How to Treat a Rabbit That Stops Eating

Rabbits often stop eating after they undergo a stressful experience. These situations can range from a mate being killed to a near-death experience -- all with the same effect of sending the rabbit into shock. Treating this problem can be stressful on the rabbits' owners, but you keep a cool head, the problem can be dealt with until you can visit a veterinarian.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic syringe
  • 1 cup whole organic cream
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the rabbit in your lap and wrap your towel around it. Pet the rabbit and soothe it as much as possible for 5 minutes to bring down its stress levels.

    • 2

      Fill a syringe with whole cream and attempt to squeeze it gently into the side of the rabbit's mouth. If your are able to place the syringe in its mouth, simply squirt the cream in and gently hold the rabbit's head up. After a few squirts, the rabbit will begin to associate the syringe with the sugary taste and will eagerly accept the syringe in its mouth.

    • 3

      Place your thumbs next to the rabbit's jawbone and gently press down if he resists the syringe. The rabbit will open its mouth -- with a screech.

    • 4

      Soothe and pet the rabbit after it has consumed one cup of whole cream. Soothing the rabbit after you have assist-fed it is essential to ensure that its stress level remains as low as possible until you can visit a veterinarian.