Rocky Hill Rabbits
What does Healthy Look Like?
Knowing what is "normal" for your rabbit will help you purchase healthy rabbits and also let you know when your rabbit may be sick.
A quick look over the rabbit can tell you a lot about how healthy it is.
The coat should be smooth, not rough. Look for staining around the eyes, nose, and tail area.
Eyes should be bright and clear with no redness, weeping or draining.
There should be no discharge from the nostrils.
Staining around the rear end indicates diarrhea.
The rabbit should also be alert and active, interested in what's going on around it.
The rabbit should not be so thin you can easily feel ribs and spine or hipbones. You should be able to feel them but it should feel as if there is a layer over them. On the other hand, an obese rabbit is not a healthy rabbit and can cause issues.
Rabbit's normal temperature is 103-104 degrees.
Signs of Illness
Body temp less than 100.4 or higher than 105*
Discharge from nose and eyes
Fur loss and red, swollen skin
Dark red urine
Loss of energy
Loss of appetite and weight
Drooling
Diarrhea or no droppings for more than 12 hours
Not moving normally
Abnormal breathing
*Diarrhea is a common killer in rabbits! See Digestive Disorders for more information.
