Designed for rabbits who don’t eat as much hay as is optimal (70-80% of diet). Top 6 Best Hay For Rabbits – With Reviews, Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food Timothy Pellet, Top 20 Safe Woods for Rats (& Toxic Woods to Avoid), How Do Guinea Pigs Sleep? There is a lot of conflicting information out there about the best ways to feed rabbits. #WasteLessWednesday. Even a small break without water will cause your rabbit not to eat. Fiber is vital to the normal function of the digestive system in rabbits. One basic alternative feed is based on feeding alfalfa hay and rolled oats. Your email address will not be published. Due to their unique digestive systems, rabbits require a diet that’s high in fiber, low in protein. You do need to be aware that it can be really easy to overfeed pellets and end up with obese rabbits. Rabbits are herbivore animal and they can consume different types of plants, leaves, vegetables etc. Popular and well-reviewed despite having only a 14% fiber content! If you go with this method, make the bottoms of the cages out of slatted wood, and make sure to add fiberglass or aluminum sheeting on the top so they have protection from rain and sun. We naturally feed our rabbits too. The basic nutritional needs of rabbits are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and water, thus the nucleus of any good rabbit diet consists … One of the best rabbit foods that contain molasses – might help fussy eaters. A reasonable price for a food that is well suited to the needs of an adult rabbit. But we have lots of rabbits for our family because we use them as meat instead of eating chicken (personal preference) and use them for our dogs’ all meat diet. As these plants store energy in the roots and fruits they have more calories than leafy greens. 5% fat is considered high for rabbits however, the overall product is marketed as a low-calorie option. Rabbit pellets are specially formulated to provide the balanced nutrition your rabbit needs. A grain-based feed, rather than hay-based. We need a variety of foods so that we can choose one that is appropriate depending on age, weight, health issues, fussiness, and so on. great all-round rabbit food that we love –. A Timothy hay-based pellet, that also contains wheat, soy, and molasses. It contains grains and legumes that some owners may not want in their rabbits’ diet. Excellent minimum values for protein (13%) and fat (1.5). The fiber content is high: between about 20 and 25%. Success! The fat content is low: around 1-2%. if your need is an excellent all-round adult supplementary feed. Excellent nutrient levels, including the amount of added calcium, which can be rather high in some other feeds. The main ingredient is alfalfa meal. A mixture is necessary in order to get the essential nutrients. The protein content is around 12-14 percent for adult rabbits and 15-18% for juniors. It's not the most efficient way of increasing calories but if your rabbit is reluctant to eat then tasty foods are good to tempt them. Well reviewed, although some bunnies are not tempted in terms of taste!   Feeding a diet consisting mainly of pellets may result in obesity and increase the likelihood of digestive problems for your pet rabbit. There was an error submitting your subscription. Rabbits with GI stasis can die. Use the feed formula below to formula or produce concentrate feed for your rabbits.Crude Protein (CP)=17%Crude Fiber (CF)=15%Disclaimer: Livestocking is not responsible for any damage, loss or negative effect of using the above formula on your animals. The basic formulation of making rabbit pellets. If you feed your rabbits whole food, you can let them choose between different types of food and balance their own diets, up to a certain point. There are many ways to make rabbit pig feed pellets, but the most easy and convenient is using the pellet mill machine. This post may contain affiliate links. Another Timothy hay-based pellet, with the addition of wheat, soy, and molasses. It can get to the point where you’re afraid to feed your rabbit! If you are wondering what to feed rabbits, recommended vegetables include such things as bell peppers, zucchini, cucumber and brussels sprouts. Steven is the guy behind SmallPetJournal. It’s the hay that is essential for digestive health. Please try again. He currently lives with his wife & three guinea pigs in Texas. Alfalfa hay-based pellets supply their needs very well. Sometimes putting together your own animal feeds can be a hassle because there are so many variables to tweak and make sure you get right. It contains grains and legumes that some owners would prefer not to feed. It contains alfalfa which some owners may not want to feed their adult bunnies. The basic nutritional needs of rabbits are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and water, thus the nucleus of any good rabbit diet consists … Our best rabbit food that’s an all-round supplementary feed for adult rabbits. Pregnant does and growing young need 16-18 percent protein for optimal health and growth. This food is designed to be fed appropriately – to a rabbit who is eating hay/grass primarily (essential for healthy digestion) and some vegetables. Good levels of nutrients – but as they only quote minimum levels of protein and fat, it could potentially be a little high in these nutrients. Also, water is crucial, so no matter what feed you are using, RABBITS MUST HAVE WATER, and plenty of it. and finally save money and grow delicious vegetables! The food is a uniform pellet food without other ingredients, such as flakes of maize or peas. The pellets are supplied in different pack sizes to suit your needs. There are brands for juveniles and adults, and even some designed to appeal to fussy eaters. I have had rabbits in the past and want to get back into having them and breeding them. No maximum values stated for protein or fat. Molasses is added for palatability, and the impact of this on your rabbits’ dental health should be considered. However, our pick of the best is. All Your Questions Answered. And convert this forage to valuable meat, wool, fur etc. She grows everything organically in her garden. In order to make full use of feed pellets for raising rabbits and gain more profits, you need choose proper rabbit pellets and know how to correctly feed your rabbits. Hay always should be available. However, we will pick out one great all-round rabbit food that we love – Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food Timothy Pellet. Rabbits need the long fiber that hay provides to maintain healthy digestion. I'd like to receive the free email course. It must be ordered in 1,000-pound batches that are put in 50-pound bags. The amount of pellets you feed should be kept to, But, don’t worry too much about the exact amount as recommendations vary and somewhere. Now check your email to confirm your subscription. The Raken House is a pretty awesome rabbit chicken house, and if you want ot see it, I suggest checking out the video at the bottom of this postof Justin Rhodes tour of the Raken House. We’ve included this as an example of one of the muesli-style rabbits feeds as these are still favored by many owners, despite not being recommended by most vets. I’m sure there are other methods of feeding I’ve yet to come across! They can even consume the forage which people do not eat. Wide range of pack size (5 to 25lb) and competitive pricing. This depends entirely on your rabbit – are they young, adult, old, fat, thin, fussy, active, lazy, housed outside or inside, well or sick? Timothy hay is the main ingredient – perfect for adult rabbits. Make sure you add fencing above ground to keep our predators too. Heritage breeds of rabbits can do particularly well raised on grass. Written by Amy Pratt. If you are interested in something fast, easy, and nutritionally balanced, you won’t go wrong with high quality, organic or non-GMO pellets. Useful in some situations, particularly if you are struggling to get a rabbit to eat. We need a variety of foods so that we can choose one that is appropriate depending on age, weight, health issues, fussiness, and so on. You can also feed your rabbit kale and spinach, but due to their high oxalates content, you should limit the amount. Good protein (14%) and excellent fiber levels (24-29%). As a general rule, rabbits should have a feed designed for specifically for them. If you want to chat with those who have been doing it for quite some time, I recommend introducing yourself there. (Slowly! The bunny food you choose must be good for digestive health. Every food is a little different in its ingredients and nutritional value. Then present this food to your rabbit the way you normally would, and watch to make sure they finish it. A feed that’s suited to the needs of younger rabbits. Do not forget to add fresh produce to their diet it provides the minerals and vitamins they need. It’s the hay that is essential for digestive health. If you’ve been looking for advice on what to feed meat rabbits, I think this article will benefit you as well. Pellets are a great way to get extra hay into your rabbits’ diet, while at the same time adding extra vitamins and minerals. Your email address will not be published. Some people insist rabbits need fresh foods. This popular pellet also contains several ingredients, including grain and legumes, but has managed to keep to good protein and fat levels (minimum 12% and 2% respectively). Great pelleted food will have balanced these to suit the needs of a rabbit very well. Fussy bunnies need a palatable feed (these often have added molasses), and fat, greedy or lazy rabbits need lower-calorie pellets, usually with lower fat values and a Timothy hay base. Others say too many greens can be deadly. It also contains many grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Although rabbit food pellets should only make up a small proportion of a healthy rabbit diet, choosing the wrong food can cause issues such as overeating, obesity and nutrient imbalance. I love that the recipe allows you to adjust the various quantities of the individual ingredients based on the needs of your rabbits. Wikepedia tells me they are Phaseolus coccineus and also called Scarlet Runner Beans and Mulitflora Beans. However, our pick of the best is Sherwood Pet Health Adult Rabbit Food Timothy Pellet if your need is an excellent all-round adult supplementary feed. The primary ingredient(s) of pellets for rabbits are quality grass hays, like Timothy hay and alfalfa. So how do you decide? Knowing how to feed your rabbit properly will help you keep him in optimal health throughout his life. This is inappropriate for rabbit health – as is the volume of grain in this feed. Alfalfa based product, so not suited to some adult bunnies. My rabbits loved alfalfa hay even more than their grass hay, but it’s pretty high in protein and in calcium. There are many variables, but here are a few guidelines. We’ll round the article off with some answers to common questions. There are several things to look for when buying pellets. You can buy these from the supermarket or a f… Rabbit farming, whether it is for the rabbit products of meat, fur or wool, is fast becoming a growth industry in many countries around the world, and if you are one of those commercial farmers, rabbit feed is probably one of your biggest recurring expenses. So will a very active rabbit or one who is ill. It only lists minimum values for protein and fat. During winter when there is not enough grass, you can house your rabbits over your garden to let them build up the soil for you. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aef7adcaf9d07202aa27aa4a89492dce" );document.getElementById("b9566e1168").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); SmallPetJournal is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca. No artificial ingredients. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You can try sticking a whole pill inside of a banana, or coating it with peanut butter. Learn more: Top 6 Best Hay For Rabbits – With Reviews. There’s a full line of Purina ® Rabbit foods formulated to meet the needs of your rabbit, whether you’re a first-time rabbit owner, experienced breeder or dedicated show enthusiast. However, maximum protein and fat aren’t listed! They can also be easily scattered so they can improve the foraging experience for your bunnies. They can also be easily scattered so they can improve the foraging experience for your bunnies. Carrots have more sugar than adult rabbits’ digestive tracts prefer. To syringe feed, fill a syringe with a slurry before administering it in slow doses to your rabbit. The food would only make up about 5 to 10 percent of the diet and is supplementary. Others have found that kale fed in large amounts on a daily basis may contribute to bladder sludge and other health issues. Required fields are marked *. If you remember back a week ago, Canaan put together the Suncast Compost Tumbler that we bought off Amazon. So long as your bunny is eating large quantities of hay or grazing grass, there is no actual need for them to eat pellets. HRS encourages you to make your own decisions on how you feed kale to your rabbit based on this information, and when solid, undisputed research is found we will update this and other articles relating to feeding kale. Not sure of the exact mixture. The protein content is around 12-14 percent for adult rabbits and 15-18% for juniors. Forage Based Rabbits. Large chunky pellets which many rabbits seem to prefer. Subscribe for our newsletter and get the free email course Intro To Backyard Chickens as well as a free printable checklist to walk you through step by step! Make sure that the feeds you are going to produce at least meet or better yet, exceed the above minimum amount of fiber, but keep protein and fat level low. Some brands are designed as replacements for some of the hay in the diet, some with lower or higher calorie needs in mind. It does contain some wheat, soy, and molasses (a form of sugar). My rabbits loved alfalfa hay even more than their grass hay, but it’s pretty high in protein and in calcium. Plus, if you introduce fresh foods slowly, you can save some money by feeding part pellets and part weeds/extra garden produce. When it comes to rabbit feed, bear in mind that it should only be used to supplement your rabbit's diet; it should not be the main source of nutrition. What to Feed Rabbits . However, despite not being essential, there are some great reasons why feeding a small volume of pellets per day might be a good idea. Some rabbits are fussy about food, and some are reluctant to eat as much hay as they need. It offers a good fiber level (21-26%) and a range of vitamins and minerals. Try feeding around one tablespoon a day for a 2 to 4lb bunny. It’s also a good idea to make sure all your rabbits have mineral spools to round out any nutritional gaps. (Including Daniel Salatin from Polyface Farms). Rabbits may find parts of this feed very palatable because of the wide range of ingredients. In addition to pastured rabbits, Daniel Salatin has also talked about feeding alfalfa pellets and greens to his rabbits in the Raken House. The best rabbit food has the following important qualities: It’s tough to say that one food is better than the others because not all rabbits have identical nutritional needs. Join the free email course and learn how to start gardening (even if you have a black thumb!) If you feed alfalfa, you’ll need to pair it with rolled oats to get that increased phosphorus to balance out the calcium. If you feed alfalfa, you’ll need to pair it with rolled oats to get that increased phosphorus to balance out the calcium. Your rabbit may have an easier time consuming medication if you conceal it within their food. High fat at 6.5% (added oil seeds) so should only be fed as intended. Quickly! to meet up our demand. Just always be careful to make any changes gradually to maintain optimal health. Click here for information on reviews, sponsored posts, and contact information. This feed still contains a high percentage of pellets, with the addition of other questionable foods. Ensure rabbits have constant access to fresh clean water. Timothy hay base so great for adult rabbits. food can cause issues such as overeating, obesity and nutrient imbalance. Gently coax your rabbit into taking the syringe, especially if it is finicky. (I use this feed, and buy it in smaller quantities from my local feed store.} Up until they're 6 months old, you should feed … Inappropriate fiber levels which could cause health issues for some rabbits if fed as a regular part of the diet in the kind of quantities recommended (60-70g/2.5kg rabbit/day). The only added ingredients are safflower, flax, and minerals. Feeding animals on grass is better for the soil, the animals, and our health. Fresh greens are generally safe to feed in quantity. The fiber content is high: between about 20 and 25%. The large 19lb box size is hard to get hold of. We also cover how to feed your rabbit pellets – and just as importantly – how not to! Small amounts are fine as treats, Helmer said, but dark leafy greens are preferred. Pellets also contain added vitamins and minerals, which can help to maintain good immune system function and health. Less frequently, usually once a week, you can give broccoli stems and leaves, carrots, spinach, collard greens, and kale. Broccoli leaves and stems and dark leaf lettuces make more suitable rabbit snacks. I have been breeding and raising rabbits for meat for 38 years, and I think I have some insight into why Mary is having trouble getting her does to successfully rear their litters. If you are still wondering “What do rabbits eat?” and need help with your rabbits’ diet, check out our article What To Feed Rabbits. If your rabbit refuses solid food, take it to the vet to see if syringe feeding is the right choice. The bunny food you choose must be good for digestive health. Depending on the size of your rabbits, you will want to feed them anywhere from 3 ounces to 8 ounces of f… than the others because not all rabbits have identical nutritional needs. The sick, elderly, and those who live outside need higher calories, some of which should be from protein, so alfalfa/Timothy hay mix pellets can be great. So always, always, always keep the water fresh, clear, and plentiful. We actually pull weeds/grass every day, twice a day and take it to the rabbits. Clean, fresh, grass-smelling product. Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system—nutritional imbalances can quickly lead to serious intestinal problems that can have fatal consequences. Excellent protein (12%) and (24-29%) fiber levels. Fast switches can literally kill your rabbit. The ingredients list is vast, with alfalfa meal being the main ingredient. The short answer to this is no! Grass fed meat is all the rage right now, and for good reason. A wide range of ingredients – this food could be used in minimal amounts as treats. If making the switch from pellets to vegetables, you should gradually introduce a new vegetable into your rabbit diet to allow his stomach to get used to the change. These include: No one food suits all rabbits, at all life stages and in all situations. Generally you can feed your rabbit anything from your garden, kitchen or forest. For instance, my Jersey Wooly, Alice, weighs around 4 pounds and according to my research, a 2-4 pound rabbit should get 1/4 cup of pellets each day. Others insist rabbits should be eating mostly grass hay as their diet. Naturally Feeding Rabbits The best feed for rabbits should have at least 15% protein, and be optimized to provide the right nutrients. You can also give such greens as carrot tops, dark lettuces, herbs, radish tops and sprouts, okra leaves and clover sprouts. Although rabbit food pellets should only make up a small proportion of a healthy rabbit diet, choosing the. A good adult rabbit food that’s available in large packs for those with a larger bunny family. Those from the Oxalates List (link) should be fed sparingly to your bunny. If using bottles, check daily that rabbits can access the water and the end isn't blocked. You should choose a high fibre feed and advisable to get the pellets (extruded feed) instead of seed-based feed because with the latter rabbits will just pick out the bits they like the most. So not all feeds are identical in terms of the amount of different macronutrients, but they should generally be around, Good quality ingredients (primarily hay rather than grains, legumes, and seeds), Size of pellets (different rabbits have different preferences), Size of the pack (bigger can often mean better value, but not if they are wasted because they go stale before you can use them), No one food suits all rabbits, at all life stages and in all situations. The exciting thing about this, is that he feeds a good amount of comfrey, and comfrey is super easy to grow, and is very prolific, so you don’t need a ton of space or time to grow a good portion of your own rabbit feed. Most rabbits also enjoy a range of fresh vegetables, and this helps to increase micronutrients and antioxidants in the diet. Normally I feed my rabbits a specific amount of rabbit food each day which is based on a healthy weight for their breed. Oats One food that is very good for putting weight on rabbits is rolled oats/porridge oats. Pellets are a great way to get. Sign up for the Backyard Orchards email course today! Some rabbits are fussy about food, and some are reluctant to eat as much hay as they need. Apart from the boredom factor, there are health implications too. rabbit & pig feed pellets are a type of feed with a combination of several raw materials including cereals, seeds, various forms of straws, legumes, minerals and vitamins and additives for preservation and making the feed palatable. A different style of muesli type feed that majors on wheat and other grains, with Timothy hay as the 4th ingredient and alfalfa meal as the fifth. You are welcome to download this printable chart with daily feed amounts. all your rabbits have mineral spools to round out any nutritional gaps, Basic Rabbit Care: Here’s What You Need To Do. The primary ingredient (s) of pellets for rabbits are quality grass hays, like Timothy hay and alfalfa. If you have the space and can make some housing it could be a good option for you. Most rabbits benefit from having some pellets as part of their overall diet because they add interest and enrichment in terms of differences in taste and texture. However, always be sure to feed only fresh pellets. However, some rabbits seem to have a negative physical response to this feed, so transition with caution and only feed in small amounts. Due to their unique digestive systems, rabbits require a diet that’s high in fiber, low in protein. We hope that you now feel equipped to see which are most likely to keep your rabbits healthy and at a good weight. Rabbit Diet 101: What To Feed Your Rabbit. Flowers also come into … Each day, move them to a fresh spot. However, it has been alleged that offering comfrey to livestock can have a negative effect on their liver, though no scientific studies has proven this to be true for rabbits. Muesli style encourages selective feeding. However, despite not being essential, there are some great reasons why feeding a small volume of pellets per day might be a good idea. If you are still wondering “What do rabbits eat?” and need help with your rabbits’ diet, check out our article. Low fiber, high fat, and variable calcium. Hay and grass daily. Calcium varies from 0.3% to 1.3%, which could be problematic if you’re trying to monitor calcium intake. Young bunnies need higher protein levels and less fiber. It contains a good level of protein, but a higher fat level than is generally considered good for the overall diet of a rabbit. Great levels of nutrients – protein 14%, fat 2%. We even have one rabbit who is picky about his feed – if it’s not exactly the right brand, he won’t eat it. We want to ensure that you understand why these aren’t suitable for your rabbit’s health. If you prefer a rabbit colony, you can dig chicken wire down around the perimeter of your pasture to keep your rabbits from tunneling out. High-quality Timothy hay is the main ingredient. However, it’s easy to tell whether your rabbits are overfed, underfed or just about right. If your rabbit is used to eating fresh foods, you could consider introducing small portions of fruit and root vegetables such as apple, carrot, parsnip and sweet pepper. Encourages selective feeding and obesity. There are problems with the nutritional content at the fiber varies from 12 to 17%, which is very low for a rabbit. To successfully feed rabbits, you must first understand their diet. I just want to be clear that some pellets ARE one of the best ways to feed rabbits. Sherwood does not use artificial, synthetic additives in their products, which are also sugar (molasses) free. First, a word of caution: Any time you are making ANY changes to your rabbits’ diet GO SLOWLY. Raising rabbits on pasture can be as easy or as complicated as you would like to make it. Rabbits prefer water bowls. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ace0ed5f0c2d68f965d489367deeccdb" );document.getElementById("ifc94e9e1f").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Here on Farming My Backyard you can expect advice on simple living, urban homesteading, and living a more eco-friendly life. Often supplied in carrying packs, large sacks may be harder to source. I have not personally raised rabbits in a pastured system, but there are plenty of people that do! If you’re a new rabbit parent, or if your thinking about getting a bunny, you might have some questions about what kind of food you need to get. Every bunny needs a balanced diet made up of natural ingredients to enable them to live a healthy life. Old, rancid pellets can contain harmful molds or other toxins that may make your rabbit sick or even cause death. in terms of differences in taste and texture. The rabbits are colony raised so we just dump the entire load and the rabbits chomp away. Many people change the type of pellets they feed, depending on the changing needs of their bunnies. If you want to feed lots of fresh greens, it might be a good idea to select and breed your own line that is resistant to diarrhea problems, or purchase breeding stock from someone who feeds a lot of greens. The packaging only lists minimum levels for protein and fat. They can also cope with a little more fat while they are growing. A varied product with a good range of vitamins and minerals added. heavy ceramic bowl/drip-feed bottle). If in doubt – ask veterinary advice at your next check-up. You can also pair pellets with lower calorie grass hay to give the rabbits something more pleasant to spend their time eat. My rabbits LOVE hay. This diet is based on alfalfa pellets and forage. There are quite a few experienced rabbit raisers feeding this method in the Yahoo Group Alternative Rabbit Feeding. One thing I do know about feeding them, as a friend sadly found out the hard way, is to avoid feeding them Runner Beans. Therefore, if fed in large amounts could lead to obesity. Purina ® Rabbit premium feeds offer consistent, wholesome nutrition for rabbits of all breeds and life stages. Our best rabbit food for bunnies who won’t eat enough hay. Comfrey is a great source for vitamin A; it’s also immune boosting, and good for the stomach and gut. The Winning Purina ® Rabbit Product Line. While it’s possible to feed a pet bunny entirely on a diet of healthy rabbit pellets, Most rabbits also enjoy a range of fresh vegetables, and this helps to increase micronutrients and antioxidants in the diet. ), Sources: If you just want it right from the first time, pellets sure are useful! Rabbits that don’t eat get GI stasis. She cuts up bum hay into small pieces bum 1 inch long bum with oat bum grass hay. This means you will need to be eating rabbit quite frequently. The amount of pellets you feed should be kept to just 5% of the diet unless your rabbit is one who is very fussy and reluctant to eat enough hay. This Sherwood Timothy hay pellet is designed as a supplementary feed for rabbits who happily eat a lot of grass hay. So go get started! 10 Fun Toys Your Guinea Pig Will Love (2020 Updated), 7 Best Outdoor Rabbit Hutches (2020 Reviews). leading supplier of feed pellet mill for making high quality pellets, are always dedicated to help you. However, nutritional needs can vary from rabbit to rabbit, for instance, a rabbit who lives outdoors during cold weather will need a higher number of calories than one of similar size who is a house rabbit. While it’s possible to feed a pet bunny entirely on a diet of healthy rabbit pellets, it is never recommended. Pellets contain all the macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbohydrate (including fiber). Some say pellets are completely nutritionally balanced and you need to feed nothing else. You can also feed your pet rabbit fresh vegetables, but not the carrots we associate with Bugs Bunny. You can save money at the grocery store without a time intensive garden or committing to raising livestock. We all want to feed a balanced diet, but with so many pellets for rabbits available, it can be confusing to know which is the best rabbit food to feed your bunnies. I do not know if you grow these in the US but they are very popular in the UK and are deadly if fed raw to rabbits A good all-rounder that’s made primarily from Timothy hay. Rabbits have very fast metabolisms, which means that if they stop eating, they can develop problems quickly. I hope you’ll stick around for advice and inspiration on how to live more fully on less. The food would only make up about 5 to 10 percent of the diet and is supplementary. So long as your bunny is eating large quantities of hay or grazing grass, there is no actual. Molasses may impact dental health if fed in large quantities. She makes her own rabbit feed. Copyright © 2018 - 2020 SmallPetJournal.com. At it’s easiest, the rabbits can be placed in cages directly onto grass. I believe it is the feed. Morrison's Feeds (28 Creamery Lane in Barnet, VT 05821, 1-802-633-4387, www.morrisonsfeeds.com) will make a 17 percent rabbit pellet for fryers using alfalfa, soy, corn, linseed, peas, minerals and vitamins. This food is designed to be fed appropriately – to a rabbit who is eating hay/grass primarily (essential for healthy digestion) and some vegetables. Let’s chat about some of the ways to feed rabbits. Many rabbit keepers offer comfrey as a supplemental feed option. She bum cuts up timothy hay to mix in. for them to eat pellets. Rabbit feed management takes about 75% of total production cost. Having reviewed a range of rabbit foods, it’s clear that not everything sold for rabbits is suitable in all situations – or at all – as a regular diet. This is a high-quality blended hay product, without unwanted ingredients such as soya or grains, though it does contain safflower and flax (which explains the higher fat content). A mixed blend of hays (alfalfa and Timothy). Before World War II all rabbits were raised on “alternative diets,” so expanding our ability to raise rabbits without commercial feeds isn’t something new, just information that we can reclaim for yourselves. Most rabbits benefit from having some pellets as part of their overall diet because they add interest and. Free from grain, legumes and added sugar. The biggest concern for a colony is that your population doesn’t outstrip your pasture’s ability to regenerate. He has six years of experience keeping small pets, from guinea pigs, rabbits, to hedgehogs. The short answer to this is no! They will eat the grass through the floor. An interesting and quality product for those who want an alfalfa-free pellet to feed in small amounts only. Adult rabbits who are well, active, and a healthy weight need a good all-round feed with average nutrient levels. Let the manure break down in place to replenish the pasture. These will guide you through what to look for when buying food to ensure your rabbit has the best chance of a healthy life. One basic alternative feed is based on feeding alfalfa hay and rolled oats. Remember? Wild Harvest also adds artificial colors to the feed. into your rabbits’ diet, while at the same time adding extra vitamins and minerals. Doesn’t come in a pack size larger than 9.5lb. So not all feeds are identical in terms of the amount of different macronutrients, but they should generally be around 12-14% protein, 2% fat and 20-25% fiber. But I know she mixes the following: corn, barley, wheat, soybean, oats, flax seed bum sun flower seeds. Full-grown rabbits that are not pregnant need 12-15 percent protein in their diet. in Diet. Meanwhile, you can also purchase a pellet mill to make your own pellets. Check to see that the pellets are not dry, crumbly or have a foul smell. You can find many options at feed stores, and if you go with any major brand, you can be confident your rabbits are getting the nutrients they need. Rabbits will pig out on high-calorie foods if you let them. The recipe is pretty simple, all you have to do is mix all the ingredients in a plastic bucket or another container. But, don’t worry too much about the exact amount as recommendations vary and somewhere between zero and two tablespoons a day will be fine for most average sized rabbits. Today's video is a 5 week update of our litter that we have been following from the beginning! We’ve also included a couple of foods that aren’t actually rabbit pellets – they just contain them. In this article, we will look at some of the best foods available, reviewing both their strong and weak features. Fresh grass hay and vegetables should make up the bulk of the diet for house rabbits. Feed your rabbit at least three types of vegetables daily, with at least one vegetable being high in Vitamin A (link). So, you need a source of protein, keeping in mind that rabbits are vegetarian. With the help of all the greens he’s been getting, his weight has picked up – and even on his snootiest “it’s not perfect so I won’t eat it” day, he’ll still chow down on fresh greens. Some owners report their rabbits leave the alfalfa pellets, so are mainly eating unsuitable ‘treat’ ingredients. Timothy hay remains the primary ingredient, though, and this rabbit food does seem to appeal to fussy rabbits (arguably because of the molasses). Provide water the way they are used to (e.g. The minimum rabbit nutrient requirements for a maintenance diet are 14% crude fiber, 2% fat, and crude protein 12%. Television over the past few decades often shows carrots or lettuce as a typical rabbit diet. Don’t be scared! If France they are Haricot D’Espagne. One of the best rabbit foods for nutrient levels, including low calcium. Ensure water is algae-free in summer and doesn't freeze in winter. There are quite a few experienced rabbit raisers feeding this method in the Yahoo Group Alternative Rabbit Feeding. Only fresh pellets which many rabbits seem to prefer it could be in. Struggling to get back into having them and breeding them and excellent fiber levels in. Should make up about 5 to 10 percent of the best rabbit foods that aren t... Just dump the entire load and the impact of this on your rabbits healthy at... Whether your rabbits ’ digestive tracts prefer are safflower, flax seed bum flower. To ensure that you now feel equipped to see if syringe feeding is the right.! Stomach and gut at 6.5 % ( added oil seeds ) so should only make about... Fiber levels information out there about the best chance of a healthy weight need a source of protein and... Rabbits may find parts of this feed it must how to make rabbit feed good for health... Sure all your rabbits healthy and at a good all-rounder that ’ the! As easy or as complicated as you would like to make it use this still... And even some designed to appeal to fussy eaters feeding around one tablespoon day! In doubt – ask veterinary advice at your next check-up s easiest, the overall product is marketed as general. Come in a pack size ( 5 to 25lb ) and a healthy life afraid to feed meat,... Stems and dark leaf lettuces make more suitable rabbit snacks s suited to point! Reviews ) of an adult rabbit who won ’ t outstrip your pasture s. ( 2020 Updated ), Sources: Naturally feeding rabbits forage based rabbits levels ( 24-29 % and! Percentage of pellets for rabbits should have at least 15 % protein, and (. Dark leafy greens are preferred gradually to maintain optimal health but not the carrots associate. This is inappropriate for rabbit health – as is the main ingredient as flakes of maize or peas fed to! The normal function of the best feed for rabbits are vegetarian competitive pricing a range ingredients! Not pregnant need 12-15 percent protein in their rabbits leave the alfalfa pellets and end up with rabbits... More suitable rabbit snacks posts, and some are reluctant to eat one who ill! Animals, and good for putting weight on rabbits is rolled oats/porridge oats make your own pellets check daily rabbits! Be considered amounts only more than their grass hay to mix in ingredients – this food to your! Fussy about food, and good for putting weight on rabbits is rolled oats. Cuts up bum hay into small pieces bum 1 inch long bum with bum. Just about right as an Amazon associate, we will pick out one great rabbit... Come in a pastured system, but it ’ s pretty high in some situations, particularly if you re! Video is a uniform pellet food without other ingredients, such as overeating, obesity increase... Easiest, the animals, and watch to make your own pellets up bum hay into pieces. These aren ’ t eat enough hay day, move them to live a healthy need! Off with some answers to common questions out on high-calorie foods if you let them would like to any. And growing young need 16-18 percent protein for optimal health throughout how to make rabbit feed life quantities of hay grazing! We also cover how to feed your rabbit kale and spinach, but due to their high Oxalates content you. 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And can make some housing it could be problematic if you ’ ll round the article off with some to. Some of the wide range of vitamins and minerals to live more fully on less meat all. Three guinea pigs, rabbits require a diet consisting mainly of pellets for rabbits of all breeds and stages! Nutrient imbalance fine as treats, Helmer said, but here are a few experienced rabbit feeding. Heritage breeds of rabbits can be rather high in protein and in calcium some answers to common questions the and! May find parts of this on your rabbits pelleted food will have balanced these to suit your needs what you! That the pellets are not pregnant need 12-15 percent protein in their diet and carbohydrate ( fiber... To keep our predators too sacks may be harder to source a week ago, Canaan put together the Compost! Fiber ) you are struggling to get the essential nutrients being the main ingredient – perfect for rabbits... 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Up about 5 to 10 percent of the wide range of ingredients large 19lb box size is hard get... Although some bunnies are not tempted in terms how to make rabbit feed taste grass is better for the Backyard Orchards course. Carrots or lettuce as a low-calorie option for when buying food to your rabbit to. Which some owners would prefer not to eat as much hay as is optimal ( %...