I still remember the panic when my rabbit, Hero, suddenly refused to eat his favorite coriander. He just sat in the corner, didn’t touch his food, and looked sad. I felt helpless. If you’re in the same place right now, your rabbit stopped eating—please take a deep breath. You’re not alone. And your bunny needs your help.
When a rabbit stops eating, it’s a serious issue. Rabbits have very delicate stomachs, and even 10–12 hours without food can make them sick.
But don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll talk about:
- Why rabbits stop eating
- What to do right now
- How to prevent it in the future
First Things First: Is Your Rabbit Really Not Eating?
Sometimes, it might just seem like your rabbit stops eating, but they might be nibbling a little bit when you’re not looking. Rabbits are often most active and eat more in the early morning or evening.
- Check the Hay: Is the hay you put out still there in the morning? Is it less than usual?
- Look for Poop: Are there fewer poops in their litter box than normal? Are they smaller or a different shape? A lack of poop is a big sign that their digestive system isn’t working well, and if your rabbit stop eating, this is a serious concern.
- Listen Closely: Can you hear them munching at their normal times?
Even if they are eating just a tiny bit, if it’s much less than usual, you should still be concerned. A rabbit’s digestive system needs to keep moving, and even a small decrease in food intake can lead to big problems if your rabbit stops eating significantly.
Common Reasons Why Your Rabbit Stop Eating
There are many reasons why your rabbit stop eating. Some are easier to fix than others, but it’s always best to try and figure out the cause.
1. Dental Problems: Ouchy Mouth!
Just like us, if a rabbit has a sore mouth, they won’t want to eat. Their teeth grow constantly, and if they don’t grind them down properly by chewing hay, they can get overgrown spurs that poke their cheeks and tongue. This makes eating very painful.
- Signs to Look For: Drooling, only eating soft foods (if at all), dropping food while chewing, less hay consumption. Sometimes you might even see them pawing at their mouth.
- What to Do: You can’t fix dental problems at home. If you suspect this, it’s crucial to take your rabbit to a vet who knows about rabbits’ teeth. They can trim or file down any sharp points.
2. Tummy Trouble: Something’s Not Right Inside
Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems. Many things can upset their tummies and cause them to stop eating.
- Gas: Can be caused by eating too many sugary treats or sudden changes in their diet. Their belly might feel hard and they might seem uncomfortable.
- GI Stasis: This is a very serious condition where the gut slows down or stops working. It can happen for many reasons, including stress, pain, dehydration, or a lack of fiber. If your rabbit stop eating and isn’t pooping, this is a medical emergency.
- Blockages: Sometimes, rabbits might accidentally eat something they shouldn’t, like carpet fibers or plastic, which can block their digestive tract.
- What to Do:
- For mild gas, you can gently massage their belly.
- If your rabbit stop eating and isn’t pooping, see a vet IMMEDIATELY.
GI stasis can be life-threatening. - Make sure they always have plenty of fresh hay, which is key for a healthy gut.
- Offer wet greens or favorite herbs
- Introduce any new foods very slowly.
- RUSH to a vet immediately
- For mild gas, you can gently massage their belly.
3. Stress and Anxiety: A Worried Bunny
Rabbits are easily stressed by changes in their environment, loud noises, or feeling unsafe. If they hear loud noises, travel in a car, or meet strangers, they might get scared and stop eating.
- Possible Stressors: A new pet in the house, a change in their cage location, loud construction noises, being handled in a way they don’t like, feeling threatened by a predator (even if they can only see it through a window).
- Signs of Stress: Hiding more than usual, flattened ears, tense body language, increased thumping.
- What to Do:
- Try to identify and remove the source of stress.
- Provide them with a safe and quiet space where they can retreat.
- Handle them gently and only when necessary.
- Speak to them in a calm and soothing voice.
- Try to identify and remove the source of stress.
My bunny, Hero, once stopped eating for a day after we had some very noisy construction work happening outside our house. Once the noise stopped and she felt safe again, he went back to his food as if nothing had happened.
4. Pain or Illness: Feeling Under the Weather
If your bunny is feeling pain from an injury or is fighting off an illness, they might rabbit stop eating because they just don’t feel well.
- Possible Causes: An injury you might not have seen, an infection, a fever.
- Other Signs: Lethargy (being very sleepy), hunched posture, changes in breathing, discharge from eyes or nose.
- What to Do: If you suspect your rabbit is in pain or sick, a vet visit is essential to find the problem and get them the right treatment.
5. Changes in Diet or Taste: A Picky Eater?
Rabbits can sometimes be fussy if their rabbit food suddenly changes or if they don’t like the taste of something new.
- What Could Be Happening: You recently switched hay brands, changed pellet types, or introduced a new green that they’re not a fan of.
- What to Do:
- When switching foods, do it very gradually, mixing a little bit of the new with the old over a week or two.
- Make sure the hay is fresh and smells good. Sometimes hay can get dusty or lose its appeal.
- If they’re refusing a new green, try offering a different variety instead.
- When switching foods, do it very gradually, mixing a little bit of the new with the old over a week or two.
I once bought a bag of hay that looked the same but must have tasted different to my rabbits. They barely touched it! Once I switched back to their usual brand, they started eating normally again. Even slight changes in their food can matter.
What You Should Do If Your Rabbit Stop Eating
Here are some steps you can try immediately:
- Offer fresh coriander, mint, or basil
- Give lukewarm water in a bowl (not bottle)
- Try hand-feeding small pieces of soft veggies
- Massage their belly gently in circular motion
- Keep them warm with a towel wrap
- Most importantly, contact a vet if there’s no poop or no eating for 8–10 hours
How To Prevent Rabbit Stop Eating Problem in the Future
A few simple habits can keep your bunny healthy and happy:
- Visit vet once every 6 months
- Always give unlimited hay – it keeps teeth and tummy healthy
- Regularly check their poop – small or no poop = danger
- Give fresh greens daily (like Dhaniya, basil, dill)
- Avoid sudden food changes
- Clean their cage and water bowl daily
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Your Rabbit Not Eating
Q1: Is it really an emergency if my rabbit stops eating, even for a few hours?
A: Yes, absolutely! This is one of the most important things to remember about rabbits. Unlike some other pets, a rabbit’s digestive system needs to keep moving constantly. If they stop eating for even 6-12 hours, it can quickly become very serious and lead to a life-threatening condition called GI stasis. Don’t wait – call your rabbit-savvy vet right away!
Q2: What exactly is GI Stasis, and how does it relate to my rabbit not eating?
A: GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis) is when your rabbit’s digestive system slows down or completely stops. When they stop eating, especially hay, their gut can’t move food through. This leads to painful gas buildup, dehydration, and can even cause their gut bacteria to become unbalanced. It’s often a symptom of an underlying problem (like pain, stress, or poor diet), and it’s always a medical emergency that needs vet attention.
Q3: Can being stressed or scared make my rabbit stop eating?
A: Yes, definitely! Rabbits are very sensitive creatures. Loud noises (like fireworks or construction), sudden changes in their routine or environment (like moving furniture or a new pet), or feeling unsafe can cause significant stress. A stressed can make their body goes into “fight or flight” mode, and digestion isn’t a priority. Try to identify and remove the stressor, and ensure they have a safe, quiet space.
Q4: My rabbit is eating some food, like pellets, but isn’t touching hay. Is that okay?
A: While it’s better than nothing, it’s still a concern. Hay is the most vital part of a rabbit’s diet for keeping their teeth worn down and their gut healthy. If your rabbit stop eating hay but eats pellets, it often points to dental pain (it hurts to chew tough hay) or they might just be filling up on too many pellets. It’s still best to consult your vet, especially if the hay refusal continues, as dental issues are common.
Q5: What should I do while I’m waiting to get to the vet if my rabbit stop eating?
A: While waiting for your vet appointment, you can try a few things:
- Offer their absolute favorite greens: Sometimes a super tasty treat can tempt them.
- Gently massage their belly: Very light, circular motions can sometimes help with gas (if you suspect it).
- Keep them warm: Make sure they’re not cold.
- Offer water: Ensure fresh water is easily accessible.
- Do NOT force-feed unless instructed by your vet, as it can cause aspiration (food going into lungs). Focus on getting them to the vet ASAP.
Q6: Can a new food or a sudden diet change make my rabbit stop eating?
A: Yes, it absolutely can! Rabbits have very delicate digestive systems that don’t like sudden changes. If you suddenly switch hay brands, introduce a lot of new greens at once, or change pellet types, their gut can get upset, causing them to stop eating. Always introduce new foods very, very slowly, over several days, and watch for any changes in their poop.
Q7: My rabbit is acting normal and playful but just isn’t eating much. Should I still worry?
A: Even if they seem playful, a significant decrease in eating is still cause for concern. Rabbits are masters at hiding pain or discomfort. If your rabbit stop eating their usual amount, even if they’re still active, it’s a sign that something subtle might be wrong. It’s always safest to call your rabbit-savvy vet for advice. Early intervention is key for rabbits!
Quick Actions for Bunny Beginners:
- 📥 Download my FREE Bunny Care Checklist [Coming soon!]
- 📖 Read 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting My First Bunny – Rabitz
- 📸 Follow me on Instagram @rabitz.in for bunny memes, tips, and real stories
