“Is My Bunny Okay?” – What to Expect When Your Rabbit Settles in for Boarding
You’ve dropped off your rabbit for boarding. You’ve packed their pellets, tucked in their favourite blankie—and now you’re wondering, “Why aren’t they eating yet?”
It’s a completely normal concern, and we hear it a lot. The truth is, rabbits can take a day or two to settle into a new space—even a calm, loving one like The Tiny Toots.
Here’s what to expect, and what we do to ensure your tiny toot stays safe, healthy, and as stress-free as possible from the moment they arrive.
🐰 Why Rabbits May Not Eat Right Away
Rabbits are creatures of habit. New smells, sounds, or a change in routine can be unsettling—even if the environment is quiet and cozy.
In the first 24 hours, it’s completely normal for a rabbit to:
- Refuse pellets or veggies
- Sit quietly or hide
- Avoid eating hay or using the litter box
This isn’t bad behavior—it’s your rabbit adjusting. Stress can temporarily suppress their appetite.
“Rabbits are prey animals. When they feel insecure, they conserve energy, stay alert, and often reduce food intake.” – Dr. Anne McBride, animal psychologist
👩⚕️ Why This Matters: The Risk of GI Stasis
The biggest concern when a rabbit stops eating is GI stasis—a dangerous condition where their digestive system slows or stops entirely.
At The Tiny Toots, we’re trained to catch the signs early and act quickly. From the moment your rabbit checks in, we monitor:
- Hay, pellet, and veggie intake
- Litter box use
- Poop size, shape, and frequency
- Behavior changes (hunched posture, low activity)
🥄 What We Do: Critical Care Syringe Feeding
If your tiny toot doesn’t eat within the first 8–12 hours, we don’t wait. We’ll contact you, and if needed, begin syringe feeding Critical Care—a vet-approved, high-fibre formula that keeps their gut moving until their appetite returns.
We:
- Feed in calm intervals
- Gently hold the rabbit to reduce stress
- Hydrate with fresh water
Tip: Always let your boarding facility know if your rabbit has a history of stasis or stress around new environments.
🧺 Helping Your Bunny Settle Faster
We create a calm, predictable setting to help your rabbit feel secure. That includes:
- Leaving their carrier in the new enclosure and letting them come out when they feel comfy
- Quiet enclosures in a dog-free space
- Hideouts to help them feel safe
- Familiar smells—like a worn towel or toy from home
- One-on-one check-ins every few hours
Most rabbits start exploring and nibbling by Day 2. By Day 3, they’re often zooming around like they own the place.
🐾 A Note to Bunny Parents
We’ll keep you updated with daily messages, including notes like:
- “Pudding ate 50% of her hay today!”
- “Litter box use is normal.”
- “Starting to accept greens again—settling well.”
Your rabbit’s comfort is our mission. We know how stressful it can be for you too, so expect total transparency from us.
📩 Need rabbit boarding in Singapore that understands bunny behavior inside and out? Book a stay at The Tiny Toots—where tiny tails get top care.