- Collard greens (high in vitamin A)
- Beet greens (the tops, high in vitamin A)
- Lettuce: Romaine, Red or Green leaf (no iceberg or light colored leaf)
- Spinach
- Parsley
- Basil
- Mint
- Bok Choy
- Dandelion leaves
- Mustard greens
- Pea pods (just the pods)
- Brussels sprouts
- Swiss chard
- Broccoli (the leaves and stems)
- Cilantro
- Dill
- The green part of carrots
- Celery leaves
- Watercress
- Thoroughly rinsed carrot tops are another good vegetable option.
- Thoroughly rinse all vegetables to remove pesticides.
- Although carrots are a very popular food for rabbits, they are high in carbohydrates and should only be fed in small quantities (only half a carrot every other day). ...
- Do not feed the wild rabbits vegetables that can cause gas or bloating: broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. ...
- Because wild rabbits are not as acclimated to vegetables as domesticated rabbits, introduce them to vegetables slowly. ...
- Rabbits also have individual likes and dislikes when it comes to taste so if your bunny isn’t interested in a certain vegetable, make note of it and replace it with ...
- Wild rabbits can get diarrhea if they are introduced to new vegetables too quickly.
- Wild rabbits also enjoy eating clover and watercress.
What foods should I Not Feed my rabbits?
- Squash
- Apples – not the pips, they’re poisonous
- Bananas
- Kiwi fruit
- Melon
- Pears
- Plums
- Strawberries
What fruits/vegetables can I Feed my Rabbit?
What fruits and vegetables can be fed to rabbits
- Physiological features of a rabbit. Before embarking on gastronomic experiments, it is worth studying the anatomical subtleties of the species.
- Apples. ...
- Pears. ...
- Berries. ...
- Exotic species. ...
- Roots. ...
- Cereals and legumes. ...
- Other types of vegetables. ...
- Remains of cultures. ...
- Prohibited foods. ...
How much food should I Feed my Pet Rabbit?
Feed your rabbits a small amount of good quality pellets/nuggets daily. Measure 25g (an eggcup-full) of pellets per kg of your rabbit's body weight; for a medium-sized rabbit (2kg) feed a maximum of two full eggcups. Muesli-style foods aren't recommended for rabbits. See: muesli is unhealthy for rabbits and how to slowly transfer rabbits onto a ...
What human foods can you Feed Your Rabbit?
- Arugula
- Carrot tops
- Cucumber leaves
- Endive
- Ecarole
- Frisee Lettuce
- Kale (all types)
- Mache
- Red or green lettuce
- Romaine lettuce
What can rabbits eat when sick?
Feed your rabbit soft food. Until you can reach a veterinarian, try to force-feed your rabbit canned pumpkin, baby-food, or veggies. You can purchase a feeding syringe from a pet store. These can be used to insert fluid directly into the rabbit's mouth.
What to feed a rabbit that's not eating?
Start with some mixed-vegetable baby food and a syringe. Force-feed your rabbit to stimulate its gastrointestinal tract. If your rabbit goes too long without eating, its intestines will fill with gas since normal peristalsis has decreased or stopped.
How do you treat a dying rabbit?
How to comfort a dying rabbitKeep your rabbit comfortable. ... Make sure your rabbit has everything they need nearby. ... Stroke your rabbit and give them attention. ... If you can, feed some pain medication. ... Keep them in a calm environment.
What should I force-feed my rabbit?
You can add some 100% pure canned pumpkin or vegetable baby food to make it more palatable. Mixing in little banana puree or blending the pellet mash with some of his favorite fresh greens may entice your bunny to take the syringe feed willingly.
How do you treat a sick rabbit at home?
While you seek treatment, try to keep your rabbit hydrated and warm. A syringe with water or soft foods (applesauce or baby food) can assist. Depending on the condition, your vet may prescribe prescription medication to help your rabbit's condition.
What are the signs of a rabbit dying?
0:363:375 Signs Your Rabbit is Dying - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOther signs to indicate a rabbit is about to die are inactivity and apathy. Something which may alsoMoreOther signs to indicate a rabbit is about to die are inactivity and apathy. Something which may also occur when they are under stress.
How do I nurse my rabbit back to health?
Gather the wild baby rabbit in his blanket and feed him on his back, just as you would a human baby. Put the dropper to the baby rabbit's mouth and allow him to suck the KMR at his own pace. Most baby rabbits will appreciate feedings twice a day. Once in the early morning and again late at night, just like in the wild.
What is the most common cause of death in rabbits?
The researchers found that the most common causes of death recorded by veterinary surgeons were flystrike (10.9% of pet rabbits), anorexia (4.9%), collapse (4.9%) and gut stasis (4.3%). The average lifespan of pet rabbits was 4.3 years, although survival up to 14.4 years had been recorded.
What does rabbit sick look like?
Warning signs that something isn't right Breathing faster than usual or noisy breathing. Eating less and/or refusing certain foods. A change in thirst levels. Producing less stool or producing stool that looks different to normal.
Can you give a rabbit sugar water?
2:4012:46How To Force Feed Sick Rabbits - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor this specific critical care for every 1 tablespoon of critical care you add 2 tablespoons ofMoreFor this specific critical care for every 1 tablespoon of critical care you add 2 tablespoons of water.
Why is my rabbit cold and not eating?
Rabbits tend to chew on or eat anything they can get their teeth into. Therefore, unlike in the case of cats or dogs, a rabbit's refusal to it is a significant cause for concern and could indicate a medical emergency. Call your vet immediately if your rabbit's ears are cold and if it refuses to eat.
How do you force a rabbit to drink water?
How to Get Your Rabbit to Drink More WaterLet them choose their water source.Provide Clean Water in a Clean Bowl/Water.Leave Water on Their Daily Greens.Put Fragrant Greens in their Water Bowl.Add a Few Drops of Unsweetened Juice.Use Bottled or Filtered Water.Serve Water at Room Temperature.
Why has my rabbit lost its appetite?
What is Loss of Appetite? Anorexia in rabbits is a symptom of an underlying condition, the most common causes are dental disease and gastrointestinal disorders. As anorexia is often caused by pain you may notice your rabbit showing other signs such as hunching, refusing to move or increased respiration.
Why would a rabbit stop eating?
Common causes of gut stasis in rabbits include: Pain from dental infections, sharp spikes on the teeth, urinary tract infections or gas within the guts caused by an inadequate diet. Stress from a change in environment or loss of a partner, or even something like fireworks. Lack of water.
Why is my rabbit lethargic and not eating?
The bunny may become lethargic, have no appetite and may hunch in a ball, loudly crunching his teeth in pain. Sometimes, a rabbit suffering from GI stasis is diagnosed as having a "hairball." In reality, an apparent hairball usually is a result of GI stasis--not the cause.
What should rabbits eat daily?
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.
How Do I Treat a Rabbit That Won’t Eat?
Rabbits may refuse to eat for a number of reasons, all of which are potentially fatal. Rabbits must eat frequently, and if your rabbit goes more than 8 or so hours without eating it can die. It’s important to address the situation quickly if your rabbit won’t eat. You should first find out why it’s not eating if possible. If you can’t figure out why, take your rabbit to the vet immediately.
How Do I Treat a Rabbit with an Ear Infection?
You should be examining your rabbit’s ears on a regular basis to check for symptoms of an ear infection. Your rabbit’s ears shouldn’t have any scabs or dark buildup, only moderate amounts of ear wax that is a creamy brown color. If the ear infection goes unnoticed, your rabbit may develop a head tilt that will clue you in to the problem, but this also means the problem has gotten much worse.
How Do I Treat a Rabbit with a Tooth Abscess?
To treat a tooth abscess, your vet will perform surgery on your rabbit’s mouth to access the abscess and drain it from the outside. Once it is drained, one of two post-surgery options will be chosen. The first option is for the wound to be left open so that you can flush the abscess site with antibiotic fluid prescribed by your vet every day. Your rabbit will be brought back once a week to check the progress. The other option is to pack the abscess with sterile material and then partially close the wound to allow monitoring. Your rabbit will also be brought back in weekly to check up on the status.
Should I Treat a Rabbit with Products for my Dog/Cat?
Products for dogs and cats are vastly different from products for rabbits. Flea medicine for dogs and cats can actually kill rabbits if used on them, and the same goes for the types of antibiotics used on both species of animal. It’s very important to only use products made for rabbits or that are approved by your vet, as many chemicals can be fatal to rabbits that are fine for humans or other animals. Products made for horses are generally okay to use, but you should always check first before using anything not explicitly made for a rabbit. This is why it’s also important to find a veterinarian that specializes in rabbits or exotic animals, as other vet offices will not have the proper treatments for your rabbit and may even administer the wrong things out of ignorance.
What does it mean when a rabbit has ear mites?
You rabbit will have sore spots and lesions by their ears where they have been scratching at one or both ears, and they will develop very dark buildup of debris in their ear.
How to treat ear mites in rabbits?
Ear mites can be treated with medicines from the ivermectin family , with your best option being Xeno. Make sure to weigh your rabbit and measure out the correct dosage to avoid harming it. You should apply the medicine behind the ear where the rabbit cannot reach, and it will be absorbed into the bloodstream. You’ll need to do so multiple times to kill each generation of ear mites. If your rabbit is showing discomfort from the debris buildup, get a warm, damp cloth and press it to the debris to soften it, then remove it with tweezers. If you have any difficulty removing it whatsoever, stop and apply the cloth again as you can do severe damage to the skin of the ear by accident.
How to hold a bunny that isn't eating?
Rabbits that aren’t eating can be held over by administering emergency food through a feeding syringe. You can make a homemade emergency food by mixing pellets with warm water until they soften and puff up. Then mix them into vegetable baby food or even a treat like canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mixture) to create a paste. You can also hydrate your rabbit with water or unsweetened Pedialyte given through the feeding syringe.
How to prevent rabbits from getting sick?
It's not entirely possible to prevent illnesses in rabbits. Practicing prevention will help. Feed them a healthy diet, provide a clean and loving environment, and take care to avoid extreme temperatures. Touching their bodies is just as important as monitoring their behavior for any illnesses.
Why do rabbits get sick?
Because of their status at the low end of the food chain, rabbits typically hide signs of illness. Showing weakness puts them at risk of becoming prey.
What does it mean when a rabbit stops eating?
Missing or excessive stools: Rabbit gastrointestinal stasis (RGIS) is a common rabbit illness sign that occurs when the animal stops eating. 2 This slows everything in the digestive system down and the bunny stops dropping stools.
What does it mean when a rabbit is not cleaning itself?
Therefore, any signs that the rabbit hasn't been cleaning itself, such as fecal matter staining paws or matted fur, is a sign the rabbit is unwell. Drooling, slobby or missing hair on the creature's hair and neck are also all indicators of illness, potentially dental disease.
What to do if your dog is sick?
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
How do you know if your rabbit is sick?
Some common signs of illness include: Lowered energy and appetite: Rabbits show two significant signs of illness: decreased energy (or lethargy) and decreased appetite for both food and water. 1 These are vague symptoms and can indicate any number of illnesses.
Can rabbits breathe through their noses?
Cold symptoms: Rabbits can only breathe through their noses, so an upper respiratory tract disease is a serious health problem. If it looks like your rabbit is suffering from a cold with symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, breathing problems, including open-mouth breathing, it needs to be seen by a vet ASAP. Head tilt.
What is the best medicine for rabbits?
To treat the cortisone-like, anti-inflammatory properties, It recommended using licorice root ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ). Also, add echinacea because there a connection be caused by immune-system imbalance. Willow bark ( Salix spp.) seems to be an effective pain reliever, and rabbits actually like its taste.
What herbs are good for rabbits?
Herb for Enhanced Immunity. The recommended herbs that balance the immune system for all rabbits are E. purpurea. E. purpurea is a herb that nearly everyone can grow in the backyard, and a bulk of echinacea is available in health-food stores. Please buy the plant form rather the capsule form.
How many rabbits can you have together?
Its widely know that rabbit is highly social animals and most rabbit pet owner recommends to have two or three compatible rabbits be housed together. Even so, the transition time when you’re trying to bond two rabbits together can be experimental and sometimes downright traumatizing for them.
Why does my rabbit have a messy rear?
This disease can happen when your rabbit has messy rear due to urinal or poop leakage and not get treated either. They will live under your rabbit’s skin and release a poison that will kill your rabbit. You will need to be sure that your rabbit’s hind quarters are kept very clean.
How to treat a rabbit with belly ache?
For temporary relief, a slippery elm bark ( Ulmus rubra) can be helpful for their need. Use a bulk slippery elm bark in its shredded bark form and let the rabbit eat it to fulfill their fiber diet needs. Should your rabbit get “belly-itis,” (Some kind of stomachache) you can give your rabbit a treatment by administering the powdered form. A teaspoon mixed in water and dosed three to four times a day hopefully will do the job.
Why do rabbits have a belly problem?
So rabbit sometimes suffered a belly problem due to lack of fiber diet.
How to get maggots out of rabbit skin?
You’ll need to grab the tweezer and begin pulling the maggots out of your rabbit’s skin. Then you’ll want to soak your rabbit’s rear in warm water.
How to syringe feed a rabbit?
The easiest way to syringe feed is to kneel down on the floor with your rabbit facing away from you, backed in between your knees. Or if you have someone to help you, you could wrap your rabbit up in a blanket and have your friend hold it while you syringe feed the rabbit. Hold the rabbit's head firm ly with one hand and work the syringe into the side of its mouth i.e. just behind the front teeth. Slowly depress the plunger and check that your rabbit is swallowing. Many rabbits will dribble the food out of the other side of their mouth or hold it in their mouth and spit it out when you release it. There is also a risk of the liquid food entering the windpipe and suffocating the rabbit.
How to keep a rabbit warm?
For outdoor rabbits, you will need to keep them indoors overnight to ensure they are warm enough. You can check whether your rabbit is warm enough by feeling its ears - if they feel cold to the touch wrap your rabbit in a blanket or place a well wrapped hot water bottle near it. Ensure it is not sitting in a draught. Place its water bowl or bottle close by it and observe it hourly.
Can you nurse a rabbit after an operation?
Nursing a sick rabbit or caring for a rabbit after an operation can be difficult and should always be done in consultation with a vet...
Do rabbits need to be starved before surgery?
Rabbits don't need to be starved before an operation. In fact, the more your rabbit eats the better as it may take a while after the op for it to eat again. They cannot vomit so there is no risk they will choke under anaesthetic. Ensure your rabbit is eating before taking it to the vet for an op; if it is unable to eat, for example if it has teeth problems, you may need to syringe feed it liquid food and always advise your vet of the fact before the operation.
What Can Rabbits Eat?
So far, we’ve looked at what rabbits cannot eat. So, this begs the question, what can rabbits eat? Well, this is the optimum diet for an adult rabbit:
Why is it important to feed rabbits?
Rabbits who are fed an appropriate diet are less likely to graze on unhealthy or toxic foods. That’s why it’s so important to feed your rabbit a species-appropriate diet and to moderate food types that lead to obesity. Contents hide.
What is the best fiber for rabbits?
So, what’s the best source of fiber for rabbits? Well, rabbits should get most of their fiber from hay. According to MAG, hay should comprise 80% of a rabbit’s diet. Timothy hay is ideal due to its low calcium and protein content. Each day, provide a bundle of hay that’s at least as big as them.
How long should I feed muesli to my rabbit?
So, if your rabbit is eating a muesli-based feed, you should replace this with pellets. The RSPCA recommends doing this over 2-3 weeks. So, each day, slightly decrease the amount of muesli and increase the number of pellets. At the end of the third week, your rabbit should only be eating pellets.
What to do if your rabbit eats iceberg lettuce?
If your rabbit has eaten one of the above foods, you should speak to your vet. Many of these foods can cause death in a matter of hours. Foods like iceberg lettuce and cookies are less likely to be fatal to healthy, adult rabbits. Your vet can advise if any treatment is required.
What to do if your rabbit doesn't like hay?
Or, they’ll steal poisonous foods, such as chocolate or cookies. If your rabbit seems to dislike hay, try the following: Choose a high-quality variety that’s free from dust. Your rabbit may prefer a different variety so try hay cubes, kiln-dried grass, and hay cookies.
What is the cause of enterotoxemia in rabbits?
Enterotoxemia occurs when there is an overgrowth of Clostridium-type bacteria in the rabbit’s cecum (the pouch between the small and large intestine). These bacteria release a toxin that is fatal. It’s thought that sugary, high-carb foods encourage the bacteria to multiply.
What to feed bunnies to help them digest?
According to Rabbit.org, research suggests that yogurt drops may contribute to lethal cases of enterotoxemia, “a toxic overgrowth of ‘bad’ bacteria in the intestinal tract.”. If you’re looking for a healthy treat to feed your bunny, try green peppers or Brussels sprouts. 2.
What is the best food for bunnies?
But while rabbits require a special high-fiber diet—think high-quality Timothy hay, fresh vegetables, and herbs— hamster food will do little to nothing for your bunny’s nutrition. 8. Walnuts. Walnuts are high in fat, not fiber, which can cause your rabbit uncomfortable indigestion.
What foods can cause enterotoxemia in bunnies?
Avoid foods high in sugar or artificial ingredients, as—like yogurt drops—they could potentially lead to enterotoxemia. 3. Avocado.
Why are bunnies so adaptable?
Their distinctive ability to process fiber and nutrients makes them adaptable to many different environments, but their unique digestive systems mean that their guardians must be extra-cautious when feeding them. A number of foods can disrupt bunnies’ digestion and be harmful to their health.
What vegetables can be poisonous to rabbits?
Potatoes. Although potatoes won’t necessarily poison rabbits, this human-favorite vegetable isn’t ideal for them. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates and starch, both of which can cause issues for your bunny’s digestive system. 13. Rhubarb. This common garden plant can be poisonous to animals if eaten raw.
Can rabbits eat avocados?
Avocado. When you think of ideal rabbit snacks, fresh fruits and veggies probably come to mind. Avocados, however, should never be included in your bunny’s diet. According to Small Pet Select, this fatty fruit can be deadly if ingested by a rabbit. © iStock.com/Zelenenka.
Do wild bunnies eat meat?
Wild bunnies would not eat meat, and neither should your domesticated roommate.
