? Is there anyway that I can introduce her to more
water slowly so she'll be able to drink water from a bowl
when I'm not home?
Thank you.

Answer
Dear Laurie,

Many rabbits don't drink much water.  Check her urine.  If it is very dark and concentrated, she may not be drinking enough.  You can increase her water intake by (1) providing both a sipper bottle and a heavy ceramic crock, putting both very close together so she'll learn and (2) providing lots of leafy green, wet vegetables for her to eat.  Many rabbits get all the water they need just from their wet food.  Now that it's cooler, especially, many bunnies reduce their water intake.

I'm more worried when a bunny drinks excessively, which can signify kidney problems. But as long as your bunny is not showing signs of dehydration (very dark urine, small, hard fecal pellets, appearance of being thin), then I would not worry.  Just provide her with constant access to very clean water, and she'll take care of the rest.

Hope this helps.

Dana