Force Feeding Bunny!

[skunklionshow]

I posted b/f about Leo’s problems w/ eating.  He had his teeth cut last week.  He was doing fine w/ eating, but then he stopped.  Anyway, I’ve been force feeding him. He was at the vet yesterday and got the fluids hunchback, increases in pain meds and added a new antibiotic to the mix.  I was told to continue w/ the force feeding until he starts eating regularly.  My poor guy lost 3 ounces!

Anyway…based on discussions of what to feed a bun when force feeding.  I used baby food before, but yesterday the vet gave me some "critical care for herbivores" made from oxbow.  She stated that its better than ground up pellets or baby food.  It offers more nutrition.  She said that she has been very successful when giving this product to non-eating guneia pigs and buns.  You can mix it w/ veggies or fruit for added flavor.

Just wanted to share this product w/ others…

[Gravehearted]

Critical Care is also my choice when needing to assist feed bunnies. My vet told me it works so well because it’s based on long strands of fiber which is apparently very important to help get their gi tract kick started and re balance their tummy’s flora and fauna.

This product is only available through a vet’s office, so you will need to get it from them. the product has an expiration date, but will keep fresh 6 months longer if you freeze it. When Niklaus was alive, i used to make the entire bag and then freeze it in ice cube trays. After it was frozen, I’d put two cubes in a baggie which was just about meal sized. I’d defrost it on low heat in the nuke and add water as needed. Nowadays I just mix up a small quantity when needed.

You can also make it with pedialyte to help rehydrate your bun. 🙂

[wendyzski]

Some vendors that cater to breeders and sell cage systems, watering systems, etc, will sell Critical Care direct.  I got some as part pf my initial prep for Pepper.  Unmixed it keeps for ages.  Pepper has never had more than a mild tummyache from getting into something she shoudln’t, so I’ve never needed it, but I feel better knowing that it’s on the shelf.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Yep, I agree it’s absolutely great stuff! Thank you for posting about it and letting us know!

[skunklionshow]

I’m very pleased to report that yesterday evening, Leo began eating his veggies.  He scarfed down his swiss chard and herbs.  He was so crazy w/ eating that he was even using Jessica’s head as a table.  It was kind of cute.  I’m so happy that he’s back to eating……

[Scarlet_Rose]

Woohoo! That’s GREAT news!!!! Yay Leo and yay good bunny parent!

[Gravehearted]

oo glad to hear he’s eating on his own! ha ha about using Jessica’s head as his table too.

[BinkyBunny]

Yeah!! That’s great. I also keep Critical Care for emergencies. I guess they now have it in flavors like banana.

[Author]

Messages