rabbits death?? what could it be

Blackpool_Saver

hethmar wrote: »

I should think the OP means the rabbits are kept outside of the house.

Yes, I hope it's a heated garage or shed, or I suspect that may be the cause. Let's hope not.

alec_eiffel

Sorry for the loss of your bun.

It could have been be E.Cuniculi with the mess and the loss of use of the back legs. We lost a bun to it as we just didn't know what was wrong with her and sadly we didn't have an exotics vet at that time who knew what the problem was.

McKneff

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Yes, I hope it's a heated garage or shed, or I suspect that may be the cause. Let's hope not.

Its many years since we had a rabbit but surely no one leaves a rabbit out in the cold at night in this weather eh.....

Its been below freezing, man

sharon4adam

it lives in a hutch outside with covers over at night. loads of straw and food and water. he was looked after so please dont question that thousands keep rabbits outside. he could of been scared by a cat round here more than a fox. shock could be right too

Blackpool_Saver

Doesn't matter how many covers, breathing in that cold air and drinking freezing water is very wrong, would you be out there?? and if you suspect a cat or fox, surely the answer is to have them inside, you make me very sad

Mara69

Blackpool_Saver wrote: »

Doesn't matter how many covers, breathing in that cold air and drinking freezing water is very wrong, would you be out there?? and if you suspect a cat or fox, surely the answer is to have them inside, you make me very sad

There is a huge misconception about keeping rabbits outside. Fact is, they are perfectly capable of surviving in hutches outside as long as they have a ton of straw and/or hay to burrow in, their water bottles are checked and they are able to snuggle where it is dry and out of draughts. Even better if they have another rabbit to snuggle with.

Bringing a rabbit that is used to living outside indoors can actually cause them to overheat and die. Mine were kept outside for years with no ill effects. In fact, they used to choose to sit in their uncovered run in the snow and rain rather than go into their covered house.

There is some good advice on caring for rabbits that live outside from the rabbit rehome website here.

Tupperware_Queen

McKneff wrote: »

Its many years since we had a rabbit but surely no one leaves a rabbit out in the cold at night in this weather eh.....

Its been below freezing, man

Until recently I had 9 rabbits, all but 2 lived outside, in all weathers, all my rabbits passed away from old age, the youngest was 9 years old.

It is very hurtful to the OP to suggest that something they may or may not have done contributed to the rabbits death.

Rabbits are prey animals, they hide their illnesses, as any sign of weakness leaves them open to being caught and eaten. Consequently only incredibly observant rabbit owners can see when their rabbit is becoming unwell, and even then, the vet may not be able to treat them.

OP, it is very hard to find a reason why rabbbits die, and although this may be distressing, please try not to feel bad.

mumof3plusoh

So sorry to hear of the loss of your bun. x

To all the people who question your care, ignor them as you sound like you have been a very caring owner and even involved a vet.

Where do rabbits live in the wild....... obviously heated warrens. Enough said.

sharon4adam

i appreciate all the nice words. my rabbits too the people who i make sad have water bottle covers. i have tons of straw and sheeting over the front. they have wooden bridge/logs to go into inside there hutches. they were in the garden on summer days they had there hutches replaced twice new toys regular. new bottles regular. i love them alot and check on them throughout the day.

i am really greatful for everyones who has stuck up for me. there are cats in every street. my rabbit wasnt attacked. maybe he was shocked. maybe his heart gave up. i dont know. thats why i asked. rabbits have lived outside for years. they love the outdoors. being in a stuffy room instead of being able to look at the garden and hear the noises and breathe the fresh air is cruel. you make me sad by thinking a rabbit should be in a heated room.

McKneff

Tupperware_Queen wrote: »

Until recently I had 9 rabbits, all but 2 lived outside, in all weathers, all my rabbits passed away from old age, the youngest was 9 years old.

It is very hurtful to the OP to suggest that something they may or may not have done contributed to the rabbits death.

Rabbits are prey animals, they hide their illnesses, as any sign of weakness leaves them open to being caught and eaten. Consequently only incredibly observant rabbit owners can see when their rabbit is becoming unwell, and even then, the vet may not be able to treat them.

OP, it is very hard to find a reason why rabbbits die, and although this may be distressing, please try not to feel bad.

My post was not directed at the OP but at rabbits being kept outside in below freezing temperatures. I would be pleased if you would read it again. Had the OP rabbit died of the cold it would not have been in the ill state it was, it would have just been frozen stiff, with no other signs and if it came over that way then obviously I apologise.

I just feel it is wrong to leave a rabbit out in freezing weather no matter how many cover are on their hutches. I wouldnt leave my cat out and it is just as much of an animal pet as a rabbit is.