Possible Sick Bun?

[Mallobun]

Hate to have my first message be one of a (probably over-concerned) first time bun caretaker, but them’s the breaks. I’ll get around to introducing myself and my lovely girl at some point ~

I have a four month old solo rabbit, and noticed that she seems more lethargic than usual and has been sleeping a lot today. She’s eating her hay, took greens and pellets, and HAS pooped and drank water so I don’t think I need to be rushing out on a late-night trip to the emergency vet QUITE yet. I am worried that she might have a fever, but she’s shy of her ears being touched so I’m not sure 

My question is this: is there anything I can do to help her out? Should I do anything to make sure she’s cool and comfy? I’m really hoping that she’s just having a ‘blah/lazy day’ and will be back to her energetic little self soon but I can’t help but fuss over her.

[Roberta]

How are the temps there. Bunnies can’t handle temps over 27C/80F. If the mercury is up try to keep your bunny cool with frozen water bottles etc. They can develop heat stroke and decline very quickly.

[Mallobun]

I live in the Southern US so outside it’s as hot as Satan’s armpit. However, we keep our house at 74-76F, and Mallo is a strictly indoor bun! I also keep my fan on all day for her to help her regulate body temps. Temps have actually been lower lately and she’s never shown any problem before.

In typical bun fashion, fifteen minutes after I posted this she was up grazing on hay and drinking water. I might still freeze her water bottle, that way I can see if she’s trying to cool down?

[Bam]

I’m so glad to hear it. You can freeze a few soda-bottles with water and give her one to see if she wants it and keep some in reserve in the freezer if it gets even hotter. And give her water in a bowl if you use a bottle normally so she has a choice, open water may be more enitcing if she’s tired from the heat.

Here’s a link to some more cooling-tips:

https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/tabid/53/CategoryID/23/PID/940/Default.aspx

And PS: Ear temp is not a good guide to bunny core temp. 

[Mallobun]

I’ve got a water bottle in the freezer for her now to see if she wants it :3 She does have a water dish along with a drinking bottle, and definitely prefers the dish most of the time. I’ve really only seen her use the bottle when the dish is running low — my cue to refill it quick!

Thanks so much for the info. I’d seen a couple sources say that hot ears MIGHT indicate a slight fever but it definitely makes sense that they aren’t reliable.

Edit: Oh yes and as for Mallo, she decided that 5 AM was the right time to do some running around… very considerate of her. She’s still lounging around, but I’m beginning to think that I really am just paranoid and she might just be getting older (thus fewer random ‘crazy bunny’ bursts.) Sorry for wasting your time but I really appreciate everything!

[Bam]

You’re definitely not wasting anybody’s time here. Changes in a bunny’s behavior should always be noticed and acted upon by the responsible bunny owner
Then again, changes in behavior in a very young bunny like yours is also part of normal development and growing up – which of course makes it extra hard to tell if sth is off or if it’s just hormones starting to surge etc.
She’s not old enough to stop binkying imo, but she may feel less inclined to run around and binky when it’s very hot.

[Author]

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