mini rex 7year old rabbit RUE

Question
Does older rabbits digestion change  I have  noticed in the past couple months that his taste changed for food.  The pellets he once loved no longer appeal to him.  I started giving him  gourmet mix and he started getting stools runny watery.  After the morning time they change back to normal.  He is getting more lazy and lays around stretched out more.  He does not seem to be in  any pain. 1 and 1/2 years ago he did need vet care for an ear infection.  He recovered fully from that.  

Answer
HI Debbie

There could be a few things going on.  7 years old is definitely an elderly bunny.  The thing is that if he has been a house bunny and not been in a cage his whole life he could actually live to be over 10.  Most house bunnies live longer but statistically I think it is just because breeder's don't keep around their old bunnies (some don't, I have a barn full of them).  You need to look at his teeth and make sure they aren't over grown and don't have any abscesses.

As for diet change.. many things can do it.  Change in weather, change in environment etc.  He obviously liked the "treat" food even though it made him sick.  I will tell you what I do with my elderly bunnies who don't eat.  First I always make sure they have fresh hay.  I really try to give all of my rabbits fresh hay everyday but I admit sometimes I am a slacker.  However the old bunnies and the babies get hay every single day whether I am being lazy or not.  Then I buy this food called fruit bites from pet smart.  It is absolutely horrible for them but I figure if they are old and not eating that unless they get severe diarrhea its better than starving to death.  I take a very tiny handful and mix it in with their regular food.  Most of them will end up eating their regular food along with the junk food.  I don't know what kind of gourmet mix you got but I found the fruit bites made by brown's banquet have caused far less GI trouble than any of the rest.

If it has been over a year it isn't a bad idea to take him in for an exam.  We really recommend that all rabbits get a yearly check-up and not just go in when they are sick.  As much as I hate it mine get a yearly check up too.  It cost me a fortune because the vet has to come to my farm rather than me drag in a huge amount of animals to the office.  It is worth it though.  A healthy bunny should be happy and active.  His lack of activity could be from old age or even arthritis but if it is that is treatable also.  

Good luck and if I missed anything please let me know.  

Pam