How much should a 4month old dutch weigh?

[Mikey]

The newest addition to our family was a 3 month old male dutch rabbit; we got him last month. We have two other boys (a mini rex and a netherland dwarf) but they never had this problem. Basically, our little dutch eats, and eats, and eats. He eats almost as much as our other two put together. But he doesnt gain weight. How much should a healthy 4 month old dutch male weigh? Im guessing our little guy weighs about 2lbs at the most. He looks like he doesnt eat, but he eats so much! Were letting him out more often to gain some muscle and all of our buns have as much hay as they want to eat. I never let their hay dish get empty; theres always hay

A side note that may or may not be related too, is that he has some issues we arnt completely sure about yet. He has allergies. We thought it was snuffles at first but it comes and goes and doesnt seem to effect him in the slightest bit. The vet said it was likely allergies and/or he was breathing in too much hay dust while eating. He also walks funny. His back legs looks kinda weak and theyre always pointed out to the sides. Its kind of silly watching him hop or walk. His walk kind of looks like that of a new born giraffe

[Q8bunny]

Hmm… Since weight gain/loss in all creatures is dependent on caloric intake vs caloric output, if he eats and eats and eats and gains no weight, he’s either burning off all that energy through play etc., or he’s got a drain on his energy such as worms etc. Not trying to scare, you, but just making you aware – I dewormed my little guy when I first brought him home because some of the buns at the shelter he was living at had worms (so I asked the vet to dose him just in case).

Hope this helps a bit.

[Mikey]

How would we test for worms, and how soon should we have him tested? Is treatment easy? Can they be deadly (i assume so)?

[Azerane]

Often they can test for worms in faeces I beleive, treatment is a simple dewormer and can be given even as a precaution. It’s best to double check with your vet about which ones are safe for rabbits, as some of the parasite treatments for cats and dogs are highly toxic to rabbits. Worms can be deadly, usually over an extended period of time as the rabbit simply declines in condition as they can’t get the needed nutrients to sustain them.

[Mikey]

Ok thanks! We will be taking him in a little less than a week if we see no changes in his weight by then. Should we take some poop samples when we head to the vet or feed him and wait for him to go while we are there?

[Q8bunny]

It can’t hurt to take some fresh poops with you in a new ziplock-type baggie. If your bun decides to grace the vet with a few fresh raisins, all the better.

[Mikey]

Awesome thanks! Well be watching him the next few days and calling up the vet if we dont see much of a difference, then. Thank you both for the help!

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