There are many vegetables that you can feed your rabbit, including celery, collard greens Collard describes certain loose-leafed cultivars of Brassica oleracea, the same species as many common vegetables, including cabbage and broccoli. Collard is part of the Acephala Group of the species, which includes kale and spring greens. They are in the same cultivar group owin…Collard greens
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 do bunnies eat?
They require a balanced diet of hay, fresh veggies and fruit, and a few pellets. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive tracts, so the transition to hay or pellets, or the introduction of new fruits and vegetables, must be done gradually to allow the rabbit’s system to adjust.
What percentage of rabbits eat hay?
The bottom of a rabbit food pyramid would contain long-stemmed fiber, in the form of hay, which makes up 80 to 90 percent of a rabbit’s diet. As grazing animals, rabbits need to have an unlimited supply of fresh hay daily.
Can rabbits eat vegetables?
Rabbits count vegetables and herbs among their favorite foods. Most greens found in a supermarket are safe for rabbits, with a few limitations and exceptions. (See the list of foods to avoid below.)
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.
Can rabbits eat alfalfa hay?
While baby rabbits (which are called kits) thrive on the protein and calcium-rich alfalfa hays, adult rabbits need something a bit more substantial. “It’s like feeding a dog puppy food,” Helmer said. Alfalfa hay is higher in calcium and protein than grass hay, which is ideal for growing rabbits but too rich for adults.
What to feed a rabbit to help with diarrhea?
Fresh Greens. Fresh greens give your rabbit additional fiber, water, and vitamins. These should be introduced gradually and in small volumes to allow your rabbit’s GI microbes to adjust, thus reducing GI upset and diarrhea. Greens your rabbit might enjoy: collard. mustard. dandelion leaves. parsley.
What do rabbits eat?
These should be the main component of your rabbit’s diet. Rabbits should always have access to hay as this is the main source of soluble and insoluble fibers. Young, growing rabbits, pregnant and nursing females can be fed alfalfa since the alfalfa is high is in protein. Also, offer timothy hay or other meadow hays.
How to keep rabbits from eating pellets?
Just like the hay, be sure to keep the pellets in a cool place (fridge or freezer even) and in airtight containers to keep the vitamins and minerals at the recommended levels.
What do cecotrophs do to rabbits?
The cecotrophs contain vitamins, bacteria, yeast, and amino acids. They’re essential for maintaining GI health and movement.
What do rabbits need to survive?
Rabbits need a good source of soluble and insoluble fibers, protein, and vitamins, and minerals. You should limit fats and carbohydrates as these can lead to obesity and affect the gastrointestinal (GI) bacteria.
How to get rabbits to work on their food?
Hang bits of carrots, greens, and hay from food dispensing hammocks or racks, clip them to higher bars of the cage, put treats into hay balls, etc. This gives your rabbit something to work on.
How to keep rabbits fresh?
Be sure to purchase smaller quantities of hay to keep it fresh. Store your rabbit’s hay in cool conditions to deter the breakdown of vitamins. If your rabbit has access to the outdoors, you can have them graze on grasses outside for a few hours each day.
What is the best way to keep rabbits healthy?
These two are so vitally important to your rabbit’s health that you should strive to keep both in multiple locations, making it as easy as possible for your rabbits to access them.
How to keep a bunny happy?
Once you understand the basic components of a rabbit’s diet, keeping them happy and healthy is as easy as providing plenty of water and hay, and giving them a daily serving of a variety of vegetables. Save treats for special occasions or training rewards, and be sure to keep everything you give them fresh and free of pesticides. Thank you for reading, and we hope that you and your rabbit can share many happy years together!
Can rabbits eat pellets?
High-fiber, low-protein pellets are recommended as a dietary supplement for your rabbit but should not constitute a majority of their food intake. Though nutritionally dense, pellets are not as effective as hay at grinding down a rabbit’s constantly growing teeth.
What to feed bunnies?
Dark leafy options such as kale, spinach, parsley, cilantro, basil, carrots, dandelion greens, mustard greens and romaine lettuce are all safe to feed. You should feed your bunny fruits sparingly as the high sugar content can give them an upset stomach. Favorite fruits are bananas and strawberries.
What are some good treats for bunnies?
Other treats. Other foods that bunnies enjoy which are healthy treats include old fashioned oats. They also enjoy pumpkin seeds which also have the added benefit of being a natural dewormer. Small Pet Select has a wonderful selection of natural and healthy treats.
What to feed a 3 month old bunny?
From 3 weeks to 6 months old, you can feed bunnies either Timothy (1st, 2nd or 3rd cut, but young and healthy bunnies typically eat 2nd cut), Orchard, Oat and Alfalfa hay.
What is a small pet select rabbit pellet?
Small Pet Select’s rabbit pellets are our pellets of choice. There is only one type, so no need to choose between varieties. Again, like the hay, their pellets are much greener and fresher compared to the dry or crumbly, brown and older looking pellets you often find in pet stores.
How much water does a Holland Lop bunny drink?
A four pound bunny (a full size Holland Lop) usually drinks about a cup of water per day, although sometimes more if the weather is hot. Drinking less than a cup can be normal too, it’s any drastic change in your bunny’s water consumption that matters and can signal sickness.
How long does it take for a rabbit to die from diarrhea?
Diarrhea in rabbits signals a serious problem which can be fatal in babies in a matter of 12-24 hours. You should seek medical help from your rabbit savvy vet as soon as possible.
Is alfalfa hay good for bunnies?
Alfalfa hay is much higher in protein and calcium than other species of hay. While it was perfect for when your bunny was working hard to grow into an adult and needed the extra nutrients, it’s not necessary when fully grown and can be harmful if they consume too much of it.
What to feed a bunny?
What to Feed Your Pet Rabbit. Just like people, bunnies enjoy a good meal. A nice mix of hay, vegetables, pellets, as well as fresh water will make your rabbit healthy and happy. Read on for more information about what to feed your pet rabbit.
What fruits do bunnies eat?
Some fruits that rabbits enjoy include: Strawberries. Raspberries. Bananas. Pineapple. Apples (no seeds) For more information about the types and amounts of food you should provide your bunny as he/she matures from birth into old age, see the House Rabbit Society’s article, FAQ: Diet.
Why do rabbits eat hay?
Hay is important for rabbits because it provides the essential fiber needed for good digestive health and it helps wear down a rabbit’s teeth (which continuously grow) for good dental health. Placing hay at one end of a litter box will also encourage the use of the litter box, as rabbits tend to eat hay and poop at the same time.
What to look for in rabbit pellets?
Look for pellets that are high in fiber and low in protein. You will need to limit your rabbit’s pellet intake as he/she ages. Pellets that are high in protein can lead to obesity and other health issues in rabbits. Do not give pellets that have “treats” mixed in (dried corn, etc.).
Can bunnies eat cereal?
Everybody loves a treat now and then, but to ensure your rabbits health they should be given only occasionally. Do not feed your rabbit items high in carbohydrates like breads, crackers, pasta, pretzels, cookies, chips, or cereal. Although branded for rabbits, many commercially-sold bunny treats are high in fat and sugar, such as yogurt chips, ...
Can rabbits drink water?
Rabbits will also drink from a water bowl. On a hot day you can drop an ice cube or two in your rabbits water dish. If your rabbit does not seem to be drinking enough water you can leave the vegetables fairly wet when you present them.
How long do rabbits eat grass?
In the wild, rabbits eat predominantly grass. They may graze for up to 6-8 hours a day. Their whole digestive tract from their teeth right down to the end of their gastrointestinal tract is adapted to this diet and eating pattern. Providing grass or grass hay to pet rabbits is critical to maintain health. Eating grass/grass hay encourages long ...
Can rabbits eat hay?
Rabbits should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hays as they are too high in protein and calcium, which could lead to the formation of urinary stones [ 2 ]. Provide plenty of fresh leafy greens & vegetables (10-20% of overall diet). As a guide, feed around two packed cups of leafy greens per kg body weight per day.