Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > bunny resting

bunny resting

22 10:59:27

Question
i just got a bunny who is 2 months old, i've had him for a week, i've notice today that he lying down and he was breathing pretty fast. i could see his stomach moving very fast. is there something wrong with him?

Answer
Dear Queena,

Baby rabbits have a relatively rapid rate of breathing because they are growing quickly and metabolizing things fast!  They need plenty of oxygen.  But also note that a baby needs lots of time to rest, and excessive handling can cause stress that can quickly make the rabbit ill.  If he pants and acts very tired after being handled, then back off on the handling and give him some "down time" to relax.  Please read:

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

It's good that you can see his intestines moving well:  that's a sign that things are moving normally.  However, if you hear loud growling from his tummy, that means he has gas and this can be a sign of enteritis (inflammation of the intestinal lining).  In adult rabbits this is very serious.  In a baby, it can be fatal if not treated promptly.  

If your bunny has a good appetite, is active and seems comfortable (lying stretched out is a good sign; lying hunched in a ball and grinding his teeth is a bad sign of pain), then you're probably fine.  But please also read:

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

And keep a very close eye out for any sign of runny stool.

Hope this helps.

Dana