not drinking...

Question
QUESTION: We have a two year old,fixed, male house rabbit named Thumper.  We just got him one month ago from a friend who was relocating and could no longer have him.  My question is that he has stopped drinking water all together?  They fed him pellets, hay and two carrots a day.  Since we have had him, I have introduced him to lots of greens.  He eats romaine, celery, broccoli, parsly, green pepper, and a little bit of spinach.  I am wondering if he is getting enough from his vegi's to make him stop drinking his water?  He has normal poop, and is peeing at least 3-4 times a day?  This is our first bunny, and any help would be appreciated!

ANSWER: Hi,

Just wondering if you got my response to your question.  One page is telling me you did....and one says the question hasn't been answered.  If you didn't get it...let me know and I will resend the info.

Randy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Randy

No I did not receive your response to my question regarding Thumper not drinking water.  That would be great if you could resend it.  Thank You

Answer
Sorry you didn't get my first response.  That seems to be happening quite a bit lately.

As it seems you already know, greens do help with hydration.  I am always concerned if any rabbit stops drinking regular water.  But if his poops are normal and he is still urinating without any obvious pain and/or other discomfort...I would just monitor him closely.  Make sure he is getting a proper rabbit diet.  That should be unlimted grass hay (which lots of hay will encourage drinking) and limited pellets and greens/veggies.  I personally feel that most people feed far too many pellets...and I think the guidelines that are out there suggest too many pellets.  Pellets contain too much protein and that can have an effect on the renal system.  But your bun may be one of those that doesn't need a lot of water...we have some here like that.  They have small bottles that last for days and they are perfectly fine.  We have others that we refill half gallon bottles every day.  I would make sure he is getting water offered from exactly the same type of delivery system...be it a ball bottle, a pin bottle or a crock...as he was getting in his previous home.  As far as the greens you are offering....I would suggest cutting the celery into bite sized pieces and remove as many of the strings as possible.  Some rabbits develop gas from broccoli.  And be easy on the spinach.  Some others that are favored here are dandelion greens and kale....both are rich in nutrients and water (kale and spinach should be limited more than the others).  And something many people fail to look at is the source of the water.  If you are on processed water thru the city or county....have they changed the way they treat the water recently?  Community wells are often treated with pure chlorine.  Even private wells can become contaminated.  Might be something has changed in the water treatment which has resulted in a different taste.  You might get a gallon of bottled water just to see if that makes a difference.

But the main thing is to make sure he is still pooping and urinating normally.

Randy