Basic
Diet Review
High
fiber, high quality hay is essential for the digestive health of our little
grazers. Hay will be picked through
and no longer desirable within 6 to 8
hours, so it is ideal to add fresh hay to the litter-boxes 3 to 4 times per day. By
offering hay in a very large litter-box, your rabbit’s natural tendency to eat
and poop simultaneously will be satisfied and she will consume more hay overall-
approximately 5 pounds per week, depending on the individual bun and the overall
diet offered. You can expect 25% of
the hay to be wasted, soiled, or simply not wanted by your bun, so never wait
for the box to be empty before offering more hay!
You will know your buns are eating enough hay when their droppings are
consistent in shape and size, and crumble to powder at the slightest pressure.
Droppings that are strung together indicate a build-up of fur in the
digestive system; ’stringers’, or poops that are small, dark, and hard
indicate a need for more hay, grooming, hydration, and exercise.
A
variety of high-fiber, low-protein grass hays is best.
Oat/barley/rye, and timothy make great staples and Bermuda, orchard, and
brome are all suitable for most adult rabbits.
For babies and geriatric rabbits, add protein-rich alfalfa hay to the
mix.
Leafy
greens such as endive, escarole, parsleys, cilantro, Swiss chard, carrot tops,
and herbs including basil, mint, watercress, and dill are excellent sources of
nutrients, cellulose, and flavor. Offer
a variety of at least 3 to 5 of these per day and keep mineral-rich veggies such
as kale, collard greens, broccoli, and dandelion greens to a minimum.
Timothy
hay based pellets are ideal for teen and adult rabbits.
Molasses-free pellets (available at BunnyLuv
Essentials) will eliminate many of the problems that can come along with
sugar-rich options, and will also allow you to offer treats that contain sugar
such as a thin slice of carrot each day or
a
small cube of apple, pear, strawberry or other fruit.
(Avoid fruit that is overly ripe as the sugar content is increased.) If
your bun can not tolerate sugar at all, save her favorite veggie from the mix
and offer it as her treat. Avoid
cereal, crackers, nuts/seeds, corn, commercial treats, and bread.
For
a great selection of premium quality hay, our very own vegetable mix,
molasses-free timothy hay pellets, fun
treats, etc. visit BunnyLuv Essentials or for more specific information regarding diet and care,
contact us at
818-988-4488.
If
you are local to So Cal, we are available at BLRRC in Van Nuys six days a
week! Hop on by!!!
BunnyLuv 
