How can I be sure my rabbit is healthy?!

[bluemini]

Im going to Trade Days(where I get all my rabbits as I cant find any here),last oct. I bought 2 lops there both died prob within a week due to overgrown teeth. Theres hundreds of people,and so much going on at once.

How can I make sure the rabbit is healthy before buying?That may sound like a dumb question but I don't want to go all that way for that to happen again.

 

[Beachbunny]

You should ask to inspect the rabbits befor you purchase. Look for clear eyes, check the teeth google an image as to what they should look like, look in the cage for signs of runny poop, make sure that the rabbits backside is clean not matted with poop. Is the rabbit active and alert not lethargic. Talk to the person selling the rabbits are they knowledgeable of rabbits, make a list of questions about the care of rabbits, food etc but you should already have answers in your mind that way you know if the person your dealing with is straight forward with you. Always remember go with your gut , if it don't feel right don't buy it...hope this helps and good luck with it!

 

[TherapyBunnies]

Everything Beachbunny said. Cleanliness is one of the best indicators of health. Do not buy a rabbit with a runny nose or eyes, even if it is clear and watery. Avoid rabbits with bald areas, scabs in their ears (probably ear mites) and aggressive or overly timid. Trimmed nails is an indicator that they are well cared for. That is often overlooked. If the rabbit is alert, active and exhibits a good personality then longer nails can be acceptable.

 

[Goatlover200]

i would like to know as well, i got a couple of rabbit

 

[alsea1]

Bear in mind that rabbits stress easily.
I would give them ben e bac as soon as I get home with them.

 

[Goatlover200]

might help, really i'm a newbie ! i really needed help with one of my rabbit's but the buck got rihgt and i did not vist byh perheps he could get better with the helpp of BYH

 

[alsea1]

In regards to breeding stock my advice is to go ahead and find a good breeder. Pay the extra amount they will ask.
Go to the breeders place and look at his animals. Are they acting alert and energetic. Is the place well kept. If the place is dirty and the animals look a bit iffy find another breeder.
Talk to them a bit before buying. Most breeders like to talk about their animals. You will get alot of info by listening to what is said.
If you decide that this is indeed the place you want to buy from ask to take along a starter bag of feed. That way you can acclimate the rabbit to your feed gradually.
Since moving a rabbit to new place can stress them I like to give some ben e bak once I get them home. I don't know if it helps the rabbit so much but it makes me feel better. LOL
Keep an eye on the rabbit. If they do have digestive upsets it goes fast. You need to be ready to do something quick.
If your rabbit is not eagerly going for the feed dish when you feed, something is not right.

 

[Andrei]

There is a genetic health and then a cleanliness health.
Rabbits need dryness first and then clean food.
But first one needs to start with good stock and unrelated stock.
Even within the same breed there has been so much inbreeding that crossing breeds for meat rabbit does great results on health side.