please shed some light on why my baby rabbit has died :'(

Hi all, this is my first post and i was hoping I could post a more positive one than this:-(

I joined this forum last night full of excitement and looking forwards to becoming part of this community. I have 2 mini lop 9 week old baby rabbits but sadly one died this morning-Louie. I'm absolutely heart broke. He was a gorgeous little boy. They both seemed very healthy apart from Louie was very thin but has been eating and drinking loads so I thought we were on the right track. I took them to the vets yesturday for their first vacs but they had run out. The vet checked them both over and re arranged the appointment for today. He agreed Louie was under weight but said if he's eating plenty then not to worry to much and keep an eye him.

I woke up this morning to see Louie flat out in the middle of their cage, my heart sank. At first I thought he was dead but then I saw him breathing. I stroked him and he just kicked his back legs. As I picked him up he didn't move at all - totally limp and lifeless. He lay in my arms for about 10 minutes ocationally kicked his legs like he was having a mild fit. He opened his mouth wide and let a little yelp out. Then he slowly piece fully went to sleep. I've only had him a week and yet it's crazy how much I loved him. Does any one have any idea what could have happened? I'm worried the other may get sick now. He's never been on his own and seems very sad. I've barely stopped crying all day, my animals mean everything to me. I'll post some pics once I've got sorted. He was an adorable baby. RIP Louie mummy and Alfie miss you xxx

Hi Hun,

I am so so sorry that your little boy passed away. You must be devastated, Im so sorry.

Im afraid that sometimes this happens with baby buns, where did you get him from? Sometimes it can be inbreeding that causes little ginetic problems and these little guys cant cope, sometimes I could be that the breeder's wernt giving them the correct food or took them from their mums too soon so their little tummies cant develop properly, and sometimes its simply just not meant to be and theres nothing that could have been done.

I would speak to your vet about Alfie so that the vet can give him a more thorough check when he goes back. Poor little guy.

Im sure that this was nothing that you did hun this little bun was lucky to have you.

What are the little guys fed on at the moment? Where did you get them from?

binky free little Louie xx x x

Oh Im so sorry to hear this

As Katie has said, I hope the vet may be able to shed some light on what has happened with Louie, and check that everything is alright with Alfie.

I would guess that whatever has happened with Louie, it would have happened no matter where he was, and that he has had a lovely week with you

Thank you so much for your reply. They're from a breeder in Barnsley called south yorkshire rabbits. I now know it was silly to buy babies and should have adopted :-( The breeder was really lovely and helpfull but is currently on holiday so cant help me. I'm not sure of the brand but they are fed the little pellets she give me for the change over period and loads of timothy hay and some alfalfa. she advised to slowly put them on to a nugget for babies like excel burgees nuggets. They're haven't had any veg or grass yet due to age.

I'll be taking Alfie back to the vets for his vac soon as I cancelled todays appointment becuase I'm full of tears and he must be lonely and scared as he's never been alone. I've tried to give him lots of extra kisses and hugs to reassure him but he just wants his little brother Should I get him a companion soon? I just want to do what evers best for my lil guy.

Thank you

This is Louie at about 5 Weeks, before I got him. Such an adorable baby. Can't believe he's gone

I'm so sorry that this your first post, how awful There could be a number of reasons, possibly relating to the breeder, as Katie said. It's possible that he was weaned to young, and his body just didn't have all the necessary nutrients/antibodies etc he needed.

Just alike all animals, some are born weaker than others, and may or not pull through. His weight indicates that this is certainly a possibility.

I'm so sorry, what a way to start your forum experience, but welcome, and I hope we get to hear more about your other bun.

Jay wrote:I'm so sorry that this your first post, how awful There could be a number of reasons, possibly relating to the breeder, as Katie said. It's possible that he was weaned to young, and his body just didn't have all the necessary nutrients/antibodies etc he needed.

Just alike all animals, some are born weaker than others, and may or not pull through. His weight indicates that this is certainly a possibility.

I'm so sorry, what a way to start your forum experience, but welcome, and I hope we get to hear more about your other bun.

I know and I was so looking forwards to putting my first post :-( Thank you so much for your advice. It's awful to think he may have died just from being took from mummy too young. Fingers crossed Alfie seems a bouncy happy bunny who's got a nice layer of fat and doesn't half know how to binky. He's cheering me up. It's a cruel world. I hope my other posts are full of happy things!

The only thing I would add is that you should notify (call) your vet, in case this is something contageous. I won't even begin to suggest what, but there are a couple of nasties out there that can be catching. I'd also keep a close eye on Alfie for now.

That's a lovely picture, he was beautiful. RIP litle man

Ye I'm watching Alfie like a hawk and will take him back to the vets for another check over. He's bigger and stronger than Louie was so hopefully he'll be ok. I don't know what I'd do if not. Thank you

Hey hun,

It sounds food wise like you are doing all the right things.

I wouldnt go getting him another friend straight away hun, unless you can get him a spayed female. If you get two boys they will definitely fight, if you get a girl she could get pregnant very quickly. If I were you I would wait until he is old enough to be neutered and then get him a spayed wife bun.

Please give him an extra cuddle from me, he must be confused, poor little guy. But its likely he will adapt quickly and he has you to give him lots of love.

I didnt get the chance to say earlier but welcome to Happy Hoppers, so sorry your first experience of us is a sad one - but we all know how you are feeling here, and completely understand how these little animals can steal your heart without you knowing, and losing them is incredibly hard.

K x