Bunny has orange urine

Question
Hi Dana,

Hope you are having a good day. It is my understanding that rabbit urine can be a variety of colors, but I was wondering about our 8-week old mini lop.  I have been noticing for about the last 3-4 days anyway that his urine is a carrot-colored orange.  He doesn't appear to be sick and he is eating pellets, grass hay and he is drinking plenty of water.  Is it ok that it has stayed this orange color and not the "normal" pale yellow?  Thanks for your help.

Jana

Answer
Dear Jana,

Orange urine isn't uncommon in bunnies, and may be related to what the bunny is eating.  Blood in the urine is usually not readily visible to the naked eye unless there is very severe hemorrhaging (as in the case of a uterine mass, which will often happen to unspayed, unbred female rabbits!), so orange urine is almost never due to blood.

Very dark, scarce urine *can* be a sign of dehydration.  Be sure bunny has constant access to a heavy crock full of clean water so he can drink as much as possible.

For more information on proper rabbit diet and care, please visit:

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

and

www.rabbit.org

I hope that helps.  Good luck with your new baby!

Dana