Weight management

Body Condition Scoring


Here are links with information on how to score the body condition of your rabbit.
 * Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, Why do I need to body condition score my rabbit?

Overweight Rabbits
The following links contain more information about caring for overweight rabbits.
 * Dr. Jackie Schulman, DVM, Obese Rabbits At Risk
 * Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund, Is your rabbit too fat?
 * House Rabbit Network, Astrid M. Kruse, DVM, Weight Watching for Rabbits
 * Flickr, Bunny Lovers Unite, Jojo's Guide to Weight / weight loss and how to diet
 * Christine Carter, The Fat Rabbit
 * House Rabbit Society, Sandi Ackerman, The Perils of Bunny Obesity

Underweight Rabbits
A couple ways to help rabbits gain weight are the following:
 * Increase portion of daily pellets or free-feed if necessary.
 * Supplement a higher protein pellet. e.g. at least 16% protein or alfalfa pellets.
 * Feed some alfalfa or other legume hay in addition to regular grass hay.
 * Feed a little bit of grain and seeds every couple of days. These foods are high in carbs and fats. See Treats for more details.
 * Add some Calf Manna as a supplement to your rabbit's food.
 * Talk to your vet whether a motility drug such as Reglan would be appropriate to increase a rabbit's appetite.

Below are sites with more information about caring for underweight rabbits.
 * Colorado House Rabbit Society, Nancy J. LaRoche, Putting Weight on Skinny Bunnies