What to Feed Your Pet Rabbit
- 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 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 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 ...
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 happens if you feed a rabbit too quickly?
If you introduce new foods too quickly, or feed inappropriate food choices, the rabbit's normal digestive flora (normal bacteria) will be disturbed, gas- and toxin-producing bacteria can overgrow, and the rabbit may become very sick and possibly die.
What vegetables should I eat to help with GI flora?
Other acceptable vegetables include broccoli, green peppers, Brussel sprouts, endive, wheat grass, radicchio, and squash. Iceberg or head lettuce should not be fed, as it is mainly water and contains few nutrients. Carrots should be fed sparingly, as they are very high in carbohydrate and may upset GI bacterial flora.
Do rabbits like water?
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 a rabbit a herbivore?
Rabbits are herbivores (plant eaters) and are considered grazers, in that they eat continuously. They have complex digestive systems and are very efficient at processing food. They also have very specific dietary needs.
Can rabbits eat grass hay?
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.
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.
1. Cilantro
Cilantro is a fragrant herb that is generally very enticing to rabbits. In particular, many elderly rabbits who are losing their sense of taste and smell will end up gravitating toward these aromatic herbs.
2. Leafy lettuces
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.
3. Arugula
Arugula is another easily accessible and highly nutritious vegetable for rabbits. While many salad greens are only found in a mixed bag, I can find arugula on it’s own so I don’t need to worry about what else is mixed into the salad.
4. Basil
Basil is a common herb that you can find in just about any grocery store or farmers market. 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.
6. Celery leaves
Celery is an excellent source of nutrients for rabbits. In fact, it contains some vitamins and minerals that are not commonly found in other sources of food. For example, celery is a source of phthalides, which has properties that can lower blood pressure and reduce stress.
7. Dandelion greens
Dandelion greens are some of the most nutritious weeds we can feed rabbits. They have a high mineral and vitamin content that helps to strengthen the immune system and prevent frequent infections and reduce pain and inflammation in rabbits. Dandelion greens may also provide some aid to a rabbit’s digestion and help prevent heart disease.
8. Kale
Some rabbits will turn their nose up at kale, since it has a unique scent and flavor, but it can be an absolute favorite to many other rabbits. For example, kale is my Teddy Bear’s favorite green. He will always search through his bowl of greens to eat the kale first.
What to feed a stray bunny?
Even though it’s common to see characters in movies and books offering milk to a stray rabbit, this is not a correct or healthy way to feed rabbits. Instead, rabbits should be given water to drink. Daily fresh water is very important for keeping rabbits healthy and hydrated.
What to feed a baby rabbit?
If it’s ever necessary for you to hand feed a baby rabbit, choose puppy formula or goat’s milk as a better alternative. 9. Toxic plants: Lilies, Ivy, and more. Even though rabbits are herbivores, there are still a number of plants that are toxic when eaten.
How to keep a rabbit healthy?
Over time this could result in some severe health issues. To help your rabbit stay healthy, restrict treats to just a couple tablespoons per day. Weight of rabbit. Amount of treats daily.
What are some good treats for bunnies?
Baked hay treats have a high fiber content with only a little bit of sweet flavoring, making them much healthier for rabbits. You can also give your rabbit small portions of fresh or dried fruits and vegetables as treats instead of getting store-bought treats from a pet store. 5. Iceberg lettuce.
What is the best food for a rabbit?
Provide your rabbit with food that is specifically made for the health of a rabbit. I recommend getting Oxbow rabbit food. Oxbow is a trusted brand with an excellent reputation among rabbit caretakers and veterinarians.
How do you know if a rabbit is active?
It’s easy to tell when a rabbit is active when they zoom and binky around the room , but that’s not the only way to know your rabbit is happy and content in your home. You can watch your rabbit's...
Can rabbits eat small amounts of food?
What to feed rabbits in very small amounts. There are plenty of foods that you can feed rabbits in small amounts that would be bad for rabbits to eat in large amounts. While these foods would easily land on a ‘safe for rabbits’ list, that doesn’t mean you should feed them to your rabbit without reserve.
