- Hay. Fresh hay should make up the bulk of your rabbit’s diet and needs to be readily available at all times.
- Vegetables. A varied assortment of vegetables should be a part of your rabbit’s daily diet. When choosing vegetables look for something fresh and free of pesticides.
- Water. Fresh water must always be available to your rabbit. If you have a cage, a hanging water bottle is a fine option.
- Pellets. These should be purchased so that they are fresh, as bunnies will turn their noses up at stale pellets.
- Treats. Everybody loves a treat now and then, but to ensure your rabbits health they should be given only occasionally.
- Further Information. Fisher, Cindy, “Plants Poisonous to Rabbits,” http://www.allearssac.org/badplants.html ... P.A. Smith has been living with house rabbits since 1995.
Which rabbits make the best pets?
Which Rabbits Make The Best Pets?
- American Rabbit. We like the American Rabbit quite a lot because he is calm and sweet. ...
- Flemish Giant Rabbit. ...
- Belgian Hare Rabbit. ...
- Dutch Rabbit/Hollander. ...
- Tan Rabbit. ...
- Netherland Dwarf Rabbit. ...
- English Lop Rabbit. ...
- Blanc de Hotot Rabbit. ...
- Holland Lop Rabbit. ...
- English Spot Rabbit. ...
What to know before getting a bunny?
Table of Contents
- Rabbits as Pets. Rabbits make wonderful pets if you’re ready for the commitment. ...
- Bunny Housing. First, you have to make sure your bunny has enough space to hop around. ...
- Bedding and Litter. ...
- Food and Water. ...
- Grooming. ...
Do Rabbits make good pets?
Rabbits make perfect pets because they enjoy being petted — as simple as that. Unlike cats which prefer being left alone, your bunny will melt with joy whenever your hand comes close. Adopt a rabbit, and you’ll see how long it can keep lying in one place as long as you pet it.
What is the best pet bunny?
Himalayan
- Size: 2.5–5 lbs
- Appearance: Short, white, flyback fur with dark markings on the feet, tail, ears, and an egg-shaped mark on the nose.
- Personality: Very patient and calm.
- Ease of Care: Very sensitive to cold as babies. ...
- Compatibility With Children: Their patient and gentle nature makes them great rabbits for kids.
What to feed bunnies?
Alfalfa hay is higher in calcium and protein than grass hay, which is ideal for growing rabbits but too rich for adults. If you are feeding alfalfa it's a good idea to feed it mixed with grass hay. This stops your rabbits getting so hooked on alfalfa that it's difficult to make the transition to grass hay when they reach adulthood. You should phase out alfalfa at around four to five months old.
What should a baby bunny eat?
For the first seven weeks of life, a baby rabbit’s diet should consist of mostly its mother’s milk, according to the House Rabbit Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing abandoned rabbits and educating the public on rabbit care.
What do rabbits eat?
The answer is simple. Rabbits thrive on high-fiber diets rich in grass hays including timothy, brome and orchardgrass hay. Those new to rabbit ownership may think the big bags of pellets for sale at the local pet store are all a rabbit should eat.
How old should rabbits be to eat alfalfa?
You should phase out alfalfa at around four to five months old. Around six months, slowly start swapping out alfalfa in favor of grass hays and ease up on the pellets. Adult rabbits should eat around 1/4 cup of pellets per day for every five pounds of weight they have, according to Helmer.
How much fiber is in hay pellets?
For pellets, the House Rabbit Society advises you look for brands that contain at least 18 percent fiber.
What are the most dangerous foods for rabbits?
The most problematic foods for rabbits, according to Helmer, include foods that have a high amount of sugar and foods that have a high amount of carbohydrates, as these items throw off the balance of the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts.
Do rabbit pellets have fiber?
Instead, the pellets are more like a rabbit multivitamin, providing supplement al minerals, protein and fiber. “Pellets are far too rich to make up the bulk of [a rabbit’s] diet,” said Dr. Peter Helmer, a specialist in small mammals at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Clearwater, FL.
What do rabbits eat?
Rabbits should have a daily diet of mostly hay, a smaller amount of fresh vegetables, and a limited number of pellets. Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's daily intake. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay, such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet. Grass hay is high in fiber, which is critical to maintaining a rabbit’s healthy digestive tract. While young, growing rabbits can eat any type of grass hay, alfalfa hay is not recommended for adult rabbits, as it is too rich in protein and too high in calcium.
How often should I feed my rabbit?
Rabbits should be fed and provided with fresh water daily ; hay should always be available. As nibblers, they should have food available at all times.
What are the water requirements of rabbits?
Fresh water should be available 24 hours a day. Some rabbits prefer water bowls, and others prefer sipper bottles. If you offer water in a sipper bottle, be sure to inspect it for clogs and fill it with clean water daily. If you offer your rabbit water in a bowl, make sure the rabbit does not spill it in its cage or soil it with feces.
Is there anything else I should know?
Rabbits need to chew to maintain the health of their continuously growing teeth . Chew toys should always be available; hard wooden chew toys (blocks and sticks) and cardboard are best.
Why do rabbits eat pellets?
Over-feeding pellets to adult rabbits is a common cause of obesity and soft stool (caused by an overgrowth of abnormal bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract), as pellets are generally low in fiber and high in carbohydrates. In addition to hay, wild rabbits eat a lot of other fresh vegetation.
What is the best hay for rabbits?
Hay is the most important part of a rabbit's daily intake. Unlimited, high-quality grass hay , such as Timothy, orchard or brome, should make up the bulk of a rabbit's diet. Grass hay is high in fiber, which is critical to maintaining a rabbit’s healthy digestive tract.
What is the best diet for guinea pigs?
The preferred basic diet for guinea pigs is unlimited amounts of Timothy or other low-calcium hay, supplemented with smaller amounts of a commercial, high-fiber, Timothy-hay based guinea pig pellets. The diet should be supplemented with a variety of fresh, well-washed, leafy greens or colored vegetables; especially those high in vitamin C. Guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, therefore it is important that guinea pigs receive a vitamin C tablet or liquid vitamin C directly by mouth every day. Provide fresh clean water in a sipper bottle and check the tube for blockages each day.
What to feed a bunny?
Provide your rabbit with hay. Hay is the most important part of your rabbit’s diet. It has many benefits. For example, hay has fiber, which helps move waste through your rabbit’s intestines and prevent intestinal stasis (‘gut stasis’). Hay also gives your rabbit something to chew on, which helps him keep his teeth filed down.#N#In addition, hay can keep your rabbit entertained, since he can sift through it and move it around his enclosure.#N#Grass hay (e.g., timothy, oat) is higher in fiber than alfalfa or clover hays, and is thus the ideal type of hay to feed your rabbit. Alfalfa and clover hays are high in protein and calcium, which can lead to kidney and bladder problems in older rabbits.#N#Good quality hay is green and fragrant, and is free of mold and dust.#N#Consider buying your hay from your local feed store. Compared with the hay at a pet store, hay at a feed store will likely be fresher and contain more of the nutrients your rabbit needs.
What are the health problems of rabbits?
Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system—nutritional imbalances can quickly lead to serious intestinal problems that can have fatal consequences. Knowing how to feed your rabbit properly will help you keep him in optimal health throughout his life. Steps.
What to do if your rabbit is addicted to pellets?
If your rabbit is addicted to pellets and won't eat hay, then make a gradual change over by cutting back on the pellets and making sure they have access to sweet, green hay. Pellets should be approximately 18% to 20% crude fiber, 14% to 16% protein, and 1% each of fat and calcium.
How to keep rabbits intestines hydrated?
Give your rabbit fresh, clean water. A constant supply of fresh, clean water is essential to keeping your rabbit’s intestines well hydrated. Without enough water, intestinal contents can become very dry and get stuck. This can lead to gut stasis, which could be life threatening if not treated immediately.
How to get rabbit water?
5. Provide your rabbit with water in a sturdy bowl and/or bottle. A heavy ceramic bowl is ideal for supplying water to your rabbit. Porcelain bowls are also suitable, as long as they are lead-free. Change out your rabbit’s water at least once a day.
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What can I feed my rabbit?
There are many vegetables that you can feed your rabbit, including celery, collard greens, green peppers, and radish tops. Vegetables with high levels of vitamin A, such as broccoli, carrots, and mustard greens, are especially important to feed your rabbit.
What is the best food for a bunny?
Green Is Good. One of the best fresh foods you can give your bunny is green, leafy vegetables. It's important to use rot-free, thoroughly washed items. Offer three different types each day, around a cup of greens for every three pounds of rabbit. Here are some excellent suggestions.
How long should I feed my rabbit pellets?
1–3 months: Babies suckle until seven weeks old, but should have access to pellets from around four weeks, in small amounts. 4–7 months: Unlimited pellets.
Why is water important for rabbits?
In the case of rabbits, it's very important that they have fresh water available at all times. Without it, they die very quickly, especially during hot weather or when the rabbit is very active.
Is fruit good for pets?
Fruit is not food. View it as a snack that should be sparingly given. The sugars they contain are natural, but they're still not good for your pet. Don't give more than a tablespoon's worth and don't give it every day. Wash fruit thoroughly, remove all peels and seeds, especially from apples (apple seeds are toxic).
Do bunnies need fiber?
Fiber Is Essential. Rabbits are natural grazers that need a nutritious high-fiber diet. Both this natural behaviour and need can be whacked with one stone—grass hay. Your bunny should have access to this food at all times. There are several types available. Mixed orchid grass.
Can rabbits eat hay?
Hay, fresh foods and water are nutritionally sufficient. When a rabbit enjoys a balanced diet, it doesn't need supplements. Adding them could lead your pet to overdose on certain vitamins and minerals, leading to dangerous illness. You should also avoid these toxic foods. Anything high in carbohydrates, starch and fat.
Is rabbit a herbivore?
Your rabbit is an herbivore. Herbivores are animals that eat plant material. No chicken schnitzel for this customer! A correct diet has freshness and variety. Your favourite ball of fluff needs several items from the supermarket's fruit and vegetable section, minerals, vitamins, fiber and water.
What to feed baby rabbits without a mother?
You can feed baby rabbits without a mother with a milk replacer. But since they need more nutrients and fats, this must be mixed with goat milk. As well as heavy cream and colostrum. Then as they grow older, start offering them cecotropes and solid food. Like pellets, alfalfa hay, and leafy greens.
Can a baby rabbit survive without milk?
A baby rabbit won’t survive without milk. At age 0 to 3 weeks old, it’ll be the sole part of their diet. So it’s their only way to get the nutrients and energy they need to live longer. And even though they’re already eating solid food at 6 to 8 weeks old, they still need milk for more nourishment.
People also ask
Baby rabbits can go without nursing for up to 3 to 4 days. But since they don’t get any food, they’ll get weaker as days pass by. And this could lead to a slow death.
What about non-leafy vegetables?
In general, the leafy parts of vegetables are the healthiest and safest for rabbits to eat in high amounts. They will contain high levels of fiber and nutrients while having low levels of starch and sugar, making them much better for a healthy rabbit digestion. They also tend to be less filling than other parts of the vegetable which will encourage rabbits to eat more hay when they are done with their daily vegetables.
What do rabbits eat?
Leafy lettuces (including red, green, escarole, romaine and more) are a staple for your rabbit’s daily vegetables. I always include a lettuce leaf or two with my rabbits’ greens. They aren’t usually a favorite of rabbits, but most rabbits will have no complaints over eating the lettuce once they’ve finished with the tastier herbs.
Can you give a rabbit a dandelion green?
Dandelion greens do contain some oxalate acid, but not a very high amount. Because of this, you don’t want to make it the only green you give your rabbit, but it’s still a very healthy choice to give your rabbit some variety.
Can rabbits eat dandelion greens?
You can feed your rabbit dandelion greens from your yard as long as they haven’t been sprayed with any chemical pesticides.
Can rabbits eat spinach?
The best leafy greens are the ones that will be low in oxalate acid. Typically, darker leafy greens (such as spinach) have higher levels of this. Greens that have high levels of oxalate acid are still safe for rabbits to eat, but they should make up a smaller portion of the overall diet. Learn more about what types of food to avoid giving your rabbit.
What herbs are good for rabbits?
The intense smell and flavor can make it a favorite for many rabbits, giving them a yummy and healthy snack. Other related herbs, such as mint, oregano, and sage, are also excellent choices for pet rabbits.
Is arugula safe for rabbits?
Like lettuce, arugula is an overall healthy choice for rabbits. It contains a wide variety of vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial to rabbits without containing chemicals and compounds that are potentially harmful. Most rabbits will enjoy the taste of arugula too, since it’s got a spicier flavor than many other simple salad greens.
