How to Properly Feed a Rabbit

One of the most important aspects of owning a rabbit is proper feeding. Often people buy a rabbit and put it in a hutch in the backyard giving only a basic pelleted diet. Rabbits are pets that appreciate fresh foods, and will be much healthier if they are fed them. As a wildlife rehabilitator, rabbit owner, and former veterinary technician, this is what I feed my rabbits. One of them is 6 1/2 years old and the other two were shelter foster babies with mange that I treated and I later adopted them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fresh and clean produce.
• Rabbit pellet food.
• Timothy hay.
• Rabbit treats.

1. Your rabbit should be fed out of a clean bowl. For my "good" rabbit I use a small stainless steel bowl. For my bad bunnies who throw and tip their full bowls, I use the heavy water safe reptile water dishes. Always clean the bowl when soiled to prevent bacterial growth.

2. Always supply your rabbit with fresh and clean water. I prefer the water bottles they can lick so that litter does not get into them. Water should be changed once a day or whenever soiled.

3. Start by giving your new rabbit a half cup of pelleted rabbit food per day. You can gauge about how much your rabbit eats a day by what he leaves behind consistently for a week. Reduce the amount fed per day to this amount.

4. Rabbits need a fibrous diet. A really great source of this fiber is timothy or other grass hay. I use timothy and give one small handful per day. This needs to be kept away from the water bottle and potty corner to prevent molding. Some people use alfalfa hay, and bunnies love it, but the protein content is to high for constant use, it is simply far to rich for your bunny. I do give a little from time to time, or a special compact alfalfa block on holidays.

5. Fresh produce is a rabbit favorite and a healthy necessary part of their diet. I feed about 1/2 to one cup daily as I have small rabbits that are under 3 lbs. You want to introduce produce slowly, and only every few days watching for any signs of illness or diarrhea, and never feeding a food that causes it again. Produce should be fresh, clean, and preferably organic.

6. Acceptable regular greens include hay, pet grasses, dark lettuce like romaine, and dandelion greens (NOT FLOWERS).
   
   Occasionally you can add a little broccoli, spinach, and parsley.
   
   Occasional other produce is carrots, apples, grapes and strawberries, but never more than a teaspoon at a time.

7. Treats make your bunny feel happy and loved. You may find an array of treats at the pet store. You will want to feed the lower recommended serving as treats can cause obesity. I use the yogurt treats and supply a mineral lick for my girls.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to always give fresh, clean produce.
• Keep foods in the refrigerator.
• ALWAYS be sure to give chemical free foods.
• Stop any feedings if they cause any illness.
• When in doubt, consult your Veterinarian.
• Do not over feed, a fat bunny is an unhealthy rabbit.

[wesellforu]

on 9/9/2009 Good article on feeding a rabbit. 5*

[sonni57]

on 9/7/2009 Great info on feeding a bunny the right way if you don't they get the runs.