Sneezing baby rabbit

Question
Today we just got a new rabbit that's a few months old. However we just started
noticing it sneezes. Is this normal? How much is too much?Also the guy we
bought it from, who has a lot of healthy rabbits says we should only feed it
pellets and water. Is this true, and if so why?

Answer
Dear Wayne,

Sneezing isn't normal, but if you bought the little bunny from a breeder and take him back, that's pretty much a death sentence. Rabbit breeders rarely care about their individual rabbits, and are mostly out to make a buck.  Almost every breeder who has *ever* written to me for advice simply will not spend the money on a veterinarian.  There are a few exceptions, such as the handful of breeders who actually love their bunnies (Belgian Hare breeders seem to be different!)  But I've had very discouraging experience with the vast majority of rabbit breeders.  Just a warning.)  :(

That said, sneezing should be treated by a good, experienced rabbit vet, whom you can find here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

You can read about the causes and treatments here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/sneezing.html

What the breeder told you about diet is incorrect, and is further evidence that he's more interested in production than the rabbits' quality of life.  Here's an overview of a healthy diet that I hope will keep your little guy well for life:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

Since the breeder you got your bunny from already hasn't impressed me, I hope he didn't also sell you a bunny too young to be weaned.  Most states have laws prohibiting the sale of any mammal younger than 8 weeks of age, but this is rarely enforced.  The problem with rabbits--more than puppies or kittens--is the extremely delicate nature of their digestive tract.  They need a full 8 weeks of mama's milk to avoid serious intestinal disorders.

If you see the slightest sign of runny stool, please consider it an emergency and get the bunny to a good rabbit vet for treatment.  Please read this to find out why:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

For all the best and most accurate information on rabbit care, please always go to:

www.rabbit.org/

House Rabbit Society cares about *rabbits* and wants them and their caregivers to have a long, happy friendship!

Hope this helps, and that you and your bunny will have a great and healthy life together!

Dana