Rabbit Food/Water

[babstiger4]

I know this sounds like an awful question, but how long can a rabbit go without food and/or water? I'm asking because someone I know had a rabbit that 'mysteriously' died, and I know that they weren't the best caregiver.

[showcatbenga]

since people can only go about 5 days without water & being dehydrated in this way can damage vital organs, I guess that rabbits could be about the same. It does depend on the diet provided, a fresh, vegatable diet could provide plenty of moisture. The new welfare act that came into force recently means that if an animal is found without adequate care (water, food, housing, bedding & shelter) it can be seized by welfare orgs. As for food, a rabbit's digestive system is developed to 'trickle' feed, (on grass) - a little food, going in, most of the time. The advice we were given when keeping rabbits was never let them be without some roughage to eat, ie hay, or it could be considered cruel.