Rabbit won’t hop?

[Coolbreeze89]

Hello! Brand new to rabbits. I just got three rabbits from someone who raised them for 4H. I’m told they are about 6 months old. One of the does’ legs seem to not work right. When she lies down, they are kind of behind her. She doesn’t hop. She seems to pull her legs along? I’ve only had her a couple days. She is eating. She does move from her spot in her cage, but it often. I checked her legs and feet for any sign of injury/deformity but I don’t see anything. She does wag her tail. Any ideas or anything I can do? How do you tell if a rabbit is in pain? I’m told she is bonded to her sister so they’re in the same cage. The only squealing I’ve heard was when the sister was “mounting her” and then moved her (I’ve only seen this once). TIA!

 

[promiseacres]

I would suspect a spinal injury. Which is very common in rabbits. Personally I cull if this happens.

 

[Coolbreeze89]

I would suspect a spinal injury. Which is very common in rabbits. Personally I cull if this happens.

Thank you. That was my concern from reading.

 

[mystang89]

Completely agree with tales. I have only ever seen that with spinal injuries. I have seen them heal (only once and I've seen many spinal injuries) but I would definitely consider culling. Sorry.

 

[Coolbreeze89]

Completely agree with tales. I have only ever seen that with spinal injuries. I have seen them heal (only once and I've seen many spinal injuries) but I would definitely consider culling. Sorry.

Thanks. I knew from reading that culling is part of rabbit-keeping, just didn’t think it would be quite this soon!

 

[mystang89]

Glad you have a realistic expectation of what to expect. Don't give up though. Raising rabbits can be very rewarding.

 

[greybeard]

Thanks. I knew from reading that culling is part of rabbit-keeping, just didn’t think it would be quite this soon!

It's part of all livestock production and even raising plants. Far too many don't do it at all or don't do it when they should and that just degrades the overall herd or crop.

(pets are a different story tho breeders of those pets have to go thru the same culling process)